Speech IS power and if your job is to sell a service or a product (or yourself) it’s a Superpower. Let's face it, public speaking isn't everyone's favourite activity. But for your business, it's an absolute game-changer! Think about it: Steve Jobs didn't just sell phones—he told stories that made us line up around the block. If speaking for business isn’t part of your brand-building strategy, you’re missing a trick.

Stay focused and empathise, it will help you see things from the sender’s point of view. If you do disagree with what’s being delivered hold your temper. Don’t let emotion affect your understanding. You risk putting the sender on the defensive. Instead, ask questions. Seek to clarify and understand. It also shows the sender you’re listening and encourages a more open dialogue.

Before I start working with a client, I ask them to write down everything they need to say. Get it all out. Generally, what I get is a 2000-word essay. A fabulous piece of writing but dry and devoid of any personality. Having said that, we may not use any of it, but I don’t rip it up immediately. It’s a starting point. “What a waste of all those words,” you say. “Why don’t I just recite what I’ve written...

This is not networking in a conventional sense. No one tries to sell anything to anyone. However, just by being there, I have collaborated with many of the community. YOU Are The Media is community at its best, willing to share and show love and support to those around them. Perfectly illustrated for me by the Speak Like a Speaker Club I run. John Jocham suggested I start it...

As Father of the Bride (or Groom), it's likely that you’ve thought about making this speech since the day your little bundle of joy came into the world. Make sure you enjoy it. Traditionally, you’ll be the first one up. It’ll be down to you to set the tone and if you are nervous and uncomfortable then your audience will...

As long as you show up as the same person whether online or in real life, you’ll create a personal brand that’s aligned with your values and is congruent with your personality. Don't try to be somebody you think you should be or use language that isn't yours. You’ll be certain to get caught out...

Even when you’re a stunt performer you can’t get away from that 60-second elevator pitch! The competition is fierce out there not just for them but for us all! So, consider these things when you are putting together your networking intro...

Better still if you can get on a stage and speak to an audience not only do you increase your reputation as the go-to person in your industry, but you build your Personal Brand. As my guest, keynote speaker and marketing master, Mark Schaefer says ‘Personal brand is Everything!’

I ended up fortuitously at the Royal Shakespeare Company as a dresser. Well, you could say I found my tribe.   It was there in 1994, standing in the wings, a faint smell of grease paint in the air, that I had my penny drop moment...

So, you have an amazing product (idea or message) you want to share with the world. You know the world needs what you have to offer but you’re afraid that when you stand up to speak, you’ll hear sniggers, laughter or worse still, tumbleweed.