Rich Watts

June 24, 2010

Public speaking for business development

In my time working in marketing I actually found that public speaking was one of the most effective tactics for business development. Speaking and educating others in large groups allows you to position yourself as an expert in your field.

June 20, 2010

Leave the lectern and improve your speech

A lot of public speaking is carried out from behind a lectern, or stood behind a desk. More often than not there is some form of furniture between you and the audience. This is a great comfort for the nervous speaker, but is hiding behind a desk or lectern reducing the impact of your speech or presentation?

June 16, 2010

Impromptu speaking tactics (Part 2)

This method is great for impromptu speaking where you have been asked a question (usually nothing too serious) and you need to fill-out your answer some what. I’ve found it’s also great for one-to-one conversations, if you find you are the person having to do all of the talking!

June 6, 2010

The basics of a good speech

I recently attended a wedding – a great day full of fun, laughter and speeches. The father of the bride after making his speech proceeded to […]

June 1, 2010

Impromptu speaking tactics (Part 1)

The PREP method for impromptu speaking is the most basic and simple method.

May 25, 2010

David Cameron’s speech 11th May

David Cameron has been lauded for his ability to win over voters and project a personality through his speaking in a way that Gordon Brown could not. But how was this reflected in his first speech as Prime Minister on the 11th May 2010?

May 19, 2010

Know your audience

You wouldn’t run a marathon without knowing how far a marathon actually was. How would you know how hard to train, what to expect and how to succeed in running the distance? Similarly, speaking in public becomes much easier the greater your level of preparation.

May 13, 2010

Fear of impromptu speaking

So many of us have a fear of impromptu speaking. For example, we fear being asked to stand up and speak in a meeting at work, without warning. We fear being put on the spot. We fear not having anything to say.