Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

dead body outline

The single most important thing to know about structuring a Presentation – Start with the Murder

Posted by Liz McKechnie

A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end – but not necessarily in that order.

So says Jean-Luc Godard. And he’s good at telling stories.

In the many Presentation Skills courses that we have run over the years I have met some great people with huge knowledge and enthusiasm for their work.

There are other equally interesting people who come with a doom laden sense that their subject is very dry and boring to any sentient being. Of course if they believe that to be the case then they will undoubtedly be proved right by the audience reaction.

 

So time and time again I find myself asking:

What’s the point?

 

For anyone about to make a presentation or a pitch this is the single most important question you must ask yourself before you begin. If you don’t know the answer then to be honest I wouldn’t bother to go ahead.

 

Once you know, then you’re off…. Read more

Building Business Relationships

Posted by Bronia Szczygiel

I was listening to the radio this morning and happened to hit on a discussion about unsolicited phone calls – you know the ones: “Mrs Forbes I hear someone in your household has had an accident”. To which the reply is “No they haven’t and we’re registered with the TPS”. Which sometimes gets rid of them and sometimes doesn’t.

That got me to thinking about the value of cold-calling as a means of building business relationships. It’s something I hate on both ends of the phone line.

But is it a necessary evil?

Or is there a better way?
Read more

Changing behaviour for a different outcome: How do you break free of the same old patterns?

Posted by Liz McKechnie

How much do you really think for yourself? I mean really question…

In the days after the death of Margaret Thatcher I’ve been struck by the enormous depth of feeling about her and her policies that many people still demonstrate on whichever side of the political fence they sit.

So clearly we don’t forget…or do we? You’d think the apparent high level of emotional response and political argument her death has generated would signify a clear memory of that era and the decisions made.

You’d think that as a nation and as leaders in the workplace we could learn from the triumphs and disasters of history to build a bigger and brighter future for all.  Read more