In 2015 I’ve worked with a fantastic range of people from lawyers to athletes to school children. I thank them for making my work so stimulating and rewarding. Here’s a festive take on what we’ve covered in the training room this year:
On the first day of Christmas my true love advised me to put my audience at the heart of every piece of communication – it’s about them and for them, not me.
On the second day of Christmas my true love said to me – lose those filler words such as ‘sort of’, ‘you know’ and, instead, get comfortable with pauses.
On the third day of Christmas my true love told me about the power of apologising and the value of the word ‘sorry’ as a communication tool.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love reminded me not to overcomplicate things. Leonardo da Vinci said “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love said to me – ask more questions and listen to the answers!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love suggested that I rehearse more – out loud and in real time.
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love suggested to me that I should structure my content more rigorously.
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love advised me to lose my apologetic tone of voice and language, especially at the beginning of a presentation.
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love pointed out that body language is key – to how we are perceived and how we feel. Stand still, sit up and communicate ‘control’.
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love said to me – you’re using too many slides and there’s too much on them.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love said to me “wear your best pants for the big presentation – it’ll put a spring in your step.”
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave one final piece of advice – be yourself; shine as brightly as you can; it doesn’t have to be perfect.
I wish you a Happy Christmas and a great start to 2016.