Authenticity is a word we hear everywhere, in leadership, communication, and culture, yet most people struggle to define what it truly means. Audiences today are more perceptive than ever; they can sense when a speaker is merely performing, hiding, or trying too hard. Conversely, they can also recognise when someone is authentically showing up. So,[…]
Posts by:
Maurice Decastro
The Characteristics of Authentic Public Speakers and Presenters
Leadership, Mindfulness, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Sep 01, 2016
Do Presidents Need to Be Inspirational Speakers? A Leadership Communication Perspective
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Aug 21, 2016
Throughout history, American presidents have delivered some of the world’s most memorable and influential speeches. Their words have shaped national identity, offered reassurance in moments of crisis, and inspired generations to act. Barack Obama often spoke of shared values and collective purpose. John F. Kennedy challenged citizens to contribute to something larger than themselves. Franklin[…]
From Hamster to Harmony: The Presentation Skills Lessons I Didn’t Know I’d Written
Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips, Public Speaking Aug 08, 2016
Every now and then, life hands you a moment of quiet clarity, the kind that makes you stop, smile, and wonder how you didn’t see something sooner. For me, that moment came recently when I picked up a book I had written more than a decade ago. In 2006, I sat down to write about[…]
A 60 Minute Masterclass in Public Speaking: Lessons from a Landmark Speech
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Storytelling Jul 31, 2016
When Hillary Clinton closed the 2016 Democratic National Convention, she delivered a speech that offered far more than political messaging. It was a rare, real-time demonstration of how a leader can use structure, storytelling, clarity and emotional intelligence to influence millions. Whatever one’s political views, the speech remains a powerful case study in high-impact public[…]
The Power of Perception: What Presidential Speeches Teach Us About Public Speaking
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jul 30, 2016
During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, two high‑profile figures shared their vision of “The America I know.” One described a nation defined by courage, optimism, and ingenuity, and the other highlighted concerns about safety, security, and national threats. It’s no surprise that political leaders often see the same country through very different lenses. That contrast[…]
The Power of Storytelling in Public Speaking: Lessons from a Masterful Speech
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Storytelling Jul 29, 2016
It’s no secret that storytelling has become the new superpower in public speaking, business, leadership, politics, and even at home. Stories have always been woven into the fabric of human life. They help us understand the world, empathise with others, and occasionally even transform it. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Bill Clinton delivered[…]
Much has been written about the extraordinary oratory skills of Barack Obama. But anyone who has watched Michelle Obama speak knows she is equally capable of commanding a room with clarity, grace and emotional intelligence. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, she delivered a speech that captivated millions. It was heartfelt, disciplined and deeply human;[…]
Is Public Speaking One of Donald Trump’s Greatest Strengths? A Communication Analysis
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jul 25, 2016
Whatever your view on Donald Trump’s politics, personality or leadership style, one thing is undeniable: every time he steps onto a stage, there is something to learn about public speaking. His acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland was no exception. From a communication perspective, it offered a fascinating case study in how[…]
What Brilliant Leaders and Exceptional Presenters Have in Common
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jul 21, 2016
Brilliant leaders and exceptional presenters share more in common than most realise. Many believe leadership and presentation skills belong to separate realms, one focused on strategy and direction, the other on communication and delivery. In truth, they are closely connected. Leadership and presenting may be different skills, but when combined, they strengthen each other.[…]
A Tale of Two Speeches: Communication Lessons from a Prime Ministerial Transition
Public Speaking Jul 14, 2016
Yesterday, David Cameron delivered his final speech as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, standing outside Number 10 with his family beside him. Politics aside, it was a moment that highlighted something he has long been recognised for: his ability to communicate with clarity, composure and emotional intelligence. Several years ago, after listening to[…]
A Communication Coach’s View: What We Can Learn from Two Leadership Speeches
Communication Skills, Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jul 08, 2016
In September 2016, members of the Conservative Party were preparing to choose the UK’s second female Prime Minister. Two candidates emerged at the forefront of the conversation: Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom. Their political positions and policy priorities were widely discussed, but from a communication perspective, the more interesting question was this: How effectively did[…]
9 Reasons you don’t need a presentation skills coach
Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jul 02, 2016
Do you need a presentation skills coach? At Mindful Presenter we help professionals who have been presenting extensively for many years to a wide range of audiences. They just want to see if there are any new ‘tools’ to give them ‘the edge’ Others are very new to the skill and are keen to be[…]
On the morning after the EU referendum, I woke earlier than usual to hear the result. Even before all the votes were counted, it was clear that the UK had chosen to leave the European Union after more than four decades of membership. I’ve never claimed to be politically knowledgeable, but as a public speaking[…]
Another Perspective on Passion: A Communication Lesson from High Energy Speakers
Advice Jun 13, 2016
In every area of life, there are exceptions to the rules we rely on, and public speaking is no different. One of the most widely accepted principles of effective presenting is the importance of passion. Passion brings energy and conviction, and it brings life to a message. Every now and then, a speaker emerges whose[…]
Eloquence at Work: The Skill Everyone Notices but No One Teaches
Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jun 11, 2016
Eloquence isn’t a word we hear often in the workplace. It sits quietly alongside terms like charisma, presence and gravitas; qualities we admire but rarely define. We tend to associate eloquence with wedding speeches, political campaigns or iconic moments like Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream.” Eloquence isn’t reserved for grand stages It belongs[…]
Growing up as a young boy I was lucky enough to have had not just one but two super heroes in my life. If you are under the age of 45 you have probably never heard of my first hero; ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’ aka ‘The Bionic Man’, but you can be forgiven for[…]
Leadership Lessons & High Impact Public Speaking From Charities
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking May 29, 2016
Leadership lessons are abound in many of the worlds finest charities. Those leadership lessons extend way beyond culture. They impact their presentation and public speaking skills immensely too. At Mindful Presenter our presentation skills training revolves around creating that all important emotional connection as well as an intellectual understanding. Our team consider it an honour and[…]
Public Speaking Is the Most Important Skill in the World Today
Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking May 22, 2016
We live in a world built on communication. Every law, every breakthrough, every movement, every moment of progress began with someone standing up and speaking. Communication changes the world It always has. Whenever a leader brings people together, a teacher sparks curiosity, a parent soothes a child, and a community unites in crisis, it[…]
One of my favourite speakers is the American author, spiritual leader, and political activist Marianne Williamson. As a brilliant speaker and author, Marianne Williamson is passionate about her beliefs and offers great wisdom. She demonstrates this beautifully in her commencement speech to the University of Southern California. Commencement ceremonies aim to inspire young people who[…]
Public speaking isn’t a secret exclusive to the naturally confident. It’s a discipline; a set of fundamentals that most professionals never learn, and even fewer ever master. That’s why some people speak, and nothing changes, while others speak and the room shifts. The difference isn’t talent, it’s understanding how the mind operates, how audiences think,[…]
Why Effective Communication Is the Skill That Shapes Your Life, Your Work and Your Impact
Communication Skills, Leadership, Mindfulness, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking May 04, 2016
Communication is the thread that runs through every moment of our lives. It shapes how we think, how we feel, how we relate to others and how we move through the world. It influences our confidence, our relationships, our careers, our opportunities and even our sense of identity. The ability to communicate effectively isn’t a[…]
Presentation Lessons from a Preacher: Joel Osteen
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Apr 29, 2016
Presentation Lessons from a Preacher: Joel Osteen As a presentation skills coach I love to talk. That said, I made a decision many years ago that there are two things I would try my very hardest to avoid speaking about in public. Religion and politics Given that I’m neither a theologian nor a politician most[…]
It’s your attitude that makes all the difference – especially when presenting
Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Apr 21, 2016
I don’t think many people would argue with the idea that it’s your attitude that makes all the difference in life. Your attitude also makes a huge difference when it comes to public speaking and presenting too, which is often something many people overlook. A mindful presenter has an attitude of: Empathy Imagine the shift[…]
In July 2015 I offered Donald Trump what I regarded as some very much needed presentation skills coaching advice because watching his speech at the Phoenix Convention Centre in Arizona last year caused me a great deal of concern, not in terms of his ‘politics’ I hasten to add; purely the manner in which he[…]
Would you like to learn the secret to brilliant presenting? Earl Nightingale, the highly respected speaker, author and radio personality gave us the secret to brilliant presenting. He recorded an audio program which sold over a million copies to become the first spoken- word recording to achieve Gold Record Status. ‘The Strangest Secret’ has since[…]
A Powerful Presentation Tip from the Late Bruce Lee
Advice, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips, Public Speaking Apr 09, 2016
“Don’t think. Feel. It is like a finger pointing out to the Moon, don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.” Bruce Lee Bruce Lee was arguably the greatest martial artist in history. Watch one of my favourite scene again last night in ‘Enter the Dragon‘ got me thinking about[…]
Hillary Clinton – Shares Lessons In Mindful Presenting
Advice, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips, Public Speaking Apr 02, 2016
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visited a Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last week to participate and speak on the subject of gun violence. A few weeks before that she spoke in Miami, Florida at what is known in American political campaigning as ‘Super Tuesday’. In two completely different speaking forums with strikingly contrasting tones[…]
Powerful presentation tips may offer the answer to transforming tedious business meetings which leave so many professionals uninspired. A number of readers seemed to empathise with a previous article I wrote, having left comments such as: ‘My previous employer needs to read this’ ‘Whew! I thought it was just me!’ ‘Many companies could take notes[…]
Presenting With Influence: How to Reach Any Audience
Advice, Presentating training, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips Mar 19, 2016
Life is full of great presentation tips. As a child my parents invested enormous energy trying hard to influence so much of my behaviour. At school, it seemed my teachers roles extended way beyond my academic development. They also had a plan to influence my thoughts and behaviour. Even my friends seemed to have their[…]
Presentation Tips You Don’t Hear – Write in Your Diary I often find that the most valuable presentation tips are the ones you simply don’t hear or read every day. Picturing yourself in the comfort of your own mind succeeding at something before you actually do it is an extremely powerful tool known as visualization.[…]
