From a purely public-speaking perspective, President Trump’s inauguration address was clear, decisive, and delivered at a controlled pace, with a strong emphasis and moments of deliberate pause. Aside from his familiar finger‑and‑thumb gesture, a hallmark of his campaign style, he appeared disciplined, almost as if he had stepped straight out of a presentation‑skills workshop. His[…]
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A Masterclass in Public Speaking: Lessons from President Obama’s Farewell Address
Advice Jan 14, 2017
For years, I’ve written about the craft of public speaking, and one figure appears again and again in that conversation: President Barack Obama. His command of language, his mastery of the pause, his instinct for metaphor, his use of humour, repetition, voice and gesture. These are hallmarks of a communicator who understands not just how[…]
Michelle Obama’s Final Speech Analysis: A Masterclass in Hope, Courage and Public Speaking
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jan 07, 2017
Michelle Obama and her husband Barack Obama have long been two of my favourite public speakers. Few people consistently combine passion, eloquence, and grace. Whenever either of them steps up to a podium, you can be sure you’ll witness clarity, conviction, and humanity in equal measure. Her concluding speech as First Lady was no exception[…]
Why I Disagree with Simon Sinek About Millennials — With Respect
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jan 04, 2017
My son knows my passion for public speaking, so when he pointed me toward a Simon Sinek video, I was excited. I admire Sinek. I’ve learned a great deal from him, but fifteen minutes in, I felt something I didn’t expect: discomfort. Not because he’s wrong about everything, but because his conclusions about millennials felt[…]
Effective presenting isn’t about charisma, theatrics or perfect slides. It’s about understanding how human beings think, decide and act. Strip away the noise, and every impactful presentation is built on three pillars: Facts Feelings Future Learn to use these well, and you shift the entire energy of the room — including your own. Facts —[…]
What Social Media Can Teach Us About High-Impact Presenting
Advice, Presentating training, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips Dec 16, 2016
Social media didn’t just alter how we communicate; it transformed what grabs our attention, what sustains our engagement, and what causes us to switch off. Whether we like it or not, your audience brings those same habits, expectations, and impulses into the room every time you present. If you want to hold their attention, earn[…]
How Mindfulness Transforms Public Speaking: Five Practices That Work
Mindfulness, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Dec 03, 2016
Introducing mindfulness into public speaking is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself and your audience. Many people go through their days on autopilot. They wake up at the same time each morning, check their phones before their feet hit the floor, rush through a shower they scarcely remember, swallow breakfast without[…]
Why Speaking Up Feels Hard — And How to Do It Anyway
Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Nov 28, 2016
Have you ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d spoken up, not to win, not to argue, but simply to honour yourself? Stephen R. Covey once wrote that voice is the pathway to greatness. Not volume or dominance, voice, the ability to express who you are with honesty and confidence. At Mindful Presenter, we[…]
Is Vulnerability in Public Speaking Something We Should Fear?
Leadership, Mindfulness, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Nov 18, 2016
The brilliant TED Talk, ‘The Power of Vulnerability’ by Brené Brown, offers a simple but profound idea: we are wired for connection and connection requires vulnerability. It challenges the increasingly popular belief that the path to success lies in control, certainty and predictability. Instead, it suggests that the real key to meaningful human connection is[…]
This article explores leadership communication and the impact of language. It is not a commentary on politics, policy or ideology. Yesterday Donald Trump demonstrated unequivocally the impact the spoken word can have not only on a country but the entire world. Every so often, the world is reminded of something profoundly simple yet deeply powerful:[…]
The Public Speaking Phenomenon: Why We Feel Terrified While Looking Confident
Anxiety, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Oct 23, 2016
Are you familiar with one of the most bizarre global public speaking phenomena? It’s the moment when a speaker feels terrified; heart racing, hands trembling, mind spiralling, yet the audience sees someone who appears calm, confident, and in control. It happens far more often than most people realise. This week, during a workshop, one[…]
A Subtle Public Speaking Habit That Quietly Undermines Your Credibility
Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Oct 17, 2016
If you’re attending a business presentation this week, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter one of the most subtle habits in public speaking, a habit that quietly undermines a speaker’s credibility without them realising it. You’ll still notice the familiar problems, of course: speakers turning their backs to the audience while reading every word[…]
One of the most common concerns in public speaking is the fear of developing “bad habits.” In fact, it consistently ranks among the top three requests we receive from delegates at every presentation skills workshop. “How can I get rid of my bad presenting habits?” Most people assume they have at least one. Many[…]
Leadership Communication Under Pressure: What the Clinton–Trump Debate Reveals About Speaking to a Global Audience
Advice Sep 27, 2016
Few communication challenges compare to a presidential debate. Speaking to a room of a hundred people is daunting; speaking to more than 100 million requires a different level of composure, clarity, and strategic intent. The 2016 debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump remains a powerful case study in leadership communication. Whatever one’s political views,[…]
The Professionals Guide to Public Speaking & Presenting
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Sep 10, 2016
A new way to speak, connect and inspire in today’s workplace Presenting has become a daily ritual in modern business, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood skills in the workplace. Every day, across every industry, talented professionals step in front of colleagues and clients armed with slides, scripts, and good intentions… but[…]
The Characteristics of Authentic Public Speakers and Presenters
Leadership, Mindfulness, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Sep 01, 2016
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,[…]
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[…]
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[…]
