Public Speaking Skills Training

I've delivered 500+ keynotes. Here's a pro-tip for speaking/presenting. Your pre-performance ritual isn't optional. It's essential. The difference between good and transformational always comes down to those final 15 minutes. HERE'S MY NON-NEGOTIABLE RITUAL: T-minus 30 minutes: Tech check complete. No more logistics. T-minus 15 minutes: Complete isolation begins. This is when I start programming my nervous system for peak state. T-minus 10 minutes: Active preparation. I pace backstage, repeating my opening lines until they're cellular: "Change itself has changed..." "When we think about transformation..." "Let me tell you about the moment..." T-minus 5 minutes: Full state activation. No conversations. No distractions. Just presence. Why this matters: Your opening determines everything. If those first 30 seconds land perfectly, you're in flow for the entire presentation. If they don't, you spend 10 minutes trying to find your rhythm. THE SCIENCE: Your prefrontal cortex can hold 7±2 pieces of information. Your opening sequence needs all of that bandwidth. A "quick chat" deletes 3-4 of those slots. Now you're on stage trying to REMEMBER your opening instead of BEING it. FOR SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS: Protect your ritual. Write it into your contract: "15-minute isolation period before stage time required for optimal performance." This isn't being difficult. It's being professional. FOR THOSE HIRING SPEAKERS: Want maximum impact? Give us space to create it. We're not being antisocial. We're preparing to transform your audience. Think of us like athletes before a game or surgeons before surgery. The ritual isn't preference, it's preparation. THE FRAMEWORK: 1. Decide your optimal activation time (10-30 minutes) 2. Communicate boundaries clearly and early 3. Design your ritual for YOUR nervous system 4. Practice until it's automatic 5. Never apologize for protecting your performance Your boundaries aren't limitations. They're the architecture of excellence. What pre-performance ritual would unlock your next level?

Confession: I'm a nervous public speaker… (yet I’ll make $1M+ from keynotes this year). Here are 9 strategies that turned my deepest fear into a powerful strength: PHASE 1: PREP WORK Strategy 1: Study the Best. We have the world's best speakers at our fingertips. Use them. Find 3-5 speakers you admire. Watch their talks on YouTube at 0.75x speed. Take notes on their structure and pacing, voice modulation, movement and gestures, audience engagement. Strategy 2: Create Clear Structure. Great speakers don't deliver speeches, they tell stories. Map your journey explicitly: opening hook, 3 key points, memorable close. Tell the audience where you're taking them. Strategy 3: Build Your "Lego Blocks." Don't memorize your entire speech. That's a trap. Instead, perfect these moments: your opening 30 seconds, key transitions, punchlines and closers. Practice in segments, not sequences. When things go sideways (they will), you'll adapt instead of freeze. Weird trick: Practice once while walking or jogging. It simulates the heart rate spike you'll feel on stage. PHASE 2: PRE-STAGE Strategy 4: Address the Spotlight. The Spotlight Effect: We think everyone's watching our every move. They're not. Use the "So What?" approach: Name your worst fear, ask "So what if it happens?", realize it's never that bad. You'll stumble? So what. Life goes on. Your family still loves you. Strategy 5: Get Into Character. Create your speaker persona. Ask yourself: What traits do they have? How do they move? What's their energy? Flip the switch. Become that character. It's not fake, it's your best self. Strategy 6: Eliminate Stress. The "Physiological Sigh" kills anxiety fast: Double-inhale through your nose, long exhale through your mouth, repeat 2-3 times. Science-backed. Immediate impact. PHASE 3: DELIVERY Strategy 7: Cut the Tension. Last week, they asked what song I wanted to enter to. I said "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys. They thought I was joking. I wasn't. "It's my 1-year-old's favorite song. Figured he'd be more excited to watch if Dad entered to his jam." Instant laughter. Tension gone. Audience on my side. Find your tension breaker. Use it early. Strategy 8: Play the Lava Game. Your pockets and torso are lava. Don't touch them. This forces you to gesture broadly, open your body, project confidence. Big gestures early build momentum. Strategy 9: Move Purposefully. Don't pace like you're nervous. Move like you own the room. Slow. Deliberate. Purposeful. Use movement to create dramatic pauses. Let your words land. Start with one speech, one strategy: Pick your next presentation—could be a team meeting, a toast, whatever. Choose ONE strategy from this list. Master it. Then add another. Public speaking is a muscle. These strategies are your workout plan. The more you practice, the stronger you get. Remember: Everyone gets nervous. The difference is having a system. Now you have one. Use it. Practice it. Watch yourself transform.

Charismatic people are often boring speakers. Shy people are often incredible. Here's why. What makes a talk interesting has very little connection to the personality of the speaker. What actually makes a talk engaging? → Whether the content follows certain rules. Many communicators don't realize that writing content for a talk is far different than writing content for: → Blogs → Articles → Podcasts → LinkedIn Posts → Letters to Your Grandma Public speaking content follows its own set of rules. If you follow these rules, you can crush it ON stage regardless of your personality OFF stage. Here are five rules to get you started: 1. The Rule of Abstraction → When you're making a point, organize all your supporting information from most abstract to most concrete. → This will make it easy for the audience to follow your logic (and help you keep track of it as well). 2. The Rule of Controversy → When you're about to make a point, first state the common misconception(s) your point contradicts. → This isn't JUST about keeping things controversial and spicy. → It also adds clarity by giving people helpful context about what you're really trying to say. 3. The One Problem Rule → It's okay to have a talk with multiple points. → But it's not okay to try to solve multiple problems. → Trying to address multiple problems always leaves people confused about what your main purpose really was. → Make sure all your points solve one problem your audience is facing. 4. The Rule of Suspense → If you have multiple points, don't reveal them all upfront. → Instead, say, "I've got 3 points. The first one is..." → This will keep the audience in suspense, wondering what the next points will be. 5. The 2-Minute Rule → For every point you're making, there are different types of supporting content. → Ideas, one-liners, analogies, stories, action steps, etc. → People will stay most engaged if you change the type of content you use every two minutes. ———— Yes, this is a lot to think about. But the nice thing is that you can manage all these things BEFORE you get on stage. If you do the hard work on the front end of writing great content, delivery will get a whole lot easier. You've got this!

Most presenters lose their audience before the first slide even appears. After studying hundreds of presentation openings, here are five that consistently work: 1. Start with a “Did you know…” Shock them with a fascinating fact or unexpected insight. Curiosity drives engagement. 2. Use a “What if…” Invite your audience into a possible future. This makes your idea feel like an adventure, not a lecture. 3. Share a secret. Everyone loves insider knowledge. Phrases like “They don���t want you to know this…” spark instant intrigue. 4. Name your audience. “This one’s for designers who…” When people hear themselves, they listen. 5. Address a struggle. “If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to…” connects you emotionally with those who face that exact challenge. The pattern behind all great hooks? They promise transformation. When people sense that something valuable, surprising, or emotional is about to unfold, they keep listening. Don't assume your audience will listen just because you're speaking. Use one of these five openers to earn their attention. #PresentationSkills #BusinessStorytelling #PublicSpeaking

After analyzing 1,000s of first impressions it’s clear: A first impression is made before you say a single word. And there are 3 mistakes costing you opportunities: For context, most people (especially introverts) want to believe their first impression starts when they start speaking. The science says otherwise: Someone decides if they like you, trust you or want to work with you, the moment they first see you - when you walk into a room, open a door, or even when someone looks at your profile picture. After analyzing thousands of first encounters, I've identified what I call the 'triple threat' of first impression mistakes that people unknowingly make: 1. Making yourself small: Tucking your arms close to your sides and hunching your shoulders signals low confidence and submissiveness. The less space you take up, the less powerful you appear. This is why waiting for your job interview or date while checking your phone is sabotaging you before you've said hello. Every time you look down at your device, you accidentally adopt what scientists call the 'universal defeat posture': - chin tucked - shoulders hunched - making yourself small In evolutionary terms, you literally look like a loser. (Yikes!) 2. Hiding your hands: When your hands are in pockets, under the table, or out of sight, it creates subconscious distrust. Evolutionarily, we need to see hands to feel safe and assess intentions. 3. Avoiding eye contact: We experience a chemical burst of oxytocin during direct eye contact, which increases trust and connection. Avoiding eye contact in those first few seconds prevents this critical bonding opportunity. Research shows these first impressions are lasting. If you've made a bad one, recovery is difficult - but not impossible if you practice the right body language. Instead, adopt the confident alternative: - keep your hands visible and expressive - take up appropriate space with good posture - make deliberate eye contact in the first few seconds Master these 3 elements and you'll create positive, accurate first impressions that open doors rather than close them.

Misunderstandings happen more often than they should. Why? Because we often forget a key principle in communication: UNDERSTAND OTHERS BEFORE SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD. This simple change can transform our interactions, leading to stronger relationships, better collaboration, and the ability to tap into diverse perspectives. When we feel truly heard and understood at work, we're more likely to do our best and share our unique insights. If this idea is so important, why don’t we use it more often? Here are a few reasons: (a) Time Pressure: In an environment where our calendars look like heavily-stacked pancakes, we're focused on meeting deadlines and getting results. This urgency can lead us to make quick decisions instead of taking the time to listen and understand. (b) Ego and Self-Interest: We often prioritize our own opinions, driven by the need to prove our competence or authority. This focus on advancing our own agendas can make us overlook the value of understanding others. (c) Lack of Awareness or Skills: Many people aren't aware of their listening habits or how their communication style impacts others. Plus, active listening and empathy are skills that require practice and intention. (d) Emotional Barriers: Stress, anxiety, or frustration can create barriers to understanding. When overwhelmed by these emotions, it can be hard to empathize with others or listen effectively. (e) Cognitive Biases: Biases like confirmation bias can prevent us from considering other viewpoints objectively, making understanding difficult. Here's the good news! We can overcome these barriers and build better habits. Here are three tips to do just that: 1.    Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to others without thinking about your response. Focus on what is being said, ask questions, and reflect on the information to gain deeper insights. 2.    Ask Questions to Understand: Instead of assuming you know what others are thinking, ask open-ended questions to invite them to share their thoughts and feelings. This encourages a deeper understanding of their perspectives and builds trust. 3.    Encourage Open Dialogue: Create spaces where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Be vulnerable. Encourage diverse perspectives and value each person's contribution. By seeking to understand first, we strengthen collaboration and ensure everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best. #understanding #relationships #collaboration #energy #humanbehavior #workplace #leadership #teamwork #skills #listening #empathy #dialogue

First impressions matter. Starting with your introduction. I’ve seen too many people wing their introductions. Big mistake. Top 1% communicators never underestimate first impressions. They know how to become instantly memorable. When I work with my CEO coaching clients, I ensure they stand out. You can steal my method: Record yourself introducing yourself in 30 seconds. Then ask: Would you be interested in meeting this person? Would you remember them a day later? If not: Rewrite. Rehearse. Refine. Use these 7 strategies to ace your next intro: 1 - The Networking Pitch - Daniel Priestley 🟢 Name Say it slowly. Own the moment. Smile. 🟢 Same Say what you do in familiar terms. 🟢 Fame Share a line of credibility. 🟢 Aim What are you focused on right now? 🟢 Game End with your bigger vision. 2 - Nail Your Non-Verbal → Real smile (no fake smiles) → Stand tall, shoulders back, face them directly → Avoid awkwardness: signal handshake, hug, or wave 3 - The 5-Second Intro Practice this all-purpose 3-step formula: Who you are → What you do → Who it helps 4 - Use Micro-Stories Instead of listing titles or credentials, embed a 1-sentence story: “I used to write speeches for government leaders. Now I coach founders on how to own the room.” 5 - Show Your Energy, Not Just Expertise Most introductions are soulless and bloodless. But energy is magnetic. 6 - Tailor Your Intro To The Room: 💼 Boardroom: Lead with credibility and clarity. 🎤 Stage: Start with a story or question. ☕ Networking: Keep it casual and curiosity-driven. 7 - Avoid These Mistakes 🚅 Saying your name too fast. 🥱 Being forgettable: “I’m in communications” 🪽 Winging it – first impressions matter! What do you pay attention to when you introduce yourself? - - - - ♻️ Repost to help others, too. And follow Oliver Aust for more on leadership communications. ♟️ Want to become a top 1% communicator? Reach out here: https://lnkd.in/dc-TBhZU

12 Executive Presence Rules to Command Any Room The hidden body language cues the top 1% swear by According to HBR, leaders are judged in milliseconds. Not just by what they say, But by everything their bodies reveal. And when the body says “uncertain,” The room judges them “unfit.” Here are 12 body language shifts that instantly signal executive presence: 1. Use soft, steady eye contact ↳ Build trust by holding eye contact for 3 seconds ↳ Glance away briefly to avoid intensity 2. Use a genuine smile ↳ Let your eyes crinkle to show warmth ↳ Avoid polite or forced grins. They feel fake 3. Relax your jaw ↳ Tension in the jaw signals stress ↳ Gently open and close your mouth 4. Roll your shoulders back ↳ Upright posture makes you look open and assured ↳ Do a quick reset before entering the room 5. Avoid shrugging your shoulders when speaking ↳ Shrugs unconsciously signal doubt ↳ Use steady, intentional gestures 6. Keep your chest open, not puffed ↳ Openness shows confidence without aggression ↳ Relax shoulders, lift gently through the chest 7. Stand symmetrically to show stability ↳ Slouching or leaning looks unsure ↳ Distribute your weight evenly 8. Smooth your forehead to show calmness ↳ A tense forehead broadcasts inner stress ↳ Relax the space between your brows 9. Let your brows move naturally ↳ Slight movement shows your engagement ↳ Frozen brows look robotic and disengaged 10. Face your palms upward when speaking ↳ Upward-facing palms invite trust ↳ Signal openness, especially in key moments 11. Don’t clasp hands low or tuck elbows ↳ This posture looks nervous or defensive ↳ Keep hands visible and relaxed 12. Use gestures that match your message ↳ Align hand movement with key ideas ↳ Don’t overuse. Less is more Executive presence isn't just seen. It's felt. Which shift will you bring into the room this week? ♻️ Repost this blueprint to empower your network. ➕ Follow me (Meera Remani) for insights and tools to lead with presence. 🔔 Get leadership upgrades delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to my newsletter below.

My Relationship-Building Guide (Networking – if we must call it that) After 20+ years in finance, tech, healthcare, and games, I’ve never cold applied to a job. Not once. I'm giving you all my secrets for nothing because I want you to succeed. Every role I’ve ever had came from relationship building. Not from privilege. Not from inherited connections - I had none from my family. Well before any follower count or regular content creation (didn't do that at all until 4-5 years ago). Just consistent effort to connect with people I genuinely respected. This isn’t a cheat code. It’s not fast. It’s not always comfortable. But it is learnable. Important context: I deeply respect concerns around equal access, neurodiversity, comfort zones, and systemic bias. I’m naturally shy too. This isn’t dismissive – it’s practical for the world we’re in. Here are 30 relationship-building principles that shaped my career: 1. Start with alumni networks (school, bootcamps, online courses). Low barrier, real common ground. 2. Be visible online and in person. Familiarity builds trust. 3. Ask: “Is there anyone else I should talk to?” It multiplies your network. 4. Don’t lead with desperation. Lead with curiosity + steadiness. 5. Job talk starts at conversation 3 (minimum). Build trust first. 6. Only build relationships you actually want. No pretending. 7. Always have 5 mentees. Helping keeps you grounded and useful. 8. Always have 5 mentors. Growth never stops. 9. Maintain 10 meaningful conversations. Not 200 weak ties. 10. Say yes to events, then figure it out. 11. Find access (scholarships, discounts, partners). Ask. Research. 12. The “I’m in town” BD trick works. Confirm meeting, then book travel. 13. Celebrate others authentically. Show real appreciation with specifics. 14. Relationships often resurface years later. Be kind always. 15. Think in one-year arcs. Plant seeds. 16. Ask for conversations, not favors. 17. Some of the best convos are about nonsense. Be a person. 18. Never ask what you can Google. Respect time. 19. Map orgs like a business developer. Do homework. 20. Avoid tunnel vision. Great relationships come from unexpected places. 21. Curate your circle. Let go of what drains you. 22. Your performance is your best networking. Reputation travels. 23. Treat people like you're their friend, not their fan. 24. Leave people wanting more. Warm + concise wins. 25. Track outreach (I keep a simple CRM). Helps you be intentional. 26. Keep notes on key people (kids, pets, interests) because you care. 27. Think before you speak. Two minutes changes everything. 28. Be a 5x giver. Lead with generosity. 29. Be authentic and quirky. Realness is memorable. 30. Put good into the world. Giving creates trust that compounds. Here is the long-form of this guide in article form, if you want to learn more: https://lnkd.in/emKD4c93

A graphic design degree costs £40k and takes 3 years. But you? You're about to get the essentials in under 3 minutes. Because EVERYONE should know how to use design to make their expertise irresistible — whether you're presenting, pitching, or promoting. 👇 But first. The BIG misconception: Most people think visual communication = pictures. Wrong. It’s strategy. It’s how you use: - Layout + structure - Fonts + spacing - Visuals + white space - Content flow 💡 Why it matters: Dual Coding Theory. Allan Paivio (visual communication researcher extraordinaire) says we process info through two systems: both verbal (words) + non-verbal (visuals). We need to use them together for boosting understanding, engagement AND memory. Here’s how to do it like a pro 👇 --- 1️⃣ Visual Hierarchy Everything else serves this one goal: Make sure your audience sees the *right info* in the *right order*. Tips: - Bigger = more important - Closer = related - Structure = use titles, subheads, body - Use white space to reduce cognitive overload - Guide the eye like a story --- 2️⃣ Colour Keep it simple: 🎨 Pick 3: light background, dark text, bright accent ⚖️ Check contrast (aim for 8+): use Adobe Colour Checked to help (https://lnkd.in/eavEBGwD) 🔁 Use consistently Try: Coolors (https://coolors.co) for instant, accessible palettes. --- 3️⃣ Fonts ✔️ Use clean sans serifs (Helvetica, Inter, etc.) OR what is most accessible for your audience. This will be different for neurodivergent people or those with visual impairments. ✔️ Pick one with multiple weights (bold, medium, light). ✔️ Apply consistently for hierarchy Here’s a great resource to help: https://lnkd.in/eJA8NheT --- 4️⃣ Imagery Use visuals *with purpose*. 📸 Every image should enhance understanding, not just decorate 🎨 Stay consistent in style 📋 Attribute if using stock or AI imagery --- That’s your crash course in visual communication. Credibility. Clarity. Clout — without the £40k price tag. What would *you* add to the list? Liked this and want more? Follow me for tips on how to use visual storytelling to collaborate, communicate and change-make 👏