Working Voices

Tying your tie? Get an app.

Sara Hollamby — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:08 +0000

Hey guys, no excuses, there’s now an app showing you how to tie your tie! Choose your weapon – Windsor, Kelvin, Oriental or the simple Four in Hand. You can even learn how to tie your own Bow Tie – a life skill we all need. Your tie reveals more than you think. Just from Continue reading...

Ed Milliband – Monthy Python – and the Dangers of Being Upstaged by your Tie!

Chris Grimes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:56 +0000

I read an interesting article recently on the BBC News about Ed Milliband and his qualities – or more precisely his shortcomings – as a Leader. In an article for “The New Statesman” picked up by the BBC, Ed Milliband is being strongly criticised by Lord Glasman (the founder of the “Blue Labour Group” and Continue reading...

Leaders are made, they are not born!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:09 +0000

In full, the quote above actually reads… “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile!” Vince Lombardi. A case in point is the following article from CNN Money about coaching going mainstream. Many companies Continue reading...

Empathy Index: “My” problem versus “Yours”

Wendy Bagger — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:51 +0000

Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix, got into hot water in July for hiking service rates, up to 60% in some cases, without any warning or explanation to his customers. The move has customers and casual observers alike questioning Hastings’ empathy. So this week Hastings sent this explanation to Netflix’s 24 million customers. You Continue reading...

The Perils of Working Without a Net

Nick Smallman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:00:30 +0000

(Knowing the things you can’t afford to Forget) If you’re going to put yourself under pressure – especially on TV in front of millions of people you’re desperate should see you as the next leader of the free world – it’s probably a good idea to get your act together. I and other Working Voices’ Continue reading...

It’s Good to be Memorable When You Speak – But NOT for all the Wrong Reasons!

Chris Grimes — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:37 +0000

This is a fascinating clip of how definitely NOT to present, that has been doing the rounds on YouTube. It features an Ohio Councilman – Phil Davison – who is giving what could definitely be described as an extremely “memorable” Stump Speech, in pursuit of the Republican Nomination to become Stark County Treasurer. But, as Continue reading...

Five reasons why women don’t make it up the ladder

Kate Faragher — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:56:36 +0000

The Glass Ceiling The Glass Cliff The Children Confidence The “Bitch” Brand The Glass Ceiling is when because of your gender (or race) you can get overseen for promotion. David Cotter has come up with a few criteria that need to be met. However there has been research to suggest women are breaking through the Continue reading...

Seasons Greetings

Nick Smallman — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:24 +0000

Dear Santa, make me assertive this Christmas

Kate Faragher — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:00:23 +0000

With Christmas coming up, in-laws coming to stay and Christmas parties to go to, assertiveness can be a great way to think and act to improve relationships. We learn to respect relationships and create win win solutions. To be able to be assertive we need to firstly be aware of our body language and tone. Continue reading...

The Power of Disclosure when Presenting: Remember to be yourself and LET US IN !

Chris Grimes — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:00:20 +0000

On our Intermediate & Advanced Presentation Skills Courses here at Working Voices, the assumption for our starting point for these courses, is that participants are fundamentally much more experienced i.e that they are already presenting regularly, so that they can therefore undertake the training at a more ‘advanced’ level. In addition when we are training Continue reading...

The Dreaded “Err…” Virus! Don’t succumb to becoming an “Err Zombie”!

Chris Grimes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:00:26 +0000

It’s absoultely staggering when you tune in to the sheer number of our fellow human beings who have all contracted the dreaded “Err…” Virus! “Err, hello, my name is err, and err – what I’d like to err, learn – is how to err, communicate more err-ffectively…” Erm, anyway you get the point! During our Continue reading...

On a Rusty Old Train to Nowhere – Aboard the Sloppy Articulation Express!

Chris Grimes — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:00:10 +0000

I appreciate that I might need to get out more – but in my defence I was out at the time – but I couldn’t help noticing on my train journey home recently, that a Train Announcer had what can only be described as very lazy or sloppy articulation. His announcements were just as vague Continue reading...

Knock down those office walls!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:00:38 +0000

And so goes a great leader. The clip is of the CEO of Japan Airlines – Haruka Nishimatsu – and his innovative leadership practices. It’s interesting to see the ticket agent in the video speak of Mr Nishimatsu’s approachable qualities and to witness her genuine affection for her leader. Great managers get people to do Continue reading...

Projected Warmth & Energy: Henry Winkler & the Psychology of Influence

Chris Grimes — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:52 +0000

I read a nice article in The Guardian the other day, in which journalist Katie Puckrik, describes, with great warmth and enthusiasm, what it was like to meet Henry Winkler – aka The Fonz – Fonzy – “Ayyyyyyyy!” – in “Happy Days”. They met for an interview – hitherto complete strangers to each other – Continue reading...

“Fox in Socks in Blogs!” Easy Tiger – Slow Down!

Chris Grimes — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:52:41 +0000

“Fox in Socks our game is done sir! Thank you for a lot of fun sir!” A Conference clip of amazing ‘articulatory dexterity’ (!) in which a student called Xin Yan, speed reads – but still manages to succesfully wrap her tongue around it all nevertheless – “Fox in Socks” by Dr Seuss. And to Continue reading...

Clichès? Avoid them Like the Plague!

Paul Hill — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:30:59 +0000

This recent blog on that popular business cliché, ‘going forward’ is worth looking at. Here’s the link. Cliches are everywhere. The most popular and successful ones find their way into everyday speech with dismaying ease. I come across them all the time when I’m working with people on our communication skills or our effective business Continue reading...

Perceived Confidence – it’s not so much what you say but HOW you say it!

Chris Grimes — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:24 +0000

“Turbo Encabulator” is a famous ‘spoof’ film recorded in the late 1970′s. The narrator and writer is Bud Haggert, who was the top voice-over talent of his day for Technical Films. Bud apparently wrote the script as a spoof, because he rarely understood the Technical Copy that he was being asked to read – and Continue reading...

A Wonderful World Indeed!

Jennifer Logue — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:03 +0000

I was talking recently to the smartest man in the Universe, my Grandfather. The tune “What a Wonderful World” came up. It’s his favorite song. For every listener it’s a song about looking at the world as a wonderful place. It got me thinking about optimism. According to Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman (who’s conducted more Continue reading...

It’s the little things…

Darren Black — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:24 +0000

Reputations, once tainted, can cause significant, long-term harm to a brand. No surprises there I’m sure you would agree. But it’s not just the big, bad PR disasters that can cause reputations to crumble. Sometimes small, seemingly insignificant things can have a much more insidious effect on how we perceive an organisation and its brand. Continue reading...

“Why Do You Do What you Do?”: A Question of Emotional Intelligence…

Chris Grimes — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:00:02 +0000

A 12 year old boy rang up an Artist – not actually knowing that he was one – having picked the Artist’s telephone number out of a phone book at random, when tasked with a school careers project to find out “what people did for a job”. The Artist answered the phone to an initial Continue reading...

I love it when a plan comes together.

Tom Cassidy — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:59 +0000

Hannibal Smith’s timeless words from the A-team. They came to mind as Working Voices finished a major programme in the UK a week or so ago. Over two weeks we’d delivered a big, high-profile programme of training for a major client – and it went well. It took a huge amount of collaboration and planning Continue reading...

Robin Williams the Great Listener!!!

Jennifer Logue — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:16 +0000

I love this clip for many reasons. Robin Williams is one of the best comedians on the planet. The art of improv is truly an amazing thing to watch. The fast pace! The laughter! The admiration! Wouldn’t you love to be able to think that quickly on your feet? Guess what! You can. It just Continue reading...

In the beginning there was the word, and it was good

Nick Smallman — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:26 +0000

Earlier this year was the 400th Anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible. It would be a strange Communications-Skills business that didn’t mark that anniversary – from which you’ll gather that I’m talking about the acknowledged brilliance of the book as literature: written English at its best. For instance, it’s sobering to think Continue reading...

Competing to be Heard

Chris Grimes — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:23 +0000

So much of modern life – particularly the information overload and the gadgetry involved in living in it – conspires to somehow take us ‘elsewhere’, away from the ‘here and now’ of the present moment. I read about a piece of research recently – in an edition of Dennis Publishing’s “The Week” – which revealed Continue reading...

To be Myself, AND be Successful

Geneviève Grant — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:56 +0000

I was facilitating a workshop last week … Wow, was that me? I’m not sure I’m the type who “facilitates” workshops”. Let’s say it this way instead: I was talking with these women. Very intelligent women. Driven women. Ambitious women. Women who need to be challenged to be happy. We were talking about what they Continue reading...

Too much cleavage at work?

Sara Hollamby — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:00:43 +0000

A recent survey said, amongst other things, that women shouldn’t show too much cleavage in the workplace. Believe me, that’s just one of the things they shouldn’t be doing! What I’ve noticed in the City recently, bearing in mind Summer is always worse, is that, in general, the men definitely win on the “smart” stakes Continue reading...

Digital Media Embraced!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:28 +0000

Here’s an interesting article on teaching digital media in schools. What I particularly like is that the educators in the article are taking the position that the “genie is out of the bottle” so why not try to use digital media as a tool for education and to motivate students, rather then looking at digital Continue reading...

Ed Miliband: Nose Job or “Vocal Makeover”?

Paul Hill — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:15 +0000

So, the UK’s opposition Labour Party leader Ed Miliband has finally undergone his long-planned operation to correct a deviated septum. According to his office, it’s intended to help cure his recently diagnosed sleep apnoea. But the more waspish political commentators (i.e. most of them) suspect that Ed’s op is more of an extreme vocal makeover, Continue reading...

Why Stand Up Comics Are Such Excellent Role Models for Presentation Skills…

Chris Grimes — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:41:44 +0000

Good Stand-up Comics – like John Bishop in the clip above – are excellent role-models for Presentation Skills, particularly on how to stand, how to hold yourself, how to look confident and self assured – and crucially on how to project yourself (or amplify what you are good at) in front of a large audience. Continue reading...

Using ECONOMY to talk about the economy

Wendy Bagger — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:24 +0000

Whether or not you agree with Robert Reich’s take on THE economy, you must admire his use of Economy. His message has impact and credibility, without a single extra syllable or stroke of the pen. He makes it look effortless. But boiling our message down to its bare essence takes A LOT more work. It’s Continue reading...

Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!!!

Wendy Bagger — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:16 +0000

So what does this have to do with Communication? A lot actually. We’ve all been in the room when someone loses their cool. It can be intimidating to see a colleague play the part of the Tabby of Terror. And let’s face it, when we ourselves are under pressure, when the negotiation needs to go Continue reading...

The Body Language of Collaboration (and how it makes Monkeys of us all)

Tom Cassidy — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:31:14 +0000

Have a look at this article The ability to establish collaboration as a leader is truly critical. With it you can get people to contribute to and endorse an effective vision, plan together to deliver that vision successfully and get individuals behind it with committed action. So, why is it that, given its crucial place Continue reading...

Preparation vs. Memorization

Wendy Bagger — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:17 +0000

Preparation vs. Memorization: When all you have is a hammer, every question looks like a nail. No doubt Ed Miliband thinks he is prepared for this interview: he has distilled his message into a few punchy points; he makes eye contact, and speaks clearly; he’s obviously practiced what he wants to say, as we can Continue reading...

Working Voices Coaching Taken to New Heights (erm, to the top of the Cathedral in Milan!)

Chris Grimes — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:45 +0000

Yes – “Coaching taken to new heights!” Thanks to Working Voices’ Trainer Tom Cassidy for that one! (all his own work and he’s here all week!) From left to right: Tom Cassidy, Chris Grimes, Paul Mabberley & Paul Hill. Photo by Genevieve Grant. And a perpendicular Tom Cassidy there at the top of the Duomo. Continue reading...

Phone-Intonation-animation-inspiration!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:57 +0000

So how in the world can a video of the actors rehearsing SpongeBob SquarePants possibly have any relevance to the business world? Well, we’ve all been on conference calls where we can tell the person/people to whom we are speaking are not actually giving us their full attention. Or we’re not giving the call, the Continue reading...

Republican CNN Debate New Hampshire

Nick Smallman — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:58 +0000

So, Donald Trump, Mike Huckabee, Mich Daniels aren’t running… This was an opportunity to see the main players who are running cut their teeth and present their vision of how they would shape America over the coming years. CNN did their best to provide a slick and glitzy back drop complete with special effects and Continue reading...

Business Negotiations- To thine own self be true!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:38 +0000

Robert Burns wrote “the best laid plans of mice and men” meaning that no matter how carefully a deal or negotiation is planned, something may still go wrong. In the above clip from the hilarious film “Defending your Life” what goes wrong for Albert Brooks is follow through. It’s not enough to set the boundary Continue reading...

The greatest Show on earth

Nick Smallman — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:20:53 +0000

Every four years the political world experiences a festival of the latest influence and persuasion techniques in the form of the US presidential election. This cycle promises to be extremely exciting with the incumbent President Obama facing a Republican field determined to take back the Whitehouse. There are a multitude of factors that could determine Continue reading...

Preparation, Structure and Practice (or the lack of it). Maybe the worst speech ever made

Nick Smallman — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:12 +0000

This man is an actor. He ought to know better!

“He is a self-made man and worships his creator”* – the political putdown is definitely not dead

Nick Smallman — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:54:58 +0000

Times are tough for the 44th President at the moment but every so often he has an opportunity to exert a little revenge in the form of a put down. The putdown is a long-established political device. In both the UK and the USA (although it’s no doubt a global “phenomenon”) there is a proud Continue reading...

New York – So good they named it! Working Voices converges on the ‘Big Apple’ to deliver new training…

Chris Grimes — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:59:34 +0000

A truly exhilarating week in New York! The Working Voices ‘Team America’ (!) were joined by teams from both Asia & London as we converged to deliver a whole suite of brand new training courses – to 200 newly promoted Associates flown in from all over the World by one of our major Investment Banking Continue reading...

Good Communication is about Good Storytelling: Just listen to Sir Ken Robinson…

Chris Grimes — Thu, 26 May 2011 11:08:42 +0000

An extraordinarily compelling and thought provoking presentation on “Changing Education Paradigms”, affecting all aspects of Society. It’s by Sir Ken Robinson, the world renowned Education & Creativity Expert, and was delivered as part of the Royal Society of Arts Lecture Series on 21st Century Enlightenment. It’s a great piece of communication in itself that’s highly Continue reading...

Make-up – it’s not rocket science…

Sara Hollamby — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:06:52 +0000

…Yet many women in business don’t seem to bother. I hear lots of excuses – no time in the mornings… don’t need it… who’d notice whether I wear it or not… wouldn’t know where to start. These same women spend a small fortune on a good business suit because they know the power of a Continue reading...

Giving Good Facial Expression: A veritable “Symphony” of Communication!

Chris Grimes — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:20 +0000

Here is a really nice clip on YouTube that reminds us of the great versatility of our facial muscles in adding colour, meaning and expression to how we are communicating: Facial expression in terms of how you come across and what you are conveying, is just one of the areas that we cover in our Continue reading...

Etiquette of the Handshake – Beware the Dreaded Kipper!

Chris Grimes — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:27 +0000

Odd isn’t it? The number of people that we meet – be that at a networking event, a client meeting, at a party, at an interview or wherever – who immediately blow that all important chance of a good first impression, with the use of an “odd handshake”. It’s often subtle – and sometimes not Continue reading...

A Meeting of Minds – Wonder Woman & Captain Pajama Shark

Jennifer Logue — Tue, 10 May 2011 08:00:48 +0000

“Meetings are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything” John Kenneth Galbraith This hilarious clip is an example of a really diverse meeting at SNL. Although meant to be funny I really loved how this clip showed some examples of an effective meeting. Running an effective meeting feels incredible and really builds your confidence Continue reading...

Chief Executives are Getting Younger too

Begona Castro — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:55 +0000

Just read this article “Chief executives ‘getting to the top younger’” Did you know that 41% of FTSE 100 chief executives are aged under fifty compared to just 20 per cent in 1997? These young executives not only face the day-to-day business challenges, but also need to ensure that they come across as credible. They Continue reading...

A Right Royal Dog’s Dinner

Sara Hollamby — Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:46 +0000

All those outfits at the wedding, it was like the designer fashion equivalent of a classy butcher’s shop window. And unlike the quality of meat, it just shows that it’s not necessarily the case that the more you spend on a top designer outfit, the better you look – as in the case of Bea Continue reading...

Facebook or face time? – The £1billion question.

Darren Black — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:53:21 +0000

When you’ve just launched a campaign to gain re-election to the highest office in the land, you could do worse than ensure you have the ultimate communication tool at your disposal. But what exactly is that?… Isn’t it obvious? Facebook of course… Or is it? If President Obama is aiming for a $1billion war chest Continue reading...

Authenticity & Passion: Two of the Greatest Qualities to Invoke as a Speaker…

Chris Grimes — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:01:39 +0000

Senator John McCain’s Concession Speech to supporters in November 2008 – arguably the best speech of his career: “The American People have spoken and they have spoken clearly”. In November 2008 Senator John McCain finally conceded defeat to Barack Obama after a long and gruelling Presidential Campaign. Ironically, from a speech-analysis point of view, this Continue reading...

Fran Lebowitz – Blackberry, iphone,and the sounds of silence!

Henry Caplan — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:14 +0000

This clip is from a new documentary film called “Public Speaking” about New York raconteur, author and humorist extraordinaire, Fran Lebowitz. In the film, she has many interesting insights on Public Speaking, Writing, Life in the Modern Age etc … but I particularly like the above clip on “Technology”. Especially her take on the perils Continue reading...

“How to benchmark your true importance” according to Chiefs of Staff at The Pentagon…

Chris Grimes — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:28:33 +0000

A recent article in “The Guardian” here in the UK quoted United States General David Petraeus, describing how Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon were apparently killing time together, by debating what constituted being “truly important” in terms of access to and attention from the President. One of the Chiefs ventured that “true importance was Continue reading...

Canada’s Prime Minister- Non Confidence and the Speaker!

Henry Caplan — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:13:14 +0000

The above clip is of a speech made by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper this past month on recent events in Libya. Not soon after, the Canadian Parliament dissolved the Canadian Government in what’s called “A vote of non-confidence”, thrusting Canada into a May election. Not a great week for Prime Minister Harper. To make Continue reading...

Baby Love or the Twin elements of Personal Impact

John Mabberley — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:52:37 +0000

I have long been passionate about getting across the message that great communication is a skill and as such can be learned and developed. However the great You Tube video of the toddler twins having their conversation has reminded me that impactful dynamic communication is such instinctive behaviour that it is with us from a Continue reading...

Negotiation Skills- The same in ancient Rome as in the board room!

Henry Caplan — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:30:42 +0000

This film clip is from the classic comedy Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” and it can teach us many things about the art of negotiating. You don’t have to be in ancient Rome to see similar negotiation mistakes being made in offices and board rooms all the time. Just not in togas! Unlike the character Continue reading...

Networking not Brute-forcing

Tom Cassidy — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:53 +0000

Reading this article about Networking I was reminded of the importance of the subject to developing an enjoyable and successful career. The first few points on this list are key; the rest is sound common sense. However people don’t tend to realise how important Networking can be, mainly because it is, by its very nature, Continue reading...

Gravitas LIVES in the silences: “The King’s Speech”

Chris Grimes — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:00:21 +0000

“The King’s Speech” is a truly great film, as the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs and the OSCARS have all now happily attested. The film brings back to life and back into sharp focus what a truly great ‘Speech of its Time‘ King George V1′s Radio Address to the British people it was, on 3rd September Continue reading...

Aimee Mullins – From Alexander McQueen’s runway to Inspiring speaker!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:00:26 +0000

Here is activist, athlete and actor, Aimee Mullins, speaking passionately about her prosthetic legs. She’s collected over a dozen pairs, some from notable designers such as the late Alexander McQueen. One of the traits I admire most in Aimee’s presentation style is her variety.  How often do we hear a presenter with excellent material take an Continue reading...

Authenticity and Warren Buffet – To Thine Own Self be True!

Henry Caplan — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:45 +0000

What I like about this clip of Billionaire Warren Buffett is that he communicates in a way that is “Authentic“. But what does it really mean when we say someone is “Authentic”? It can be a tad on the esoteric side (as indeed can be the word esoteric, but anyway …). “Authenticity” has been defined Continue reading...

CNN Correspondents live on Libya, Syria … Pause … wait for it …

Henry Caplan — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:02:49 +0000

Here are CNN commentators Fareed Zakaria and Eliot Spitzer in an engaging discussion on Libya, Syria, Unions and immigration. This is taking place in front of a live audience and offers us the rare opportunity to see two media professionals in front of a live audience. I’m struck by the contrasting styles of these two Continue reading...

Are the Chinese Happy? Are any of us?

Tom Cassidy — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:33:09 +0000

If you read Chinese newspapers you’ll have read this: Domestic happiness index I like the idea that governments are starting to think about what we call in the trade “inclusive growth”, and understanding that increasing income doesn’t necessarily mean increasing happiness or effectiveness. Having “… a happier and more dignified life …” is, in itself, Continue reading...

The “Great and the Good” – A Discussion Thread About Leadership…

Chris Grimes — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:00:13 +0000

I heard an interesting quote about Leadership, whilst watching one of my favourite actors – Steve Buscemi – as Atlantic City Treasurer Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, in HBO’s excellent T.V series Boardwalk Empire. (Episode 6) Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition in America, circa 1920. The quote is about Nucky Continue reading...

Kings Speech -Inspiring message sweeps the Oscars!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:07:09 +0000

The King’s Speech swept the Academy Awards last week winning four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay to screenwriter and former stutterer David Seidler. My colleague Chris has already written about The King’s Speech but I couldn’t resist adding my own two cents. In the above clip, we see Lionel Logue (no relation to our trainer Continue reading...

Jersey Shore’s Snooki- Personal Branding gone wild!

Henry Caplan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:00:39 +0000

Personal Branding has exploded in the last 13 years. Even Snooki from the MTV show “Jersey Shore” (See above) has gotten into the act. From Reality TV Stars, CEO’s, Ex-Presidents, Athlete’s, Rock Musicians, Celebrity’s out of rehab, even CEO’s who became Reality TV Stars (Ahem…Donald Trump), many business people or aspiring business people are thinking Continue reading...

Steve Jobs back to unveil the iPad2

Tom Cassidy — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:00:45 +0000

It is great to see Steve Jobs return from medical leave to present the launch of the much anticipated iPad2. Have a look at the video for an object lesson in structuring and delivering a brilliant presentation. First thing to notice is that it takes 5 minutes. He doesn’t have to go into the minute Continue reading...

In Business-“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

Henry Caplan — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:03:54 +0000

Here is Malcolm Gladwell, author of the book “The Tipping Point” talking about “the gifted” and “the talented”. Gladwell sums up his feelings on the subject in two eloquent words: “So what?” I could not agree more. Scientific experts have found in a number of different studies that talent doesn’t mean motivation or intelligence, or Continue reading...

Managing Stress in the Workplace

Tom Cassidy — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:20:57 +0000

More people are looking for ways to balance their stress levels at work. One way of doing this which has arisen is doing yoga at work. All very good; excellent for keeping joints fluid, circulation moving, avoiding RSI and releasing energy and increasing concentration. Many of the clients for whom I run our Pressure to Continue reading...

Bill Clinton: ‘Pausing for Thought’ with the instincts of a true communication skills Showman!

Chris Grimes — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:00:05 +0000

Whilst coaching on Personal Impact at one of the major Banks recently, a delegate shared a fantastic anecdote and personal experience about Bill Clinton. In particular about Clinton’s ability to “hold court” with a large audience and to electrifying effect: Clinton was delivering an after-dinner speech for Board Members and invited guests. A characteristically enigmatic Continue reading...

Jargon in business writing- Run that up the flag pole and see who salutes?

Henry Caplan — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:27:50 +0000

Well, writing clearly to be understood is a noble aim and also common sense. Sadly, common sense isn’t always common practice. Alan Siegal (see above) has dedicated himself to reducing jargon in government, legal documents, and even for the IRS. Here’s a quote from Alan: “There is no way that we should allow government to Continue reading...

Wanted: Dictators with Empathy – Communication Style

Nick Smallman — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:10:05 +0000

Dictator’s dictate. Democrats persuade: they have to empathise with their audience; to understand how to put themselves into the shoes of the people they’re speaking to – and the importance of doing so. For sure, at least one of the demonic dictators from the last century had a fatal attraction and an oratorical style to Continue reading...

Anxiety is a beast to be tamed never denied!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:00:28 +0000

Many of my clients ask me how to manage anxiety. I found one interesting solution in an article in the Washington Post a few weeks back: The article asserts that writing about one’s feelings for ten minutes when facing anxiety improves performance. It’s an assertion I agree with. It takes much more energy suppressing anxiety Continue reading...

Don’t Call the President a Liar! – Dealing with Audience Hostility

Nick Smallman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:36:18 +0000

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you You get asked all sorts of questions when you’re 1:1 coaching, from the agony aunt variety to the deeply technical. I was asked at a coaching session just before Christmas about the best techniques for dealing with Continue reading...

David Cameron Expressing ‘Passion’ for his Big Idea: How’s he doing? Turn the sound down and have a good listen!

Chris Grimes — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:15:12 +0000

To add to Nick Smallman’s earlier Blog Post here on Working Voices about David Cameron: If you remember Nick posed the question: “Does this man have Executive Presence?“ So I thought I’d upload this video to take a closer look at how David Cameron was doing, in terms of his efforts to ‘engage’ us with Continue reading...

Your Business Card: a Networking Tool; an Expression of You!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:08:48 +0000

This scene is from the film “American Psycho”. I love the way these guys have an almost erotic attachment to their business cards. Their attention to detail is expressed to an absurd extreme in this clip. It’s worth considering, however, that a business card is a representation of you. Investing in high-quality design and good Continue reading...

The King’s Speech: Voice Coaching to Overcome Your Greatest Fears…

Chris Grimes — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:04:18 +0000

So many people are absolutely “terrified of giving a presentation”. I just Googled those exact words to get an impressive tidal wave of hysteria: 11 Million 900 Thousand pages in 0.07 seconds! “Presentation Anxiety”; “Fear of Public Speaking”; “Stage Fright”; “Performance Anxiety”; are just some of the many terms used to describe this most common Continue reading...

Does this Man have Executive Presence?

Nick Smallman — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 12:12:52 +0000

Here’s some of what our website says about Executive Presence. Executive Presence is the XFactor. Those who have it radiate confidence, poise and authority. They know how to connect with others. Executive Presence is about consistent, long-lasting impressions and the ability to create and sustain relationships. It’s about others perceiving you as strong, convincing, direct and committed. It’s Continue reading...

John Boehner: New Speaker of the House! Voice and Eye Contact- a mixed bag!

Henry Caplan — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:30:14 +0000

As a communicator, I like the way John Boehner’s passion is reflected in his voice. Here he is being sworn in as speaker of the House of Representatives. See what you think of the first three minutes. Listen to the way he begins addressing the House with a strong authoritative timber in his voice the Continue reading...

Justin King at Sainsburys: “Watch the Difference!”

Chris Grimes — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:26:08 +0000

Justin King at Sainsbury’s: “In an Isle of his Own!” How refreshing to see a good media interview. Justin King, CEO at Sainsbury’s, was talking to Dermot Murnaghan on Sky News about good Christmas trading figures, tax policy and job creation at Sainsbury’s. In an interview which lasted just over a minute – proving just Continue reading...

Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion but … Body Language

Nick Smallman — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:37:10 +0000

I’ve told you that I’m a big fan of the way President Obama makes a speech. I think I’m entitled to be. Earlier this week The Christian Science Monitor made him number three in their list of great Presidential Orators of Modern Times. For myself, I’d make him number one and could give you several pages on why. Actually, though, that’s the point of my blog today. Commentators rarely see eye-to-eye.

Better than Bullets – Improving your PowerPoint Presentations

Nick Smallman — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:30:40 +0000

Have you seen this clip from Hans Rosling’s recent TV programme “The Joy of Stats?”: It was mentioned to me by Wendy Bagger, Working Voices’ US-based writing-skills trainer. Why? Because of the way it illustrates how well-presented visuals beat text (bulleted or otherwise) when it comes to getting your point across powerfully. This observation is relevant for PowerPoint presentations and Continue reading...

Personal Impact In my “Office”. How to deal with a “Michael Scott”?

Henry Caplan — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:20 +0000

Forgive me if you’re not familiar with the American version of the British classic “The Office” and the character of “Michael Scott”. It’s well worth watching for a hilarious illustration of how NOT to behave in the work place. He’s a Daffy Duck lethal cocktail of self-obsession, narcissism, and complete cluelessness. Steve Carell says “If Continue reading...

Clarity of Communication – J. Edgar Hoover and the “Margin of Error!”

Chris Grimes — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:30:29 +0000

I recently heard a fantastic anecdote about “clarity of communication” – or rather the complete lack of it – pertaining to J. Edgar Hoover, the first & Founding Director of the F.B.I (1935-72) Hugely autocratic in style as a leader, J. Edgar Hoover was “a complicated man” to say the very least. He was by Continue reading...

Trainers of the Lost Art – Presenting as it’s supposed to be

Nick Smallman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:30:50 +0000

Over the past 10 years we’ve delivered hundreds of Presentation Skills Courses to thousands of participants. Why so often to so many? Because good Presentation Skills really are a Lost Art that vast numbers of people are desperate to find. Anyway, it’s fun trying to help them and once in a while, when all our Continue reading...

Authenticity – the key ingredient for Crisis Management

Nick Smallman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:24:11 +0000

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.” World leaders know only too well that it is events and their reaction to them that shape their legacy. I’ve recently been in Sydney where, like the rest of the world, I have been struck by the devastation of the Queensland Continue reading...

High-Status Behaviour from a High-Status Man – Stillness: Superb Body Language

Nick Smallman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Our readers will come to learn that I’m a fan of how President Obama communicates. He’s a fantastic example of someone who understands the importance of the role of communication on the world stage. Because he’s in control in front of the camera, he’s gaffe-free and gives the pundits nothing to satirise. A great example Continue reading...

“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes …*” – an Image Management fable

Sara Hollamby — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:30:06 +0000

Apparently beauty and brains DO go together! A study published yesterday ** claims good-looking men and women have higher IQs. But how do you define “‘good-looking”? Is Jordan good looking because she wears tons of make up and regularly visits a surgeon? She’s obviously bright. What about Steve Jobs? He wouldn’t stop me in the Continue reading...

I’m on Toidy Toid and Toid! – New Yorkers and Voice Coaching

Henry Caplan — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:31:32 +0000

Listen to this. http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9334000/9334355.stm Accent reduction is indeed a growing trend here in the Big Apple as business people try to get a leg up by eliminating their New York accents. I say that we should take real pride in the many accents in the New York melting pot. Variety is the spice of life. Continue reading...

Over-familiarity Breeds Contempt – Email Etiquette

Paul Hill — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:59:51 +0000

There was a piece this morning on the BBC’s Today Programme about email salutations. The clip’s here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9361000/9361254.stm The heart of the topic is familiarity vs formality. It’s a serious one. Different cultures, different generations, different genders have sharply different attitudes to familiarity in email. Here’s a quick guide. Responding to a new contact? Try Continue reading...

Music and Politics Really do Mix – The Power of Parallels

Chris Grimes — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:51:00 +0000

I wonder how President Obama would do with BBC 3′s Musicality Test just launched at this link? https://www.bbc.co.uk/labuk/experiments/musicality/ Pretty well I would think. Listen to his set-piece speeches and you’ll hear a beginning, middle and end with the pace and sense of urgency of each section greater than the last. Then the conclusion where he Continue reading...

Blink and You’ll Miss It – Controlling Non-verbal Leakage

Nick Smallman — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:30:42 +0000

Julian Assange of Wikileaks was in Court again yesterday and has been in the press consistently for weeks. He has an interesting interview technique because, among other things, it is conflicted. Look at the illustration at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12047194 and you’ll see what I mean. For a number of reasons (slow speech rhythms and soft speech, for Continue reading...

Death to Idea Thieves! – Delivering your message with Personal Impact

Tom Cassidy — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:13 +0000

Does this ever happen to you in meetings? You know that you have something important to say and often you will say it. However it may not have the impact that you’d like; or it doesn’t come over as powerfully as it could; or people don’t take the necessary actions. Well although this clip is Continue reading...

Links for 2011-01-08 [del.icio.us]

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 PST

Creating And Distributing Presentations On The Web

The Senator and the Student – Preparing for Interview Success

Henry Caplan — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:16:10 +0000

The Arizona Senator, John Huppenthal, probably thought that an interview with a high school journalist would be a piece of cake. The Boy Scout’s have a motto: “Be prepared”! It’s common sense, but common sense isn’t always common practice. I encourage clients to start thinking about their audience and ask themselves, “If I were in Continue reading...

It Ain’t Over ‘til it’s Over – Negotiation & Body Language

Nick Smallman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:32:05 +0000

Like countless others, I watched the FIFA 2018 World Cup draw and was disappointed by the result – its becoming more and more like the Eurovision song contest! I can’t say, though, that by the time Sepp Blatter made the announcement, I was all that surprised by what he had to say. That’s not because Continue reading...

Links for 2010-12-15 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 PST

YOU SUCK AT POWERPOINT!
Fun guide to avoiding presentation disasters.

Introduction

Andrew — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:23:15 +0000

Working Voices teaches communication skills to big business. Established in 2000 and based in London, New York, Hong Kong & Shanghai, we field seventeen trainers and serve 100+ major-corporate clients.

Locations

Andrew — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:22:57 +0000

Team right

Andrew — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:21:26 +0000

Team left

Andrew — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:20:06 +0000