> 20yrs ago I was a Maths Nerd
> 10yrs ago I was a Cyber Security Professional
> Now I’m a Public Speaking Coach
I credit a lot of that success to = Storytelling
Here’s the exact 4 steps I used to kick-start my storytelling journey.👇
🧵THREAD 🧵
10 ways to reduce nerves when presenting:
1️⃣ Tailor to audience
2️⃣ High-level notes
3️⃣ Use storytelling
3️⃣ Get interaction
4️⃣ Prep in advance
5️⃣ Focus on ideal
6️⃣ Crush limiting beliefs
7️⃣ Practise until it flows
8️⃣ Best friend pep-talk
9️⃣ Deep breathing
🔟 Bring your mind back
Sharing some pretty epic client wins from the last month or so
Client 1 - New Job with $45k increase
Client 2 - Landed 5 Figure Keynote
Client 3 - 2 International Speaking gigs for 2027
Client 4 - Used Storytelling to secure Buy-In
Client 5 - Nailed 300+ Panel Session
YEOW! 🤩
Does anyone else go through their work day and get to 3 or 4ish and realise they haven’t stopped to drink or eat anything yet?
Or is it just me !? 🤷🏻♀️
How to make your CV stand out
Stop focussing on tasks + beef up achievements.
Here's how:
- Remove all task bullets
- Add 1 paragraph for role scope
- 3-5 bullets of best achievements
- Achievements = Outcome first, then approach
- Bold the 'outcome'
- Add metrics if you can
To reduce filler words, don’t wait for an important presentation to try and control it.
See if you’re using these types of words in daily life:
- Ums/Ahs
- Just
- Might
- I guess/think
- Maybe
- Basically
- Actually
If yes, THIS is the place to start bringing it under control.
Lots of people incorrectly believe that speakers on stages are just born good at speaking. But that couldn't be farther from the truth.
Almost everyone has done some work and most people have done A LOT of work to get where they're at.
So don't count yourself out! Keep going
A cool side effect of learning the art of storytelling is that you think more strategically.
It’s because storytelling helps you connect the dots and see the bigger picture.
Can you use stories with a Board?
Absolutely.
Here’s 3 options:
1. MICRO story - E.g. 1-3 sentence Exec Summary nutshell story
2. SPECIFIC story - E.g. A specific incident in detail
3. MACRO story - E.g. Structuring your pack chronologically like Past > Strategy > Future
Who's going to #CyberCon in Oct?
I’ll be speaking on Day 2, about one of my favourite things: STORYTELLING. ⚡️
Since 2019, I've supported more than 36 people to speak at CyberCon (most of those females). This year I decided to apply myself.
Just a tad excited! 💃
Want to try and clearly explain the DIFFERENCE between two things?
Don’t … blather on with lots of information.
Do…
- Make your sentences *short*
- Pick a few *key* words (i.e. sound bites) to distinguish the difference.
Want a FUN way to help your child improve their public speaking? 🦩
Use >>> An IMPROV GAME.
Needs 2 people. But you can only speak 1 word at a time. It’s heaps of fun
It helps kids to think on their feet + learn to relax a bit more. Win win!
Here's a proven structure for *off-the-cuff* responses:
P. Point
E. Explain
R. Re-iterate
P = State your point upfront.
E = Explain what you mean.
R = Wrap up by re-iterating your point.
Stick to this and you'll always be easily understood! 😁
Here's a trick to quieten your inner critic.
Activate...
>>> Best Friend Mode
If you talk to yourself the way your bestie would, you'll have far nicer things to say, you'll have a more positive outlook and give yourself more grace.
It works a treat! I do this all the time 😄
Your job as a presenter is not to simply INFORM.
Why...?
Your audience doesn't just want information. They want a nugget they can *use* later.
So, your job as a presenter becomes to GIVE A GIFT.
This completely changes the game. 🤓
Here's 10 'filler words' that make you sound unsure of yourself 😬
1. Um/Ah
2. I think
3. I guess
4. Sort of
5. Kind of
6. Just
7. Maybe
8. Actually
9. Probably
10. Yeah
In a lot of cases you can simply drop these words altogether + you'll come across far more confident.
Here's a cool way to *hone* your storytelling skills 😎
>>> User Reviews.
Don't just share a few points (e.g. It arrived on time and it's good quality).....
Flex your storytelling skills (e.g. explain why you bought it / how you'll use it).
Low risk, but great practise.👌
🤿 Heres how to avoid *diving* into the detail with people (when you communicate).
Learn to LAYER your information.
How?
>>> I call it the ‘Menu Technique’
You explain things the way a restaurant sets out their menu. In layers. E.g. Title, ingredients, extra info.
