Public Speaking, Presentation & Leadership Skills

  Congratulations! You made it past the opening, survived the middle, and now you’re nearing the finish line. Remember how we started with a bang in my last post? Now it’s time to finish with one—you want people to walk out quoting you at dinner, not just recalling what was for lunch. Let’s break down how to end your speech with confidence, warmth, and style, with practical tips and a touch of light comedy.   Signal the Close—But Not With “In Conclusion” People switch off the moment they hear “in conclusion” or “to summarise”. Instead, try a creative lead-in: Example:   “As we’ve cooked, stirred, and hopefully not burned our ideas today, let’s taste the final dish together…” Or,   “If there’s one last takeaway to pop in your mental shopping bag, here it is…” A gentle transition lets your audience know you’re wrapping up, but keeps their focus.   Summarise Key Points—Creatively Reminding people of your main points doesn’t have to sound lik...

Let’s face it—public speaking can be nerve-racking. You step up to the podium, clear your throat, and see an ocean of faces, some eager, some distracted, one possibly asleep. The truth is, those first few sentences can decide whether your audience becomes engaged listeners or enthusiastic phone users. So, let’s talk about how to start a speech with a bang, using easy, plain English, practical examples , and a bit of comic relief (but nothing that’d make your nan blush).   Why Do First Impressions Matter? Imagine you’re at a birthday party. Someone comes over and says, “Hello, I’m here to talk about dental insurance. Please take a seat.” Fun? Not so much. Now imagine someone walks in and says, “Who here loves popcorn? By the end of my talk, you’ll wish you brought extra!” Suddenly, you’re curious—even if you’re not a popcorn fan. The opening of your speech is that vital ‘hello’. It’s your chance to promise something interesting, spark curiosity, and make people want to list...