Public Speaking Skills Training

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!

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.

Communication is much more than just talking. Because people believe your body more than your words. You've probably heard about the “7%-38%-55% rule”. The rule says your communication is formed: ⤷ 7% by your words ⤷ 38% by your tone of voice ⤷ 55% by your body language Except, it's not true. Albert Mehrabian’s famous study is often misinterpreted. It only applies if your words, tone, and body language don't align, and you are talking about how you feel. Like when someone says "I'm fine". But they have an angry tone. And crossed arms. Yet - body language matters a great deal. Because people believe our body more than our words, if the two are in conflict. Like when you look nervous, but say “I’m confident that we end the year strong.” So to communicate at your most effective as a leader, you need to master your body language. Here are 7 practical tips to achieve this: 1️⃣ Mirror the Other Person:  ↳ Mirroring makes others feel understood. 2️⃣ Move Purposefully:  ↳ Avoid pacing or swaying. 3️⃣ Use Open Gestures:  ↳ Avoid crossing arms. 4️⃣ Control Your Facial Expressions:  ↳ Be aware of your expressions. 5️⃣ Maintain Eye Contact:  ↳ Look directly at the person. 6️⃣ Mind Your Posture:  ↳ Stand or sit up straight. 7️⃣ Smile Genuinely:  ↳ Smile warmly. Take your time learning non-verbal cues. You'll connect better with people. And you'll understand others and yourself better. ♻️ Please share with your network. 📌 And follow Oliver Aust for more practical tips on leadership communication.

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

Each post we share is a conversation inviting others to speak. Much like real-life conversations, if we want to be understood - we need to follow certain principles. Have you ever wondered why some conversations (posts) leave you feeling understood while others simply don't? The answer lies in how we communicate. The Cooperative Principle, developed by British philosopher Paul Grice, provides a framework for effective communication: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙚 → Goal: To communicate effectively so that the speaker is understood and the listener understands. → Basic Rule: Make your contributions appropriate to the context of the conversation. 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙨: 1. Maxim of Quantity: Provide enough information for others to understand, but not too much to cause confusion. 2. Maxim of Quality: Speak truthfully. Avoid misleading information. 3. Maxim of Relevance: Keep your content relevant to the topic. 4. Maxim of Manner: Be clear. Avoid unnecessary complexity and be logical. If each post is a conversation, it must embody these maxims. 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 Much like in a real-life conversation, we need to provide space for others to "speak." This means making it easy and inviting for people to share their thoughts: → Ask Questions: End your posts with questions that encourage responses. → Invite Feedback: Encourage others to share their opinions and experiences. → Engage: Respond to comments and create a dialogue. Show that you value others' input. By treating each post as a meaningful exchange, we not only communicate more effectively but also build stronger connections with our audience. To be understood, speak truthfully and relevantly, be clear and concise and be open for an exchange. Which of these maxims do you find most challenging to apply in your content or real life conversations?

Body language can make or break your interview success. Here are 6 game-changing tips I use daily (and teach): 1. Eye Contact - Keep it natural - 70% of the time is perfect - Don't stare, but don't avoid - Switch between eyes and note-taking 2. Posture - Sit straight, shoulders back - Lean slightly forward (shows interest) - Keep feet planted firmly on ground 3. Hand Gestures - Use open palm movements - Keep gestures between chest and waist - Avoid crossing arms or pointing 4. Nodding - Nod occasionally to show active listening - Don't overdo it - 3-4 nods max per response - Mix with verbal affirmations 5. Facial Expressions - Smile genuinely when appropriate - Stay engaged, but relaxed - Avoid nervous habits (lip biting, frowning) 6. Mirroring - Match interviewer's energy level - Adopt similar speaking pace - Don't copy exact movements I've coached 100+ professionals on these techniques. The results? - 65% got positive feedback on presence - 78% reported feeling more confident - 89% landed their target role Remember: These aren't "tricks" - they're tools for authentic communication. Practice them before your next interview. Start with one, master it, then move to the next. 📌 Quick tip: Record yourself in mock interviews to spot areas for improvement. What's your biggest interview body language challenge? Drop it below. P.S. Want more interview tips? Let me know. #bodylanguage #interview #employees #jobseekers

Don’t just hear the words, listen between the lines… Language is a powerful tool that enables us to communicate, connect, and build relationships. However, it can also be a source of confusion, conflict, and division. Many of the world's problems stem from linguistic mistakes and simple misunderstandings, where words are misinterpreted, misused, or taken out of context. When we communicate, we're not just exchanging words; we're also conveying emotions, intentions, and nuances. However, these nuances can be lost in translation, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications. A single word or phrase can have different meanings to different people, and the context in which it's used can greatly impact its interpretation. When we take words at face value, we risk making assumptions about what the other person means. We might assume that we understand their perspective, or that we're being misunderstood. These assumptions can lead to conflict, resentment, and hurt feelings. So, how can we avoid these misunderstandings? By clarifying, asking questions, and seeking to understand the other person's perspective. We can ask for explanations to ensure that we're on the same page. By doing so, we can build trust, resolve conflicts, and deepen our relationships. Don't ever take words at face value. Instead, approach communication with curiosity, empathy, and an open mind. Recognize that words are just one part of the communication process, and that tone, context, and intention are just as important. By being more mindful and intentional in our communication, we can avoid misunderstandings, build stronger relationships, and create a more harmonious world. In a world where words can be both powerful and problematic, it's essential to approach communication with care and attention. By being aware of the potential for misunderstandings and taking steps to clarify and seek understanding, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. So, let's choose to communicate with intention, empathy, and understanding, and see the positive impact it can have on our relationships and our world.

What if the secret to transforming your relationships isn’t in what you say but in how you listen? Caroline Fleck, a licensed psychologist and Stanford instructor, shares a powerful insight. Validation might matter even more than love itself. After battling depression and surviving breast cancer, she developed a step-by-step framework for building real connection. Whether you’re supporting someone in crisis or trying to understand your partner, this approach helps you navigate emotional conversations with clarity and care. We explore the science behind trust-building, how small shifts in communication can increase connection, and why most people get listening all wrong. This conversation is for anyone who wants to deepen their relationships and show up with more presence and empathy.

Transformational Leadership: Engaging Through Communication 🌟 One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that I am, in many ways, powerless. Powerless when relying solely on my expertise or knowledge. No matter how much I learn or how smart I become, the real value lies in what my team can achieve. Leadership demands effective communication. But how can we make communication truly engaging? ✅ Understand Your Team’s Perspective. Acknowledge that every team member brings unique motivations, concerns, and contributions. Use empathy to adapt your communication style to meet them where they are in their journey. ✅ Be Transparent and Consistent. Share the "why" behind decisions. When people understand the reasoning, they are more likely to buy in. Align your words with your actions to build trust. ✅ Create Two-Way Communication Channels. Encourage open dialogue where feedback flows both ways. Practice active listening to make your team feel heard and valued. ✅ Leverage Stories to Inspire and Connect. Share examples of team successes or lessons learned from challenges. Stories create emotional resonance and help make abstract ideas relatable. ✅ Celebrate Small Wins and Learn from Setbacks. Recognize achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts morale. Treat setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, fostering a culture of resilience. ✅ Make Communication Visual and Accessible. Simplify complex ideas using diagrams, infographics, or tools like Kanban boards. Collaborative workshops and co-design sessions ensure everyone feels involved and invested. Leadership isn’t about knowing it all, it’s about empowering others to achieve greatness. Communication is the bridge that connects ideas to impact. Let’s learn from one another. 💡 What are your favorite strategies for fostering engaging communication? Share in the comments below!👇 #Leadership #TransformationalLeadership #Teamwork #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Motivation #Inspiration

"I've been making an effort to ask how my staff are doing daily, but it's straining our relationship instead." ☝ A recent conversation in the DMs set the ball rolling; and here's an insight I'd love to share: Not every good question is a good question; and a throwaway "How are you" could be quite damaging to your relationships. In the same vein that led Gen Z-ers to protest against the passive-aggressiveness of emojis such as 👍 , how we ask questions can make a significant impact on our relationships with others. e.g. asking a staff, "How are you", while indicating with your body language that you're pressed for time, or on the way to someplace else expresses to the other party that ❌ I'm not genuinely interested in what you have to say ❌ Let's make this interaction quick ❌ Tell me something convenient It essentially forces the other party to accommodate your needs, rather than provide a real opportunity for them to build a meaningful relationship with you. Here's what you're encouraging instead: A relationship built on half-truths and lip service. Depending on your personal and professional relationship, choose questions that are relevant and timely, or demonstrate a genuine interest e.g. 🌟 What are you looking forward to this week? 🌟 Your contribution on XX project was interesting. What gave you the idea? 🌟 Let me guess... [insert something you've noticed about the other party] & above all, take note of your body language. ✅ turn your torso to face that person ✅ maintain direct eye contact ✅ remember to smile!! --- 👋 Hi, I'm Ruth & I love sharing about how and why our communications should be deeply human. I love delving into behavioural psychology too! If you enjoyed reading this, 🌟 give me a follow (so I don't disappear from your feed) 🌟 share your insights below 👇