Writing Arguments | THE ESSENTIALS
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Speaking & Writing about writing & speaking | Author |Speaker | Teacher
Ms Claire Duffy
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I could call this 'Communication Lessons from a wise old Greek'. Aristotle’s ‘Rhetorical Triangle‘ (ethos pathos logos) is well known...
2 min read
How to make a persuasive speech
Information reveals and clarifies options. Persuasion is about choosing among options. To be persuasive you have to convince and...
3 min read
Speechwriting Step 1: Define your purpose
The spoken word and the written word are different, and the key to success for speakers is being good to listen to. A speech is an oral...
2 min read
Memorable multi modals - Lighten up!
Multi Modal presentations can be a disiaster unless you have a good understanding of how the elements work together. A theory ...
3 min read
Analogies, the wonder tool for making sense.
What happens if you want to interest your listeners in something unfamiliar – a new idea, technique, or approach to something, which...
3 min read
In praise of poetry
Reciting poetry, along with pretty well all training in reading aloud, has disappeared from the modern classroom. And I think we’re the...
2 min read
LISTEN. Seriously. Just. LISTEN.
To be an effective communicator, you have to be a good listener first. Take these key concepts on board: • Attending: This means showing...
3 min read
Storytelling : ‘bore no more’.
To be good presenter you do need to tell good stories. So here is how to start developing those skills. Master them – and you will bore...
2 min read
Choose your gestures
Speakers need to be authentic. Poorly chosen gestures are a sure way to undermine that. As the researchers say: ‘While a hand gesture can...
6 min read
Voice matters: How your voice works
Making best use of your voice is important. Let’s look now at how it actually works. Your voice is part of your anatomy, so we’re going...
2 min read
Developing the speech
Notice I avoid saying ‘write the script’. The spoken word and the written word are different, and this presents a trap for speakers. The...
2 min read
Microphones: a beginner’s guide
Mics come in several types. The first clips to your lapel or collar. It has a battery pack, which you wear at your waistband, A lapel...
3 min read
Presentations: lessons from a Dog and a Frisbee
I am limited in my experience of financial institutions, and Mr Banks in Mary Poppins is the only person I know of from the Bank of...
3 min read
Shape and Structure | Arrange your stuff
The way you assemble your material is crucial for making the right impact. There are some basic components which any essay or ...
5 min read
Managing panel discussions.
As moderator your job is to get things to sparkle. You set the agenda, the questions, and the pace. You are the manager, the referee,...
2 min read
Three pillars of speaking success
About 2300 years ago, Aristotle wrote down the secrets to being a powerful speaker. These same secrets have formed the basis for nearly...
2 min read
Getting mad in public
When do public speakers and presenters need to get mad? Well…. If you are involved in a cause, or you’re an activist, a politician, or...
3 min read
Oral Presentations: Finish with oomph
How do you close in a way that makes them feel galvanised, reinforces your message and makes you memorable? Not by shuffling and...
4 min read
Pick me ! or How to Survive and Succeed at a Job Interview
Like any speaking situation the key to success is preparation. Anxiety subsides when you know what to do. Answering interview questions...
4 min read
Speaking for Professional Athletes
Interest in outstanding performers doesn’t fade with their fame, it endures. The community remains interested because they are...
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