As anyone who knows me well will know, I am by nature, quite shy.
Yes, it’s true. Behind this gruff exterior beats the heart of someone who abhors networking and dreads having to indulge in small talk. Especially if it means having to talk about myself or my work.
This is actually one of the reasons why I write for a living because being tied to a computer means that I spend most of my time in my own company. Although given that I’m possibly the most interesting person I know, this isn’t exactly a trial.
Having told you that, it may surprise you to know that I have never had a problem speaking in public. Indeed, although they arrive infrequently, I don’t think I’ve ever turned down an invitation to speak at an event no matter how large or small the potential audience.
However, whilst I’ve always tried to entertain, inform and motivate, it has always bugged me a little that I’ve been cheating people in the sense that I’ve never really treated public speaking seriously and certainly not professionally.
So with that in mind, last week I attended a course run by an amazing bloke called Brad Burton, the UK’s #1 motivational business speaker and to say that ‘Be A Better Speaker’ was an eye opener would be an understatement. It’s safe to say that there wasn’t a single element of my speaking performance that didn’t warrant either comment or attention. In the majority of cases, both.
I certainly ended the day a better and more confident speaker and if standing up in front of people is a part and parcel of your job or indeed, if you want to earn money from telling your story, then I cannot recommend this course highly enough. It genuinely will help you.
Oh, and if you ever need a speaker, give me a shout.
Just in case you didn’t know already, all of my books and DVD’s are available from both Amazon and iTunes.
author,writing,screenwriting,indie film,public speaking.hooliganism,gangs,veteran,RAF,military
Nice article Dougie. Very. It was a fabulous day. And as you know I teach this too – and both Brad’s methods and mine complement each other perfectly.
Completely different – and both excellent!
Loved this – Well done Dougie. :o)
Dougie and I attended the same course run by Brad Burton and with guest speaker Ian Dickson. I was entertained, enthralled and wanted to know more about each person’s “story” the best bit was getting involved and having to think and learn on your feet…I also learnt never assume and judge Dougie by his book covers! You need to hear his story event bookers.
Thanks Linda!