by Kathy O'Brien | Mar 13, 2020 | Executive Communication, Executive Presence, Presentation Skills
Here’s a great way to improve as a communicator: Choose your words deliberately. That sounds simple. But frankly, few of us do it. Very often, we choose the first phrase that pops into our mind. What’s wrong with that popped-into-my-mind phrase? Chances are, it...
by Kathy O'Brien | Jan 21, 2020 | Uncategorized
If you are Chinese or live in a country where the Lunar New Year is celebrated noisily, it can be exceedingly difficult to avoid family reunions, visiting relatives and all things red and gold. Alas, you may also have to put up with nosey relatives with...
by Kathy O'Brien | Jan 17, 2020 | Executive Communication, Executive Presence, MainStage, Public Speaking
Mark was brimming with confidence. In tailored power suit and snazzy haircut, well-rehearsed presentation deck in hand, he was ready to ace it….. …. except, he didn’t expect an audience so old and grim, in dishevelled office wear. Mark quickly discovered they...
by Kathy O'Brien | Jan 5, 2020 | AGM, Executive Communication, Virtual Executive Presence
An Annual General Meeting puts strange demands on you as a board director. On the one hand, you may not be required to speak at all. On the other, you will be judged harshly for every move you do or do not make. The AGM is a seminal moment that is at once demanding...
by Kathy O'Brien | Oct 13, 2019 | C Suite, Executive Body Language, Executive Communication, Executive Presence, Presentation Skills
We all know body language is a powerful tool for communicating. When you stand and present, you have many elements at your disposal – your posture, movement, gestures. But what about when you’re seated? People often ask how they can use deliberate body language while...
by Kathy O'Brien | Sep 30, 2019 | Executive Communication, Executive Presence
You’re working on your executive presence. You’re speaking up in meetings, delivering concise points, adding constructively to the discussion. But is it working? You know you’re putting in a lot of effort; but you don’t know if it’s having the desired effect. ...
by Kathy O'Brien | Jul 26, 2019 | Executive Communication, Executive Presence, Presentation Skills
Here is a great way to get yourself into a resourceful state before a big presentation. Think of a ‘YES’ moment – when you landed the big job, scored the winning goal or emerged triumphant under pressure. Enjoy that memory for just a moment. When you...
by Kathy O'Brien | Dec 31, 2018 | Executive Body Language, Executive Communication, Executive Presence
Consider the following scenario: you have recently joined a company and are giving a presentation to your boss and colleagues. Your boss yawns several times and keeps looking at his phone as you speak. Although you’re relatively new, based on prior behaviour you had...
by Kathy O'Brien | Dec 14, 2018 | Executive Presence, MainStage, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking
You may be making your first presentation or getting up in front of an audience for the hundredth time, but regardless of your situation, all great speakers know that projecting confidence will allow your audience to focus on your message, instead of focusing...
by Kathy O'Brien | Dec 4, 2018 | Executive Body Language, Executive Presence
So your presentation is all set. You’re about to walk in the door. How do you make that ideal first impression? Whenever you make a new acquaintance, that person forms decisions about you. This is natural human behaviour: we take in the visual picture, the way...
