Tag Archives: Conor Neill

A conversation with Conor Neill

Posted on 16/04/2019 by

I have just returned home after my annual week teaching public speaking and communication skills at the IESE Executive MBA Programme in Barcelona, Spain. It was my 7th year working with fellow speaking professionals — and dear friends — Tony … Continue reading →

Posted in IESE - Persuasive Communication | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Four Public Speaking Lessons – and a Drone!

Posted on 17/04/2017 by

I recently had the pleasure of spending 10 days in Barcelona for work and pleasure. The first week was spent at IESE Business School where, once or twice a year, I join four others to teach public speaking and communication … Continue reading →

Posted in Delivery | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Arnold Schwarzenegger and little victories

Posted on 06/07/2015 by

I am currently in the middle of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography, Total Recall. It is a fascinating read that offers great insights into the focus, drive and work ethic of the man. Schwarzenegger is not perfect, and he has made his share of mistakes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Psychology of Public Speaking | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Is PowerPoint a good thing or a bad thing?

Posted on 29/03/2014 by

I am proud to be part of a great team that gets to spend one week a year with the dynamic, motivated and clever students in the IESE Executive MBA Programme. We help them hone their public speaking skills so … Continue reading →

Posted in IESE - Persuasive Communication | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

Posted on 13/02/2014 by

I am proud to be part of a great team that gets to spend one week a year with the dynamic, motivated and clever students in the IESE Executive MBA Programme. We help them hone their public speaking skills so … Continue reading →

Posted in IESE - Persuasive Communication | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Violin, a Subway Station and a Lesson from Aristotle

Posted on 24/02/2013 by

At approximately 7:45 on a chilly Friday morning in January 2007, a young man with a violin case entered one of the subway stations in Washington, D.C. He took up a position near a wall and a garbage can, took … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhetoric | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 117) – Conor Neill

Posted on 15/02/2012 by

“Start strong with a ‘grabber’. A personal story, a quote from an expert or a shocking statistic —  something that takes a hold of your audience and gets them hooked and opens their mind to your message. Give the audience a chance … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes for Public Speakers | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

A Public Speaking Lesson in a Pot of Clay

Posted on 08/11/2011 by

Today’s post was inspired by a story that I heard from my friend and fellow public speaker, Conor Neill. Conor came across the story via Malcolm Gladwell. I am not sure where Gladwell got it, but on with the story … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis of a Speech, TED | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

What will the audience do when you’ve finished speaking?

Posted on 10/05/2011 by

Long-time readers of this blog know that I frequently stress the importance of thinking about the audience before preparing a speech or designing a presentation. A speech or presentation is always about the audience: first; last; and foremost. That’s why … Continue reading →

Posted in Preparation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments