Good at what you do, but struggling with your communication skills? Igotchu! 😎
Predict the question...
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You know the saying (often attributed to Warren Buffett): it takes years to build a reputation, and 5 minutes to ruin it. This week's MisCommunicator of the Week has proved that adage to be truer than ever. Prior to this week, not many members of the public knew much about John Healey. He was one of the more respected members of the Labour cabinet, quietly getting on with the difficult job of Defence Secretary. In an increasingly dangerous world full of wars, conflicts and terrorism, he seemed to be doing about as good a job as any Minister could do with the UK's limited military resources.A nd then, this week in a disastrous interview with Nick Ferrari on LBC radio, Healey completely fumbled what should have been a simple question - 'how many ships does the Royal Navy have?' (It's excruciating to listen to his answer, given that it was such a basic question). It led to a week of terrible headlines for the poor man, and now the public is wondering who that bumbling fool is and how can he be in charge of the defence of the country? Most people worry about the prospect of getting tripped up by a difficult question in an interview or Q&A, but the truth is 95% of all the questions you will ever be asked in those situations are entirely predictable. So, the next time you have an interview or a Q&A coming up, spend an hour of your time and write down the 20 most likely questions you might be asked. (ChatGPT is great for that if you're struggling). Then spend another hour working out your answers. ​ ​ Kolarele ​ |
Build your Communication SuperSkills
Good at what you do, but struggling with your communication skills? Igotchu! 😎
This week, a massive fire ripped through and destroyed a warehouse in North London. The warehouse was home to numerous small businesses, one of which was a brand creating beautiful interior products with West African designs, called Eva Sonaike. Imagine watching your life’s work go up in flames and knowing that nothing would be salvageable. Devastating! It would be easy to wallow in regret and self pity, but that isn’t how Eva is built. Tears? Yes. Disbelief? Of course. But also an unshakable...
There's a famous scene in the first season of the West Wing. Things haven't been going well for President Bartlett and his administration, mainly because he is too cautious to really fight for what he believes. Finally exasparated, he makes the decision to forget about the politics of reelection and speak up for what he believes. His chief of staff relieved that the President has finally decided to stop holding back, writes down an edict to every member of the White House staff that reads:...
Sometimes it really is just about looking the part! Communicator of the Week Award goes to the Carters (Jay-Z, Beyonce, Blue Ivy) for their stunning look at the Met Gala event this week. Of course, communication is primarily about what you say and how you say it, but that doesn't mean that how you look is irrelevant. I recommend to all my clients to have a go to look for their speeches and presentations. Think of it like armour that makes you feel like you are in control. And The Carters...