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! 😎
A double-header this week. As the Artemis II orbited the earth, the crew held a press conference, at the end of which the pilot, Victor Glover was asked for his thoughts from space on Easter Sunday. His first words in response were that he did not have anything prepared, which, if you've heard me talk about the importance of your speech opening, you will know is a terrible way to start. But then he delivered the most eloquent short speech about the beautiful oasis in the universe that is...
Sometimes you just have to get in people’s faces to get them to take action. Communicator of the Week Award goes to coach Brenda Frese, who was video in a now viral clip as she literally shouted in the face of an underperforming player on her basketball team. ’I need you to lock in’ she bellowed. ‘I believe in you.but you’ve got to want it the most’ if you watch it, it is uncomfortable, but the outcome was that the player went on to transform her performance and help the team close the gap...
Sometimes it’s just the effort that counts. Communicator of the Week Award goes to King Charles for his decision to insert a little pidgin English into his speech at the state dinner for President Tinubu of Nigeria. By all accounts, it was a pretty glitzy affair. (My invite must have been lost in the post). King Charles gave the expected flattery, praising the ‘economic powerhouse and cultural force’ that Nigeria represents. Highlighting Afrobeats, Nollywood, Jollof rice, and our football...