Articles & Tips

Millions or Billions

Posted on 13th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Improving Communications

On TV in the UK a few weeks ago I happened to catch an economist trying to explain our national debt using a pile of 157 pennies on the table, standing for the £157 Billion pounds we all owe. But it wasn’t the visual part that impressed me. It was the conversation about how most [...]

Change & Choice

Posted on 13th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Work / Life Balance

For many people the next few years will define who they are. The changes within the economic world are kicking off a tsunami like storm that will affect every one of us. It strikes me though, that one of the first things we mislay is the power of choice. How many times recently do you hear people talk about how powerless they feel then wait for the ‘job situation’ to roll over them, whilst frantically looking around for someone to blame? We have become reactive as a society. [...]

The Revolution Starts Here!

Posted on 13th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Work / Life Balance

Time to join my crusade…. I don’t think I come across as a revolutionary, at least no one has ever said so, but I’m going to start one anyway! Now I don’t intend to start wearing a beret with a badge and pitching a tent opposite the Houses of Parliament, and I don’t want to [...]

When exactly does your Presentation start?

Posted on 13th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Improving Communications

Typically when you get to your feet and open your mouth. However you could be missing an opportunity. If the objective of your presentation is to persuade and influence your audience, then why not begin sooner?I really think we can learn some great lessons from the best moviemakers. They start to influence us by playing [...]

How ‘Spotting the Spill’ can ruin your day!

Posted on 13th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Presentation Tips

It can happen to any of us… So picture the scene. You have been invited to speak at a top international industry conference in front of all the people who matter. You have a topic, which you are totally comfortable with and have some great support material and pictures. It’s the career opportunity you have [...]

The POWER of OPTIMISM

Posted on 7th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Leadership

It really works… “An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes the tartar sauce with him.” Zig Ziglar When you see someone you know across a crowded room and greet them with a ‘Hi, good to see you, how are you doing’ and they reply ‘not so bad’ does [...]

Are You Dancing Just To Get To The End Of The Record?

Posted on 6th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Leadership

If You Are It’s Time To Change The other day the supermodel Elle McPherson said to me (now that’s a great way of getting your attention but in all honesty she was talking to 1500 other people at the same time (Yorkshire International Business Convention www.yibc.biz). One of the things she said which really resonated [...]

Conference Coach or Confidence Coach?

Posted on 4th July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Improving Communications

It’s surprising how feeling good goes a long way I have been working with a high flyer in the financial world recently, following an important presentation to the board. Because it was potentially career enhancing, she took the traditional view that to been seen to do her job properly should mean late nights, lots of [...]

Handling the Tough Times

Posted on 1st July, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Improving Communications

Nobody can deny that for the majority of businesses, due to the credit crunch and general uncertainty, the economic situation is much tougher than this time last year. It would seem that the solution in most cases is to batten down the hatches and hope it’s over soon – the ostrich principle! Budgets for conferences and presentation coaching come under scrutiny or are cut back dramatically. [...]

Should Downturn Mean Disheartened?

Posted on 25th June, 2011 by Jon Hammond in Leadership

OK so pick up any newspaper, watch any news programme or check out the latest Internet headlines and everybody is saying times are going to get tougher. The financial effects of Sub Prime in the US are now starting to have a direct effect on our lives across the rest of the developed world. The Banks have squeezed their fingers and the associated professions are feeling the pinch. So why do I feel that NOW is the time to seize the opportunity? [...]