by Olivia Mitchell | Delivery
I suggested to Michaela that when she was delivering the most important parts of her presentation, she stand square to the audience. She pushed back on my suggestion, claiming that it wouldn’t be authentic. What she really meant is that it didn’t feel...
by Olivia Mitchell | Delivery
At the beginning of term, a ceramics teacher divided his students into two groups, Group A and Group B. To Group A he said: “I want you to make as many pots as possible. At the end of the term I’ll grade you on the weight of your pots.” To Group B he said: “I...
by Olivia Mitchell | Nervousness
When you have a big presentation coming up, do you say to yourself: “I must be knowledgeable.” “I must be the expert on this topic.” “I must be able to answer every question.” The problem with these statements The first is the use...
by Olivia Mitchell | Nervousness
My mother is an elegant French woman. She taught me how to dress well, and in particular to avoid wearing clashing colors. So wearing clothes that clash makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel like I’ve got a neon sign on my forehead flashing “Look at me, and...
by Olivia Mitchell | Nervousness
At the beginning of this year, I was stuck in bed following a major accident. I had a lot of time to think. There was one problem that I turned over in my mind. For 20 years I had run public speaking courses in New Zealand and tried my best to help people overcome the...