Communication& public speaking.

A simple introduction is enough to get started.

• Choose a moment when someone seems open to talking.
• Introduce yourself and ask about something you share.
• Give the other person room to respond.

Build on what someone says instead of rushing to your next question.

• Listen for a detail you can ask about.
• Ask for an opinion or experience, not just a fact.
• Use a gentle transition when changing topics.

Understanding comes before advice.

• Let the person finish before responding.
• Acknowledge how the situation sounds to them.
• Ask whether they want advice or someone to listen.

Notice the context, then check your assumptions.

• Pay attention to tone, expressions and the situation together.
• Remember that body-language cues can mean different things.
• Ask a gentle question if you are unsure.

Use comfortable, attentive signals that suit you and the person you're with.

• Face the conversation and put distractions aside.
• Use natural gestures and a relaxed posture.
• Keep eye contact comfortable; people have different preferences.

Make your message easy for this particular audience to follow.

• Think about what they already know.
• Choose relevant examples and explain unfamiliar words.
• Adjust the detail to your purpose and available time.

Give your audience a clear path from the opening to the takeaway.

• Decide what you want them to understand or do.
• Organise a clear opening, a few main points and a conclusion.
• Use examples, signpost transitions and leave time for questions.

Know your message well enough to explain it in your own words.

• Break your talk into short sections.
• Practise aloud with key-point notes.
• Time a run-through and ask someone what was clear.

Let your gestures support the message.

• Choose a comfortable, balanced position.
• Use gestures to show a number, comparison or scale.
• Include different parts of the audience in a way that feels natural.

Make your main ideas easier to hear and follow.

• Use a comfortable volume for the room.
• Pause between ideas and emphasise important words.
• Record a short practice and listen for pace and clarity.