Have you ever delivered a speech or presentation that failed to really connect with your audience? Maybe you saw people drifting off. Or checking their phones. Or stealing longing glances at the coffee machine. Maybe the content of your speech was interesting and important. But if you don't make an effort to engage and connect with your audience, there's a high chance your presentation will fall flat. This is where my very special guest, public speaking and presentation coach and speaker … [Read more...]
Busking Challenge Part 3: Where I Perform on the Streets of Melbourne [Episode 16]
I finally did it. On Saturday 27 June, I took my ukulele, digital recorder and multicoloured party pants into the city of Melbourne in an attempt to woo the crowds with my musical prowess. Yep, I became a busker. In Australia, ‘busking’ is the term we give to 'street performing'. A ‘busker’ is someone who engages in this activity. Your goal as a busker is to entertain the general public, in return for gratuities. Gratuities are usually in the form of money, but can also be food, drink … [Read more...]
Busking Challenge Part 2: Meet the Street Performers of Melbourne [Episode 15]
Last week on the podcast, I learned how to sing in public. This week, I hit the streets of Melbourne to find out what it's REALLY like to be a street performer (or 'busker' as we say in Australia). I wanted to know: What's it like getting started? How do you get noticed by passers by? How do stand out from all the other buskers? Is it possible to make a living busking full time? How long would it take me to earn back my $20 busking permit fee? I learned all this, and so … [Read more...]
Busking Challenge Part 1: How To Sing In Public [Episode 14]
This week I learn how to sing in public. In preparation for my upcoming busking challenge (that is, to perform on the streets of Melbourne with my ukulele), I enlisted the help of my friend, professional musician and singing teacher Caity Fowler. Caity has been a musician for years in the band Playwrite, and has recently launched her solo act, Spriit. She is also a yoga teacher in training, which means she brings a very holistic, calming approach to her teaching, which you will hear in … [Read more...]
What Costume Parties Teach Us About Confidence [Episode 13]
Who doesn't love a good costume party? There’s something about being ‘in character’ that enables us to have more fun, be confident and be more of ourselves. But why? In this episode I share what costume parties can teach us about confidence, and how YOU can apply these lessons in your everyday life. No red sparkly cape required. Speaking of confidence... Your challenges: 1. Get in character. Why not be “in character” during your normal life? For example, if you have an … [Read more...]
Benefits of Bikram with Jade Hall of Bikram Yoga Ascot Vale [Founder Friday]
Meet Jade Hall, director and owner of Bikram Yoga Ascot Vale. I've been practicing at BYAV the last few weeks, and have been so impressed I HAD to feature her on Founder Friday! To the non-yogi, you could describe Bikram as 'yoga in a sauna'. They heat the room to 39 degrees and you work through a series of 26 poses over 90 minutes. You breathe. You rest. And you sweat. Oh boy, do you sweat. You've never really sweated until you've experienced the intense heat of Bikram. And it was this that … [Read more...]
How To Not Be Awkward In Social Situations with Prescott Perez-Fox [Episode 12]
You’ve experienced it, right? That moment you walk into an event and you’re like, ‘Oh I don’t know anyone. Umm…what do I do?’ You freeze momentarily. Everyone else looks like they know someone. Everyone is happily chatting away. How on EARTH do you seamlessly jump into a conversation without being awkward and weird?? If you know what I’m talking about, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, myself included of course. But there is hope! There are things you can do to make your life … [Read more...]
My First Attempt At Stand Up Comedy [Episode 11]
Have you ever done something that scared you? Like, really REALLY scared you? I had a mega "oh crap" moment last year, when I performed stand up comedy for the very first time at an open mic night in New York City. Stand up is something I had NEVER EVER considered doing, but I managed to overcome my fears and give it a go. Wanna hear the story, plus the ENTIRE RECORDING of my set? Listen in to the show! WARNING: there is explicit language in this episode (yes, I swear in my … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Tools for Influencing Others with Chris Helder [Episode 10]
This week I am very excited to be chatting with professional speaker and author Chris Helder. Chris helps people become better communicators so they can influence others and be more effective at sales and leadership. He believes that before you can truly influence people, you need to learn how to communicate effectively. See why I wanted him on the show?! I met with Chris at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, where he had just come from delivering a keynote speech. This is what he does, he … [Read more...]
Why Every Business Needs A Video (And How To Make Yours Stand Out) with Simon J Green of The X Gene [Episode 9]
Everyone has to have a video on the front page of their website. Because their competitors are going to do it regardless. If you've been following me, you'll know that I love using video, which is why I was so excited to meet and chat with my featured guest this week, Simon J. Green. Simon is the director of The X Gene, a Melbourne-based video production agency. He loves making digital video content for "rebels, disrupters and early adopters" who want to genuinely stand out. He's all about … [Read more...]