Cátia Isabel Silva
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Choose your [power] words wisely
Words are powerful, and you should choose them wisely when giving a speech. This is common knowledge, but what does wisely mean exactly? When you decide to go on stage and stand in front of an audience under the spotlight, you want to be heard. A good speaker is inspirational and quickly catches the audience’s…
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Fear of Public Speaking: When Is It More Than Just Nerves?
The fear of public speaking is one of humanity’s most common anxieties. Whether addressing a small group of colleagues or standing before a large audience, the prospect of speaking in public can send shivers down our spine. Some research from the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals that this fear (often referred to as glossophobia)…
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Want to improve your public speaking? Improve your Emotional Intelligence
There was a time when scientists were way too focused on determining a numeric value to define our intelligence. With time, they realized that intelligence means a great number of different things, including our most emotional side. A high IQ doesn’t mean much if you can’t deal with your emotions. They are an essential point…
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The empty space: the psychology of pausing
I’m sure you heard about the importance of pausing during a speech or presentation. There are several practical reasons to do so, and you can find some tips on the perfect moments to use this technique right here in our blog. Yet, there is science behind the importance of pause, namely psychology. Why does your…
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The Power of asking questions to become a better speaker
We all know how difficult it can be to stand on the stage and answer the audience’s questions, but how about the other side? How about standing up in front of everyone, picking up a microphone, and asking the speaker a question? Asking questions For those who fear public speaking and feel exposed, asking a…
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Mastering the Q&A: Dealing with Tough Questions with Confidence
You’re about to start your presentation. Everything is ready, you rehearsed… what can go wrong? Immediately, a bright red alarm goes off in your head: the Q&A! The more you think about it, the more you feel your head spinning. What if they are mean? What if I don’t know the answer? What if…? Before…
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Stand-up Comedy is Some Serious Public Speaking
Do you like to listen to stand-up comedians? People are more than happy to sit for 1 hour or more in a chair listening to someone talking and even pay for it. However, invite them for a formal speech, and they will be less than excited… Sure, the comedic tone helps, but there is more…
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Creating SMART public speaking goals
Speaking in a thousand venues can be the dream, but without a precise goal, it may feel a bit empty to you. Did you improve? Were you better than last time? Better in what exactly? You may feel disappointed when you are not sure whether you improved or not. That’s why you need to define…
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Bingo Game: Speaking in a meeting
Bingo Night used to be quite popular among our elderly, but you can make this game not only fun again but also helpful for your speaking challenges. We had previously shared with you a couple of bingo cards to help you overcome your fear of public speaking or make networking tasks more fun. Now, it…
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Traumatic Memories: how do they impact your ability to shine?
When speaking in public, you feel incredibly vulnerable because you are too exposed. Many anthropologists have theories about that discomfort and its relationship with being apart from the group. In other words, far from the safety of the group. Yet, some of us seem to deal better with it, while others can reach the anxiety…