The Art of Communication

The Power of Silence. Silence isn’t just the absence of sound - it’s a secret weapon in communication. Whether you’re delivering a speech, truly listening, or having a heartfelt conversation, knowing how to embrace silence can transform the way you connect with others. In this episode, Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen dive into the power of silence, exploring how mastering it can deepen your relation...

The Importance of Energy.   How important is energy when engaging an audience? What is the right level of energy? And how can we change our energy levels? Discover how physical and mental preparation can help you channel that "sweet spot" of energy for different situations — from meeting rooms to large gatherings. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss how different types of...

Being Natural on Video. How can you appear natural in front of a camera, whether you're a shooting social media video or filming a company message for your team?  We look at why authenticity and a conversational tone are crucial, even in formal settings, and learn practical tips for sound and lighting to produce a flattering and natural feel.  Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another fu...

Executive Presence - Leadership Beyond Charisma. What is executive presence? And can you learn it? It's a crucial but often misunderstood quality in effective leadership. Discover how true executive presence builds a sense of security and respect rather than fear.  We discuss real life examples, from Rafael Nadal to Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk and find the core elements that make up genuine...

The Importance of Memory in Communication. Why can you vividly remember some pitches and presentations while others fade away? We look at the role memory plays in effective communication. Is it better to memorize your speeches fully or rely on notes? And do specific memories help your storytelling to be more engaging and authentic? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another fun podcast episode...

Asking for Money: The Art of Fundraising. Many people feel that asking for money is hard. They say it can be difficult and embarrassing. From fundraising for charitable causes to funding business ventures, we discuss some of the communication secrets to asking for money. Whether you're raising for personal causes, charities, or business investments, join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for anot...

The Power of Saying 'Thank You'. Discover how the simple act of saying 'Thank you' can radiate through your day, influencing not just your mood but those around you. We explore how this simple act can shape relationships, professional dynamics, and even the way we interact with technology.  We discuss the mindset of gratitude, from the joy of beginning each day with a grateful...

The Top Five Frequently Asked Communication Questions:  AI, Confidence, Cross-Culture Communication, Humour and Using Notes. How will AI and ChatGPT impact communication? How can we regain our confidence when we feel we've lost it? How can we speak to people in cross-cultural settings? How can we inject humour into our communication, especially if we feel we are just not funny? And should we...

The Three Spaces of Communication: The Physical Space, The Space of the Senses, and the Virtual Space. How close should you sit or stand to someone? We explore the subtle art of Proxemics and its role in building trust. We explore cross-cultural variations and The Vertical Space that shapes  our classrooms and boardrooms. The Space of the Senses looks at all the personal senses, from your co-worke...

The Art of Gift-Giving: Unwrapping the Emotions Behind Our Presents. Gift-giving is more than just handing over a wrapped present; it's a symbol of communication and connection.  How can a simple gesture, like a bowl of homemade muffins, speak louder than the most lavish of presents?  We look at the unspoken rules of giving. Can the pressure to pick out the perfect gift make us lose sight of...

Mastering your Tone of Voice: ChatGTP vs Humans? How important is your tone of voice in both spoken and written communication?  What can happen if you get your tone wrong?  AI understands that the tone of what you say really matters and it can suggest different tones for you. Let's make sure that we hit the right tone every time. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and ot...

How to become a really good Listener. We listen all the time, of course, but do we truly listen? Or do we just let things waft over us?  How important is active listening? And how can we learn to become really good listeners?  Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions around the importance of listening well in another episode of this fun podcast series. 

The Inner Voices in Our Head. All of us have inner voices in our heads - some of us have them louder than others. From the little demon that says we're not good enough to the imagined conversations we wish we could have instead of the ones that we have to have. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to listen to the inner voices in our heads so that they don&...

To Rehearse or Not to Rehearse? It can feel odd rehearsing a speech or a presentation. Especially if you are rehearsing on your own. To some, rehearsing makes them feel safe and comfortable. To others, it can make them feel just plain awkward. But it would be foolish not to rehearse when the outcome of your pitch or presentation is really important. So how should we rehearse? How long should we re...

How to Behave When You Meet One of Your Heroes.  It can feel awkward meeting one of your heroes - whether they’re a movie star, an author, a public figure or an important person from your past. What do you say? How do you behave naturally? And is it OK to ask for a selfie? It’s all a bit of a minefield.  Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to make sure that if...

How to be a Great Host at Home and at Work. We've all been to great events, whether it was a party or a video conference call. It was probably great because it was hosted well. What makes a great host? Can you learn to be a better host? What are the basics? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to become a great host in another fun episode of this podcast. 

Introduce Yourself in Any Situation. How can we best introduce ourselves in any situation, confidently and calmly?  How can we come across as being impressive without being arrogant? Should we give our job title? Or underplay our success and be a little humble? We do it every day, but there are many factors to keep in mind when introducing ourselves. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they disc...

Final preparations. So, your big day has finally arrived. It may be a speech, a presentation, an important meeting, or a job interview. How should we prepare ourselves so we feel relaxed and confident?  How do we deal with any last-minute nerves? And are there specific things we should look out for so we don't get derailed? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting a...

Communication’s Secret Weapon - Poetry. Reciting a poem can feel a little scary but it needn't be that way. How can we become more confident in using poetry in our speeches and in our everyday life? Poetry can build our connection with our audience and boost our communication power.    Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to help us all feel confident when...

Keeping it Fresh. How can you deliver the same message over and over again and still keep it fresh? From presentations to pitches, from Town Halls to talks, it can be a real challenge. And, of course, actors face this problem every day when on stage or filming take after take.  Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they find some interesting ways to keep it fresh in another fun episode. 

First Impressions. How important is it for us to make a good first impression? How harshly do we judge other people on the first impression they make on us?  And is it possible to reverse a bad first impression?   Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for the 30th episode of this fun podcast. 

The Communication Expert Series: Shirley McGrath, one of Australia's most successful theatre producers. In this episode, Robin talks to  Australian theatre producer, Shirley McGrath. Previously she was an actor, singer, and dancer. The so-called triple threat. Now she’s an international theatre producer, having produced shows on Broadway, in London, across Asia, and in her homeland Australia....

How to ace a Q + A session. So your presentation has gone well. But what happens afterwards if someone asks you a difficult question you don't the the answer to? Or nobody asks you a question at all?  And how do you stop someone from talking too much and taking over the Q + A session entirely?   Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions in another fun episod...

The Delicate Etiquette of Food at Work. Is it acceptable to eat on a Zoom call, to slurp spicy foods at your desk or to crunch crisps in a business meeting? And what about formal lunches with clients or your boss?    Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they tackle the delicate etiquette of food at work in another fun episode. 

Socially Awkward Moments. You know those socially awkward moments, when you just want the floor to open up so you can disappear.  You're at a party and you forget someone's name. And then you have to introduce them to someone else. Whose name you also can't remember.  You bump into your ex, and you have to meet their glamorous new partner. You're in a restaurant and you discove...