Leaning Forward

Peter Beckenham exudes positive energy and no doubt employed that trait when he successfully sold ideas (and insurance products) without appearing to sell anything! In this interview, Peter shares his fascinating personal story as well as some tips and techniques around conversational selling. A strong advocate of the storytelling approach, he talks about having "no competition" when you...

It's always possible to butcher a perfectly good story - but in the hands of a master like Stephen Fry, it's a joy to listen to. In this episode we put one particular anecdote of his under the microscope, revealing some of the ways great raconteurs entertain, educate and enthral their audience. Listen out for the three HUM's - Humour, Humility and Humanity. It's best if you wat...

Think of a presentation as if you were serving up a meal - it has a structure (perhaps a starter, main and dessert), you might use a favourite recipe, carefully plate up the food and serve it with style. But the success of your meal depends largely on the ingredients you use and the way you combine them. In this episode, Andrew applies this principle to communication and explores how you might use...

Two people are preparing for their first face-to-face networking event post-lockdown. They ask themselves very different questions: Person A: What's the best route to the venue? What are the parking arrangements? Looking at the delegate list, who might be a good contact for me? Can I leave early to get to my next meeting? Is there wi-fi? Person B: Is this the right type of event for me? Am I...

Suppose you’re going to be interviewed for a podcast or panel.  A great opportunity, yes? But will the things you say really stand out in a world where information is plentiful, but insight and inspiration are in short supply?  Today we take a look at what it takes to really NAIL that interview, to say things that DO get people to turn up the volume and hang on your every word. Interview with the...

"Often what's stopping us from succeeding isn't the value of our ideas—it's our inability to communicate that value meaningfully." So says Gary Corrin , a marketing and branding consultant based in the UK. In this revealing interview with Andrew, he talks about his work and the way he helps clients to build their brand story and create a deep emotional connection with thei...

Suppose you say something to someone - you think you've said X but they hear Y. It's a common scenario, a misunderstanding perhaps, but it can have consequences. This is one aspect of today's episode, exploring the minefield which is conversation. It's highly likely you'll be doing some of the things you hear in this clip within hours (maybe minutes) of listening - both go...

When it comes to communicating with another person, one thing in particular will influence how it goes - your INTENT. Are you there to get a sale, to show you're knowledgeable or prove to the other person the folly of their ways? In this episode of Leaning Forward, I look at 3 activities where intent can work for you, or scupper your chances of a good outcome - speaking, listening and network...

"So, what do you do?" Surely that's the most straightforward question to answer, but somehow it's not. For some reason it doesn't help that we know our work intimately! In this episode we explore this crucial business skill and we start way back in the 19th century with what some claim to be the world's first 'elevator pitch'. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp,...

Case Studies tend not to be the most compelling of stories, but they could be - with the Hero's Journey treatment.  Drawing lessons from the movie world, Andrew explains how to make our stories a little more adventurous, whilst keeping them believable and professional. Discover how to release your inner Spielberg and have audiences wanting more. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The M...

What has a 1960s television series got to do with business communication? Well, tune into this episode and you’ll discover how to boldly go beyond where your story has gone before. Andrew introduces the 3 IN's of persuasion, a way to package a message into three distinctive layers, each affecting your audience in different ways. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man&ap...

It's a bit silly to suggest ANY presentation is 'perfect' but there's certainly a lot to learn from this short talk by Karl Southern. There's a link HERE to a document showing some images from the talk, to help you follow the flow. He gave this six-and-a-half minute presentation at a communication skills workshop in Manchester (UK) called 'Speakeasy'. Organised a...

"I've never actually met Sian Cardy and Stefano Capacchione from Puck Creations , but I was seduced by their recent storytelling initiative via LinkedIn and they're wonderful people with a great story of their own, so I invited them to the show! Our discussion centres around their work in brand communications, helping companies decide who they are, why they're different and how...

Humour is a subjective matter but there are some things that have wide appeal when it comes to raising a smile in your audience. This episode explores what those might be, material in the everyday world that has comedic potential and could be used in a business-related or workplace situation. With references to Monty Python and talk show guests like Tom Hanks and Salma Hayek, Andrew suggests 6 cat...

In this episode Andrew provides some great examples of how to open a talk, everything from a cheeky child and a ping pong ball to a funny accountant and a Morecambe & Wise sketch (the Andre Previn one , if you're intrigued to know!). It's a longer tutorial that normal so here are some 'place points' to help you navigate the content: 1.03: ping pong ball 2.43: primacy and re...

Stories are a wonderful way to create a connection with your audience, but many people say, "That's all very well but I don't have any!" In this episode, Andrew pushes back against this notion and suggests that stories are everywhere - but we need the eyes to see them. He provides some great examples which may help you find inspiration in the world around you. Check out Andrew&...

The Greeks knew a thing or two about persuasive rhetoric and in this episode we examine a principle put forward by Aristotle – he called it ‘modes of persuasion’ and they include the BIG 3 – Logos, Ethos and Pathos. They can be a powerful cocktail when it comes to convincing people to buy your ideas. There's a reference to a terrific book on persuasive rhetoric: Thank you for Arguing (by Jay...

Andrew shares a personal story, an extraordinary moment of serendipity and an illustration of a small experience with a big significance. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man' . Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling in the business world. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn . Check out Stefano Capacc...

In this episode, Andrew explores the importance of storytelling as a tool for persuasion. He describes it as a 'superpower' and suggests we all have the potential to be confident and effective storytellers. Using examples as diverse as a French job seeker and a frustrated dry cleaner, Andrew demonstrates how this skill can be put to practical use. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA &apo...

A teaser for forthcoming episodes of our podcast 'Leaning Forward'. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man' . Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling in the business world. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn . Track: Travel With Us — Vendredi [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Lib...

Something unusual happened on an early morning walk, with some interesting lessons to be learned. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man' . Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling in the business world. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn . Track: Travel With Us — Vendredi [Audio Library Release] Music p...