VirtualSpeech Blog

We offer advice, research and insights to improve your professional development skills, including communication, interview, leadership, interpersonal, and presentations skills.

March 23, 2018

Categories

Workplace & Employee Training

Overcoming the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve with Virtual Reality

We lose about 90% of the information we learn within a month. You may be investing a lot of money into learning a new skill, when ultimately not much of the material is remembered. We discuss how VR can be used to increase retention and overcome the forgetting curve.

March 4, 2018

Categories

Sales & Media Training

Preparing Your Company Spokesperson for Media Interviews

Having a good company spokesperson is essential for your public relations. The spokesperson gives your organisation both a face and a voice, helping to build trust with the audience on your behalf.

February 27, 2018

Categories

Sales & Media Training

What Not to Say in a Media Interview, Phrases and Words to Avoid

During a media interview your aim is to deliver key messages clearly whilst positively representing your organisation. In this article we outline what to avoid saying in both TV and radio interviews.

February 21, 2018

Categories

Presentation Skills

Guide for Giving a Group Presentation

Group presentations are an important part of certain academic and business projects. In this article, we discuss how to prepare for and deliver a presentation with multiple speakers.

February 19, 2018

Categories

Sales & Media Training

15 Essential B2B Sales Strategies for your Business

Learn effective B2B sales strategies, including the use of case studies, qualifying leads, having great support, researching competitors and learning about your customers’ journey.

February 17, 2018

Categories

Career and Workplace

Common business English phrases for a workplace meeting

Meetings are an essential part of the modern workplace. Understanding the right phrases, vocabulary and terminology to use in an English business meeting can help your career progression in our highly competitive workplace environment.

February 14, 2018

Categories

Workplace & Employee Training

Different types of employee training and delivery methods

Organizations can use many different types of training and delivery methods to engage their employees. In this article, we discuss common methods of delivery and training types

February 11, 2018

Categories

Leadership Skills

The Complete Guide to Crisis Management and Communication

Crisis management is an essential organisational function. We cover best practices, case studies, examples and useful resources which can be incorporated into an effective crisis management plan.

January 5, 2018

Categories

Public Speaking

Guide to Choosing a Successful Speech Topic

We provide a framework for choosing a successful speech topic which your audience will find interesting, you are passionate about and knowledgeable on.

January 2, 2018

Categories

Communication Skills

10 Effective Ways to use Pauses in your Speech

A pause, if used correctly, can add a great deal to your speech. Here are 10 ways you can use a pause effectively, from adding emphasis to key points, to changing the presentation topic, to replacing filler words.

December 20, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Examples of Effective Corporate Presentation Slides

Examples of great corporate presentations from leaders in their respective industries. Learn from company presentations on Moz, Netflix, Accenture, HubSpot and Google, including slides and quotes.

December 4, 2017

Categories

Public Speaking

Exercises to Warm up your Voice before a Speech

Different exercises to warm up your vocal muscles before a speech or presentation. We explain why vocal warm up is important, different vocal exercises to try and tongue twisters to warm up your muscles.

November 25, 2017

Categories

Public Speaking

5 TED Talks Every Public Speaker Should Watch

Five powerful TED Talks to improve your public speaking and communication skills, from the impact of body language, to telling stories, to using your vocal toolbox.

November 24, 2017

Categories

Public Speaking

Why and How to Bring Statistics Into Your Speech

Statistics and data are a great way to add impact to your presentation. Use these tips in your speech to make your message more persuasive and memorable.

November 23, 2017

Categories

Communication Skills

Use your Vocal Toolbox to Deliver an Impactful Speech

How you speak and sound makes a dramatic impact on your speech. Use the different elements of the vocal toolbox during your presentation to sound more authoritative and knowledgeable.

November 18, 2017

Categories

Public Speaking

What is Glossophobia and How to Overcome it

Learn about public speaking anxiety, or glossophobia, including what it is, symptoms and signs, consequences, how to treat it and exercises to help you overcome your fear of public speaking.

November 14, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Guide for Presenting to Large Groups of People

A guide for how to present to large groups of people, either at a conference, theatre or other large venue. Our tips will help you influence your audience and deliver a memorable message.

November 10, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

18 Ways to Make Your Presentation More Interactive

Involving your audience with an interactive presentation is much more likely to keep your audience’s attention and help them understand your message.

November 7, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Design Ideas for your Presentation Summary Slide

Learn about different design ideas for your summary slide, and why it is preferable to a thank you slide. We've included examples of the summary slide which you can use as reference.

November 6, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Different Ways to End a Presentation or Speech

There are many different ways to leave closing remarks at the end of your speech, from summarising to rhetorical questions to an unusual quote. Learn about how to use them in different situations.

October 29, 2017

Categories

Communication Skills

45 Impromptu Speech Topics and Ideas

Impromptu speech topics you can use at your next event, or for practice to improve communication skills and quick-thinking. We also outline what an impromptu speech is and tips for picking a topic.

October 27, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Presentation Checklist: What to do Before and After Delivery

Read our complete presentation checklist for all essential tasks to prepare and think about before, during and after your speech, including what to bring with you on the day of the event.

October 24, 2017

Categories

Non-Verbal Communication

The Importance of Eye Contact during a Presentation

We discuss the benefits of good eye contact when giving a speech, and ways to improve your eye contact so that you connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

October 19, 2017

Categories

Presentation Skills

Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation

Read our guide for answering questions, including how to prepare, setting rules for the audience, a framework for responding, handling difficult questions and strategies for when you are struggling to answer.