Simply Connect

I was ecstatic when I got my substantive NHS Consultant job. If you've ever spent years dreaming of something, you'll appreciate just how stressful the thought of failing is. But I'm surprised about what's made the biggest difference since I got the job... I thought it would be staying in one place. As a trainee I'd worked in over 30 different jobs. That feeling of having to prove yourself over and over again is....urghhh. The thing is… I thought staying in the same place would be the best...

Hey Reader, I once went to a job interview where I’d done no prep. It was early in my career. I thought I’d just ‘be myself’. I had no idea what I was doing. I dread to think how bad I was. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. The harsh truth? You’re unlikely to be a natural interview legend either. This is where frameworks come in. Frameworks are something to fall back on so you perform your best at interview. Without frameworks, what happens when you get asked an unexpected...

Hey Reader, Where have you been??? Haha. I took a break from my weekly newsletter to put my head down on a new project. And I want to share what I learned. I've been interview coaching for a few years and I LOVE it. Helping people face their fears. Then helping them overcome their fears. And most importantly helping them secure their dream jobs. So for the last 5 weeks I put together and launched my course. But the launch process has taught me heaps. My newsletter will focus on interview...

Hey Reader, I don’t get it,” says the audience member, We have lived perfectly good and virtuous lives. Why are we being subjected to this hell?” The presenter nervously rubs the back of their head. Honestly? I was pretty sure you’d be happier in this hell than heaven.” This is the problem. As presenters, we are certain we do the audience a favor by putting everything on our slides. But as audience members….it’s boring as hell. Let’s get real. Death By PowerPoint is NOT for the benefit of the...

Hey Reader, It was supposed to be a simple task: Start my presentation without telling the audience who I am. I don't NEED to start with the words 'thanks for inviting me' or by explaining how happy I am to be here. It shouldn't be hard. I've watched hundreds of TED talks and I know what a captivating start to a presentation looks like. I must grab their attention. I must make them like me at the beginning. But I've never done it before. I've never launched right into the presentation. I've...

Hey Reader, I’m sorry I’m speaking in front of....who?!” I say in shock. Grammar pedants don't @ me, it's just how I speak). I've found out I'm giving a conference presentation in ONE WEEK and there will be someone Very Important in the audience.... How did I end up here??!! So now I'm spending the whole afternoon Googling the etiquette for addressing Royalty. Real Royalty. PRINCESS ANNE. But there's more. After I deliver my presentation, she's going to join me on the stage and deliver her...

Have you ever given a presentation that fell flat, Reader? I have. There I was, pouring my heart and soul into a presentation I had worked on for freaking hours. But, as I glanced out at the audience (only for a second because I was trying to remember what I was going to say next), I saw people flicking through their phones. Checking Twitter no doubt. Or that very important work email. Someone had actually nodded off! Oh man, I wasn't even keeping people's attention enough for them to...

Hey Reader, We all know the feeling of sitting through a talk that feels generic and uninspiring as though it could have been delivered to ANY audience. Crafting presentations that resonate with your audience is not just about delivering information; it’s about leaving them feeling inspired and connected. Without that connection, a presentation can quickly become a forgettable experience. So, how can you ensure your audience stays engaged and attentive throughout? This week, I’ll show you how...