Leaning Forward

If you were there on the night, you'll know what a terrific event TEDx Warrington was. We had 9 speakers and, without exception, they enlightened and inspired us with their ideas. Time to reflect on the event and consider what lessons and inspiration we can draw from the concept of TED Talks.We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione.Andrew Thorp is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling in the ...

A follow-up to an earlier episode on 'How to be Funny', our theme here is the practical use of humour in conversational situations. We look at where the comedy can be found in everyday life and how to weave this into our interactions with others. We consider the 5 M's as potential sources of material:Misalignments (7.22)Misdirection (9.25)Mismatches (10.22)Misunderstandings (11.38)Misfortunes (12.43)There are examples of each and check out the various comedic references via links below:The po...

It's hard enough when you're a native English speaker to find just the right word or phrase when you're under pressure. But imagine if it's your second or third language! Our guest Benjamin Dudgeon recognised this challenge many years ago when he created his company, Hone Your English.In this episode we explore how he helps his international clients develop the confidence to communicate well in these critical situations.We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capac...

If you haven't got any struggle in your story, you haven't really got a story at all. When nothing much happens or it's all good news you're unlikely to engage your audience. In this episode, we explore where to find the struggle in your story and how to tell it in such a way that it enhances your brand.Check out the work of Bryce McNabb on brand storytelling AND the amazing speaker (and coach) Richard McCann.We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard.Show is hosted by...

This is the first episode of 2023, published on 1st January and, in a way, it's a plea to adopt a New Year's resolution - to engage in conversation with strangers! It may go against the advice we got from our parents when we were kids, but it's a great way to develop confidence, build a network and perhaps make us happier human beings. Listen to this episode and discover more.Check out a couple of references made by your host Andrew Thorp:Gillian Sandstrom and her research on the benefits of ...

Communication is really all about creating a connection with your audience. When you're fully present, able to think on your feet and perhaps raise a smile in others, you've got some key advantages! This interview with comedy performer and illustrator John Cooper explores these very themes.Watch John Cooper's TEDx talk on the practical value of improvisation.We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard.Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a...

I met Emma Baylin recently at a TEDx event where she spoke passionately about the positive impact that singing can have on us all. Through her company Shared Harmonies (a CIC), she and her colleagues work in the community and the corporate world, using singing to help us shed limiting beliefs and create a shared sense of connection.Check out Emma's website for Shared Harmonies.Watch her amazing YouTube clip entitled 'Our Song'We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano...

There are umpteen books about how to give a great TED talk but in this episode we put the spotlight on one specific talk, a wonderful presentation from 2013 by Professor Sugata Mitra entitled: Build a School in the Cloud. It's a favourite of our host Andrew Thorp and this is his take on what enabled the professor to wow his audience that day. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione.Andrew Thorp is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the fi...

If you visit the gym once a month and expect results you might be disappointed. A brisk walk every day for a sustained period is far more likely to yield benefits and it's much the same with communication. In this episode we focus on the importance of 'little and often' and the way small, frequent conversations can foster strong, productive relationships. We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard.Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a pr...

If you want to do justice to your company or organisation, tell great stories - small ones! That's the theme of this episode of Leaning Forward, an exploration of what a small story looks like, how to find them within your own organisation and how to tell them well.We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard.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 storytel...

What does it actually mean to 'tell a better story'? In this episode we answer this very question with an exercise - the transformation of a bare framework of a story into something more gripping, and human. It's like the difference between a house and a home, an idea popularised by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross in a hit song from the 1960s.We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione.Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a...

As a physician in the USA, Steve Shama relied on his technical knowledge to diagnose and treat skin conditions. But he also saw his patients as people, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of empathy and human connection. After 30 years in private practice, he left medicine to develop a new career as a professional speaker and communication skills coach. In this episode, he shares some of the techniques and principles that he uses with audiences and private clients.Check ou...

People often work hard to secure a job interview but poor preparation or a lack of confidence can impair their performance when the big moment comes. In this episode of Leaning Forward we’re joined by Chris Delaney, an expert in career and life coaching and a man with an interesting journey of his own. Nuggets include the power of saying "yes", the way he's learned to use his voice and an unusual way to improve your spelling! Chris has written 3 books on the subject of career/interviews; chec...

A lot of our content on Leaning Forward is about communicating a better story on the outside, but this episode looks within - the story of a great company culture. Our guest is Jim Liptrot, Managing Director of Howorth Air Technology based in Bolton, Lancs. He's played a huge role in creating a culture based around Purpose, People and Behaviours. Their work truly saves lives, ensuring ultra safe air quality in operating theatres and research labs. But Jim seems equally proud of the lives they...

If you've got something to say but lack the confidence to craft and deliver that message, this interview with Jackie Goddard is a must-listen.Drawing on her background as an actor, she helps business owners and professionals find their unique voice and encourages them to connect with their audience in an authentic way. Referencing everything from football commentary to TED Talks, Jackie provides some juicy nuggets - and do check out her YouTube channel, Power to Speak.Check out Jackie's Linke...

This is the first book review from Leaning Forward and it's very much aimed at people who want to sell but aren't comfortable with traditional, by-the-numbers sales techniques. Dan Pink is the highlighted author and we examine of one of his popular books on the topic of 'non-sales selling'.To Sell is Human - a bestselling book by Dan PinkThe PinkcastPink's TED talk on motivationThe featured guest podcast host Stefano CappacchioneShow is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'....

Boston-based Amy Avergun helps trainers design what she calls 'sticky' workshops. In this interview we explore how neuro-science can guide us when we're planning classes that actually produce results. Amy talks about the importance of purpose (the 'pilot light' within us), storytelling as an educational tool and the benefits of being a 'learnatic'!Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communica...

This is an unusual episode, an introduction to a new concept called the IN-Crowd. It's a growing community of people around the globe who want to find their unique voice and build IN-fluence and pulling power.Join us for our inaugural event on 28th Sept 2021 at 2pm (UK time) for a 90-minute virtual session. Click HERE for more details and to register.Other links referenced in this episode:Andrew's co-creator and fellow host on the IN-Crowd, Paula EddyTalks by Jamie Oliver and Li Na (per...

We've seen the 'Chief of Staff' role portrayed in the White House (West Wing, Designated Survivor) but this time we're in the real world - an interview with Andrew's nephew, Chris Thorp. A life-long obsession with cars led Chris into the automotive industry, first as a journalist and latterly as Chief of Staff to the executive board of Jaguar Land Rover.In this episode he shares some fascinating insights about leadership, communication and a tricky encounter with a pop superstar. It's t...

Data is often presented in such a way that it gives PowerPoint a bad reputation! But it doesn't have to be this way. In this episode we look at how to bring numbers to life, drawing inspiration from books and talks where data is presented in novel and engaging ways.Some references used:Nancy Duarte's book 'Data Story'Hans Rosling's book 'Factfulness''Freakonomics' by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner'A Short History of Nearly Everything' by Bill BrysonTED talk by David EpsteinTED talk by Ionic...

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 tell a good story about yourself and whatever you're there to promote.Peter explains how his father doubte...

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 watch the live (performed) version of his story first (links are below), but you'll be able to understand the story even i...

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 home-grown (organic) words, phrases and stories to make your message more compelling.Show is host...

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 approaching these events with the right attitude?Is F2F networking the best strategy for promoting my business?...

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 food writer who lost her sense of smellInterview with Simon SinekShow is hosted by Andrew ...

"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 their customers.Highlights incude:an unusual experiment on e-baythe psychology behind serving people in a restaurantdifferent wa...

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 good and bad! Here's a TED talk on introverts by Susan Cain.Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew ...

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 networking.Here's the impressions masterclass video, mentioned in the audio.This is the TEDx talk by Scott Pie...

"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, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling ...

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 Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communi...

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'.Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling...

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 and hosted by Andrew, the idea was to test-drive some material on an audience and invite some suggestions for improvement, but things ...

"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 they might get that message across to their audience." (Andrew Thorp).Their website: https://puckcreations.com/Highli...

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 categories of material which could help you spot comedy gold in your day-to-day life.Time-markers:05...

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 ball2.43: primacy and recency (how you start, how you finish)4.23: factors which influence your approach5.30: open with a story7.44: present two ...

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's TEDx talk from 2016 entitled, "You may be more interesting than you think you are".Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, A...

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 Heinrichs).Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a professional speaker, t...

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 Capacchione and Sian Cardy (mentioned by Andrew in this episode).Track: Travel With Us — Vendredi [Audio Library Releas...

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 'The Multi-Story Man'.Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communicat...

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 Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/o-rpKzt4KSY​ Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/travel-usMicrophone image: Photo ...

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 provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/o-rpKzt4KSY​ Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/trav...