This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication:
- How To Recover From a Screw Up in Style
-
Don’t Just Be an OK Podcast Guest, Be Legendary
- How To Communicate Without Saying Anything
- Literary Invention and the Science of Stories
How To Recover From a Screw Up in Style
Over the past 20+ years (while clocking up 40,000 hours in communications), I made every mistake imaginable.
Two weeks ago, I was leading a free Presentation Secrets workshop for our community. (I have a final one in October, you can still register here).
15 minutes in, the internet went down in the whole building. Damn!
Was it annoying? Absolutely. Was it a crisis? Hell no.
We apologized, explained what had happened, and rescheduled. Stuff happens, and people are much more understanding than we think.
So let me share 8 of my most embarrassing screw ups, and how you can avoid them:
#1
When I was first interviewed by a journalist in 2005, I didn’t even realize that I was being interviewed. I thought we were having coffee.
How to avoid it: Always agree on the rules of engagement with a journalist.
#2
I screwed up a live radio interview when I was asked why my boss earned millions.
How to avoid: The only difficult questions are the ones you haven’t prepared for.
#3
I forgot my notes for my first presentation in front of a client ever.
How to avoid it: “You won’t forget your head so make sure you remember everything important,” is what my boss told me.
#4
I recorded a video course only 2 people bought.
How to avoid it: Talk to customers before you build a product.
#5
I held a speech and forgot to thank the most important person.
How to avoid it: Never rush into a speech. Take a few minutes alone before you go on stage to remind yourself what’s important.
#6
The cover of my 3rd book "Unignorable" came out in a different color than we intended.
How to avoid it: If you use recycled paper, it will change the color. Do a test run.
#7
I planned to use cue cards to speak at an important event. Unfortunately I was given a handheld microphone so that I couldn’t use them without fumbling and interrupting the flow.
How to avoid it: Instead of notes or cue cards, use an easy-to-remember structure for your speech. (I share the impossible-to-beat 5 in my presentation guide, link in bio).
#8
I planned to do my first LinkedIn live with Peter Sorgenfrei, but we had to cancel at the last minute due to tech issues.
How to avoid it: Do a test run before using a new platform or format. If it’s an online event, get there early to make sure everything works in time.
Here’s the big lesson I took away from falling on my face too many times:
Shift your mindset from “everything has to be just so” (optimization) to “I can deal with any situation” (resilience).
What seems dramatic in that moment doesn’t usually matter in 5 years.
OLIVER'S RECOMMENDATION CORNER
Don’t Just Be An OK Podcast Guest, Be Legendary.
Podcasts are a fantastic way to establish your thought-leadership and authority. The problem is most show up unprepared, thinking that “being authentic” is enough to carry the conversation.
The pros? They prepare.
My friend Howie Chan is introducing "The Legendary Podcast Guest"—a FREE mini-course designed to make you a guest hosts can’t stop recommending (4 modules, 11 audio lessons, 1 PDF download)
- How to approach shows
- How to prep like a pro
- How to leave a lasting impression
Join his launch team and get exclusive access to this course—and other goodies.
PODCAST
How to Communicate Without Saying Anything
I do a podcast to help you become a top 1% communicator. Please subscribe on Apple or Spotify.
Are you ready to communicate without saying anything?
This week on Speak Like a CEO, I’m joined by Blake Eastman, founder of The Nonverbal Group and School of Cards. As a former professional poker player, Blake mastered reading body language and high-stakes decision-making at the poker table. He now applies these skills to help top executives and elite teams enhance their nonverbal communication.
Blake shares insights from his research on how body language, facial expressions, and tone shape how you’re perceived as a leader.
You’ll learn how to align your verbal and nonverbal communication to convey confidence, build trust, and strengthen your relationships.
Blake also offers actionable tips on using video feedback to improve your communication style.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a range of new tools to communicate more authentically, through what you don’t say.
Listen on Spotify and Apple:
BOOK
Literary Invention and the Science of Stories
Wonderworks is a beautiful book full of wonders. Angus Fletcher takes readers on a journey through the history of literature, uncovering the science behind storytelling's power to transform our minds and emotions.
What makes the book unique is its blend of neuroscience, psychology, and literary analysis. Fletcher reveals how great stories have helped humanity heal, grow, and thrive across the ages.
My 3 take-aways …
- The Healing Power of Storytelling: Stories have been used throughout history to soothe emotional wounds and promote psychological well-being. From ancient epics to modern novels, narratives can help us process trauma, relieve stress, and cultivate resilience.
- Neuroscience of Imagination: Storytelling activates unique neural pathways that foster creativity, empathy, and innovation. Fletcher uncovers how certain literary techniques have been scientifically shown to stimulate the brain’s imaginative centers.
- Empathy Through Fiction: Literature deepens our ability to understand and feel for others. By experiencing characters' joys, struggles, and perspectives, readers enhance their emotional intelligence and connect more deeply with the human experience.
A perfect weekend read for anyone interested in the evolution of literature or deepening their understanding of storytelling.
On that note...
Have an inspired weekend!
Best,
Oliver
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