I remember the precise time and place. Early one morning in July 1984, I was parked in my car, in a street in South London. That’s when I first realised how to communicate more clearly. Read more
A technique that transformed my writing
Once I had identified the idea of “interrupting questions” as a way to structure a communication, I spent a lot of time developing the “Question & Answer Technique” (as I had started to call it) and honing my use of it. Over time, using the technique become almost instinctive. Read more
Putting more tools in my writing toolbox
The Question & Answer technique was my new hammer but – as tempting as it was – not every communication needed to be hit on the head with it. Read more
Public speaking (Part 1): Engage
Many people are frightened of public speaking. Surveys suggest that people fear speaking in front of an audience more than they fear death! As the American comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, pointed out, it means that, for many people at a funeral, they would rather be in the coffin than giving a eulogy. Read more
Public speaking (Part 2): Inform
Once my opening remarks had succeeded in engaging the audience’s attention, the speech itself needed to meet the expectations I had created. Read more
Writing a CV or resumé
Writing about yourself should be one of the easiest bits of writing you’ll ever be called upon to produce. You are, after all, one of the greatest experts in the world on this particular topic. Read more
Writing a report
Over the years, I have found that lots of writers initially baulk at the idea of using the Question & Answer technique for a full-blown report. But once they see how I do it, they realise that my approach deals very satisfactorily with all their concerns and their objections rapidly subside. Read more