Bruce Sellery

In Episode 8, host Trevor Currie and guest Bruce Sellery have a wide-ranging conversation about the power of brevity in communication, the importance of preparation when you’re interviewing a guest or speaking and how to effectively engage an audience when your content is a bit dry or abstract.

Bruce is a personal finance expert, business journalist and best-selling author of Moolala: Why Smart People Do Dumb Things With Their Money and The Moolala Guide to Rockin' Your RRSP. He appears frequently on TV to talk about personal finance, he writes regular columns for MoneySense, Chatelaine and Today’s Parent and he’s a sought-after professional speaker. 

Listening Notes:

2:17	Bruce and Trevor discuss Bruce’s experience working at P&G early in his career and how it shaped his approach to communication.
5:06	Bruce talks about the magic of a Post-it Note when you’re developing (and working to simplify) your message.
6:16	Bruce outlines the steps he took to make the move from consumer packaged goods marketing to business journalism, including important conversations with two of Canada’s most prominent journalists and a powerful insight from a book.
10:46	Bruce talks about the lessons he learned—including the importance of preparation—from interviewing business leaders like Martha Stewart.
17:22	Bruce shares the process he uses to prep for an interview with a guest on a TV show or a panel at a conference.
19:10	Bruce shares for his tips on how to build rapport with senior business leaders before and during an interview or conversation.
21:28	Trevor asks Bruce for advice on how to prepare for a TV appearance or panel interview at a conference when you’re the guest.
26:08	Bruce provides some additional tips on how to put your best foot forward when shooting business videos.
27:53	Trevor asks Bruce how he engages audiences in topics that are dry, abstract and a bit inaccessible.
31:10	Bruce talks about his experience as a young speaker and the skills he’s developed over the years to build his confidence and capability as a professional speaker.
39:11	Trevor and Bruce talk about the importance of storytelling in compelling communication and how to tell a great story when you’re at the front of the room.
48:54	Bruce shares his thoughts on speaking and authenticity.

You can learn more about Bruce and his work on Twitter @brucesellery and at his website at www.moolala.ca.

Ron Tite

In Episode 4, host Trevor Currie and special guest Ron Tite, Founder and CEO of The Tite Group, have a wide ranging conversation about stand up comedy, professional speaking, creativity, the importance of preparation and rehearsal and how to connect with your audience to leave a lasting impression.

Listening Notes:

1:32	Ron talks about his work at The Tite Group and his speaking, producing and writing projects.
2:55	Trevor asks Ron about the common creativity thread that is present in his various projects and Ron shares why he thinks creativity is important for everyone.
4:35	Ron talks about the connection between comedy and business.
5:45	Trevor and Ron discuss the importance of differentiation and why it's critical to develop your own authentic voice and point of view.
7:18	Ron offers a variety of helpful tips about how to connect with an audience so your content and ideas breakthrough.
12:55	Trevor and Ron talk about the importance of "referencing back" and why really being present to—and using—what's happening in the room is so critical to building trust.
16:33	Ron discusses how to effectively add humour or a sense of levity to your next presentation (and why it's not always necessary).
18:58	Trevor and Ron discuss the importance of aligning your body language and gestures and with intent of your content. And why imperfection can actually support the quality of your delivery.
22:28	Trevor asks Ron what a "beat" is and why paying attention to timing and tone is so important in the context of both comedy and speaking.
27:34	Ron and Trevor talk about why storytelling is critical to effective communication.
35:29	Ron shares his process for developing, rehearsing and delivering new presentation content.
44:20	Trevor and Ron talk about why giving up the need to be comprehensive (and perfect) will contribute to your ability to be clear and compelling.