Shows
The Art of CommunicationWe're taking a short break ...We're taking a short break ... A milestone moment calls for thoughtful reflection. After producing over 50 episodes and reaching more than one million downloads, we're taking a strategic pause to reimagine The Art of Communication podcast for you.Since launching our journey exploring the nuances of communication, we've been overwhelmed by your enthusiastic response. This podcast has grown beyond our expectations, creating a community of listeners passionate about improving how they connect with others. We want to maintain high standards, which is why we're stepping back during spring and summer 2025 to refresh our approach.2025-03-0802 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Power of SilenceThe Power of Silence.Silence isn’t just the absence of sound - it’s a secret weapon in communication. Whether you’re delivering a speech, truly listening, or having a heartfelt conversation, knowing how to embrace silence can transform the way you connect with others.In this episode, Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen dive into the power of silence, exploring how mastering it can deepen your relationships, boost your confidence, and sharpen your communication skills. Tune in for another fun and insightful chat as they uncover why sometimes, saying nothing says it all.2025-01-1020 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Importance of EnergyThe Importance of Energy. How important is energy when engaging an audience? What is the right level of energy? And how can we change our energy levels?Discover how physical and mental preparation can help you channel that "sweet spot" of energy for different situations — from meeting rooms to large gatherings.Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss how different types of energy can change our communication style in another fun episode of this podcast series.2024-11-1024 minThe Art of CommunicationBeing Natural on VideoBeing Natural on Video.How can you appear natural in front of a camera, whether you're a shooting social media video or filming a company message for your team? We look at why authenticity and a conversational tone are crucial, even in formal settings, and learn practical tips for sound and lighting to produce a flattering and natural feel. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another fun podcast episode as they unravel the secrets to producing authentic and engaging videos.2024-10-1720 minThe Art of CommunicationExecutive Presence - Leadership Beyond CharismaExecutive Presence - Leadership Beyond Charisma.What is executive presence? And can you learn it?It's a crucial but often misunderstood quality in effective leadership. Discover how true executive presence builds a sense of security and respect rather than fear. We discuss real life examples, from Rafael Nadal to Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk and find the core elements that make up genuine executive presence. We look at how we can all become leaders with executive presence that our teams truly want to follow.Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen f...2024-09-1223 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Importance of Memory in CommunicationThe Importance of Memory in Communication.Why can you vividly remember some pitches and presentations while others fade away? We look at the role memory plays in effective communication. Is it better to memorize your speeches fully or rely on notes? And do specific memories help your storytelling to be more engaging and authentic?Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another fun podcast episode as they discuss some of the secrets to boosting your memory and unlocking the power of memory in your communication.2024-07-1024 minThe Art of CommunicationAsking for Money: The Art of FundraisingAsking for Money: The Art of Fundraising.Many people feel that asking for money is hard. They say it can be difficult and embarrassing. From fundraising for charitable causes to funding business ventures, we discuss some of the communication secrets to asking for money.Whether you're raising for personal causes, charities, or business investments, join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another episode of this fun podcast. 2024-06-1031 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Power of Saying 'Thank You'The Power of Saying 'Thank You'.Discover how the simple act of saying 'Thank you' can radiate through your day, influencing not just your mood but those around you. We explore how this simple act can shape relationships, professional dynamics, and even the way we interact with technology. We discuss the mindset of gratitude, from the joy of beginning each day with a grateful heart to how the unexpected impact of appreciation in leadership can rejuvenate spirits and strengthen bonds. We celebrate and revere the compelling power of those two little words.J...2024-05-1222 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Top Five Frequently Asked Communication Questions: AI, Confidence, Cross-Culture Communication, Humour, and Using NotesThe Top Five Frequently Asked Communication Questions: AI, Confidence, Cross-Culture Communication, Humour and Using Notes.How will AI and ChatGPT impact communication? How can we regain our confidence when we feel we've lost it? How can we speak to people in cross-cultural settings? How can we inject humour into our communication, especially if we feel we are just not funny? And should we feel bad about using notes when giving a speech or a presentation?Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss The Top Five Frequently Asked Communication Questions in another fun e...2024-04-0717 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Three Spaces of Communication: The Physical Space, The Space of the Senses, and the Virtual Space.The Three Spaces of Communication: The Physical Space, The Space of the Senses, and the Virtual Space.How close should you sit or stand to someone? We explore the subtle art of Proxemics and its role in building trust. We explore cross-cultural variations and The Vertical Space that shapes our classrooms and boardrooms.The Space of the Senses looks at all the personal senses, from your co-worker's strong-smelling office lunch to the volume levels required to be heard and to connect. And then we look at the Virtual Space and how we ca...2024-03-0828 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Art of Gift-Giving: Unwrapping the Emotions Behind Our PresentsThe Art of Gift-Giving: Unwrapping the Emotions Behind Our Presents.Gift-giving is more than just handing over a wrapped present; it's a symbol of communication and connection. How can a simple gesture, like a bowl of homemade muffins, speak louder than the most lavish of presents? We look at the unspoken rules of giving. Can the pressure to pick out the perfect gift make us lose sight of what truly matters? And do we give out of obligation or from the heart? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for another fun...2024-01-2826 minThe Art of CommunicationMastering your Tone of Voice: ChatGTP vs Humans?Mastering your Tone of Voice: ChatGTP vs Humans?How important is your tone of voice in both spoken and written communication? What can happen if you get your tone wrong? AI understands that the tone of what you say really matters and it can suggest different tones for you. Let's make sure that we hit the right tone every time.Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions about the importance of getting your tone right in another episode of this fun podcast series. 2024-01-0521 minThe Art of CommunicationHow to become a really good ListenerHow to become a really good Listener.We listen all the time, of course, but do we truly listen? Or do we just let things waft over us? How important is active listening? And how can we learn to become really good listeners? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions around the importance of listening well in another episode of this fun podcast series. 2023-12-0118 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Inner Voices in Our HeadThe Inner Voices in Our Head.All of us have inner voices in our heads - some of us have them louder than others. From the little demon that says we're not good enough to the imagined conversations we wish we could have instead of the ones that we have to have.Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to listen to the inner voices in our heads so that they don't derail us unucessarily! 2023-11-0317 minThe Art of CommunicationTo Rehearse or Not to Rehearse?To Rehearse or Not to Rehearse? It can feel odd rehearsing a speech or a presentation. Especially if you are rehearsing on your own. To some, rehearsing makes them feel safe and comfortable. To others, it can make them feel just plain awkward. But it would be foolish not to rehearse when the outcome of your pitch or presentation is really important. So how should we rehearse? How long should we rehearse for? And is there a correct way to rehearse? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to m...2023-10-0617 minThe Art of CommunicationHow to Behave When You Meet One of Your HeroesHow to Behave When You Meet One of Your Heroes. It can feel awkward meeting one of your heroes - whether they’re a movie star, an author, a public figure or an important person from your past. What do you say? How do you behave naturally? And is it OK to ask for a selfie? It’s all a bit of a minefield. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to make sure that if you do meet one of your heroes, you feel you've behaved well and done y...2023-08-2620 minThe Art of CommunicationHow to be a Great Host at Home and at WorkHow to be a Great Host at Home and at Work.We've all been to great events, whether it was a party or a video conference call. It was probably great because it was hosted well. What makes a great host? Can you learn to be a better host? What are the basics?Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to become a great host in another fun episode of this podcast. 2023-07-2823 minThe Art of CommunicationIntroduce Yourself in Any SituationIntroduce Yourself in Any Situation.How can we best introduce ourselves in any situation, confidently and calmly? How can we come across as being impressive without being arrogant? Should we give our job title? Or underplay our success and be a little humble? We do it every day, but there are many factors to keep in mind when introducing ourselves.Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to introduce ourselves in another fun episode of this podcast. 2023-05-2921 minThe Art of CommunicationFinal preparationsFinal preparations.So, your big day has finally arrived. It may be a speech, a presentation, an important meeting, or a job interview. How should we prepare ourselves so we feel relaxed and confident? How do we deal with any last-minute nerves? And are there specific things we should look out for so we don't get derailed?Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting and fun ways to help us feel confident and make sure we do ourselves proud on the big day.2023-04-1118 minThe Art of CommunicationPoetry - Communication’s Secret WeaponCommunication’s Secret Weapon - Poetry.Reciting a poem can feel a little scary but it needn't be that way. How can we become more confident in using poetry in our speeches and in our everyday life? Poetry can build our connection with our audience and boost our communication power. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss some interesting ways to help us all feel confident when reciting poetry.2023-03-0615 minThe Art of CommunicationKeeping it FreshKeeping it Fresh. How can you deliver the same message over and over again and still keep it fresh? From presentations to pitches, from Town Halls to talks, it can be a real challenge. And, of course, actors face this problem every day when on stage or filming take after take. Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they find some interesting ways to keep it fresh in another fun episode. 2023-01-1522 minThe Art of CommunicationFirst ImpressionsFirst Impressions. How important is it for us to make a good first impression? How harshly do we judge other people on the first impression they make on us? And is it possible to reverse a bad first impression? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen for the 30th episode of this fun podcast. 2022-12-1322 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Communication Expert Series: Shirley McGrath, one of Australia's top theatre producersThe Communication Expert Series: Shirley McGrath, one of Australia's most successful theatre producers.In this episode, Robin talks to Australian theatre producer, Shirley McGrath. Previously she was an actor, singer, and dancer. The so-called triple threat. Now she’s an international theatre producer, having produced shows on Broadway, in London, across Asia, and in her homeland Australia. I’ve heard it said, unofficially, that she is one of the ‘best dressed and most frightening women in theatre'!Join Robin and Shirley for this fun episode.2022-11-0124 minThe Art of CommunicationHow to ace a Q + A sessionHow to ace a Q + A session.So your presentation has gone well. But what happens afterwards if someone asks you a difficult question you don't the the answer to? Or nobody asks you a question at all? And how do you stop someone from talking too much and taking over the Q + A session entirely? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions in another fun episode. 2022-08-2522 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Delicate Etiquette of Food at WorkThe Delicate Etiquette of Food at Work.Is it acceptable to eat on a Zoom call, to slurp spicy foods at your desk or to crunch crisps in a business meeting? And what about formal lunches with clients or your boss? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they tackle the delicate etiquette of food at work in another fun episode. 2022-08-1824 minThe Art of CommunicationSocially Awkward MomentsSocially Awkward Moments.You know those socially awkward moments, when you just want the floor to open up so you can disappear. You're at a party and you forget someone's name. And then you have to introduce them to someone else. Whose name you also can't remember. You bump into your ex, and you have to meet their glamorous new partner. You're in a restaurant and you discover you've left your wallet at home. Then there's the awkward silence in a lift ...Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they tackle these and...2022-07-1318 minThe Art of CommunicationHow much can our Hair affect our Confidence?How much can our Hair affect our Confidence?In this episode, Robin talks to one of London's most sought-after celebrity hairstylists, Gustav Fouche. From his stunning salon in Notting Hill, he's created looks for red-carpet events, TV commercials, and magazine covers. As well as looking after actors like Kate Hudson, singers like LeAnn Rimes ... and ordinary people like Robin! How much does hair affect our confidence? How can we deal with a bad hair day, especially if we have a hot date? And what should we do with our hair when we go for a...2022-06-1421 minThe Art of CommunicationGoing BlankGoing blank. What happens when you're giving a speech or going for a job interview and your mind goes blank? It's a horrible feeling. You can't even remember your own name! How can we prepare ourselves so this doesn't happen and how do we deal with it when it does? Join Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen as they discuss these and other questions in another fun episode. 2022-05-2016 minThe Art of CommunicationDifficult ConversationsDifficult Conversations.We all have to have them. Most of us dread them and some of us put them off. How can we make them less difficult and less awkward? Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen answer these and other 'difficult' questions. The conclusion? More voice, less emoji! Join them for another fun episode. 2022-04-2121 minThe Art of CommunicationSuccessful Job InterviewsSuccessful Job Interviews.In this episode, we look at how to be successful at a job interview. What should we say? Or not say? And how should we say it? How do we sell ourselves without looking desperate? How can we stay calm and relaxed? And can anyone become a successful interviewee? Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen answer these and other questions. Join them for another fun episode. 2022-01-0725 minThe Art of CommunicationThe Power of StorytellingThe Power of Storytelling.In this episode, we look at storytelling. Why do we love stories and why do they help make our messages more memorable? What's the best way to tell a story? Is there a magic formula? And can anyone tell a story? Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen answer these and other questions. Join them for another fun episode. 2021-10-2917 minThe Art of CommunicationRandom Acts of KindnessRandom Acts of Kindness.In this episode, we look at why kindness, and especially random acts of kindness, help us connect with other human beings and communicate successfully with them. What can leaders do to build a 'kinder' culture? Is kindness important and relevant for companies at this time? Robin Kermode and Sian Hansen answer these and other questions. Join them for this heartwarming episode. 2021-09-2015 minThe Art of CommunicationCan your Physical Fitness help build your Communication Impact?Can your Physical Fitness Help Build Your Communication Impact? Robin Kermode talks to legendary fitness guru Josh Salzmann. Josh has been a fitness instructor for over 40 years. He is a published author and popular media commentator working with senior executives and leading entrepreneurs, members of the Royal family, sports personalities and actors such as Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Pierce Brosnan. Together with John Cleese, Sir Paul McCartney and ... me! 2021-07-1525 min