Films - Female Agents

London, UK

This thriller isn't being covered by us at Leicester Square Television but it looks a great film. It stars Sophie Marceau.

Look Professional at presenting and public-speaking

London, UK

This piece is taken from the website of Simply Speaking, a consultancy who offer voice and presentation training.

Look Professional: Body Language Speaks

Body language is just as important as words when it comes to getting a message across. But what should you do with your hands when you're talking in public? And how should you move your body?

Do you ever feel physically uncomfortable not knowing quite what to do? Should you gesticulate frequently or keep gestures to a minimum? Should you wander around or stay stock still?

A convincing speaker uses powerful body language, including strong, defined movements and stillness. But unless you are taught to use your personal body language effectively, it can be really hard to know what to do.

For your speech to have impact, your body language must reflect your words, and vice versa. We will teach you to match these comfortably so that your audience can simultaneously see, hear and understand what you mean.

"Won't I feel uncomfortable changing my body language?"

We try to make the process as pain free as possible. We will take you out of your comfort zone a little, but you will be in a safe environment where it doesn't matter if you make a mistake. We are here to support you.

The body speaks very loudly, but many people don't know exactly what their non-verbal communication is saying to their audience. We will give you expert feedback on your body language and gently encourage you to try new techniques.

However, we realise that your body language is part of your personality and as everyone is different, the body language that works for you will be very individual and we won't suggest doing anything uncomfortable or unnatural.

Making eye contact

Another vital part of public speaking is making eye contact with your audience. This draws people in and makes them listen because they feel you are addressing them personally.

But although it sounds simple, lots of people find it difficult to make appropriate eye contact, particularly with a big audience. There are lots of misconceptions about what to do, and we will clear these up for you. We will show you how to make effective eye contact, increasing your authority and audience rapport and establishing a professional presence.

For more details about Simply Speaking call 08456 800 456

What to do when things go wrong

London, UK


As a corporate host or presenter, could you get back on track after what happens here to this Swedish tv presenter?

Sports Broadcasting Tips

London, UK

These tips went down well at a tv presenter course I attended last year. Easier said than done on some occasions -

Friday, December 15, 2006

Top Tips for Sports Broadcasting on Radio (3)

As you'll be likely to work for long stretches at a time, ensure that

1. You've had a good night's sleep beforehand, and

2. Eat properly.

Remember, you are a performer. Think and act like such.

Posted by Jeremy Jacobs at Friday, December 15, 2006

Popular TV Presenters

London, UK

French TV news reporter Melissa Theuriau has been an internet phenomenon for some time.
She's had millions of hits on You Tube and elsewhere and is considered by some to be the world's most beautiful woman.

Working an Audience

London, UK

Last year I posted this over at Jeremy Jacobs.com The article highlights some of the methods you can use to "work your audience". Quite often when I'm speaking at my Toastmasters Club, I get members of the audience to get involved in one way or another.

Dealing with the Audience

• Here are some rules of thumb:

1. For everything from questions to eliciting comments to getting volunteers for crazy group activities, don’t spend time dragging someone who is clearly more comfortable not being in the limelight.

2. When crafting interactive exercises or activities for a seminar or presentation, consider the audience:

* have they seen this kind of thing before?
* Is it too advanced? Too juvenile? ? Too creative? Not creative enough?
* Too verbal? ? Does it require special skills?
* Will it embarrass people beyond where the audience will be comfortable?

3. Interact with your audience through elicit responses to questions you pose. To get answers, don’t merely say, for example, “Can anybody tell me something about their negative experiences in public speaking?” A more sure way to get responses might be to be more specific: “has anyone here ever had terrible speaking experience when called upon to?” Inevitably someone will nod. Gently ask someone who nods if they will elaborate and the conversation will begin. Others will be glad to give their comments if someone starts the ball rolling.

4. Bring people into your world. Ask them to help you by reading lists, or points you have pre-printed, or ask them to write on a flip chart. Give them prizes.

Keep your eyes peeled for more tips.

Success on Camera

London, UK

This guy is uplifting, inspiring and he's a real success on camera. You really ought to attend one of his seminars.

This is presenting at it's best.

How to be a successful TV Presenter

London, UK

You would think that an experienced presenter or weatherman wouldn't "go into one" like this guy in Florida.............

Getting On Air

London, UK

One way of getting your voice heard in the media is to get known for something. Having blogged for nearly two years on this site and at JeremyJacobs.com I'm getting noticed and now regularly receive requests to speak on air.

You could be in the same position by joining "Expert Sources".

Sex And The City - General Release, May 28th

London, UK

The Sex And The City world premiere was covered by Leicester Square Television just the other week. This week is goes on general release. Are you going to see it?

Tips for Master of Ceremonies

London, UK

Should you be asked to be an MC at someone's wedding. Here, in my opinion, are the most important tips when it comes to the speeches.

1. Ensure you and the various speakers are aware of how and where to hold the microphone. (As part of your preparation, you would have checked all the technical kit)

2. Make sure you understand how to pronounce their name. e.g Derek Sidebottom could be pronounced "sideebottom" with four rather than three syllables. (I kid you not)

3. Never tell jokes and keep your introduction short.

4. Keep close at hand during the speeches but do not be intrusive.

Know your Audience

London, UK

This was posted over on my other site last year. As a speaker, corporate host or presenter, it's so important to know your audience and to be tactful.

2 things not to do when public-speaking
Posted in Public Speaking, 2007, UK
Trevor Phillips, who chairs the Commission for Racial Equality was left with egg on his face after making a terrible gaffe whilst attending a function on the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday. His was a guest speaker at the Imperial College London’s Centenary Ball when he made a joke about the Queen Mother and her colostomy bag. Guests were shocked and disgusted at his ill-considered joke.
I’ve heard Trevor Phillips speak before and he doesn’t strike me as someone who would make such a basic error. If you are asked to entertain an audience with a joke or funny story then make absolutely sure you won’t offend anybody. Ask beforehand if necessary and if in doubt cut it out. The other golden rule is KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.

Public Speaking - A sense of drama

London, UK

Presenters and speakers alike, are occasionally called upon to make a speech filled with a sense of drama. Something that captures the audiences imagination. Being dramatic is about what you say and how you say it ensuring that your body language says something as well.

Dramatic speaking, like being a presenter is very different from acting. An actor takes on the mantle of another. A presenter or dramatic speaker has to be themselves and convey to their audience a speech with a certain passion and pride so as to entertain the listener.

Holding an audience can be very difficult unless you are well-skilled in delivering speeches. Preparation and rehearsal are key to getting it right on the night.

JeremyJacobs.Com - Award Winner

London, UK

I'm grateful for USA blogger, Troy Worman and his readers for voting my other site, JeremyJacobs.Com, as an Oustanding Blog in 2008.

Sports Reporting

London, UK

At a BBC training day a couple of years ago, some sample sports reports were played to me and my fellow sports reporters. One such clip was from 1989 at Hillsborough. BBC legend, Stuart Hall wrote about it in the on-line Daily Telegraph recently.......

Except that one afternoon in April 1989, we didn't play that famous tune. It was five o'clock, and the music died the day that 96 fans lost their lives at Hillsborough. In the 10 minutes or so leading up to the top of the hour, we had frantic discussions about whether we should drop the signature tune. It was sacrosanct, after all. But some things are more important than that.

In its place, the incomparable Peter Jones delivered one of the greatest pieces of live broadcasting it has ever been my privilege to hear. His vivid description of the red and white bobble hats lying scattered on the terracing as the stewards took away the possessions of the dead or dying Liverpool fans can bring a tear to the eye even now.

An amazing but brutal piece of sports journalism.

Presenting under pressure

London, UK

These American presenters really know how to lose it!

H/T Last of the Few

Make 'em laugh

London, UK

Well sometimes you can sometimes you can't. Comedienne, Louise Scodie, said last Sunday on my radio show, that humour is subjective. I agree and rarely tell jokes during a talk, unless they are well rehearsed and appropriate. I could have said something at a meeting on Monday evening, but time was not on my side, so I quickly remembered those immortal words, "Stand Up, Speak Up and Sit Down".

More often than not, as a corporate host or corporate presenter, one shouldn't be too clever with your audience. Remember, you are just the link presenter not the star attraction. Making a cheap jibe or joke can ruin your evening and the opportunity to be asked back! Sometimes though a joke that went down well on one night falls flat on the very next occasion you say it. So what do you do? Eric Feng explains

What do you do before making a speech?

London, UK

Footballers and other sportsmen would be in real trouble if they didn't prepare properly for a match. Some have certain exercise routines, others have little rituals designed to prepare them for the challenge ahead. If you are a corporate host, corporate presenter or public-speaker you will know the just how important it is to prepare and rehearse.
In order to engage your audience, you have to speak clearly and with some passion about your subject. My recent post over at JeremyJacobs.com highlights some of the steps you ought to take but what do you do to relax and get ready for your performance? Radio presenter and speaker Nick Thomas recommends getting proper rest if you are away from home. I agree with Nick, there's nothing worse than staying in a hotel bedroom that's noisy and uncomfortable. Research the hotel you intend to stay. Lisa Braithwaite, who blogs regularly about public-speaking, has written a few posts about preparation rituals. Here's one of them.
Hilary Briggs, one of my colleagues on the London Toastmasters circuit, won "Best Evaluator" award last week. Giving feedback, whilst under the pressure of a big competition, takes nerves of steel and plenty of practice and preparation. Read about her victory here.

Sex and the City - World Premiere (2)

London, UK

Presenting part two of the footage brought to you by LSQ TV

Sex and the City - World Premiere

London, UK

Young Russell was mingling amongst the crowds in the Square earlier for the World Premiere of Sex and the City. LSQ TV has two clips, here's the first:



You can review all of LSQ TV's footage and catch your favourite presenters here

Leicester Square Television - the first six months

London, UK

If you've been following LSQ TV's red-carpet "adventures", you'll probably agree that our first six months of operations has been very successful.

My co-presenters and I have been able to chat with a number of stars of the screen - Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman, Sir Michael Caine, Will Smith and Gwyneth Paltrow to name just a few. LSQ TV's "fan-cam" team headed up by Elizabethtoni have now clocked up over one million hits on You Tube. This figure is in addition to the tens of thousands of you who have dipped into the LSQ TV website.

So, a huge thank-you from everybody at Leicester Square Television!

How to make it as a Public Speaker (revisited)

London, UK

Some of you would have seen this from here in 2006:

Friday, September 01, 2006
How to make it as a public speaker

Flushed with success from last night's London Corinthians meeting, I was asked afterwards by a couple of new members as to how one becomes a professional public speaker.

1. Learn how to speak. Joining London Corinthians or other Toastmaster International clubs is a first great stepping stone. After a period of time, you can join the PSA

2. Get a website

3. Learn how to market yourself. My colleague at the PSA, Graham Jones, has some great advice.

4. Start blogging!

Posted by Jeremy Jacobs at Friday, September 01, 2006

By the way, my Google Ranking at http://www.jeremyjacobs.com is now rated at 4. Regular blogging works!

Sex and the City

London, UK

LSQ TV will be in Leicester Square on Monday night for the World Premiere of "Sex and the City". You can read about it here and you'll be able to see the footage early on Tuesday morning.

Interviewing Specialists

London, UK

It hardly seems possible given our early summer but just a couple of weeks ago it was cold, windy and raining in London's Leicester Square. My co-presenters at LSQ TV, Polly & Russell were there for the UK Premiere of Speed Racer which stars Jung Ji Hoon, otherwise known as Rain.

The K-Pop star gave some great interviews and just a few days ago, caricaturist, Simon Ellinas, drew him. Here's the result:



Simon has his own blog too. It's here

Public Speaking to a TV Audience

London, UK

Many of you would have seen the City Salute which was presented by Jeremy Clarkson and broadcast on BBC One earlier this evening. During the hour long programme, actor Ross Kemp narrated a piece written by Field Marshall The Viscount Slim on the attributes of a British soldier. Kemp's delivery was superb and full of passion. It's worth seeing again. It may appear on BBCiPlayer.

Running an Auction

London, UK

As a presenter, I'm often asked to be an auctioneer at charity events. It's something I really enjoy. You've got to look good, think smart and really show your mettle. This guy isn't bad!

Political Speeches (2)

London, UK

Remember this post from a couple of weeks ago? You may have thought he didn't stand a chance but we'll be hearing more political speeches from Boris from now on.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr.

London, UK

Earlier on, Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. were on BBC TV with Jonathan Ross. You may have seen the LSQ TV footage here of both of them on the red carpet last week. Also on Jonathan's show was Michael Aspel. He also appears on my other site presenting a promotional video from 1970.

The week in the Blogosphere

is posted over at my other site just Click here

Have a great Bank Holiday Weekend!

Presenting and Speaking with Clarity

London,UK

You know the routine. You're on a train, you pull into a station. You remain there for a few minutes before you hear an announcement. A couple of years ago, I heard this, whilst travelling on one of those fast sooper-dooper red and silver thingies, back from Manchester. I'm paraphrasing a bit but here goes "This is your train manager speakin', we will be stuck here at Stoke for about forty-five minutes". Uproar ensued amongst my fellow passengers. What was actually said was f-o-u-r t-o f-i-v-e minutes. A much shorter duration of course.
Earlier today, whilst returning from Norwich, my train was held at Colchester station for around ten minutes. The problem? A lightning bolt had put paid the signalling at a place I've never heard of before. I think the train manager said it was Attfeelpevril. I then twigged. He was, of course, referring to that well-known Essex village near Chelmsford called, Hatfield Peverel.

You see, unless you present yourself correctly by speaking so that you can be properly understood, you'll run into problems of one kind or another. Both of the gentlemen I've mentioned, or rather their employers, would be wise to send them on a "speaking with clarity" or a "talk with conviction" course. I've found that by speaking more slowly, one tends to enunciate better. Try it in front of your mirror at home. But if you are still struggling, try a course run by professionally qualified voice-trainers