Speaking, usually, is easy – especially when the stakes are low.

Speaking well, consistently – in any interaction, encounter, meeting, presentation, no matter the level of pressure, no matter the level of audience seniority or size of audience – for most people, is not easy.

Why do I mention this?

My view is that when you speak, you’re always auditioning for leadership. For example, if you make a cogent remark in a boardroom meeting where people with clout are sitting around the table – those people will remember you and your remark, and it might be the reason why you outpoint a colleague for a future, plum, high profile role.

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