Jonathan Cooper runs the Unlearning Company, helping individuals and teams realise their potential and contribute to their organisation's success. In this conversation with Andrew Thorp, he shares his thoughts and experiences of how companies can capture and use stories to engage their workforce and drive profitability. Reference to the Southwest Airlines video ('Our purpose & vision'). We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Andrew Thorp is a professional spe...

Based in North West England, Carolyn Tipper is an executive coach who’s turned a passion into a mission. She's very concerned with the mental health implications of workplace stress for senior executives. By understanding themselves and those around them better, leaders can increase their capacity and function more effectively. This is Carolyn's belief and it underpins the transformative work she does as a coach. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchion...

Perle Laouenan-Catchpole is an expert facilitator and has somehow found a way to make online meetings with large groups of people actually work! She loves to bring people together to share ideas and trigger collaborations and in this episode she shares some fascinating insights about making these occasions productive and enjoyable. Highlights 02.10 - facilitating large groups online 05.40 - her own concept: 'Need Workshops' 09.30 - example of a ex-Microsoft employee 15.30 - how it's ...

Personal branding photographer Anne Thomas had an epiphany some years ago. She realised her marketing was just noise and what she needed was a story. Now, she's as much a storyteller as a photographer and, in this episode, she explains what this means and how this approach can help you. You can download a business storytelling guide from Anne HERE. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione. Andrew Thorp is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant...

What happens to a muscle if you don't exercise it? Simple: it withers away, and it's the same with conversation and all forms of verbal communication. In this episode, we explore the importance of this form of dialogue and consider whether it's a worthwhile investment for a teenager! We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'. Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal com...

If you were there on the night, you'll know what a terrific event TEDx Warrington was. We had 9 speakers and, without exception, they enlightened and inspired us with their ideas. Time to reflect on the event and consider what lessons and inspiration we can draw from the concept of TED Talks. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione. Andrew Thorp is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and storytelling in ...

A follow-up to an earlier episode on 'How to be Funny', our theme here is the practical use of humour in conversational situations. We look at where the comedy can be found in everyday life and how to weave this into our interactions with others. We consider the 5 M's as potential sources of material: Misalignments (7.22) Misdirection (9.25) Mismatches (10.22) Misunderstandings (11.38) Misfortunes (12.43) There are examples of each and check out the various comedic references via links belo...

It's hard enough when you're a native English speaker to find just the right word or phrase when you're under pressure. But imagine if it's your second or third language! Our guest Benjamin Dudgeon recognised this challenge many years ago when he created his company, Hone Your English. In this episode we explore how he helps his international clients develop the confidence to communicate well in these critical situations. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano C...

If you haven't got any struggle in your story, you haven't really got a story at all. When nothing much happens or it's all good news you're unlikely to engage your audience. In this episode, we explore where to find the struggle in your story and how to tell it in such a way that it enhances your brand. Check out the work of Bryce McNabb on brand storytelling AND the amazing speaker (and coach) Richard McCann. We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Show is hos...

This is the first episode of 2023, published on 1st January and, in a way, it's a plea to adopt a New Year's resolution - to engage in conversation with strangers! It may go against the advice we got from our parents when we were kids, but it's a great way to develop confidence, build a network and perhaps make us happier human beings. Listen to this episode and discover more. Check out a couple of references made by your host Andrew Thorp: Gillian Sandstrom and her research on the benefits...

Communication is really all about creating a connection with your audience. When you're fully present, able to think on your feet and perhaps raise a smile in others, you've got some key advantages! This interview with comedy performer and illustrator John Cooper explores these very themes. Watch John Cooper's TEDx talk on the practical value of improvisation. We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'. Andr...

I met Emma Baylin recently at a TEDx event where she spoke passionately about the positive impact that singing can have on us all. Through her company Shared Harmonies (a CIC), she and her colleagues work in the community and the corporate world, using singing to help us shed limiting beliefs and create a shared sense of connection. Check out Emma's website for Shared Harmonies. Watch her amazing YouTube clip entitled 'Our Song' We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by S...

There are umpteen books about how to give a great TED talk but in this episode we put the spotlight on one specific talk, a wonderful presentation from 2013 by Professor Sugata Mitra entitled: Build a School in the Cloud. It's a favourite of our host Andrew Thorp and this is his take on what enabled the professor to wow his audience that day. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione. Andrew Thorp is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in th...

If you visit the gym once a month and expect results you might be disappointed. A brisk walk every day for a sustained period is far more likely to yield benefits and it's much the same with communication. In this episode we focus on the importance of 'little and often' and the way small, frequent conversations can foster strong, productive relationships. We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'. Andrew is...

If you want to do justice to your company or organisation, tell great stories - small ones! That's the theme of this episode of Leaning Forward, an exploration of what a small story looks like, how to find them within your own organisation and how to tell them well. We also feature a guest podcast - Power to Speak by Jackie Goddard. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'. Andrew is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant in the field of verbal communication and sto...

What does it actually mean to 'tell a better story'? In this episode we answer this very question with an exercise - the transformation of a bare framework of a story into something more gripping, and human. It's like the difference between a house and a home, an idea popularised by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross in a hit song from the 1960s. We also feature a guest podcast - Storytelling with Puck by Stefano Capacchione. Show is hosted by Andrew Thorp, AKA 'The Multi-Story Man'. Andrew...

As a physician in the USA, Steve Shama relied on his technical knowledge to diagnose and treat skin conditions. But he also saw his patients as people, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of empathy and human connection. After 30 years in private practice, he left medicine to develop a new career as a professional speaker and communication skills coach. In this episode, he shares some of the techniques and principles that he uses with audiences and private clients. Check ...

People often work hard to secure a job interview but poor preparation or a lack of confidence can impair their performance when the big moment comes. In this episode of Leaning Forward we’re joined by Chris Delaney, an expert in career and life coaching and a man with an interesting journey of his own. Nuggets include the power of saying "yes", the way he's learned to use his voice and an unusual way to improve your spelling! Chris has written 3 books on the subject of career/interviews; ...

A lot of our content on Leaning Forward is about communicating a better story on the outside, but this episode looks within - the story of a great company culture. Our guest is Jim Liptrot, Managing Director of Howorth Air Technology based in Bolton, Lancs. He's played a huge role in creating a culture based around Purpose, People and Behaviours. Their work truly saves lives, ensuring ultra safe air quality in operating theatres and research labs. But Jim seems equally proud of the lives th...

If you've got something to say but lack the confidence to craft and deliver that message, this interview with Jackie Goddard is a must-listen. Drawing on her background as an actor, she helps business owners and professionals find their unique voice and encourages them to connect with their audience in an authentic way. Referencing everything from football commentary to TED Talks, Jackie provides some juicy nuggets - and do check out her YouTube channel, Power to Speak. Check out Jackie's L...