Observations on Tom Hanks in conversation, with advice you can use to be a better presenter on video, in a workshop or even chatting down the pub.
Here’s a few tips I noted from the video
- Create a story gap – Peak peoples interest with the promise of an exciting story.
- Pantomime what you are saying – Use hand gestures and movement to act our what you are saying.
- Be dynamic – Shift a story’s focus from sad to happy or move your voice from loud to quiet.
- Include everyone – Make good eye contact (three seconds or so) so that people feel what you are saying is relevant to them, that they are included.
The last point, on eye contact, I’ve found particularly helpful in boosting my confidence when talking to a large group of people.
I’ve always enjoyed films featuring Tom Hanks from Big (his earliest film that I remember watching), to Castaway, Saving Private Ryan and Forest Gump, which is on my rewatch list.