In The Pipeline

An addition to the Companion series, each of which is intended to be a fast and relevant read.

The new addition is How to Be a Storyteller for novelists, speakers and brand ambassadors. I hope to have it available on kindle later this week.

Currently in the companion series:

How to Beat ChatGPT or How Not to Lose your Job to AI; MEDS: The Powerful Daily Wellness Strategy; Do Less and Achieve More, the power of Pareto; The Tools of Excelelence: things and ideas and approaches for effecting daily brilliance.

All are available on amazon kindle: instant, budget and worldwide.

Michael Wade has a new book out

I read the kindle version over the weekend and I believe the paper version is now available. Here’s my amazon review:

Michael is an established business writer via his blog, sub-stack and leadership books but I believe this is his first novel.

It is excellent. There are no explicit spoilers in my review, simply to say it is highly enjoyable, intriguing and well-written. Characters are wonderfully drawn, the plot has pace and I love the language in which it was written. Highly recommended. Five star.

Story Telling

o Storytelling often works where formal methods fail: it holds attention, supports memory, and motivates.

o Storytelling is rarely taught despite its effectiveness.

o Stories evolve through telling. As a speaker I have noticed that this iterative approach improves a story until it reaches a ‘steady state’ where it is at its most effective, and further embellishment lessens its power. When I write, I iterate until the scene is ‘just right’.

o Slides can kill engagement: PowerPoint easily creates barriers, drains energy, and makes speakers script-readers rather than communicators.

o Unplugged often works better: voice, pause, drama, props, and stories create more powerful engagement than decks with 87 slides. Of course, it demands practice, rehearsal, and the management of discomfort and fear, which is why many avoid such an ‘unplugged’ approach.

o Stories transfer ideas intact: they enable understanding to travel from one consciousness to another without loss of potency.

o Storytelling is universal: whether you are a teacher, speaker, or brand manager, it is THE medium through which ideas land.

Go tell a story.

Michael Wade

has a new book. I’m 50% through it and thoroughly enjoying it. Marvellous language and a smart plot. Get your copy instantly here.

Sleep

What is the cheapest form of torture? Exactly.

o Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function. o Chronic sleep loss increases the risk of serious health issues. o Even one night of poor sleep reduces focus, memory, and decision-making. o Sleep is essential maintenance. Your brain processes information, consolidates memories, and repairs itself. Skimp on sleep, and everything else suffers.

Most adults need 7-9 hours; if you need an alarm to wake up, you are sleep deprived.

How to improve the quality of your sleep. o Have a consistent schedule (same bedtime and wake time, even weekends) o Ensure the room is dark and cool o Consider no screens 30 minutes before bed o No caffeine after 2pm o Exercise, but not right before bed

Go sleep. Long and deep.