Susan Heaton-Wright on Show #147: Effective Communication to Make People Take Notice

Susan Heaton-Wright is an impact, communications, and public speaking trainer for emerging leaders, and the creator of the Superstar Communicator programme. She delivers seminars, workshops, and individual training for many companies including Astra Zeneca, Shell, Microsoft. Susan is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, The Royal Society of Arts, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Susan is also MD of the award-winning music company Viva Live Music and a former celebrated international opera singer. And she leads a project of musicians in Greece annually to deliver music workshops to refugees in Athens as part of the Love without Borders charity. Susan joins me today to discuss how she works to empower others to create impact when they speak, and how she mentors corporate clients and individuals in-house and remotely to help them develop their communication skills.  She shares her experience as a speaker and coach and how she moved from a career in teaching to be a singer on the international stage before pivoting to coaching and mentoring others. Susan also discusses why she carves out time to plan her business week in advance and then reviews her achievements at the end of each month to give her a higher-level business view and ensure she remains focused on her goals. “Once you’re not just talking to yourself, you’re public speaking.”Susan Heaton -Wright This Week on The Power to Live More Podcast: * How a car accident that left Susan with multiple injuries drove her to look at alternative career options* Why she studied music and sang internationally despite being shy* Her realisation that people were asking for advice on public speaking and communication skills and why she felt compelled to share her knowledge* How she developed her speaking voice and honed her performance skills * How she uses body language to build a rapport with her audience* The importance of engaging with your audience when you speak* The difference between introvert and extrovert energy and how, as an introvert, she manages high-energy situations* The tools and systems she uses to build the framework of her day and manage her client work * Why she felt business development training was the right step for her and how it has subsequently helped her with her company* Susan’s top tips for being more effective in meetings* Why she loves spending time swimming outdoors* How she uses technology to learn and improve Resources Mentioned: * Exemplas Business Training* Passion Planner* Carrie Green* Professional Speaking Association* Audible* The Sunday Times* Hootsuite*