Connect: How to Inspire, Influence and Energise Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

Speak so they’ll listen:I’ve always felt a bit concerned by the fact that I LIKE public speaking and today, as I sit down to write this, I’ve finally discovered why...It’s not because I’m a narcissist, rather, it’s because when I share something that deep down matters to me, there’s a feeling of connection that you can literally feel sweep the room, causing the kind of stillness in which you know for certain that they are listening, they are moved, and they are thinking.If this happens, it's often confirmed afterwards, by the generous ones who make their way to the front, just to talk, share their stories or the ways in which they could relate. This cements the connection. It’s a beautiful thing and I want to get better at it.Public speaking IS connection (or at least should be) and the penny has literally just dropped thanks to this essential new book by Simon Lancaster; ‘Connect!’So why is this book is important to me?**It democratizes the teaching of the ancient art form of speaking (rhetoric, the language of leadership), which is taught in just 1 school in the UK; Eton.**It explains the neurological and emotional mechanisms at play in a great speech.**It explains why great speech writing runs much deeper than simply flair, and lays out exactly why great speeches can resonate so deeply in the psyche.**It contains a detailed guide on how to approach the penning of a great speech**It contains templates that allow your passions and reasons to float to the surface, allowing you to craft a speech that has passion, feeling and meaning.**To those, like me, who have self-nominated yourselves to the front line of climate action, these skills are vitally important as we try to mobilize, lead and create the kind of impact that will save our planet for future generations. It’s why I began my search early in 2022 for tools that would help me up my game and speak with greater impact.It’s for anyone who leads, pitches, sells, inspires, mobilizes, brings change.Simon has made a career out of writing great and moving speeches for global leaders and politicians. This book Connect!, opens up the manual and shares with us, the secrets and the power of impactful speaking.No small thing.

This has to be one of the most beautifully empowering books I have ever read. It is a hymn to human contact: why we connect, how we connect and, crucially, how to connect. It is full of insight, written in a breezy style that simply whips along and leaves you feeling like you can go out and do whatever you want to do.A book to keep. A book to re-read. A book to treasure.

Simon Lancaster has written another block-buster of a book. His clear and unfussy style, judicious use of of insights and personal experiences ensured an easy and thought-provoking read. I hope those in studies (at school or college) and also those in employment read Connect! - guess what my nephews will be getting for Christmas! At a personal level, as a recently retired person it has made me realise that I have more to offer society and there are several good tips for me to follow on how to take this forward. Well done and thank you Simon for another very compelling book.

Simon Lancaster's Magnum Opus which includes :-effective communication techniques that will boost your ability to inspire, influence and energise anyone, anywhere, anytime- tried and tested-this is dynamite-powerful ancient rhetorical tools to enhance your speeches, presentations and influence in meetings- Simon models these rhetorical techniques beautifully from tricolon to symploce- the power of positive visualisation with great examples from the world of sports, politics and stage-open body language- I think this should be translated in many languages in order to reach many many more people

This is such a good read, I loved every bit of it. Simon is a fantastic story teller and the book really helps you visualising how to reach your goals. It demonstrates how connectivity is an essential necessity in our lives and how anthropology helps you understand human behaviour and make fundamental connections in history, politics and every day life.

Currently work as a team leader and this book is full of useful information .

Simon Lancaster's revelation that the secret of great communication is all down to making connections is a life-changing discovery. Brilliantly written, 'Connect' is the perfectly readable mix of facts and humour, and it's the definitive guide to communication skills. I'm already reading it for the second time, and it only arrived last week!

I loved this book - witty, entertaining and informative. I want my teens to read it next, they need to know this stuff.