My Portfolio
KEYNOTE SPEECHES FOR CORPORATES
- Customer service
- Soft Skills development
- Cross cultural competency
- Self leadership
- Public speaking and presentation coaching
- Cross cultural competency in business and social situations
- Aspects of self leadership and personal growth
- Getting started with Zoom
- Extracting the most from Zoom, using advanced features
- Preparing and presenting attention getting online presentations
- Talks of various interest items for for cruise ship passengers, clubs and associations
You are most welcome to contact me should you wish to discuss any of the above enrichment opportunities: Connect here
Profile
I launched my own training organization in Singapore, where I passionately ran workshops and delivered engaging keynote speeches. These were directed at effective communication techniques tailored to diverse personalities and cultures. My expertise in this field is further exemplified by my publication, “A Westerner’s Guide to Asian Business Etiquette.”
In recent years, I discovered a new passion for researching and presenting talks on absorbing historical subjects. Through my entertaining online presentations, I also engage with professional business clubs across the globe. My audiences now include cruise line guests, Rotary clubs, Probus Clubs, and various social groups.
As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I am dedicated to entertaining and captivating my audiences. If you’d like to know more about me, my speaking engagements and areas of expertise, please browse further through the pages of my website.
Interest talks
Interest Talks
I offer a wide range of highly informative talks (both in person or online) on a range of topics derived from my own research. They are typically 45 minutes long, but timing can be tailored accordingly. They are ideal for cruise ships on sea days as well as clubs and associations in need of an entertaining lunch or dinner time speaker.
Scott or Shackleton - who was the greatest Antarctic explorer?
Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Henry Shackleton were two of Britain's greatest polar explorers, whose early days of Antarctic exploration where closely entwined. Thereafter, they went their separate ways, each with a mission to reach the South Pole. In this talk I share their differing leadership styles as they negotiated the hazards of their expeditions.
Shackleton's Antarctic Journeys
The March 2022 discovery of Shackleton's vessel "Endurance," 3000 metres below the surface of the Weddell Sea has re-kindled interest in this remarkable explorer. Although his life at home and as an explorer was not entirely successful, he was able to demonstrate remarkable powers of leadership while enduring situations of extreme adversity. Note: this talk is 90 minutes long and can be delivered in two parts if required (recommended).
Inside Alcatraz
Alcatraz has always fascinated me. On researching this topic I discovered that it is so much more than the maximum security prison that spanned 30 years. In this talk I share its timeline, interesting features, and life as an inmate, through to the tourist attraction that it is today.
Heroes and Villains of the Titanic
I share Titanic's journey from the moment she was conceived until after her demise. As with most catastrophes, blame is seldom apportioned to just one individual. Usually behind the scenes there is at least one hero. During this riveting talk I expose those responsible for Titanic’s misfortune and heroes who came to the rescue.
The Titanic - What might have been
As with most catastrophes there are usually a number of factors to blame. The sinking of the Titanic was no exception. In this talk I reveal the blunders that contributed to her demise on 15 April 1912.
Chris Barnard - Surgeon Extrordinaire
In famously performing the world’s first heart transplant, South Africa’s Chris Barnard was far more than a talented heart surgeon. I share his contributions to medicine, not only in his field of cardiac surgery but in a number of other life-saving areas, not forgetting some of his notorious exploits with the opposite sex!
The Advent of Open Heart Surgery
Open heart surgery only became viable following the invention of the blood oxygenator, forerunner of what is today known as the heart lung machine. Walton Lillehei of the University of Minnesota was instrumental in its development and application. I share the role he and others played in advancing open heart surgery during the twentieth century.
The Rise and Fall of Concorde
Concorde went through a period of ups and downs during her thirty year existence before she was withdrawn from service in 2003. I share the roller coaster ride of her life together with some of the lesser known factors that contributed to her demise.
The Crime of the 20th Century
The Great Train Robbery of 1963, dubbed "The Crime of the Century" was a brazen attack on the Glasgow to London mail train conveying a huge quantity of bank notes. Sixteen members successfully stopped the train and relieved it of most of its precious cargo. In this talk I share how the robbery was planned, executed, the robber arrests and subsequent fall out.
The Death Railway
During World War II, prisoners captured by the Japanese during the invasion of South East Asian countries were transported to Thailand. They were put to task working on the Thai-Burma railway under horrifically harsh conditions. I share the story of the construction of what became known as the infamous "Death Railway" and its eventual demise.
The Amazing Cocount
The coconut tree is the most useful tree on this planet, with its trunk, foliage and fruit having a wide range of uses that benefit us in our daily lives. I expose how the components of the amazing coconut, when separated and processed in different ways yield a range of chemicals with unique properties. You’ll learn how these enhance the performance of many everyday products we take for granted.
Vietnam's Wars
Over the centuries Vietnam experienced a number of wars, the most famous of course being America's encounter with the Viet Cong during the 50s and 60s. Prior to this there had also been several conflicts with French colonialists. Vietnams history is traced through these conflicts resulting in its independence and relative peace.
The Singapore Success Story
Singapore has one of the highest standards of living in the world, but not before a turbulent period during its links to Malaya (now Malaysia). The influential leader Lee Kuan Yew elevated his country from a backwater to first world status. Discover values contributing to Singapore's success, as experienced by an expat who lived and worked there for over 20 years.
Asian Etiquette - what they don't tell you in travel guides
This humorous account of how foreigners often "get it wrong" when interacting with Asians provides useful tips on key "need to know" aspects of appropriate behaviour, when travelling around Asia. It focuses on the value of being attuned to the sensitive to the ways of Asian cultures.
Surviving Chinese Etiquette
Wherever you travel in the world, and especially in Asia, one will inevitably end up interacting with Chinese. A way of establishing good relationships with Chinese (and other Asians) is having an awareness of their etiquette and knowing how to practise it. Humorous and valuable stories relating to key aspects of Chinese etiquette are shared in this highly entertaining presentation.
A Gaijin in Japan
Follow the exploits of me, a Gaijin (foreign person) during my frequent trips to Japan for business and holiday purposes. Gain insights into the ways of life of ordinary working Japanese ("salary man") in the Land of the Rising Sun, through amusing but valuable accounts of his experiences.
Keynotes
Keynote Adresses
My keynote addresses are speeches of 30 - 45 minutes duration, appropriate for most audiences. I have chosen topics that are enlightening and designed to motivate my audiences towards a more rewarding and happy life. I am available to deliver any of these at your next function, whether it is a corporate event, a club or association lunch or dinner function.
Communicating Across Cultures
In this keynote I explain how cultures differ, the value of "Cultural Intelligence" in business, and how it can be leveraged successfully when interacting with other cultures. This is aimed primarily at business people working in the global environment, but may also be of interest to world travelers.
Watch Your Back at Work
All too often we fail to take care of our backs in the proper way - final result? Acute and chronic back pain! In this keynote I share some lesser known tips on how to care for your back, not only in the workplace, but in everything you do.
Connect With Colours
We all have a preferred way of receiving and processing information. When messages are transmitted in a manner that is aligned with the receiver's thinking preference the better the "connection." In this keynote I "dissect" the human brain and categorise these preferences into four "colours" You will learn about how these differ from person to person, using them to become a better communicator and achieve greater co-operation.
Bounce Back From Adversity
We are all faced with challenges that arise from time to time. Hopefully they are small and short lived. But how do you cope when they are not? How do you remain resilient during tough uncertain times? In this talk I provide inspiring ideas on how to survive the "Tough Times College."
Goal Oriented Retirement
Becoming "Financially Free" after retirement, means aligning your retirement capital and income with the type of lifestyle you strive for. But how much is enough, and what kind of lifestyle really awaits you? In this talk I present my proven fool proof way of achieving a happy, balanced and financially secure lifestyle during your golden years.
Workshops
Workshops
I provide an exciting range of half day seminars and full day workshops that share valuable learning nuggets towards a better, more confident you. Feel free to scroll down and browse what awaits you!
Going Global With Cultural Intelligence
Build better relationships with citizens of the global village by speaking their “language.” In this workshop I analyse how cultures differ around the world, leading to the value of modifying your behaviour and style of communication when interacting with people from other lands.
Speaking on the Spot
How often are you stuck for words when put on the spot to speak up? Are you able to respond confidently and competently, or do you find yourself lost for words? During this interactive workshop I'll share useful tips and tricks to overcome the fear of public speaking.
Connect with Colours
Everyone has a preferred way of receiving and processing information. The Whole Brain Model divides these preferences into four main categories that are markedly different. In this talk I ""dissect" the brain into four quadrants, highlighting their differences via a colour code and how they can be leveraged for improved communication between people of different "colour."
Goal Oriented Retirement Planning
"Financially free" post retirement, means packaging your retirement capital and income with the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy. But how much is enough, and what kind of lifestyle really awaits you? In this seminar cum workshop I propose my proven fool proof way of achieving this objective.
The New Leaders Academy
The New Leaders Academy is a series of short seminars aimed at boosting the awareness of students about the value of great leadership and its components. On completion of the programme, school and university leavers will be able to implement the principles of sound leadership in their daily lives.
Charities
My Designated Charities
The net proceeds from my keynotes, workshops and talks are donated to one of three charities that I support. I am passionate about domestic animals, most of all my loving dog "Chase." These charities are run by amazing people for whom I have huge respect. By supporting me, you are supporting them.
Clips of Performances
Publications
This is my first book on Asian etiquette, written specifically for Western business people when travelling to Asia.
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Ang Moh are OK is a short book I wrote specifically for Singaporeans interacting with Westerners (called "Ang Moh"). From my 20 years of living in Singapore I realised many Singaporeans are unfamiliar with Western Ways. In this book I endeavour to share some of the finer points of Western etiquette.
Read MoreContact Me
If I can be of service to you at your next event or if you would like to experience any of my talks or workshops please connect with me using this contact form.