Here's the scenario: You're delivering a high-stakes presentation that could lead to a large sale. You've successfully framed the issue and used a combination of storytelling and stats to prove the importance of your proposal.

I was describing a luxury car to a friend. Without really thinking about it, I quipped, "It even has peasant-blockers in the back." My friend laughed at this colourful phraseology describing 'rear window blinds,' and his laughter drew my attention to the phrase. It made me wonder where I'd first heard it. It was in a video blog that I regularly follow, and one of the reasons I regularly follow it is because I enjoy the language and humour. Professional speaker Douglas Kruger explores excellent use of language as an expert-positioning technique. See him in action at www.douglaskruger.com.

Gillette produced an advert that spoke about ‘toxic masculinity.’ The ad exploded. It's been the most talked about topic globally this week. Ostensibly, the goal was to play on a social justice trend, and to encourage men to ‘shave away’ toxic behaviours. Douglas Kruger is the author of two books on expert positioning, two on innovation, and several more. He is an international keynote speaker on the business circuit. To book him as the motivational speaker for your next leadership conference or event, visit www.douglaskruger.com.

If fortune has smiled on you, not only do you do the thing you love for a living, but you’re also becoming a recognised expert at it. What drew you to it in the first place? Professional Speaker Douglas Kruger explores your first love, and the propulsion that recapturing that sensation can provide for you. See him live at www.douglaskruger.com.

As part of the research for my newest book, I looked extensively into studies on 'what keeps people poor,' versus 'what determines upward mobility.'

December is an interesting time for aspiring experts. Conference planners and hosts of association events are thinking about next year, but not everything is set in stone yet. Most are still at work, but there’s a moment to breathe. That represents an opportunity. Douglas Kruger is a professional speaker and business author. See him live, or book him as the motivational speaker at your next conference, at www.douglaskruger.com.

Is it possible to become wealthy working as an employee, and arrives at the answer, ‘Yes, with one proviso.’ The proviso is how you view your career.

Do you track your own numbers? They represent an excellent opportunity for publicity.

Imagine if you could quantify all the specific things that would make you a superior practitioner in your industry. Here’s how you can:

Good writing is rare. In emails, it's almost mythical. This week I received an invitation to a presentation, and it stood out from the rivers of grey 'corporatese' that usually flood my mailbox. It went like this:

How often do you start your working day in a rush, then feel rushed clear through to the end, as though you've never really had time to think? Make this simple change

What is your highest ambition for your career? Do you in any way hesitate because you feel you are ‘not ready'? It’s not the right way to think.

In an article published in Psychology Today: ‘How to Become an Expert,’ Dr Carl Beuke asks what we can learn from world-class performers. Dr Beuke reaches the conclusion that individuals identified as ‘ordinary,’ rather than talented, can become exceptional performers, provided they receive the right training, and provided they are willing to focus heavily on extensive practice.

Have you ever ‘checked your emotional barometer,’ to determine whether you feel like going to gym? And after doing so, did you actually go? Or did you subsequently talk yourself out of it?

Today I wandered out of a bookstore covetously clutching a new title. It isn’t anything as sexy as the latest Dean Koontz or Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a small book by the Economist. But it’s a good one. It’s the 2019 ‘Pocket World in Figures,’ the rear-cover of which asks the reader, ‘Did you know? Russia has the world’s highest divorce rate; the US has the largest foreign-born population; Japan publishes the most books per head,’ and more.

‘Quick! The business is dying! Find me the humblest possible consultant to solve the problem!’

Personally, I love it. Each day I haemorrhage vast spoils of time into its creation. But social media may not actually be driving your revenue, and I can tell you in all certainty that it doesn't drive mine.

There’s something wonderful about the ability to communicate without clutter. And it applies to top level experts too.

You’ve stalled. It’s all dried up and you’re feeling terrified. Now what?

In the new book, 'What Makes Them Great?', Douglas Kruger counts 11 separate reasons why it's worth your while...