Partners With You

27/08/2026

Sometimes there’s no update to give a customer.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to say.

If someone is waiting for an answer, an order, a decision or some work to be completed, silence can quickly leave them wondering what’s happening.

A simple message to say, “I haven’t forgotten about you, I’m still waiting for an update and I’ll be back in touch as soon as I have one” can make a big difference.

Good customer service isn’t only about having the answer.

Sometimes it’s simply about keeping people informed.

25/08/2026

Have you ever practised a presentation so much that you start to sound rehearsed?

Preparation is important, but trying to memorise every single word can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Instead, focus on knowing your key messages and the points you want your audience to remember.

Practise saying them out loud, but allow the words to come naturally each time. You don’t need to deliver exactly the same sentence every time you rehearse.

The goal isn’t to memorise a script.

It’s to know your subject well enough that you can talk about it confidently and naturally.

We explored this in more detail on the blog:
https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/how-to-rehearse-without-sounding-rehearsed/

24/08/2026

The Presentation Club is tomorrow!

Join us on Tuesday 25th August at 5pm at Hazlemere Golf Club for a relaxed and supportive session where you can practise your presentation skills, try out your 60-second networking pitch and meet other local business owners.

No polished presentation needed, just come along ready to have a go, get some useful feedback and build your confidence.

There’s still time to book your place:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-presentation-club-tickets-1996784640612

20/08/2026

It’s so nice to get feedback like this 😊

I send out three emails a month to my mailing lists, one under Step Out From The Shadows and two under the Partners With You banner.

I’ve been doing it for years, but I’m never really sure how useful they are. I make sure the articles are practical and focus on the topics I’m asked about most, or the things I’m currently working on with clients, but you never quite know how much they’re helping the people reading them.

Then, out of the blue, I received this lovely message from someone who is on both lists.

“I just wanted to thank you again for your wonderful ‘snippet’ emails.

I love being on the list to receive them as there is always something I can learn from them. It will either be something I’m feeling under-confident about and could do with a bit of advice on, or something new that I can store away as a new ‘spanner in my toolbox’!”

It absolutely made my day 😀

If you’d like to receive the emails too, you can sign up here:

Partners With You:
https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/signup-for-newsletter

Step Out From The Shadows:
https://www.stepoutfromtheshadows.co.uk/sign-up-for-newsletter

20/08/2026

What do you do when someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer?

For many people, this is one of the things they worry about most before giving a presentation.

But you don’t need to know everything.

If you’re asked something you can’t answer, it’s far better to be honest than try to bluff your way through it.

You can simply say that you don’t know, offer to find out and come back to them afterwards.

Handling a question calmly and honestly won’t undermine your credibility. Trying to make up an answer might.

There are more tips for handling questions and interruptions here:
https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/how-to-handle-questions-and-interruptions-during-a-presentation-without-losing-focus/

18/08/2026

A pause can feel much longer to you than it does to everyone listening.

When we’re nervous, it’s very common to speed up. We rush from one point to the next because silence feels uncomfortable.

But a well-placed pause can actually make you sound more confident.

It gives your audience time to take in what you’ve said, gives you a moment to gather your thoughts and can add emphasis to an important point.

So next time you’re speaking in a meeting, networking or giving a presentation, try slowing down and allowing yourself to pause.

You don’t have to fill every second with words.

13/08/2026

The Presentation Club is back this month.

Join us on Tuesday 25th August at 5pm at Hazlemere Golf Club for a relaxed and supportive session where you can practise your presentation skills, build your confidence and network with other local business owners.

Whether you’re comfortable speaking in front of a room or would simply like more practice, The Presentation Club gives you a safe space to have a go, get feedback and learn from others.

📍 Hazlemere Golf Club
📅 Tuesday 25th August
⏰ 5pm

Book your place on Eventbrite:

Come join us for a fun and interactive event where you can network and practice presentation skills in a safe and supportive environment.

12/08/2026

Are you really listening, or are you just waiting for your turn to speak?

Good communication isn’t only about what we say. How well we listen can make just as much difference.

It’s very easy, particularly in busy conversations, to start thinking about our response while the other person is still talking. We might hear the words, but we’re no longer fully listening.

Next time you’re in a conversation, try giving the other person your full attention. Don’t plan your answer, don’t interrupt and don’t rush to fill every silence.

You might be surprised by what you hear.

We explored this in more detail on the blog:
https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/do-you-really-listen-when-others-are-talking/

29/07/2026

Wedding season is well underway, which means plenty of brides, grooms, best men, parents and friends are preparing to make a speech.

Standing up in front of a room full of people can feel daunting, even when they’re all there to support you.

In this article, we share three simple tips to help you prepare, whether you’re giving a wedding speech or a presentation at work.

And remember, your audience wants you to do well. They’re on your side!

https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/are-you-preparing-a-wedding-speech-three-tips-to-help-you-to-prepare-for-any-presentation/

17/07/2026

As the wedding season is now upon us, you may find this article Sally wrote about how to make effortless small talk contains some useful advice.

You'll find this article particularly helpful if you’re going to an event where you don’t know many people.

https://partnerswithyou.co.uk/effortless-small-talk/