Statistically, public speaking ranks higher in stress terms than almost any other activity. Quite what the parameters were, for research that produced this startling fact, am not sure. Find it hard to believe addressing an audience could cause more angst than say, a visit to a man in a mask who runs out of the room whilst zapping you with x-rays before returning to do

Joan of Arc heard voices, which did her no favours at all.  I, on the other hand, hear lots of beeps and pings and whilst not necessarily heading down quite the same dramatic path as she, can’t help but worry a little. Setting aside household chores for the weekend isn’t so much a deliberate domestic goddess strategy, more a question of imminent dearth of clean

There’s certainly no doubt that life with all its little vicissitudes, might be an altogether smoother running exercise if phone callers would only leave their name at decipherable speed, spell out anything more complicated than Smith and leave a considerate pause whilst you jot. However, I usually find whilst am still furrow-browed over the name – is that their’s or their company’s? – they’re hitting

Discover a merry band of wasps busily buzzing back and forth from brickwork outside the spare room window. I’m no David Attenborough but immediately suss a nest. Helpful wasp control chap recommended by neighbour turns up and sucks air through his teeth. (Is there a course you go on to learn how to do that?) ‘Yup,’ he says, ‘Yup, lot of ‘em in there.’ and

Recent article I wrote for a newsletter was on public speaking and that some people dread it so much they’d sooner have a root canal. Hot on publication, indignant and lengthy email arrives from dentist who’s taken great umbrage at what he’s interpreted as heinous slight on his profession.  Honestly, you couldn’t make it up! I hastily email back to say, last profession I’d ever

Naturally, If you blather on an enough about trusting your own business instincts and the importance of clarity in communication people start to say, put your money where your mouth is. So, I’ve grasped the nettle, seized the moment and gone with the flow. The result is 4 small (but bossy. Sound like anyone we know?) business books the first two of which are going

Anyone else hate ‘See you later’? Makes me want to respond, ‘No you won’t. You’ve never seen me before I pitched up at this checkout and as I’m in on my own tonight, you’re not likely to catch up with me then either!’ Unpleasant phone experience. Leaving my number for a client and can’t for the life of me remember what it might be. Frantic

Client meeting first thing, someone I’ve done work for in the past’s bringing her chartered accountant husband who wants his website revamping. Can see as they arrive he’s here under protest. We discuss what he might like. He’s mournfully monosyllabic, keeps gazing past me and when he is persuaded to talk, volunteers that he hates what he does, always has. Wanted, he says, to be

Do you, like me, have a strong urge to sharply kick the shin of any woman who says she’s just a mum? In fact we all of us know full well that anyone who’s ever juggled the spinning plates and poles of household and family, is almost certainly a darn sight better qualified than most politicians to put a stop to all this double-dip recession

Rather a humiliating visit to the dentist. Up till now had felt tooth grinding, which I know I do when stressed, was something best kept between me and myself.  This view endorsed when passing unexpected mirror and realizing that when doing it I look like nothing so much as Les Dawson gurning – not a good look. Dentist however having done the lowering of the