https://cowlpane.com/tags/the-weekend-opener/ Recent content in The Weekend Opener on Cowlpane Hugo en-us Fri, 08 May 2026 23:01:00 +0000 https://cowlpane.com/lifestyle/dont-get-too-friendly-with-the-wine-waiter-at-lunch-and-14-other-public-speaking/ Fri, 08 May 2026 23:01:00 +0000 https://cowlpane.com/lifestyle/dont-get-too-friendly-with-the-wine-waiter-at-lunch-and-14-other-public-speaking/ <p><em>Originally published by <a href="https://monocle.com/the-weekend-opener/public-speaking-tips/">Monocle</a></em></p> <hr> <p>The low mark was Chengdu, 2019. Monocle was in town to host a conference about making better cities. It was a great event, well, until the incident.Over the years, I have learned to enjoy being on stage moderating talks, interviewing interesting people. And, with practice, I have discovered a few tricks to keep my nerves in check and panellists feeling that they have been heard.In Chengdu I remember feeling rather happy with myself as I prepared to wrap my final panel, just pausing to take a couple of questions from the audience before exiting. I scanned the room for raised hands and, several rows back, spotted someone waving. “Can we get the mic to the gentleman in the black coat,” I said, not realising the calamity that was about to hit.</p>