You Can Talk to Anyone: Recent Episodes

Alex MacLaren, Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-White

Alex MacLaren is an actor, and he's worked as a communications coach at The Spontaneity Shop since 2002. Now so much business is being conducted remotely, the ways in which we talk, present, build relationships and connect is changing. In this podcast, we'll explore all the issues and prove to you that – no matter who you are – You Can Talk to Anyone.


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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 35. You Can't Say Anything These Days - Sadowitz, Rushdie and Freedom of Speech

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Two different men have found themselves having their so-called freedom of speech curtailed, one with what could have been fatal consequences.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 34. Clothes Maketh the Man

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

What we wear is something that some people fret over endlessly and others barely consider at all, but it can speak volumes about who you are and who you want to be. Even if you're only visible on camera from the shoulders up.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 33. Lights Camera Anxiety

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Being on camera (or behind a microphone) used to be something which only a few people experienced regularly, but now it's become part of the way we do business. Has that helped or hindered our ability to be natural while being recorded?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 32. Masters and servants

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

The days of Downton Abbey may be long past, but echoes of the relationships between powerful landowners and domestic staff linger in all sorts of situations.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 31. Sorted for booze and cigs

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

People all over the world use alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tobacco products and much else besides as social rituals and mood-enhancers. Do you? Why or why not?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 30. The question of questions

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Is there really no such thing as a stupid question? And if there is, should that stop you from asking it?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 29. Do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell?

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Tom and Alex tell stories about telling stories and the power of telling stories.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 28. Once Upon a Time - the power of storytelling.mp3

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Tom and Alex tell stories about telling stories and the power of telling stories.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 27: Confidence Part Two - with Ned Sedgwick

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky and special guest Ned Sedgwick

In this episode we talk to Young Person Ned Sedgwick about whether confidence increases with age or ebbs away as you learn more.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 26. Horrible Bosses

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

In this episode we explore how everyone can 'get the confidence of a mediocre white man'!

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 25. Horrible Bosses

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Managing up is an art in itself, but it can't be denied that some people make that easy and other people... don't.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 24. Polite Company - politics, religion and money

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Tom and Alex talk about the un-talk-about-able.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 23. Playing Your Part at a Party

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Tom and Alex consider who had the biggest impact on their communications styles.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 22. Role models - who taught us what we're teaching others

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Tom and Alex consider who had the biggest impact on their communications styles.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 21. Audience Feedback - the compliments conundrum

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Alex and Tom respond to a question from a listener who has difficulty escaping a compliments spiral.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 20. Teasing - the use and misuse of abuse

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Teasing our friends can be wonderful fun, but being teased can be ghastly. What makes the difference and how can we use teasing to build relationships, rather than to simply shore up our own positions?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 19. Five Quick Wins

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

We present five quick ideas about how to improve your communications.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 18. How Touching - When, with whom and how should we be tactile

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

The pandemic has left some people starved of physical contact - and others relieved that they no longer have to endure it.

  • https://youtu.be/BAtDe5Mfq84 (some bad language)
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Surrender_of_Breda

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 17. Eye contact - who's looking at you kid?

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Why does it matter who's looking at who and when? How can we make eye contact during video calls? What is the approved method for entering a crowded lift?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 16. Two case studies - what would Tom Hanks do?

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

On this episode, we look at two examples of communications issues from the last couple of weeks and try and find productive ways forward.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 15. Table Manners - which way up is your fork and does it matter?

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Sitting down to eat with someone else bonds us like nothing else, but what happens if we don't share the same arbitrary rules about appropriate use of flatware?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 14. Tough Customers

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 7 February 2022

Lots has been written and said about being a good salesperson, but what is life like on the other side of the purchasing equation?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 13. All Shapes and Sizes

Presented by Alex MacLaren with special guests Susan Harrison and Lucy Trodd

Released: Monday 31 January 2022

The bodies we bring to our meetings are things we can't change. How is it different for people who are outside the "norm" - whatever that means?

  • One Size Fits All https://youtu.be/CmbgFnEC_Zc
  • https://susanharrisoncharacters.com
  • https://twitter.com/sueharrison123
  • https://twitter.com/TheShowstoppers
  • https://twitter.com/LucyTrodd
  • https://www.instagram.com/ltrodd

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 12. Dropping the F-bomb

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 24 January 2022

In every language, some words are granted a little extra power to provide emphasis, offend or even shock. When should we use them and when should we refrain?

  • https://theconversation.com/piss-off-annoy-shit-on-why-macrons-use-of-the-french-swear-word-emmerder-is-so-hard-to-translate-174627

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 11. The Rules of the Round - Fairness in friendships

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 17 January 2022

We may be seeing more of our real family and less of our work family over the next few days or weeks. What do these two families have in common, and how are they different?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 10. Locker Room Talk - How boys talk to boys and girls talk to girls

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 10 January 2022

What happens in single sex groups that can seem so toxic and can it possibly have any benefits?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 9. Resting Bastard Face. Unconscious social signals – the things we would like not to be projecting

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 3 January 2022

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v98CPXNiSk

What does your face say about you and what can you do about what it?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 8. Why is it different online? Digital communications for analogue creatures

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 27 December 2021

The art of letter-writing is dead but we are all firing off emails, Tweets and Facebook posts with reckless abandon.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 7. We’re all one big happy family: Real and work families

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 20 December 2021

Read the transcript: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-7-were-all-one-big-happy-family/

We may be seeing more of our real family and less of our work family over the next few days or weeks. What do these two families have in common, and how are they different?

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 6. What shall I bring? Gifts and meanings

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 13 December 2021

Bringing someone a gift should delight both of you, but in some cases both buying a gift and receiving it can be fraught with danger and anxiety.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter, @TomSalinsky or @SpontaneityShop or you can send an email or a voice note to podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com.

To find out more about the training we offer, check out our website

https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 5. Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Making jokes

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 6 December 2021

Laughing together is incredibly bonding and many people running meetings, presenting to groups or standing on stage at a conference want to start with a joke. But should they? And can they? And how do they know?

Read the transcript https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-5-stop-me-if-youve-heard-this-one/

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 4. Social disaster first aid

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 29 November 2021

In social situations or at work, we can all of us, say the wrong thing, be caught out or just not hit the right note. How can you deal with the very strong feelings which these horrible events bring up and how can you recover gracefully?

Read the transcript: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-4-social-disaster-first-aid/

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 3. Oh no - Networking

Presented by Alex MacLaren and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 22 November 2021

Read the transcript: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-3-oh-no-networking/

Having the opportunity to mix and mingle, meet new people and have some drinks and snacks sounds lovely - until we give it the label "networking". How can we mitigate the damage this label does, and come away from a networking event feeling good about ourselves and having made some genuine connections with new people?

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 2. In the Spotlight: Talking to Audiences

Presented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 15 November 2021

On this episode we talk about addressing an audience and how the spotlight can profoundly change the way we behave - and in some cases leave us with crippling anxiety. But where does that anxiety come from and how can we learn to dispel it, or manage it?

Read the transcript here: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-2-in-the-spotlight/

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/DeborahFW
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 1. My One Shot: Making a Good First Impression

Presented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom Salinsky

Released: Monday 8 November 2021

On this episode we talk about how to get a relationship off to a good start, whether it's a check-in clerk you'll likely never see again, or an important client, or your own colleagues who've you only previously met on Zoom.

Read the transcript here: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/episode-1-my-one-shot/

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/DeborahFW
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone

Episode 0: Our First Conversation: Introducing ourselves and the podcast

Presented by Alex MacLaren, Deborah Frances-White and Tom Salinsky

Read the transcript here: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/you-can-talk-to-anyone-episode-0/

To find out more about The Spontaneity Shop and our training courses, you can visit our website: https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/training-courses/

And to get in touch with us, you can email podcast@the-spontaneity-shop.com or you can send us a Tweet.

  • https://twitter.com/tomsalinsky
  • https://twitter.com/DeborahFW
  • https://twitter.com/SpontaneityShop

Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

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You Can Talk to Anyone is the new podcast from The Spontaneity Shop.

Alex MacLaren is an actor who has worked as a communications coach since 2002. Now so much business is being conducted remotely, the ways in which we talk, present, build relationships and connect is changing. In this podcast, we want to explore all the issues and prove to you that – no matter who you are – You Can Talk to Anyone.

Launching 8 November.


Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.