How To Own The Room

17.3 Ellen Nichols, Writer

What are you waiting for? Viv Groskop talks to writer, Ellen Nichols, author of Remember Whose Little Girl You Are. Now in her 70s, Ellen Nichols has published her first book – a memoir of growing up in the Deep South in the fifties and sixties. Ellen shares how her confidence to speak the truth was nurtured from a young age by her father, a Methodist preacher who spoke out against segregation in the face of vicious opposition. One memory of an encounter with the Ku Klux Klan as a young child imprinted itself on her mind forever and she discusses how her mantra: ‘just be honest’ has guided her over the years. Ellen reminds us to seize the day and trust our instincts for using our voice to say things as we see them. Find out more about <a href="https://ellennichols.com/">Ellen Nichols Remember Whose Little Girl You Are</a>. A new updated edition of Viv's book, <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/contributors/viv-groskop">How to Own the Room</a> is out now. @vivgroskop

Inspirational women share advice on presenting and confidence, with comedian and writer Viv Groskop. Want to learn the secrets of brilliant public speaking? Each episode, Viv chats to a guest about what owning the room means to them. What is their approach to commanding attention and respect in the workplace, and beyond? 

This is the place to hear personal experiences of wonderful women at the top of their game, as they talk all things power, presence and performance. 

You’ll find lots of practical advice for developing great presentation skills, finding your voice and turbo-charging confidence. Plus masterclasses with tips and tricks on overcoming nerves, curing imposter syndrome, and knowing how to prepare. Our agenda is to inspire every woman to shine in the spotlight and push outside her comfort zone.

Guests have included Hillary Clinton with her thoughts on public speaking (and pant suits!); broadcaster Gabby Logan on building resilience and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson on cultivating self-belief. Not to mention the likes of Margaret Atwood, Professor Mary Beard and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.  You’ll find words of wisdom from entrepreneurs and CEOs; award-winning writers, actors and activists; politicians and therapists. Check out the back catalogue: it’s an amazingly rich resource that’s built up since the podcast started in 2018, with Nigella Lawson as our first guest!  

How to Own the Room is the brainchild of presenter Viv Groskop, an award-winning writer, comedian, broadcaster and performance coach. She switched from journalism to stand-up comedy in her late thirties and became fascinated by stereotypical ideas around women and performance. She passionately believes that being yourself in front of other people is a skill we can all master, to enrich our emotional and practical lives. She is one of the most sought-after speakers for stand-up, MCing, awards hosting and keynote speaking.

Viv’s best-selling ‘How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking’ formed the basis for this podcast. Her other titles include 'Lift As You Climb: Women and the Art of Ambition’ and ‘Happy High Status: How to be Effortlessly Confident’. 

www.vivgroskop.com