The world wide web has been taken by the storm that is JTL, or Johnny The Lad to those who don’t like to use acronyms. He is a man of wisdom, with a truckload of sneakers; and in his blog http://www.seasonofsneakers.com/ he cleverly combines the two.

Me: What motivated you to start your blog? 
JTL: Having more than enough shoes that I could easily wear a different pair each day for a whole season.
Me: Your blog has become much more than just about sneakers, was this always your intention?
JTL: This wasn’t my intention, I was expecting a question or two every few days but not this. The majority of questions aren’t even about sneakers, I can’t believe how many questions get asked.
Me: You’ve become something of a Modern Guru, have you considered talk back radio? Or doing an Agony Aunt style column in Cleo?
JTL: I haven’t considered this, but when winter 2010 comes to an end if there is some extra work out there that I could do i’d be interested, hit us up.
Me: What’s the hardest question you’ve been asked so far?
JTL: The Stones or The Beatles?
Me: What is your motto in life?
JTL: I did get asked this question before and said: just be yourself and don’t worry what other people think. But I’ll give you another one: what is life if you don’t have fun.
Me: What is the one talent you wish you had?
JTL: I wish I could dance like Michael Jackson.

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

Jack London

This week I attended a close friend’s wedding, and had to give a speech. It was a baptism of fire – so to speak – into the world of public speaking, and it would be fair to say that I crashed and burned. Despite being quite prepared, it quickly became apparent that carefully planned content, does not equate to a crowd pleaser. The fathers of the bride and groom, along with the brothers of the happy couple, mopped the floor with my rookie attempt; so after reflecting on their tactics, I have put together some fail-safe tips on giving a speech at a wedding.

1. Talk about yourself.
This approach was taken by the brothers of both the bride and the groom. Apparently self depreciation is the best way to break the ice, and will make you come across as a stand-up human being.

2. Use comedy.
An obvious point to make, but one I managed to miss.

3.To take the heat off yourself, pick on a few members of the audience.
The opposite of heckling, whereby you heckle the crowd.

4. On the topic of heckling, strike up a deal with a few friends and ask them to make encouraging noises at regular intervals.
This is sort of like “shill bidding” at an auction, as the crowd are fooled into believing your speech is better than it really is.

5. It’s all about the finishing note.
The best way to finish is with a toast. Any excuse to knock one back, always goes down well.

6. Hide behind the microphone
Contrary to popular belief, speaking loudly into the microphone is better than having people call out at regular intervals – “Speak up.”