That's Christmas 365: North Wales Dad Turns Son into Storybook Hero — 12...

That's Christmas 365: North Wales Dad Turns Son into Storybook Hero — 12...: Every parent has told a bedtime story. Craig Darren Read went one step further, he turned his four-year-old son into the hero of one. His de...

New Book Reveals the Secrets to Brilliant Public Speaking and Media Communication

Award winning business publisher LID Publishing has announced the launch of How to Be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media, a first-of-its-kind practical guide to presentation and public speaking skills.

It’s the debut book by Benjamin Thiele-Long, a barrister and communications consultant with over two decades of experience as a trusted advisor to business leaders of some of the world’s largest companies.

Thiele-Long brings his unique experience to life, cutting straight to the point with practical and immediately applicable advice and examples on how to be an excellent communicator in keynotes, panels, pitches, and to the press.

“Those who can express their ideas with persuasion, conviction, and clarity stand out as compelling leaders and visionaries within their organizations and industries”Benjamin Thiele-Lon told That's Books and Entertainment.

“This book distils over 20 years’ experience to demonstrate that far from an innate talent, being brilliant at presenting, pitching, and speaking to the media are all learnable skills based on tried and tested principles that everyone can apply.”

With a career spanning time as a courtroom advocate, PR agency leader, and Chief Communications Officer, Benjamin Thiele-Long is a respected industry expert known for his uniquely no-nonsense, practical, and relatable approach to presentation and media training that instils the confidence to turn anyone into a compelling and persuasive speaker.

Advance praise for How to Be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media.

Miguel Patricio, Board Chair and former CEO of Kraft Heinz said: “This is an essential resource for every business leader, full of the indispensable advice and practical skills necessary to become an exceptional and influential communicator.”

Kathy Krenger, Award-winning international Chief Communications Officer and Brand Builder: “An outstanding book unlike any other, packed with clear and compelling advice and examples that get straight to the point, are easy to apply, and delivered in a personable and digestible way.”

R. Michael Mohan, Board Chair and former President and COO of Best Buy: “Addressing the right audience with the right message, at the right time, is critical for any business leader, and more important than ever. This book reinforces that with great examples and validates the importance of enabling a great communications team.”

Barney Thompson, Editor and writer at the United Nations, former journalist and editor at The Financial Times: “Smart, snappy, insightful, informed by a wealth of personal experience (triumphs and disasters), unflinchingly honest, wise, practical – a superb guide to communicating with a wide range of audiences, from colleagues to the media to the general public. Indispensable both for those facing the cameras and for those preparing them.”

Apart from C-suite leaders and anyone who wants to turbocharge their career by improving their communication skills, How to be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media is also aimed at communications advisors, who can use it as a resource when briefing their clients on any public appearances.

It's not about theoretical jargon; it's about real-world techniques, exercises and examples that empower you to craft compelling content, deliver impactful presentations, and navigate pitches and panels, all with a unique blend of communications expertise and a healthy dose of humour.

The book's concise, snappy sections make it easy to quickly find the needed advice need, while real-world examples and exercises bring the principles to life. The book equips the reader with the fundamental building blocks and practical tools to become an utterly brilliant communicator.

How to be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media is published on 30th October 2025 by LID Publishing, available as paperback and e-book. 

https://lidpublishing.com

You can pre-order it here at £9.99 https://amzn.to/4hbOX2V

That's Christmas 365: Helping the BookTrust Bring the Joy of Reading to ...

That's Christmas 365: Helping the BookTrust Bring the Joy of Reading to ...: There’s something truly magical about giving the gift of a book at Christmas.  Between the sparkle of fairy lights and the rustle of wrappin...

Step Through Story and Legend at Butser BookFest 2025

A Weekend of Fantasy, History and Creativity at Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire - 18th & 19th October 2025.

Step into a world where myth meets history and stories come alive among reconstructed ancient buildings! 

On the 18th and 19th of October, the much-loved Butser BookFest returns for another vibrant weekend at Butser Ancient Farm celebrating literature, history, folklore and fantasy - all set within the extraordinary landscape of the South Downs and an open-air experimental archaeology site.

This year’s festival invites readers, bestselling authors, families and dreamers to immerse themselves in storytelling, poetry, and performance inspired by nature and myth. Wander between Roman villas, roundhouses and Saxon meadhalls as you hear from bestselling authors, take part in creative workshops or be transported to the ancient past through the rhythm of live music, the warmth of the hearth and a shared love of words and imagination.

Highlights of Butser BookFest 2025 are set to include:

Inspiring author talks and book signings: Hear from bestselling writers including Conn Iggulden, Samantha Shannon, Elodie Harper, Amy Jeffs and Lucy Holland as they discuss weaving history, myth, and magic into unforgettable tales. Afterwards, meet your favourite authors at their roundhouse bookshop hosted by Waterstones.

Live storytelling, poetry, and performance: Be transported by Saxon skald Eorðen as poetry and lyre music echo through ancient halls and enjoy atmospheric readings by poets and performers inspired by nature and folklore.

Creative workshops and hands-on activities: Join immersive writing and storytelling workshops, craft your own lino-print bookmark, browse visiting traders, try your hand at archery or explore the Forgotten Fleece Tales exhibition.

Children's sessions and workshops: There’s something for the whole family to enjoy with a huge range of activities at the festival, including an engaging children’s writing workshop led by award-winning author Angela McAllister and a hands-on session with poetry and drawing hosted by bestselling children's writer Smriti Halls. Families can take part in storytelling sessions and outdoor activities that spark imagination and creativity for all ages.

Festival founder and organiser Sofie Kitts told That's Book and Entertainment: "Nothing brings historically inspired fantasy and fiction, folklore and nature writing to life quite like celebrating it a setting such as ours, surrounded by the rolling South Downs and thatched roofs of Saxon meadhalls and ancient roundhouses. 

"We're really so fortunate to regularly connect with so many booklovers, artists and writers, and we’re thrilled to bring them together in a venue like no other literary festival takes place with such a diverse and fascinating programme of workshops, talks and more."

Butser Book Festival is more than just a celebration of books - it's an opportunity to experience the magic of stories ancient and new in an inspiring setting, making it the perfect weekend for families, bookworms, craft-lovers and writers alike.

Book your tickets now! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary festival at Butser Ancient Farm. Purchase tickets, book in-depth workshops, and explore the full programme here: https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/butser-literary-book-festival. Advance booking is strongly advised as spaces for workshops are limited.

If you have bookworms to buy for we suggest you visit the Butser BookFest to pick up some fantastic Christmas gifts.

That's Christmas 365: Unveiling the Past: A Mink Coat in St Neots by Liz...

That's Christmas 365: Unveiling the Past: A Mink Coat in St Neots by Liz...: In her latest book, A Mink Coat in St Neots, Liz Hodgkinson delves into the intriguing story of a mysterious woman who frequented her mother...

That's Christmas 365: Upon a White Horse by Peter Ross – A Thoughtful Ch...

That's Christmas 365: Upon a White Horse by Peter Ross – A Thoughtful Ch...: As Christmas approaches and we begin the annual search for the perfect gift – something meaningful, not mass-produced, something that will l...

That's Christmas 365: Leading Drinks Educator Releases Knowledge Box Ser...

That's Christmas 365: Leading Drinks Educator Releases Knowledge Box Ser...: Jane Peyton , founder of the School of Booze and former drinks educator of the year has released three new books to educate readers in fund...

Coneygree Visits the West End

Jump racing royalty will come to the West End this Thursday. 

The retired racehorse Coneygree will make a special appearance at the premiere screening event for ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop, Season Two.

2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Coneygree will reunite on the red carpet with jockey, Nico de Boinville who features in the second season of the behind-the-scenes style docuseries that airs this October.

The equine star will have a special stable and his own red carpet, welcoming guests ahead of premiere screening at BAFTA on Thursday evening. Passersby will also have the chance to meet the racehorses.

Other attendees include TV Personality, Chris Hughes and jockeys including former Champion Jockeys Harry Skelton, Harry Cobden and Brian Hughes, as well as current Champion Jockey Sean Bowen and 2025 Grand National winner, Patrick Mullins. Trainers who feature in the upcoming six-part docuseries will also be in attendance Champions: Full Gallop will air mid-October on ITV1 and ITVX.