How To Own The Room (Viv Groskop)

Are you one of the guys? The policy analyst, economist and robotics expert Pippa Malmgren talks to Viv Groskop about body language, advising presidents, the end of expertise and why she stopped trying to look like a man and started wearing killer Louboutin heels on stage.

Would you rather be right, or happy? Writer, broadcaster and comic Natalie Haynes talks to Viv Groskop about taking up space, facing your fears, the intoxicating magic of making people laugh - and the liberation of not needing to be liked. Oh, and the kindness of Gyles Brandreth.

Are your clothes holding you back? Viv Groskop talks to Kenya Hunt, deputy editor at Elle UK, about Karl Lagerfeld; the performance secrets of being a professional dancer and how to own the room on different sides of the Atlantic. Oh, and why you should visit a tailor. Now.

Are you an arrogant idiot? Viv Groskop talks to Tara Mohr, expert in women's leadership and wellbeing, and author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women who Want to Speak Up, Create and Lead. Listen and learn how to ditch "good girl habits", how to be more improvisational, more self-trusting, more authentic. And how liberating it is to think just a little more like an arrogant idiot.

Find out more about Tara's work on her website.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

Twitter: @vivgroskop 

Insta: @vivgroskop

What if you don't want to own the room? Author and food writer Sophie Dahl talks to Viv Groskop about making it work even if you don't want to. They talk embracing nuance, deflecting questions and what to do when you're interviewing Philip Pullman and your earpiece falls down your jumper.

Can you manage your nerves? Viv Groskop talks to legendary actor, Dame Sheila Hancock, ahead of a theatre audience to share reflections from her second memoir Old Rage. Dame Sheila reveals how she has always suffered from chronic stage fright and remains terrified until the end. They discuss how nerves are normal and getting through them. Dame Sheila is frank about shocking stories of sexism in the stage and screen world with overwhelming pressures to conform to a typical look or height. She talks about the experience of being spotted by Theatre Workshop’s Joan Littlewood and how it was a liberation to be herself. Viv reflects that it’s a constant struggle not to pigeon-hole yourself and how important it is to resist that pressure, even if others around you are doing it for you.

Find out more about Dame Sheila Hancock’s Old Rage.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you doing the work? Viv Groskop talks to Dr Nicole LePera, holistic psychologist and author of How to Do The Work. They explore the idea of healing yourself, learning to regulate your body and how that psychological and physiological work can help you to own the room. And Viv finds out how someone who "hates public speaking" manages an online following of millions.

How do you follow a dream? Viv talks to the fashion legend, Lucinda Chambers, who worked at Vogue from the age of 21, eventually working her way up to become fashion director at the iconic magazine.

Chatting in Lucinda’s beautiful west London home, she tells Viv about how she learned graft in her childhood and about working hard to follow creative sparks.

Despite being in the glamorous world of fashion, Lucinda reveals that she never took it for granted and made sure her feet stayed on the ground while the sparkles danced among the style and the glossy pages of the magazine.

She’s now co-founder of Collagerie, a curated online shopping platform for fashion and interiors, which she runs with former Vogue colleague Serena Hood.

And her advice is simple… it’s all in the baby steps.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

How do you keep going when your mouth turns ‘sticky’? Viv talks to the award-winning writer, Claire Fuller about lessons from life, digging back into tales from when Claire worked in marketing and a pitch ran aground.

Offering tips and tricks for persevering through awkward moments, Viv celebrates Claire’s honesty for admitting when things haven’t gone well and also for celebrating the moments that most definitely have.

They talk about carving out a writing career later in life, while working and bringing up children – ‘do it now, don’t wait for perfection’ - and the importance of helping others in the spirit of Viv’s Lift as you Climb.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

Been wolf whistled by 400 boys? Viv Groskop talks to Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project and author of Men Who Hate Women: From Incels to Pickup Artists, the Truth about Extreme Misogyny and how it Affects Us All. Laura talks about anger, fear, shame and hope. About how facts are her friends, about TV interviews with men who want to "rip you to shreds" - and about how she turned that disastrous school talk into a triumph.

Laura's latest book, Men Who Hate Women, is out now.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are also out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Are you telling your story? Viv Groskop meets Valerie Jarrett, businesswoman, lawyer and senior adviser to US President Barack Obama. She talks about living a purposeful life, and the mistake of hiding your true self from your work world. She talks about meeting a young Michelle Obama and persuading her to accept a job (no matter what her opinionated fiance thought) She talks about what gives her hope in these desperate times, and how we can't afford to be tired. 

You can find out more about Valerie including her book Finding My Voice at valeriejarettbook.com

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

What's the worst that could happen? Viv Groskop talks to the lawyer, TV host and motivational speaker Mel Robbins about facing bankruptcy, unemployment and divorce - and how she completely turned her life around to become one of the top speakers on the circuit and a viral sensation. They talk the five second rule, the high five habit, and why your new mantra should be: "Usually, I'm double". Oh, and what it's like to literally wet yourself on stage.

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 Ellen Nichols Remember Whose Little Girl You Are.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

How do you swap a soul-crushing job for one that sustains you?

Viv talks to the writer, Carrie Sun, whose new memoir, Private Equity, is about to be released in US and UK. The story draws on Carrie’s own experience of being headhunted to be Executive Assistant to a billionaire. The competitive role was glamourous but 24/7, unrelenting and led to burnout in the face of a pitiless boss.

Carrie critiques capitalism and systems of misogyny, giving extraordinary insight into extreme hustle culture within a closed world.

Viv and Carrie unpick these complex threads and counsel keeping a sense of perspective and plotting a way out when you need to escape.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

Find out more about Private Equity.

@vivgroskop

Are you trying to sell something you wouldn't buy? Marcia Kilgore (Beauty Pie, Fitflop and more) talks to Viv Groskop about being driven by loss, the fearlessness that comes from knowing what makes you happy, and being so devoted to what you do that criticism is irrelevant. Oh, and how Beauty Pie was born from a desire to bring Christmas to us all...

Have you had a good lunch? Viv Groskop talks to journalist and Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman about doorstepping, sisterhood, nearly getting run over on live TV and the importance of keeping your team well fed (even if your team is just you).

Cathy's latest book It Takes Two: A History of the Couples Who Dared to Be Different is available now.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Why are you here? Viv Groskop talks to writer Esther Freud about her new book, about why it's good for writers to get out, and the power of understanding that it's not about you - you are here for the audience. She explains why she loves feedback, why she loves interviews - and how she has to remind herself not to tell everybody absolutely everything...

Esther's book, I Couldn't Love You More is out now.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you sitting comfortably? Viv Groskop talks to Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley CH, the businesswoman, philanthropist and technology pioneer. They explore why she changed her name - and why she brought her kitchen stool to America to give her TED talk in front of Bill Gates. Dame Stephanie argues that women must learn to ask for money: our input won't be valued if we don't value ourselves. She reveals how she learned a "healthy selfishness" after ending up in hospital, and tells Viv the single secret of success in business and romance...

Can you tell your own story? Viv Groskop talks to award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Abi Morgan, whose work includes The Split, The Iron Lady, The Hour and Suffragette. Abi has occupied and owned many rooms in her life and career – the solitary writer’s room, the family rooms of bustle, the emergency hospital room, the space on set to direct. In all these arenas she’s adapted herself while keeping a steady eye on maintaining space to tell the stories she wants to tell. Four years ago, Abi and her family’s lives were blown apart by a devastating medical emergency suffered by her partner. How would this sudden and unwelcome plot twist affect Abi’s life and writing? Channelling confusion and pain, Abi turned the lens onto her own life in This is Not a Pity Memoir. She reveals how a space to write has always been essential to her survival and none more so than in these crisis years. But having reached relative dry land, she tells Viv that it’s not over yet. There are more rooms to own and more stories to tell.

Listen to This is Not a Pity Memoir on BBC Radio 4

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

How do you choose your words when lives are at stake? Viv Groskop talks to Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, a Deputy Assistant Commissioner and one of the most senior female firefighters in the UK, about self-belief, communicating under pressure and the way social conditioning effects the confidence of girls and women. 

Are you scared to take risks? Viv Groskop talks to violinist Tasmin Little about creativity, performance pressure, and how you reach perfection by risking it all. Tasmin reveals the punishing logistics of a performing life, the ironic potential for cultural starvation, and her need to avoid being defined by her performance.

You can find out more about Tamsin at her website, tasminlittle.com

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

How do you find the confidence to pursue the work you want and ace an interview?

Viv chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, an amazing charity with celebrity backers whose mission is to help marginalised women break the cycle of rejection and deprivation that comes from long-term unemployment. Since 2013 they’ve helped over 30,000 women prepare for job interviews by giving them coaching, styling and an outfit to wear at their interview chosen from new clothes donated by fashion brands and retailers.

Kate tells Viv how respect and kindness can unlock confidence. Being welcomed and nurtured is key to enabling women to shine in an interview situation.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

Find out more about Smart Works.

@vivgroskop

What makes a good ally? Actors Brian Cox and Nicole Ansari talk to Viv Groskop about female oppression, male insecurity, the difficult delight of performing and how the secret to a happy marriage is separate bedrooms. Nicole Ansari is currently appearing in the UK premiere of Joshua Sobol's play "Sinners - The English Professor", directed by Brian Cox.

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, Viv presents the second of two special five-part series. This week: Inner Voice with psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Is your inner voice sabotaging your presenting style? In part one we look at what “chatter” is, how to avoid “spinning” (going into a negative thought spiral) and why it matters for women to pay attention to their internal monologue. 

You can find out more about Ethan at ethankross.com

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

How do you nurture self-belief? Viv talks to the bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson, about cultivating gentle trust in ourselves.

The Pulitzer prize-winning writer of narrative nonfiction, whose latest book, Caste, explores the inner workings of an American hierarchy, talks to Viv about bringing your absolute all to the stage and creating an experience of communion with the audience.

Such deep and generous sharing in this space is balanced, though, with a word of caution about keeping precious projects close in early stages, protecting them from those who might discourage you when they’re most delicate.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

Comedian and TV and radio presenter Viv Groskop sets off on her mission to reveal how you too can own the room.

Where does confidence come from?

What can you do if you’re very self-conscious and you feel really uncomfortable in front of others? 

In this second episode of weekly masterclasses, Viv talks about nerves and confidence, and how they really do go hand in hand. 

From archive interviews, Viv's previous guests share their words of wisdom.  In the very first episode Nigella Lawson stresses that you don't need to be perfect. Since then we have had many other guests including Margaret Heffernan, business leader and bestselling author, Karen Gibson, leader of the Kingdom Choir who sang at Megan and Harry’s wedding and DJ Cerys Mathews, who talks about forming the band Catatonia as a teenager and how to become comfortable in your own skin. 

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

Are you sitting comfortably? Well, stop it. Beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall makes HTOTR history by telling Viv Groskop to Sit Up Straight! That done, the pair explore the joy of the ad lib, the value of being your own mentor, and the secrets of limitless energy.

What's your armour? Viv Groskop talks to Jane Shepherdson, chair of My Wardrobe HQ, former chief exec of Whistles and brand director at TopShop. They discuss the way clothes can make you feel powerful- and how "rent-a-porter" can rekindle a fashion love affair without sacrificing the planet (or costing the earth). Jane reveals how she found her purpose and reinvented her career. And she explains how to deal with difficult characters, why you must surround yourself with excellence and how to get paid what you deserve. 

Do you want it too much? Viv Groskop talks to TV presenter, actress and writer Mel Giedroyc about the power of not caring and how she was nearly too rock 'n roll to audition for what turned out to be her big break. They talk #strictlycomedancing, #GBBO and almost going bankrupt. And making mistakes. Like thinking: who the HECK is interested in whether a cake rises?

Are you homely or buccaneering? Viv Groskop talks to broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey, co-hosts of the Fortunately podcast and authors of Did I Say That Out Loud? Notes on the Chuff of Life. They explore the horror of bar stools, the power of pinching yourself and the nervous nosebleed. They discuss being small, being authentic and why the show must not go on in all cases. And why Boris Johnson's overconfidence ought to encourage a generation of schoolgirls.

How do you achieve and stay authentic? Viv talks to Angela Cretu, CEO of Avon, one of the biggest beauty brands in the world.

Growing up in Communist Romania she says she learnt about gender and social equality, while ideas of self-expression or personal ambition weren’t present.

After the revolution in 1989, Angela joined Avon at the age of 24 as the company moved into this emerging market and she flew - building new teams at home and internationally.

She tells Viv how important it was for her to share insecurities with a mentor about facing confident male colleagues from the established western markets.

Angela learnt that her voice mattered, her perspective mattered and finding strength in her own self while enabling others have proved to be key to her success.

Before going on stage she recommends immersing yourself in the energy of the room. And Angela will always make sure her eyes look amazing.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

If you don't take risks, have you really lived? Viv Groskop talks to Ruth Coker Burks, author of the memoir All The Young Men, who risked everything to care for men dying of AIDS. She describes how being present and listening can express more than words. She talks about the power of believing in her message, even when she was shunned by the community and crosses were burnt on her lawn. Feeling fear? Ruth says walk through the fear and do it anyway.

Ruth's book, All the Young Men, is out now.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Are you still waiting for the cavalry? Viv Groskop talks to June Angelides, investor, entrepreneur and founder of Mums In Tech, the UK's first child-friendly coding school for mums. June talks about privilege and entitlement, about how to boost investment in Black-owned ventures - and about the moment she realised she had to be her own cavalry. She reveals what she learned about creativity and entrepreneurship from the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, and how vital it is to be authentic, even if that means feeding your baby in the boardroom.

Find out more about June's work and life at juneangelides.com

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Have you learned to stop worrying and love the video conferencing technology? No? Come this way. In this second special masterclass edition Viv Groskop answers listener questions about owning the room remotely. From ring lights and hairstyles and cracked iPads to the conundrum of sightlines and the importance of listening not looking. If you're battle-scarred by months of 4 hour Zoom meetings - or if you're a newbie coming back from furlough to a terrifying new landscape of remote work, Viv can help.

Do check out the first Zoom Masterclass, series 7 episode 4.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

What if it's not all about you? Viv Groskop talks to writer, actor, comedian and producer Meera Syal about fighting for diversity, failing in front of Victoria Wood and the peril and power of representing others when you speak.

Are you posh? Or do you just like olives? Viv Groskop talks to Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. They talk olives, going viral and why a joke will help get your point across. Jess reveals how she learned to communicate working in a pub, how showing confidence gives others confidence, and how other people saying stupid things is a great encouragement to speak up. Plus why women need to know they don't need to be perfect for politics.

Are you following someone else's rules? Viv Groskop talks to poet Hollie McNish about the value of working out your own way to do something - even if it takes time. Hollie discusses her efforts to unlearn society's unhelpful lessons about being female, including frank conversations with her grandmother. And she explores nerves, pressure, being apologetic - and the sadness of putting poems about her gran into the past tense.

You can find out more about Hollie and her new book, Slug and Other Things I've Been Told to Hate at holliepoetry.com 

Do you feel lucky? Viv Groskop talks to actress Dame Eileen Atkins about how owning the room is sometimes about being open to chance. They explore the genuine terror of the first night, the horror of being publicly judged, and why your own opinion is what matters. And there are room-owning anecdotes aplenty, starring the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier...

Dame Eileen's book, Will She Do? Act One of a Life on Stage is out now.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you getting enough potatoes? Sandi Toksvig, writer, broadcaster, actor and activist talks to Viv Groskop about owning rooms from the Royal Albert Hall to the QI studio and the Bake Off tent. She talks confidence, social media, being "interruptable" and getting death threats for being lesbian. And reveals the source of her power: a childhood fighting for her share at noisy family dinners.

Have you felt small lately? Viv Groskop talks to journalist, author and broadcaster Julia Baird about the value of shrinking, and how feeling small can inspire wonder. She talks about learning to be yourself, learning not to freak out about swallowing, and the number of accomplished women who won't appear on her show because they feel fat. She asks - why do we have to be perfect before we're allowed to express an opinion?

Julia's book Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder And Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark is out now.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you a victim? Author Patricia Cornwall talks to Viv Groskop about unlearning the lessons of a childhood that taught her she was a victim. She talks about giving people what they want - but not giving away your power. She talks Kay Scarpetta, Captain Calli Chase, bad reviews and forgetting the name of her own novel on live TV. She talks surfing the asteroid belt in a swimsuit. Please, listen.

Launching series 20 with a splash of colour and pizazz, Viv talks to fashion label guru, Marielle Wyse, about finding that thing you love and doing with all your heart. Having worked in TV documentaries, Marielle took time out to look after her small children and then found a spark, pursuing her own childhood passion for clothes and making, setting her on a new, exciting path, founding Wyse London.

Marielle advises remembering the thing you used to run to as a child and reveals how the Covid lockdowns transformed her fashion business into an Instagram-first platform where she got to talk directly to her customers. Her lessons are the about the winning combination of joy, passion and focus. And not forgetting from her TV days the power of the edit and when to stop. And move onto the next thing.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

Do you feel completely happy? If not, admit it out loud to yourself. That moment of truth will help. Viv Groskop talks to sociologist and life coach Martha Beck who argues that aligning with your truth will get rid of all your psychological suffering. They also discuss chronic public speaking nerves, how to train your animal brain as if it were a frightened horse - and what it's like to hang out with Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Gilbert.   

Do you have a good relationship with yourself? Viv Groskop talks to psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel about how hard it is to own the room and relate well to others if you don't relate well to yourself. She talks about how our family history affects our confidence and how we are all haunted by the untold stories, the pain passed down through families. Julia reveals the "shame spiral" she herself experienced after appearing on the BBC's Desert Island Discs. And she explains the secret of instilling confidence in our children.

You can find out more about Julia on her website and buy her latest book, Every Family Has a Story: How We Inherit Love and Loss

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

Do men think you're soft? Viv Groskop talks to entrepreneur, CEO and author Margaret Heffernan about how confidence comes from confronting yourself (and others) with concrete achievements, why she won't do International Women's Day and why change always involves sacrifice.

Do you "leave it all on the court"? Viv Groskop talks to novelist Madeline Miller about the speaking secrets of teachers, what you can learn from watching others, and how Bruce Springsteen inspires her to hold nothing back.

Are you ready to walk through the door of opportunity? Writer Jessica Fellowes talks to Viv Groskop about seizing the moment, putting on a show, owning the room when you are deaf - and the wonderful world of Downton Abbey.

Are you blocked? Viv Groskop talks to the teacher, writer and creativity guru Julia Cameron about liberating people to tap into their own creative power. She talks about prayer, vulnerability, the magic of her "morning pages" technique and the power of disarming an audience with the unexpected. Oh, and how to squash your inner critic (hers is called Nigel).

Julia's new book, The Listening Path is out now. 

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are also out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's other podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Do you have the authority? Viv Groskop talks to Jackie Weaver; viral internet sensation, author of the book You Do Have the Authority Here! and chief officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils. They discuss difficult meetings (no, really) as well as zoom etiquette, how to prepare, and how to keep calm in the face of aggression. Jackie considers why men bully, why women don't apply for jobs - and why local politics is your best bet to change the world. Also, of course, how to read the standing orders. And understand them.

Have you got "happy high status"? Viv Groskop talks to Sam Baker, digital entrepreneur and co-founder of The Pool, about powerpoint, fairydust and really hating public speaking.

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. In this fifth and final part: why you don’t need to be a flashy version of yourself, why telling your story is important because it shows others that it’s OK to tell their stories, keeping “something in your back pocket” to share and... the role gender plays in storytelling. Also, Viv finally admits what we all knew already: that she loves the sound of her own voice.

You can find out more about Hillary at tellmeastory.info 

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

How do you create the best panel experience? Viv talks to professional moderator, Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako, about managing nerves, getting the best out of interviewees on stage and handling feedback.

Based in her home city of Hamburg, Germany, Alexandra hosts an array of sessions – from author interviews to tech start-up pitch events and festivals such as the African Book Festival in Berlin.

It’s about taking charge of a space in a way that makes everyone relax.

And while it all seems to come naturally, Alexandra hasn’t always been so confident in front of an audience. In fact at school she was known as the quiet kid. Find out what made the difference and set her on a different path, picking up some priceless tips along the way.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

@vivgroskop

Do you suffer from nerves? Become a professional performer! Viv Groskop talks to comedian, actress and writer Catherine Tate about why she hates flattery, her enthusiasm for extreme adventure, and - yes - how performing cured her anxiety. Plus she reveals the killer secret of dealing with Q&As...

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. Part three discusses the role other people can play in challenging our inner voice. What they do to help — and what they do to hinder us. And what role does environment play? Could cleaning your kitchen be the secret to controlling your inner voice? (Disclaimer: we are not telling anyone to clean their kitchen.)

How do you work out what you want to say and what you think people are expecting?

If you want to speak up, how do you know where to start? 

In this new batch of episodes coming up over the next few weeks we’re going to dig into our archive of over 150 interviews. In these weekly masterclasses, each episode will tackle the things that really matter: confidence, overcoming nerves, imposter syndrome.

This week, Viv looks into what makes a great speech - or knowing what to say. 

Hillary Clinton advises being self-deprecating and hopes that women can own their individuality, while tech activist Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon thinks about what she wants her audience to walk away with. For actress Meera Syal, the most important part of sharing stories is that it allows us to understand each other, share our empathy, experience, history and view of the world.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring psychologist Ethan Kross, author of Chatter: The Voice In Our Head and How to Harness It. In this fifth and final part Viv and Ethan discuss how they speak to their daughters about inner voice. How do you distinguish between your feelings and your thoughts? And how to talk to yourself with kindness and compassion. (Warning: May include Viv calling herself a “sweaty old cow.”)

Do you know why you are doing this? Viv Groskop talks to Yewande Akinola MBE,  chartered engineer and TV presenter, about the power of knowing your purpose when it comes to connecting to your audience. She reveals the setbacks and criticism that come with building a public profile and argues that if you think of your work as an extension of who you are, it becomes less daunting.

How do you connect with audiences on a deeper, truer level? Viv talks to award-winning journalist and author, Angela Saini, about combatting pseudo-science and reaching people by peeling back the layers of thinking. Her celebrated books include: Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong, Superior: The Return of Race Science and her latest The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule.

Angela tells Viv how her grounding in news journalism in her 20s helped hone her skills to write succinctly, to deadline and to time in a way that helps her in every aspect of her work now – from writing to public speaking.

There’s a meticulousness to Angela’s approach that combines keen organisation with keeping an open, ready to adapt and think differently. It’s a winning formula that Viv delves into and pulls out some nuggets to take away.

The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule by Angela Saini is out at the end of February 2024.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

Are you relentlessly authentic? Viv Groskop talks to Sarah Hurwitz, speechwriter to Michelle Obama (and her husband) about why it's a waste of time to memorise speeches, why improvising is bad, why women can't be angry and why, if you wouldn't say something to one person, you really shouldn't say it to lots of people.

In the very first episode of How to Own the Room, Viv Groskop talks to food writer and broadcaster Nigella Lawson about being shy, making mistakes - and the armour of professional hair and makeup.

Brilliant women reveal the secrets of brilliant speaking, with comedian and TV and radio presenter Viv Groskop

What is the secret of fearlessness?

Actress Petra Massey (Sandstrom, Miranda) is best known for clowning and physical theatre - she carries herself with a profound inner confidence, and talks to Viv about channelling fear through her body in a productive way.  Another counter-intuitive trick for confidence, is using advocacy to empower others. Vanessa Sanyauke, CEO of Girls Talk Global, explains that when you act as an advocate for other people, it gives you a chance to use your voice and remind yourself of that true unshakeable confidence. As a performance poet, storyteller, best-selling author and co-writer on Beyoncé’s visual album Black is King, Yrsa Daley-Ward performs a lot of her own words on stage and for film. She compares her performance to a jazz improvisation, that is more honest and authentically her.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is available for preorder.

@vivgroskop

Ever seriously considered pretending you'd died? TV chef and writer Nadiya Hussain tells Viv Groskop how she begged her husband to tell Bake Off producers she was dead. She talks learning to accept her anxiety, how a teacher squashed her ambition, and the moment her child said his mum "lives her dreams". Oh, and the vital importance of coconut oil moisturiser.

Are you binary enough? Serial entrepreneur Shaa Wasmund talks to Viv Groskop about being poor, making money, cracking Facebook Lives, winning at conferences - and committing everything to what you love. Oh, and the joys of a garden office. 

Feel awkward about being, well, um, GOOD at what you do? Viv Groskop talks to Josie Rourke, film and theatre director, about owning your own fluency, the power of "messy spaces" and why we must never assume women are struggling to find a voice.

What's the worst that could happen? Viv Groskop talks to Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook's Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa about salary negotiation, not assuming people can read your mind and the importance of not living life wondering what if...

Have you done your best? Viv Groskop talks to writer and second Children's Laureate Anne Fine, about the freedom of being well prepared. She says: if I've done my best and they don't like it, that's their problem. She talks about why she hates interactive talks and how much you can learn from bad speakers. And she argues you should never overestimate an audience's knowledge or underestimate their intelligence - particularly when talking to children.

You can find out more about Anne Fine and her new book, Aftershocks here.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

Is your skin too thick? Feminist, activist and founding leader of the Women's Equality Party Sophie Walker talks to Viv Groskop about coping with hostility and the value of being thin-skinned. She talks pacing, breathing, how fitness will help you rouse the rabble, how young women will inspire you - and why amid all the shouting you must remember the effect your words are having on the quiet ones.

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

Are you lost in the moment? Viv Groskop talks to Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy about saying yes to life, inspiring a team to trust your vision and how self consciousness can hold you back. Plus the tale of her very first film audition - with Isabelle Huppert. Oh, and the wisdom to be found in fishing.

Find out more about Shahira's work and life @shahira_fahmy 

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

Do you need a mentor? At Google, Yonca Dervişoğlu is Chief Marketing Officer for EMEA and Matt Brittin is President of Business and Operations, EMEA. Together they talk to Viv Groskop about owning what makes you remarkable, owning your instincts, owning your gender - and why you must never ask someone to be your mentor.

How do you regain your confidence? Viv talks to the author, TV presenter, social media influencer and founder of fashion line Joanie, Dawn O’Porter, on finding your voice again. Dawn, who lives in LA with her husband the actor Chris O’Dowd and their two children, tells Viv with frank honesty about a dark time in her life when her TV career nosedived, how she lost her confidence and eventually wrote her way out of it. She shares her tips about holding onto self-worth when things aren’t going the way you want them to. She urges listeners to give themselves credit for the things that are going right – a relationship, friendships, children, work - rather than obsessing over what is going wrong. Her advice for owning the room is cut yourself some slack and allow yourself to draw strength from what is good. And be prepared to take a different direction if the one you planned has taken you out of the room entirely. As she tells Viv, the path doesn’t go in one direction and you may own and lose and own the room again.

Find out more about Dawn O’Porter’s latest novel, Cat Lady.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

Could you work with your family? Tricia Cusden, Anna Cusden and Suzy Stern are the mother and daughters team behind beauty brand Look Fabulous Forever. They talk to Viv Groskop about boundaries, communication, the trick to grabbing an audience by the first impression - and why you must never say hello-my-name-is...

Do check out Look Fabulous Forever, and Viv's new book Lift as You Climb

Are you being fair to yourself? Viv Groskop talks to the novelist Elif Shafak about how we learn self doubt, how anger is sexy but dangerous, why she is wary of certainty - and why you really shouldn't cut your own hair.

How do you bring together a winning team so that all voices can contribute to the room? Viv Groskop talks to the Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre, Elaine Bedell, on energy, stress and successfully leading teams of talented creative and commercial people. Elaine became the first woman in the top job at the Southbank Centre in 2017. She joined after a 30-year career in TV in which she developed shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway, Love Island and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing. She tells Viv about the adrenaline highs of live broadcasting to primetime audiences and managing big teams with big budgets. And she shares the wise words of her Great Aunt Maggie on owning the room before it was even a twinkle in Viv's eye.

Find out more about Elaine Bedell.

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, Viv presents a special five-part series featuring Hillary Rea, award-winning storyteller and founder of communication consultancy Tell Me a Story. Part two explains how choosing five simple words will help you build your story quickly and easily — and how mastering this technique means that you have something to say for every occasion. Hillary puts Viv on the spot to find her five words and it blows Viv’s mind. (In fairness, it is a mind that is easily blown.)

You can find out more about Hillary at tellmeastory.info She has also created this page where listeners can get the 5 Word Story template to try out.

Viv's book, Lift As You Climb is out now.

Have you said what you came to say? Viv Groskop talks to Anneliese Dodds, Labour Co-Op Member of Parliament for Oxford East, about owning the House as the first female Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. How to communicate complex ideas, how to build trust, how to deal with the Daily Mail style police. And how to make sure that you are clear what you want to say - and say it.

Find out more about Anneliese at anneliesedodds.org.uk

What helps to build resilience? Viv Groskop talks to the broadcaster, Gabby Logan, who has pioneered sports presenting for women in the UK. Just this year she co-led the BBC’s coverage of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Women’s Euro 2022. She tells Viv what it was like to start at Sky in her 20s when the channel was just four years old; presenting two live shows a day in a team formed of new voices and old hacks. Gabby shares some of the personal tragedies that have shaped her, such as the death of her younger brother, Daniel, when he was just 15 years old. And she reflects on how having children gave her a new found sense of perspective. The art of public speaking, Gabby believes, is just like sport – it’s all in the preparation. And know your audience.

Find out more about Gabby Logan in her memoir, The First Half

A new updated edition of Viv's book, How to Own the Room is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you keeping it fresh? Writer Margaret Atwood talks to Viv Groskop about tap dancing, cannibalism, puppetry, feminism, the joy of the unexpected and the value of a well chosen quip to defeat your enemies. And Tina Turner.

Ever suffered from "goat voice"? Viv Groskop talks to retail guru Mary Portas about radical candour, the power of silence and the surprising ways in which a speech is like a ball game. 

Are you a work in progress? Viv Groskop talks to writer and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about the power of seeing yourself as an ongoing project, free from constant judgement. They explore how the right time to do something may not be the first time you try, and how writing can teach you about yourself. Oh, and the horror of the "participatory chair"...

Do you believe your own story? Viv Groskop talks to Amanda Horton-Mastin, formerly senior director at Comic Relief and current CEO of Semble, which connects companies and communities to drive positive change. They explore how conviction can be contagious, whether you are fundraising or networking. They talk sickening nerves, and the power of pretending everything is fine. They talk over-compensating for having very fluffy hair - and what losing at tennis can teach you about winning at life.

Fat cow, fat chance? Viv Groskop talks to the writer, journalist and broadcaster Dame Jenni Murray, the former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. They talk being nosy, being prepared and why you must NEVER say "tell me about..." They discuss appearance, being criticised by your mother, and Dame Jenni's latest book on the science and psychology of size. Oh, and how she tackled an interview with Hollywood legend Bette Davis on only her second day at Woman's Hour.

Dame Jenni's book Fat Cow, Fat Chance: The Science and Psychology of Size is out now.

Viv's latest book, Lift As You Climb is also out now.

@vivgroskop

nosiness

bette davies

science and psychology of size

interview technique

mother critising her appearance

value of preparation

Never say tell me about

Is your passion showing? Viv Groskop talks to historian and author Rochelle Rowe about leaving space for the audience, about inclusion and how to be a good ally, about reminding yourself you have earned your place - and about how showing your passion can hide your nerves.

You can find out more about Rochelle at her website, rochellerowe.com

Viv's books, including How to Own the Room, are out now.

And you can subscribe now to Viv's new podcast, We Can Rebuild Her; a series of intimate conversations about reinventing yourself in the age of pandemic.

How do you find the self-belief to pursue a brilliant idea, convince investors in your vision and pick yourself after setbacks?

Viv chats to Joanna Jensen, the founder, former CEO and now brand ambassador of Child’s Farm, a family skincare brand she developed from her kitchen table.

It’s an unabashed success story, built from the challenges of a recent divorce and two young children, and driven forward by Joanna’s conviction and hard work.

She tells Viv how necessity, belief in the product and utter determination was the rocket fuel that powered her along.

Viv's new book, Happy High Status: How to Be Effortlessly Confident, is out now.

@vivgroskop

Are you trying to own all the rooms all the time? Viv Groskop talks to writer, poet and performer Chimene Suleyman about picking your battles, embracing your nerves and finding your cheerleaders.

Have you got your rubber head on straight? Writer Ann Patchett talks to Viv Groskop about dressing up as your better, braver, more confident self when you go on stage. And even channelling someone else entirely. And the strange comfort of knowing that, actually, noone cares.

This special bonus episode is part of #PODSTRIKE, a coalition of podcasts supporting the Global Climate Strikes by helping spread the word.

More here:

https://globalclimatestrike.net/

https://www.podstrike.net/

Are you too polite? Viv Groskop talks to writer and public intellectual Siri Hustvedt about sexism, misogyny and why she believes politeness is a bad policy. She recalls being a child whose illness and "Alice in Wonderland syndrome" altered her perception of the world. She describes being an adult drawn to break down the traditional boundaries between ways of thinking. And she reveals the secrets of keeping calm, speaking out - and owning the room in the face of the hostility which can be the price of confidence.