Everyone knows how to speak, don’t they? Well, yes and no. While poker table talk has been an ever present since a spontaneous game on the Mississippi prompted a man wearing a pair of galoshes to pronounce himself all-in on the river to laughter, poker players have loved to chat.

In this series, we’ve already helped you sort out your travel plans, dial up your diet and change your table image as well as helping you keep and eye on your mental health and sleeping patterns in order to put yourself in the best possible shape to succeed.

But what if you feel nervous about speaking at the table or – worse still – you’re only too happy to talk and what you say constantly gives your hand strength away? You could probably do with five tips on how best to express yourself at the felt.

1. Topics to avoid