You may have noticed how erratic my episodes have been over the past couple of months. I apologize for that, but there is a good reason for it!   In early July, I’m sitting on the sofa, feeling as if I’m getting the flu — sweaty, lethargic, just feeling a bit off. However, within a few minutes, my Apple Watch confirms that I’m experiencing A-Fib and suggests I go to the hospital immediately.   When I arrive, things move quickly. I’m immediately brought into a small room and hooked up to an EKG. In no time at all, the nurse turns to another. “Donna.” Donna takes one look at my EKG and turns to a doctor. “Mike.” Mike doesn’t hesitate, telling them where to bring me and what to do. A team of doctors and nurses are waiting for me. They stabilize me, and several hours later, I’m heading up to a room.   The next day starts with a coronary catheterization. “A 30-year-old would like to have your arteries,” the doctor tells me. “They’re in excellent condition.” “So I’ve got nothing to worry about,” I think. I couldn’t be more wrong.   The next day brings a few more tests, and the doctor shares the results. “You have aortic stenosis. In fact, the valve is barely functioning and must be replaced within the next few days. We don’t do that here, so you have a choice of which hospital to go to.   It doesn’t take long for Jeanne and me to decide on Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston — one of the top cardiac hospitals in the country and only an hour from our home in Rhode Island. The next morning, I am, as the Dropkick Murphy’s song goes, shipping up to Boston … for open heart surgery. What a way to spend my 65th birthday.   Over the next couple of days, I meet with my surgeon several times. Dr. Kim De la Cruz, the section chief and an aortic specialist, has a wonderful bedside manner and a hearty, reassuring laugh. I am confident and ready.   Everything goes well during the surgery, and it looks like I’ll be home in five or six days. But my heart has other ideas. Liking the attention from the nurses, doctors, and the rest of the staff, it decides to act up so I can continue to enjoy the pampering for a while longer.   Over the next two weeks, I have another operation (although not nearly as invasive) and two procedures, including one where they chemically stop my heart and restart it within seconds … while I’m awake. The doctor overseeing that procedure said it would be excruciating, and she was not lying!   I spend almost the month of July in the hospital. In some ways, it seems like I was there for several months; in others, it seems to have flown by. Thankfully, other than follow-ups, it’s all in the past.   I realize that I’m extremely fortunate. Dr. De la Cruz said that of the thousands of aortic valves he’s worked on, mine is in the top 10 — if not the top five — of the most calcified. It seems I could have had — and probably should have had — a serious, if not fatal, heart attack.   Now I’m recuperating, and at a faster pace than expected. But it’s still going to be a while before I’m back to my full workload. So something has to give. And since my favorite part of being a speaking coach is working with my clients, then, for now, as much as I enjoy my podcast, I am going to stop it. Someday, it may be back. But in the meantime, I’d like to thank my guests for making this such a helpful, entertaining podcast. And, of course, I’d like to thank you for listening.    If you’d like to check out my multi-award-winning book, The Captivating Speaker, it’s available on Amazon. Just click here. If you want to work directly with me, go to PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com and click on the link to schedule a free consultation.

People often tell me they don’t like their own voices. Well, what about you? Do you like your voice? Do you, or more importantly, do others find it compelling? Does it enhance your presentations or distract from them? In this episode, John Henny provides techniques that help you strengthen your communication skills and gain more confidence in your speaking voice. As a result, you eliminate strain and bring out your best-sounding compelling voice.   John has decades of experience helping thousands of voice users around the world become more effective communicators. He is a featured lecturer at top voice conferences and institutions, including IVTOM, Osborne Head and Neck Institute, VIP Worldwide Voice Conference, The Paul McCartney Liverpool Institute, and USC.   The author of three Amazon bestselling books and host of the popular podcast The Intelligent Vocalist, John coaches professional voice users at corporate businesses, the U.S. military, sports announcers, and voice-over artists.

You hear and read them all the time, things like build a personal brand, identify your niche, and craft your signature talk. But how do you go about doing these? In this episode, Kelly Charles-Collins gives you the answers so you can position yourself as the go-to expert in your field. As a result, you have a greater opportunity to secure corporate training contracts and paid speaking engagements.    As a Keynote & Award-Winning TEDx Speaker, Retired Trial Attorney and Law Firm Partner, Speaker, Mentor, and Author, Kelly is a sought-after authority in courageous conversations, unconscious bias, and women’s empowerment.    A transformative speaker, Kelly’s media features include ABC, NBC, CBS, Time.com, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, and more. She’s the author of Conversations Change Things.

Understanding and honoring the powerful psychology of the speaker-audience relationship helps you improve your communication skills and professional and personal interactions. But how do you do this? Well, in this episode, Steve Multer gives you the keys to adding value, passion, and connection in any outbound marketing message. Remember … a number without a story that gives that number meaning is easily ignored and quickly forgotten. Yet, when you learn to tell a better story, you’ll instantly serve your listeners and yourself more successfully, strategically, and organically.    Steve is a veteran corporate storyteller, speaker coach, team trainer, and market messaging strategist for some of the world's leading brands including Cisco, Splunk, Fujifilm, HP, Siemens, NTT Data, Bayer, Xerox, and Panasonic. He has guided more than 2,500 professionals to deliver value, passion, and connection in on-stage and on-camera presentations. His new book, Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told: Corporate Storytelling for Career Success and Value-Driven Marketing, was released in January.

Are you a professional speaker? Or, perhaps, you’re ready to move into the world of speaking at the professional level. If you’re in either situation, then you probably realize the value of promoting yourself as a professional. Yet, if you want to grow your speaking business, you need to know how to promote yourself effectively and consistently. You’re in luck! In this episode, you hear Steve Lowell share his insights on how to effectively drive business through speaking without resorting to manipulative selling tactics. You also get to explore the concepts of creating a signature talk that defines you to your audiences and the importance of being known for something specific.   Takeaways - The effectiveness of non-manipulative speaking - Apprehension towards high-pressure sales tactics from speakers - Building trust with the audience - Importance of focusing on solving the audience's problem - The value of a Signature Talk - Being known for something - Importance of being recognized and branding oneself - The desired outcomes of a keynote - Developing a process to challenge commonly taught ideas - Becoming a category of one - Challenging one's own creations - Providing unique experiences for the audience - The task of promoting oneself as a speaker - Going deeper to promote as a problem solver - Asking questions to generate new perspectives for oneself   Resources - SteveLowell.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://bit.ly/440Ut0J

If you’re having difficulty differentiating yourself from other speakers and meeting planners can’t distinguish you, then you definitely want to listen to this episode featuring Scott McKain. He discusses the importance of standing out and becoming distinctive in your field and shares valuable insights on accomplishing this.   Scott has achieved the Certified Public Speaker designation from the National Speakers Association and has been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. He is the best-selling author of Iconic, the soon-to-be-released The Ultimate Customer Experience, and other popular business books.   Takeaways - The importance of distinction in speaking - Finding unique ways to communicate effectively - Making speeches personal and valuable to the audience - The shift from lectures to personal talks and conversations with the audience - The importance of repeat and referral business for successful speaking engagements - The value of connecting with the audience - The importance of personal stories in speaking - The benefits of practicing and coaching - The power of storytelling - The advantage of having a signature story - Having a differentiating factor that sets you apart - Being remembered beyond a good speech   Resources - ScottMcKain.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Is PR part of your promotional mix? Or do you believe it’s a tool used only by larger companies with larger bank accounts? Then listen in as Brandi Sims shares with you how PR can be part of your mix and how it will benefit you no matter the size of your company.   Takeaways - The Difference between Marketing, PR and Advertising - PR is not just for big brands - The Importance of PR in Small Businesses - PR Agency: An Extension of Your Team - Understanding Different PR Roles for Your Business - Managing Crisis: The Importance of Expert Help   Resources - BrandincPR.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When you speak, do you quickly engage and connect with the audience? Do the audience members remember you, and more importantly, do they remember your message and how it benefits them? In this episode, my guest, Chandler Walker, helps you ensure all of this happens every time you speak in public.   Chandler has spoken on stages, both big and small, in several countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and more. With over ten years of experience in the business and speaking world, Chandler has a passion for sharing the knowledge he’s gained and has learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and the pursuit of mastery.    Takeaways - Using popular culture references and humor in a talk can keep the audience engaged and interested. - Engaging the audience and having fun can help them remember you and follow you on social media. - Tips on how to speak with authority and poise by becoming a challenge leader, mastering paradoxical thought patterns, and using emotional storytelling. - Changing paradigms and shifting the way people think about internal issues can help facilitate change. - Good speakers connect with the audience at a deep level by listening and speaking from the heart. - Challenging the audience is important to keep their attention and make them remember you - Having a clear point and presenting familiar topics in a new way can keep listeners engaged and interested.   Resources - instagram.com/chandler_SAF/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are you an empowered public speaker, or do you shy away from the challenges that speaking presents even though you know they are necessary for growth? Then listen in as my guest, Victoria Rader, helps you focus on your message instead of yourself and explains how using "what if?" scenarios enables you to shift your attention to the possibility of success.   Victoria is a transformational speaker and founder of YU2SHINE. She empowers coaches, entrepreneurs, and people who seek personal development to grow in all areas of their lives through the proven formula of success. As a result, they have more peace, purpose, and prosperity.   Takeaways - How to know if you are meant to be a public speaker - The difference between scared and sacred - A way to overcome your fear of public speaking - The main qualities of being a good public speaker - Where you should start to prepare to be a public speaker - A solidnumber one go to technique?   Resources - YU2SHINE.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are you still trying to get over your nervousness or maybe even dealing with limited beliefs? Well, maybe it's time to try Emotional Freedom Techniques, commonly known as EFT or Tapping. Listen in as my guest Lauren Fonvielle explains how tapping can help you reduce your anxiety, overcome limiting beliefs, and help you accomplish what you're striving to do.    Lauren is an integrative energy practitioner specializing in EFT tapping to help entrepreneurs reduce stress and increase profits. She guides her clients on a journey of self-healing to break through obstacles, whether they're physical, mental, or emotional, that keep them stuck in life and in business.   Takeaways - How EFT reduces the amount of stress hormone — cortisol — and helps clear the energy meridians that move through the body - How tapping  helps acknowledge emotions for a different perspective and outcome - The importance of acknowledging and feeling emotions rather than avoiding them to move forward in a positive way - How EFT tapping addresses physical sensations and memories associated with past experiences to release emotions and change thinking patterns - What sessions with a therapist look like - Where tapping can be employed   Resources - MindShiftWithLauren.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Have you ever thought about working with a speech pathologist? Well, neither have I ... at least not since I worked with one in elementary school. But maybe it’s time to consider the idea. Listen in, and hear speech pathologist Lenora Edwards explain how working with a speech language pathologist can help improve communication and presenting skills -- whether you’re speaking to one person across a desk, 12 people in a convergence room, or 1,000 people in an auditorium. Takeaways - Why effective communication is crucial  - How speech therapy can benefit your communication and presentation skills in various scenarios - Discover the components of speech therapy that you can improve - How to reduce discomfort and improve confidence in speaking - The importance of vocal hygiene - Ways to care for vocal hygiene - The importance of taking care of your vocal cords - If you should be concerned with dialect and accent modification - How to practice in formal and informal settings   Resources - BetterSpeech.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

As it is in just about any industry, speakers look for ways to set themselves apart from the pack. This results in more gigs and an easier and shorter selling process. What would it mean to you if you could accomplish both of these at the same time? What would it mean for your revenue? How about your confidence? Well, Arel Moodie is here to show specific strategies on how to book more speaking engagements by leveraging data in a way most speakers aren’t. And get this ... it’s easy!   Takeaways - Use data to separate yourself from other speakers. - Consistently book more gigs. - What apple pie can teach you about marketing. - What event planners know that doesn’t help you. - How feedback ups your speaking game. - When to get the feedback. - How to tee it up. - Get those who hire speakers to identify themselves. - Get a special offer on Talkadot!   Resources - Talkadot.com - https://app.talkadot.com/referrer?via=petergeorge - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you network? Better yet … do you network with intention so you can accelerate your business growth? If you’re not intentionally networking, or even if you already are, listen in as Jocelyn Chong explains how you can be a more deliberate networker and achieve success sooner. Jocelyn is an internationally-recognized networking specialist, four-time #1 international bestselling author, high-performance sales speaker, and coach. She has over 20 years of experience leading multiple eight-figure businesses and building high-performance sales teams in the banking and finance sector. Having been featured in many media outlets, she is regarded as a thought leader in the banking industry.   Takeaways - Common myth about networking - What intentional networking really means - The biggest challenge about networking right now, and how do you overcome it - Advice for attending a networking event - Have to build the proper mindset - How to avoid a common networking trap   Resources - https://JocelynChong.com.au/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Sure, knowing your product or service is essential, but do you know how to develop and deliver that information in ways that your audience will remember, repeat, and respond to? If not, you’re missing out, and so is your audience. In this episode, John Watkis offers several ideas on how you can accomplish this by making your speeches sound like music.   Takeaways - How a speech is like music - Why are you would want to include a chorus - Where does the chorus go? - The value of using a hook - How to make a “boring“ subject interesting - Mistakes some speakers make - How do you respond to resistance - How to end your talk with power - A key to storytelling   Resources - JohnWatkis.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you want to be seen as a thought leader in your field? Would it help if you could continue to grow your network and social media following? Are you striving to get more speaking gigs? If you said yes to any of these, then building your personal brand may be the answer ... or at least a significant part of it. In this episode, Victoria Pelletier discusses the importance of personal branding and its impact on professional growth.   Resources - Victoria-Pelletier.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Would you like to hear some of the things speakers do well? What about some of the things that might not have gone so well, including a mistake that cost a speaker $375,000? My guest, Bret Ridgway, shares a few war stories and other tips that can help you avoid some of the mistakes that could derail your success.   Resources - BretRidgway.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Have you ever wanted to be a clown? Better yet, as a speaker, do you want to be able to use the essence of a clown so you can more deeply engage your audiences? My guest, Don Colliv er, shows you how you can better communicate through the power of authenticity, listening, and play, or what he calls the Secrets of Clown.   Takeaways - How clowns relate to public speaking - How you can engage better with their audiences - What to do when things don't go as expected - What to do to deal with nerves - Whether you should add humor to your presentations  - Discover the key to clown presence   Resources - https://www.DonColliver.com/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you want to wow your audiences? Would doing so help you stand apart from other speakers? Would it help you and your message be more effective and more memorable? In this episode, my guest, Ronny Leber, tells you how you can create what he calls Magic Moments so you can WOW your audiences.   Takeaways - Discover the most important thing when speaking in public - Hear the most common mistakes inexperienced speakers make and how to avoid them - What magic moments are and how to create them - Learn the key to WOWing your audience - Preparing for speaking gigs, especially if you are just starting out   Resources - https://www.RonnyLeber.com/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you want to be a speaker? That’s great! Do you want to be a paid speaker? Well, that’s different. In this episode, my guest, Grant Baldwin, explains how you can use his SPEAK Framework to become a paid speaker and build a profitable speaking business.   Takeaways - Hear how the SPEAK framework helps you build your speaking business - Why you should treat speaking business as a business - Learn how you can get more opportunities to speak and get paid to speak - Know what you should take into consideration when speaking for free - Discover your two most important marketing assets   Resources - TheSpeakerLab.com - The Speaker Lab Podcast - The Successful Speaker - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801094089 - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When you’re developing presentations, how much thought do you give to being persuasive? Any? Well, you should because just about every time you deliver a presentation, you're attempting to persuade someone to buy what you’re selling, whether it’s a product or service or an idea, belief, proposition, or other concepts. So, if you want to be more persuasive when speaking, listen in as my guest, Bryan Rutberg, explains how you can make this a reality.   Takeaways - Discoverhree things you should do before your presentations - Learn if one is more important than the others - Is being persuasive manipulative?  - How you can tell if your persuasiveness is working?  - In which environments being persuasive works  - Hear examples of how this works and those where it hasn't   Resources - BryanRutberg.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanrutberg/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are you active on LinkedIn? If you are, are you leveraging your presence to get leads, or like many, have you merely included your basic job information, such as companies, titles, and employment dates? No matter how you’re utilizing the platform, listen in and discover how Daniel Alfon says you can increase your exposure, credibility, and your business with a change in mindset and a few tweaks to your profile.   Takeaways - Why you should treat your profile like a website, not a cv. - Learn what is perhaps the most important part of your profile. - Should you focus on your company page or your individual profile? - Discover the upside and downside of connecting with many people you don't really know. - How often you should share on the platform.   Resources DanielAlfon.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfon/ Create a LinkedIn Profile Headline That Sells - https://www.danielalfon.com/#freebie The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are keynotes dead? Not necessarily. Yet my guest, Katja Schleicher, explains how it's time to put to rest the keynote as we know it. She believes today’s audiences are looking for a different engagement and delivery style. So, listen in and hear how you might change your perspective on what a keynote is and how you can offer it to your audiences.   Takeaways - Why keynotes are dying - How things will be different in 2023 - Are stories as important as everyone says? - Do we have a tendency to overrefine our stories? - Why do we put our audiences in the dark? - Why is interaction from a stage seen differently from interaction in a breakout? - Why your presentation should be like custom clothing - The part of your talk that provides the opportunity to be a moderator as well - How things might change when speaking in other countries - How to serve and assist meeting planners - The benefits of being easy to work with   Resources - https://www.KatjaSchleicher.com/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/interviewtraining/ - https://www.youtube.com/user/katjaschleicher - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

This morning, when you were brushing your teeth or hair, did you look into the mirror and say to yourself, “Casey, I hope you are perfectly average today?” Probably not. I hope not! Yet, by definition, many of us will be perfectly average today. I’m not here to assert that you should 10X, 5X, or even 3X your efforts every day. However, I do suggest that you at least take advantage of small opportunities to be above average when they present themselves. Case in point:    Resources The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When it comes to connecting with your audience, how important are the pitch and tone of your voice? Are they serving you well, or are they undermining your success? In this episode, you learn from voice coach Susan Murphy why your voice matters, how it may be holding you back from truly connecting with your audience, and how you can find your authentic voice.   Takeaways - Why your voice matters - What’s more important, voice or picture? - Why speakers are not focusing on their voice - How you could benefit from a voice coach - How your voice may be holding you back - Why you may have a voice that is not authentic - How to find your authentic voice - Why connecting with your audience matters   Resources - SusanMurphyVOSOT.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Have you questioned your own qualifications when doing something? For instance, have you ever asked yourself, “Who am I to be standing on stage speaking about this topic?” Or, “Will the audience see that I’m not THE expert when it comes to this subject?” Or perhaps, “Should I be the one leading this group?” If so, you may be experiencing impostor syndrome, and you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority. In this episode, Sheryl Anjanette, author of “The Impostor Lies Within,” explains why impostor syndrome is so prevalent and how you can deal with it so it no longer holds you back or weighs on your mind.   Takeaways - Could you be suffering from impostor syndrome? - Why you needn’t feel alone if you suffer from impostor syndrome - How we often disguise impostor syndrome - When the pendulum swings the other way - Why you shouldn’t normalize impostor syndrome - When we begin developing the foundation of impostor syndrome - A powerful mindset to develop  - Should you fake it until you make it? - The first thing you should do to overcome your impostor syndrome   Resources - https://www.sherylanjanette.com - https://www.sherylanjanette.com/quiz - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Whether you’re an aspiring speaker or an established one, what currency do you hold that you can convert beyond speaking? Do you have other opportunities that help you solve your clients’ and listeners’ problems, and how does your brand help you do that? My guest, Mary Henderson, is here to help you answer these questions and see what other opportunities are waiting for you to unpack and implement.   Takeaways - How being a transformational leader matters now and in the future - The power of a pull strategy when it comes to your marketing and branding - The key word for your brand's success - Using the currency you already possess   Resources - MaryHenersonCoaching.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC)

Do you want to deliver your messages with precision and clarity? Would you like to learn how to give yourself the gift of time as you communicate? If you said yes to either of these questions, then listen in as my guest, Alan Carroll, shows you how to be in the driver's seat of your communication. In this episode, he explains the transcendent dimension of consciousness that resides just on the other side of the thoughts you speak. He describes how this can transform your ability to not only articulate your thoughts in a more professional manner but also to ground and relax yourself in the present moment.   Resources - ACAMindfulYou.com - The Captivating Public Speaker at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

You’ve booked a gig. That’s great! But booking a gig and writing and rehearsing your talk is only part of your preparation. There is a whole lot more to be done. As an experienced speaker, coach, and event organizer, my guest, Sharyl West Loeung, shares with you the relationship between the speaker and the event organizer. By asking good questions and thinking ahead, she says, you show up not just with an excellent speech but in excellence.   Takeaways - The value of seeing public speaking from various perspectives Pros and cons of Tedx Talks Ref flags that indicate speakers may not be ready for their events What makes some speakers more coachable than others The red flags you want to look for as a speaker Getting invited back An age-old way to connect that still works How to be that dream speaker   Resources - @sharyl_wl (Instagram) - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Including stories in your presentations is one of the most powerful ways to convey a message and make it memorable. But what makes a great story? Well, as you might have guessed, there are particular elements that stories should feature, and my guest in this episode, Mike Ulmer, is here to discuss them with you.    Takeaways - Where to find stories to include in your talks - Who to ask for stories - The point of storytelling - Elements of a story - Advice you can take from the coyote - How to find your hook - Why back stories are so important - How the law of reciprocity connects with others - The power of show and tell - The results of a well-timed pause   Resources - GetCatapalted.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you have humor in your talks? If so, you may be engaging your audiences while helping them remember your points. If not, why not? Do you speak in business settings and don’t think humor is appropriate? Do you speak on tough subjects where humor supposedly has no place? In either case, listen in as my guest Allen Klein discusses how and why he uses humor in his presentations.   Takeaways   - How to deal with your fear of speaking - How humor can be used in even the seemingly most difficult of circumstances - What to do when things go wrong - A key to getting ready to perform - How your state of mind engages the audience - Perhaps the most important ingredient when it comes to speaking - What to do when the unexpected happens - How props can help people learn - The importance of humor in business - What to do when you run out of time - Using video to up your game   Resources   - AllenKlein.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When I speak with a prospect, we talk about their objectives. For example, do they want to work on creating messages, or are their needs more on the delivery side? Quite often — okay, the overwhelming majority of the time — I suggest that they work on both. More times than not, this comes as a surprise to them. Like so many others, they believe that having a powerful talk will compensate for a lackluster delivery and vice versa. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved Ferraris — the stance, the quality, the statement they make, and the sound … oh, that sound. You might be thinking, “Okay, you like Ferraris. So what’s this got to do with speaking?” And a fair question that would be. So please listen in and discover how a talk is like a Ferrari.   - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When it comes to public speaking, do you believe that there’s only one way to do it? If you do, does this put added pressure on you? What would it feel like if you could find inspiration and develop skills from a multitude of sources — some not so conventional? You know, Pablo Picasso once said, “Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.” I agree, as does my guest, Martin Henson, and he’s here to give you several ideas on how you can develop your own public speaking skills.   Takeaways - What it takes to be fluid and spontaneous when speaking - How to be comfortable - Managing your anxiety - What it takes to inform and motivate - What you need to connect with your audiences - The value of reading the room - Unconventional places to mine inspiration   Resources - MartinHSpeaks.com - BMenFoundation.org - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Today’s episode has a wide variety of concepts that are sure to further help you develop at least one of your speaking skills, but I’d be willing to bet you’ll find several that will benefit you. Today’s guest, Brenden Kumarasamy, helps you with juggling just a few balls instead of the many you might be trying to keep in the air. He also helps you up your game when it comes to online presentations and presenting in a second language. Takeaways - What education makes us believe about speaking in public - Why many of us neglect to develop our speaking skills - How to stop juggling 18 balls at once - The three things to think about when it comes to presenting online - Questions to ask yourself in order to get motivated - Tips for speaking in a second language   Resources - MasterTalk on YouTube - RockStarCommunicator.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you deliver business presentations? If so, do include stories, and if you don’t include them, why not? Is it becomes you don’t think stories are appropriate for business? Is it because you can’t find relevant stories? Is it because you don’t believe you can tell stories effectively? Well, if you don’t tell stories for these or other reasons, my guest, Sophie Wadsworth, offers several ideas that might change your perspective.   Takeaways - How stories and anecdotes differ - Using stories in business settings - How to use stories to carry data and make it sticky and memorable - How to uncover your stories - Why times helps you gather relevant stories - Let your characters play in your mind’s eye - How storytelling syncs brains - Whether you should add humor to storytelling in business - The combined power of our own personal and professional stories   Resources - https://www.sophiewadsworth.com/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon

After you've delivered a presentation, don’t you love when people come up to you and say, "Great job!”? It feels good, doesn’t it? Well, I used to love it, too. But then, one evening, I gave a talk that I knew was far from my best, and still, people said, "Great job!" That got me thinking. Why are people telling me a talk was great even when I know it wasn't? The answer is a simple one. They are being polite. If you've spoken often enough, the same has probably happened to you. So, how can you tell the difference between a polite "Great job!" and a meaningful "Great job!"? Perhaps you can listen for the level of enthusiasm in people's voices as they give you this compliment. But there is a way that you can not only determine when the praise is sincere but also learn why your presentation resonated with them. When someone says, "Great job!" Awesome talk!" or anything else that indicates they liked and appreciated your efforts, respond with something like, "Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. What resonated with you most?" Or "What was your biggest takeaway?" Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.   - The Captivating Public Speaker available on Amazon

Perhaps the most important speech you’ll ever give is one that lasts only a few minutes. This speech is commonly known as a toast. My guest on this episode, Eddie Rice, discusses the art of both creating a toast and delivering it so that when you have the occasion to deliver a toast, it will be remembered for all the right reasons.   Takeaways - How to determine the goal of your toast - How not to give a toast that ends up on YouTube for the wrong reason - How to structure your toast - The first thing you should say - How to make the middle of your toast relevant - How to end on a powerful note - How to deliver your toast well - Who to address in your toast - What to use for notes - How to hold the mic - How to get feedback when preparing your toast   Resources - RiceSpeechWriting.com - Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon

As a speaker, two of the things you want to do are engage your audiences and set yourself apart from other speakers. And wouldn’t it be great if you could accomplish both of these at the same time? Well, that’s exactly what my guest, Gordon Stein, is going to help you do.   Takeaways - The value of watching video after the fact - How to determine exactly what the audience is looking for - Who you can share the survey with - What you can learn after your talks - Why you can’t assume who your audience is - The single most important thing to focus on - How to surprise your client and set yourself apart - How to engage your audience before the event takes place - Ways to engage on stage - How you want your audience to feel - A powerful way to review your videos   Resources - CashFlowCookBook.com

Have you ever thought about the many advantages that being a value-driven podcast guest offers you and your brand growth? Well, if you have, or even if you’re thinking about thinking about it, listen to my conversation with Jason Cercone, and you’ll discover a dynamic, innovative, and fun way to build your brand. You’ll also learn how to establish authority in your space and develop more confident, powerful public speaking skills.   Takeaways - Why podcasting is such a powerful platform for brand building - The advantage of storytelling - Is starting a podcast a good way to build your brand? - Should podcast guesting be a campaign? - Is it quality or quantity? - How being selective benefits you - Broadening your reach by appearing on podcasts - How podcasts help hone your public speaking skills - Prospect as a potential guest - Podcasting helps build your community   Resources JasonCercone.com JasonCercone.com/PodcastLove PodMatch.com

(3rd in a 3-Part Series) Do you use slides in your presentations? If so, do you use them in a way that helps your listeners immediately understand their meaning and how it supports your talk, or do they confuse your audience or otherwise distract from your talk? In this episode, you’re going to hear a few ideas that will make your next presentation more engaging and professional.   - The Captivating Public Speaker available on Amazon

Why do you speak? Is it for the sake of speaking, or do you speak as a means to an end? I often say, don’t speak to inform; speak to transform, while my guest, Roy Osing, puts it a little differently. He suggests you speak not to the logical side of the brain but the emotional side so you can, as he puts it, “light fires in people.”   Takeaways - The value of having an "only" statement - How being different matters - Why you have to know who your customers are - How to get people to join you - The mistake leaders make by delegating speaking - Is speaking a performance?   Resources - BeDifferentOrBeDead.com

(2nd in a 3-Part Series) Do you use slides in your presentations? If so, do you use them in a way that helps your listeners immediately understand their meaning and how it supports your talk, or do they confuse your audience or otherwise distract from your talk? In this episode, you’re going to hear a few ideas that will make your next presentation more engaging and professional.   - The Captivating Public Speaker available on Amazon

Have you looked into how other activities may help you become a more effective, engaging speaker? You have? Then you’ve probably found things like improv, stand-up comedy, and impromptu speaking sessions. But what about ballroom dancing? I’ve never heard about this either, but when you listen to my guest, Mark Herschberg, you’ll understand how it and other activities may help you in your journey.   Takeaways - Benefits of participating in speaking-related (and not-so-related) activities - Overcoming disfluencies - Learning to not let your thoughts hold you back - Understanding that people are pulling for you - What is Brain Bump, and how can it help you?   Resources - TheCareerToolkitBook.com - CognoscoMedia.com

Do you use slides in your presentations? If so, do you use them in a way that helps your listeners immediately understand their meaning and how it supports your talk, or do they confuse your audience or otherwise distract from your talk? In this episode, you’re going to hear a few ideas that will make your next presentation more engaging and professional.   Takeaways - How reading your slides kills your engagement - When you should turn the lights down - When to use black slides   - The Captivating Public Speaker available on Amazon

Standing up and speaking in front of others may or may not make you nervous. But what about appearing on video … and I don’t mean just on Zoom. What about being in a studio or making a TV Commercial?   If any of these scenarios make your heart race and your mind go blank, then my guest, Amy Scruggs, has a few simple ideas you can implement that just might make a world of difference.   Takeaways - Do this first - Adjusting your mindset - Starting small - Take 2, toss 1 - What watching the tape does for you   Resources - AmyScruggsMedia.com - AmySruggs.com  - Lights, Camera, Action available on Amazon

Do you want to engage your audience throughout your talks? It’s not as difficult as many people believe. But this is only if you make a mindset shift right now. One of the mistakes speakers make is believing they not only have to be the expert but they also have to prove it. Inherent in this belief is that the focus should be on the speaker, not the audience. This is unfortunate because it often means that the opportunity to serve and benefit the audience was lost.   - The Captivating Public Speaker available on Amazon

Are you nervous when it comes to speaking in public? Are you down right fearful? If so, you’re not alone. But while knowing that you’re not alone might be comforting to a small degree, it doesn’t help you deal with the root cause.   Over the years, I’ve had several episodes on dealing with the fear of public speaking, but in this episode, Dr. Doreen Downing takes a different approach than the others did. If you fear public speaking -- or not -- listen in. You’ll find her advice priceless.   Takeaways - Why would a psychologist decide to help people with speech anxiety? - What's your potential? - Dealing with the inner journey - Getting to the root cause - A new twist on eye contact - The 7 essential secrets   Resources - EssentialPeaking.com - MeetWithDoreen.com

Are you just starting out on your speaking career? Are you a veteran speaker who struggles to make the money you want to make? Are you reluctant to run your speaking career as a business? If you said yes to any of these, then my guest, Jane Atkinson, has a lot in store for you.   Known as the Speaker Launcher, Jane is the author of the Wealthy Speaker 3.0, the founder of the Wealthy Speaker School, and the host of the Wealthy Speaker podcast. She packs thirty years of contacts, connections, and experience into developing speakers, from newcomers to sought-after pros. Quite frankly, many people in the industry consider Jane to be one of the best in the business.   Takeaways - The commonality among speakers - Creating the Wealthy Speaker lifestyle - Not only changing lives but changing families' lives - Gaining financial security - What chocolate cookie recipes have to do with making money - How mindset is a key ingredient in your success - The value of speaking vs the value of providing solutions - Getting paid what you're worth - How consistency supplements mindset - The best form of marketing for speakers   Resources - SpeakerLauncher.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

In the previous QuickBites episode, you learned why eye contact is so important and powerful. In this episode, you’ll discover how to do it well.

What are your principles when it comes to accepting and delivering a keynote … or a breakout for that matter? You haven’t given this any thought? That’s okay because my guest, John Rossman, is going to share his principles, and you’re free to adopt them as yours if you like. As a result, you’re more likely to accept opportunities that are good for you, the audiences, and the event producers.   Takeaways - John’s 7 principles - How you can use these and others to help build a successful career as a keynote speaker - A bonus principle   Resources - John Rossman at linkedin - The Amazon Way available at Amazon - The Digital Leader Newsletter - RossmanPartners.com

Do you want to engage your audiences? Of course, you do! And this QuickBites episode will help you increase the level of engagement -- for your audiences and you!   Eye contact is one of the most important and powerful tools when it comes to engaging your audience. A form of communication unto itself, it provides many benefits. Tune in and discover the more significant ones.

Do you want to know how you can make a significant connection with your audiences? Have you thought about how body language affects both your confidence and that of your listeners? Listen in as my guest Natasha Bazilevych guides you in the top three ways to use your body language to support and convey your messages. Make that three ways and a bonus.   Takeaways - How body language can change your mindset and character - Working on your body language as a daily routine - How body language affects your brain - How your mind affects your body language - How gesturing can help deliver messages and persuade others - Self-awareness is key - What does your face say when you’re speaking? - Although small, micro-expressions say a lot - Using vocal variety is the bonus - How your audiences react to your confidence   Resources - NatashaBazilevych.com

Have you ever felt like you weren’t being heard, or that others in the room seem to command more respect than you? Well, my guest Kym Dakin, says the reason just may be the way you use your voice.   Listen in and learn how you can use your voice -- and other techniques -- so you can connect with your listeners.   Takeaways - How to use your voice as a source of power - Why we don't think vocal quality, vocal tone, and the words we use impact us. - How others' vocal quality, vocal tone, and words impact us when we're listening. - The key to a strong pitch. - How to implement the 5-4-3-2-1 method. - The key to having fun.   Resources - KymDakin.com

Have you ever seen speakers who appear almost grateful to stand behind lecterns? It’s fairly common because many speakers believe lecterns -- no matter their size -- shield them from their audiences. Yup, it’s another security blanket.   Tune into this brief QuickBites episode and learn how you can make a greater connection with your audiences by coming out from behind the lecterns.

If you’re an aspiring speaker, would you like some advice on getting more gigs. If you’re an established speaker, how about some ideas for working closely with others and following up. If any of these topics sound good to you, stay tuned as I speak with Curt Tueffert.   Takeaways The importance of having a hook What passion gets you How niching down grows your business The values of networking Speaking for free before speaking for fee Contacting prospects How bartering gets you in the door Where the fortune is Serving a baker’s dozen   Resources Curt Tueffert on Linkedin 5 Stones for Slaying Giants Mailbox Power National Speakers Association

Where do you look to find great storytellers? As a speaker, it wouldn’t be unusual for you to look to other speakers — those who have become very adept at the art. But have you looked to actors?   Think about it. Actors are in stories. And how they deliver their every word has an effect on how that story is consumed and interpreted.   Tune in as Kerri Garbis, a professional actor and CEO of Ovation, provides numerous tips on being a more effective storyteller.   Takeaways The advantages storytelling provides for speakers and their audiences When to include stories in your presentations How much to share in your stories How to get help when searching for stories The #1 thing you’re probably leaving out of your stories The biggest mistake you make when telling stories   Resources GetOvation.com

When a client is developing a new talk, what do you think I ask them? Actually, there are several things, but the one that matters to me most is, "How will your audience be transformed by the end of your talk?"   New clients tend to answer with something like, "I’m going to talk about X, Y, Z.” Although I would never say it like this to them, at this time, I don’t care what the topic is. I want to know how their audience is going to be transformed.   The reason I’m so adamant about this is because ...

Where are you on your journey in public speaking? Are you just starting out? Are you hitting your stride? Are you ready to further refine your skills and craft and deliver even more engaging and compelling talks?   No matter where you are, listen in to Robert White describe his journey, complete with trials and triumphs. What he has to say just might resonate with you and give you that boost of encouragement you’ve been looking for.   Takeaways - How you can have the largest radio show in Wisconsin and still get a C in speech class - Robert's impetus to self-exploration - The 4 levels of learning - Preparing for speaking - Being vulnerable - Building report with the audience - Using humor vs jokes - The value of improve - First have something to say   Resources - ExtraordinaryPeople.com

I can’t overstress the importance of a dress rehearsal. A dress rehearsal uncovers things that may might otherwise go unnoticed until the day of your talk.    For instance, you may find that your clothes are too tight or too loose, your sports jacket has a stain, or your shirt has a missing button.    You’ll discover if the microphone picks up on your bracelets making noise or if you can comfortably stand in the shoes you intend to wear for an extended time.    If you can do your dress rehearsal in the space where you’ll be speaking, you might even find that the room you’ll be giving your talk in is a lot warmer than you anticipated, so you’ll want to rethink your wardrobe entirely.   You might not think all of this is necessary, but believe me, you don’t want to worry about clothing problems before or during your speaking engagement. And I know from experience.   Listen in and find out how.

Can podcasting help you grow your speaking business? Yes, it can.    Through podcasting, I’ve gained new clients as a speaker and speaking coach. And that’s fantastic. But the best part of being both a host and a guest is the people I’ve met and gotten to know.   Some of these people are even in my new book, The Captivating Public Speaker. And others have become valuable resources. One of these people is Alex Sanfilippo, the founder of PodMatch and other services designed to help podcasters in a multitude of ways.   In this episode, Alex tells you how PodMatch came about and how you can use it to build a show, be a frequent guest on shows, and the value of doing either or both.   He and PodMatch have been instrumental in the success of this show, and it’s a pleasure to have him join me for my 100th episode. Takeaways - Podcasting (hosting and guesting) is another stage - How podcasting helps you speak with people who know what your listeners (and you) want to know - How to overcome the common hosting problem of locating valuable guests - How podcasting helps you build your personal brand - Why many podcasters stop podcasting and how PodMatch is helping overcome it   Resources - PodPros.com - PodMatch.com - Podcasting Made Simple

As the saying goes, it’s not if something will go wrong, it’s when something will go wrong. So, what are you going to do when something unexpected happens while you’re speaking? Have you ever thought about how you might respond to the inevitable? If not? You should.   Now, you can’t be prepared for every conceivable instance because you won’t think of all the possibilities ...

As a speaker, you’re also a business owner, salesperson, and marketer. And as a marketer, you must present yourself in a way that inspires, impresses, and establishes confidence in others for your abilities, products, and services.   Today, social media is one of the places that many people turn to in order to achieve this. And of the various social media platforms, LinkedIn has proven to be a solid choice for many speakers.   In today’s episode, Donna Serdula lets you know how you can most effectively represent yourself and connect with others. So listen in, take her suggestions and ideas and see if they can help you market yourself on the platform more effectively and grow your business.   Takeaways - How Linkedin has taken the place of the watercooler - How to stand out from everyone else - How to use Donna's SOAR method to succeed on Linkedin - How to take advantage of Linkedin's database - How Linkedin's robust platform helps you promote your personal brand - Why following someone might be the better choice over connecting with them - Whether you should be using Linkedin to generate leads   Resources - DonnaSerdula.com - Linkedin-MakeOver.com - Donna Serdula on Linkedin

Imagine being at a Broadway show, and the lead actor is playing a character who’s heartbroken by the sudden death of her only child. As she enters the stage, just for a moment, she is nonchalant, jumping into character only after she is within full view of the audience. Even if you don’t consciously see this, you still might feel that something is off.   The same is true when you, as a speaker, appear in front of a crowd. Within a few seconds of seeing you, the audience decides whether or not they have confidence in you and, accordingly, whether or not they should have confidence in the information you share with them. The fascinating thing is that, for most people, this evaluation is made at the unconscious level.   Consequently, to connect with your audience and instantly demonstrate confidence, you, like an actor, must be in character before your audience sees you. You can’t wait until you’re walking on stage to have energy. Nor can you wait until you begin talking to employ the body language that aligns with your message. If you do, you’ll run the risk of not connecting with your audience from the very first moment.   If you’d like to see a clip of Jack Nicholson getting into character before filming a scene in The Shining, click on the link in the show notes.   https://youtu.be/Qu3xxq5F3Gw

Do you find public speaking to be mentally and physically exhausting? I know I do. After I speak, I’m happy to go to my hotel room and relax for a while. And I speak about public speaking!   How draining is it for those speakers — and maybe you’re one of them — who speak about topics and experiences that carry a great deal of emotional weight? How do you keep your emotions in check?   Well, Tricia Roos is with us today to help answer these and other questions. Tricia built a winning career in sports and high school admissions but found her greatest victory in loss.    Author of When Wishes Change, she now makes her living by speaking about her baby daughter, who died shortly after birth.   Listen in as she shares how she learned to make her presentations powerful and genuine while ensuring that she doesn’t break down in tears due to the emotion attached to her story.   Takeaways - The importance of preparation - How to be professional while including the emotion of your story - How to deal with your audiences' reactions to your story - How to deal with the weight you carry before, during, and after your talk   Resources - WhenWishesChange.com

Do you think that, as a speaker, you need a brand? You bet you do. In fact, if you know it or not, you already have one — whether or not it’s the one you want is entirely up to you.   So, as you listen to this episode, ask yourself if your brand strategically supports your efforts to grow your business, if others view you as you view yourself, and if you live up to your brand.   My guests, Tonya Eberhart & Michael Carr of BrandFace, will help you answer these questions and more. First, here are. A few things you should know about Tonya and Michael.   They are international bestselling authors, hosts of the Be Bold Branding Podcast, and partners in BrandFace, the only comprehensive personal brand-building system across the globe.   They have helped and inspired authors, podcasters, coaches, real estate agents, and business owners in 5 countries and 43 US states to stand out and become authorities in their markets through the power of personal branding.   Takeaways - Learn the difference between marketing and branding and how each helps you succeed - Understand the difference between branding a company and an individual - See how three simple steps help you develop your personal brand - Hear 5 critical questions you should ask when assessing your personal brand - Determine if you are living up to the expectations you've established - Discover the importance of your commitment to authenticity - Hear how brand leads to confidence which leads to success   Resources - DiscussYourBrand.com

It's simple. The more you speak, the more you'll speak! And a way to speak more, is to be a guest on podcasts. You might be thinking, “You know, that’s a fantastic idea.” But, before you start lining up possible shows that you can be on, please realize that there's more to appearing on a podcast than showing up and answering questions. To help with this, here are several things you want to do.   Resources: - Podmatch.com

Are you where you want to be as a speaker — not only in your speaking skill set but also if you’re looking to make speaking a career?   If not, take the advice my mentor, Dick Herron, is quick to remind me — success is a choice … your choice.   You can also take that advice from today’s guest, Jim Roddy. Jim says that we’re in complete control of our career trajectory, and he’s done the research to prove it.   Jim has studied walk-ons. If you’re not familiar with the term, a walk-on is an athlete who wasn’t recruited nor received a scholarship to play their sport. Yet, these athletes do what it takes to achieve success.   Jim is here to share how we, as ordinary people, can accomplish extraordinary feats when our energy is properly channeled.   Takeaways: - 5 Steps of the Walk-On Method - Preparing for your audience - Enhanced Perceived Competence - The value of being an excellent communicator - The benefits of rehearsing   Resources: - JimRoddyCBA.com - The Walk-On Method - Mastering Executive Presence - Do You Talk Funny? - I'd Love to But I Have a Game

How good would it be if you could add a tool to your speak toolbox that helps you add more value to your clients? And at the same time, it would equip you with the ability to be more comfortable when dealing with unexpected situations, help you turn negative self-talk into positive action, and even more focused listening skills, which is extremely valuable in speaking. It would be pretty cool, wouldn’t it? In this episode, Izzy Gesell shows you how you can use this powerful tool to be a more connected, engaged speaker.   Takeaways - The benefits of structured practice - The application of the principles of improv - Where the laughter is in improv - How improv helps you provide what most clients are looking for - The effect improv has on leadership capabilities - The benefits of being vulnerable - How to implement this technique with no real-world implications - The 3 keys to applied improv - Hear a live example of applied improv - The difference between improvisers and others   Resources - IzzyG.com

Do you use PowerPoint or similar software when delivering presentations? Are your slides enhancing your talks or making people wish they were somewhere else? Are you unsure how to use slides so they help, as opposed to hurting your message?     In this episode, David McBee shares how you can avoid the most common mistakes speakers make when including slides in their presentations and how you can use slide decks to help deliver more compelling messages.   Takeaways - How you can keep your audiences in the present - How many slides you should have in your deck - How to stop wasting your time and that of others - How to effectively use the slides in your deck - What's more powerful, stats or images? - How not to clutter your slides - Do you even need slides? - How to know if you have too much info in your slide deck   Resources - DavidMcBee.com - https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidMcBee

You may have loved public speaking from a young age. But it’s more than likely that you learned to love it over time. Of course, you may still be at the liking stage with loving it still a ways off. In any case, you’ll understand and appreciate my guest’s journey from hating public speaking to embracing it. Tune in as Ruth Rotkowitz talks about her experience and shares tips about preparing to deliver engaging messages.   Takeaways - Go from fearing to embracing public speaking - The number one thing to keep in mind - A different use for index cards - How music speaks to people and can help you connect - Use speaking engagements to promote your book   Resource - RuthsWhale.com - Ruth's books, Escaping the Whale and The Whale Surfaces are available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/ruthrotkowitz

Do you want to make a point more memorable? Then, remember this. Repetition has power. Tune in and learn just how powerful repetition can be and how you can implement it.

As you know, there is so much more that goes into public speaking than just speaking. This includes your intonation, body, breathing, and mindset. My guest, Claudia Monacelli, shares how you can use each of these and more to not only communicate your messages but also engage your audiences.   Takeaways - how to be calm throughout your planning process - getting through the first few minutes of your talk - experiencing dynamic equilibrium - getting instant feedback from your audience - punctuating intonation - this is the window to your soul - the value of checking out other speakers - is it necessary to have everyone in your audience like you?   Resources - ClaudiaMonacelli.com - TheMagicOfPleasureSeeking

When you speak to an audience, should you dress for yourself or the audience? Should you take the advice of those who say, “Be authentic,” or should you go by the axiom that your should dress one-half step above your audience? Well, here’s what I learned many years ago.

If you’re a published author, then you know that, at one time or another, you may be asked to speak in public. This could be at a small gathering of fans; it could be at a conference. But no matter where you speak, you want to present yourself and your book well.   My guest for this episode of Public Speaking with Peter George is Stephanie Chandler. She shares with you the numerous benefits of speaking and how you can get more opportunities to speak in front of your target audiences. As a result, you'll sell more books!   Takeaways - Why you will be asked to speak - The benefits of accepting invitations to speak - Whether you should take the initiative to create a speaking tour - The truth about book signings - Where you can speak to sell more books - The first thing you should do when speaking in public for the first time   Resources NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.com NonfictionWritersConference.com StephanieChandler.com

Are you getting all the speaking gigs you need or want? Are you speaking at the kinds of events you know you want to be speaking at? Are you getting paid what you're worth? If you answer "no" to any of these, I have to ask why. But, more importantly, I believe you have to ask yourself why. Listen in and move beyond these beliefs that are holding you back.

It seems like every business magazine you read or every business show you watch or listen to includes something about branding. And over the past several years, this has included a very specific form of branding -- personal branding.   But what exactly is personal branding, and why is it so important to you, as a public speaker?   Listen in as my guest Jen Campbell answers these questions and more so you can establish yourself as a leader in your particular niche in the world of public speaking.   Takeaways - How personal branding affects your business - How many social media outlets you should "own" - Determining what you want to be known for - How to get more higher-paying gigs - How your work and personal time have merged - How to assess your personal brand   Resources - JenCampbell.com - JenCampbellTeaches.com - HelloJenCampbell.com

Idioms, slang, and colloquialisms have their place in talks, but there are aspects of each that you want to take into consideration. In this brief episode, you learn how idioms and slang could confuse your audiences and how colloquialisms can taint the way your audiences perceive you. Listen in and hear how taking these into consideration may make a great deal of difference to the power of your talks.

Storytelling is an art. And telling stories in a way that captivates an audience and delivers a message is taking that art form to its highest heights. If you are looking to develop your storytelling skills, then you want to listen to this episode. Michael Davis shares storytelling techniques that are easy to implement and will increase your impact, influence, and success in business.   Takeaways How storytelling in business increases your opportunity for success The similar key elements all stories have The element that makes stories memorable Why making your audiences feel uncomfortable matters Why you may not believe your story has value Why bringing life to your stories is so important How to add energy to your stories How to shorten your sales process When to start sharing your stories   Resources SpeakingCPR.com 52StorytellingTips.com

Have you ever watched reality shows, awards shows, or contests? Then you've probably noticed that, when the hosts are just about to announce the winners, they pause … for an extended amount of time! Perhaps a drum roll fills the gap while you watch intently, wondering who will win. And when that's the case, they have you right where they want you. They have created suspense and tension and got your full attention.   You can take a hint from these shows and use the same idea to get your audience's attention. Listen in and hear how tension demands attention.

How to Save Your Successful Voice with Judy Rodman   If you’re like many speakers, when you talk about voice, you talk about using it to foster and support your messages. This might include inflection, rate, tone, and volume. But how much thought do you put into the health of your voice, and does it really even matter?   Listen in as my guest, Nashville's top vocal coach Judy Rodman, sheds some light on how if you don’t take care of it, speaking can actually harm your voice. But don’t worry because she also has a load of tips on how you can keep your voice healthy and strong.   Takeaways Who needs voice training How long can you speak before you damage your voice or vocal cords? Pulling vs pushing for power Don’t speak from your diaphragm How to warm up your throat How are your eyes help you control your voice Speak to one heart How to prep before speaking What to add to water to help your throat and voice What you should have before speaking and what to avoid Dispelling old wives tales   Resources JudyRodman.com

Public speaking coaches often use various shapes to describe where your hands should be when gesturing, including circle, box, and square. But, no matter what they call it, it suggests your hands stay in boundaries that go from your chin to your waist and about the same distance from side to side. Listen in and learn how you can break the rules and break out of the boundaries.

Speaking in front of others provides you with the opportunity to influence and inspire them. But, do the words you choose help you accomplish your objectives or undermine them? In this episode, Terre Short shows you how to choose the right words so your audiences are clear about your intentions.   Takeaways - how to choose the words that represent your intentions -tying your intentions to your core values - how words can minimize and limit or how they can inspire and enhance - the #1 word to use sparingly and what to replace it with - the word that undermines your message and your confidence - the word to think twice about - the word to use to invite people into your message   Resources - ShortGroup.net

Improv is the art of saying, “Yes, and …" but when it comes to even thinking about it, so many of us say, “No way!” And that’s unfortunate because no matter how well you plan, things will go wrong, surprises will arise, and the universe will throw you a curveball. Consequently, your success — and sanity — are directly related to how you respond to these challenges.   In this episode, Avish Parashar shows you how you can add more creativity and humor to your talks, ultimately helping you bring audience engagement to new heights, and of course, keeping you nimble so you can face the inevitable surprises that arise when presenting.   Takeaways - How learning improv can help you relax and reduce the fear of being judged - Taking people on an emotional journey - How to add emotion when speaking about non-emotion content - How being vulnerable helps you connect with your audience - How embarrassing moments can become your best stories - How to get started in improv   Resources AvishParashar.com AvishAndMike.com

Where do you begin crafting a compelling presentation or talk? Your opening? The body of your talk? The ending? Well, it's none of these. To discover where you should begin talks that resonate with your audiences, listen in to this brief episode.

The myth that introverts are not cut out for public speaking goes on and probably will continue to do so for as long as introverts inhabit the earth. Perhaps, if you’re an introvert, you’ve been letting this myth hold you back. If so, it’s time to let it go and delve further into speaking in public.    Listen in as Dr. Ty Belknap shares advice that will help you embrace your introvertedness (is that even a word?) and continue on your journey to being a compelling and engaging public speaker.   Takeaways - How introverts have been viewed over the years - How introverts and extroverts each have superpowers - The advantages introverts have - Managing self-talk - How to recharge after a talk - Tips on rehearsing   Resources - Portbell.com - LeadershipIntroverts.com

Whether it's in communications, art, or even nature, 3s surround us. It's commonly known as the rule of 3, and it has been used throughout recorded history. This rule suggests that things grouped in 3s are more easily recognized, remembered, and retold. Also, our brains are constantly on the lookout for patterns, and since 3 is the smallest number of elements required for a pattern, it's the one that’s most frequently seen and heard.   But is the Rule of 3 really a rule? Not necessarily. It's more of a guideline. Listen in, and you'll hear how you can incorporate 3s into your talks.

Do you employ storytelling in your business life? If so, do you know how you can make your stories more effective? And if you don’t use stories when presenting, is it because you don’t understand the value or don’t know how to develop stories?     Whether you do or don’t, you want to listen to the advice Neil Gordon shares in this episode, including the benefits of storytelling and what you can add to help your listeners understand and remember the information you share with them.   Takeaways - How to incorporate the unexpected - The Value of being vulnerable in your stories - How to use Neil's Silver Bullet - The benefits of analogies - How re-runs of the TV show Numbers can help you develop analogies - How the start of a talk is much like the start of a race   Resources - NeilCanHelp.com

When it comes to preparing for presentations, there are two extremes. At one end is the person who barely prepares, if at all. They're happy to fly by the seat of their pants. At the other end is the speaker who is a perfectionist. They want everything calculated to the nth degree.   Do you consider yourself to be a perfectionist? If so, is it holding you back? Is it keeping you from focusing on connecting with your audiences? Then tune in and learn how perfectionism affected my client and how it might be affecting you.

Are you a consultant, coach, or in another profession and have thought about using public speaking to increase both your exposure and sales? If so, have you wondered how to go about it? Then listen in as my guest, Steve Preda, shares with you how he did it and how you can, too.

When you speak in front of others, which signal are you sending to your listeners -- that you are confident or that you’re not? And, why does this matter?   When people don’t have confidence in you, they likely don’t have confidence in the information you’re sharing. So, how are you going to demonstrate confidence, especially when you lack it?   Tune in and discover how you can accomplish through your stance. 

Do you struggle with impostor syndrome? Have you somehow lost the confidence you once had? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with these, including my guest, Luke Menkes.   Luke is an experienced public speaker who had to learn how to get over tremendous stage fright, introversion, and shyness to be able to excel in running his very successful and growing podcast New Town Big Dreams. He’s a living, positive example of what you can accomplish with persistence, a few simple techniques, and the right strategy. 

Recently, a client and I were discussing how you can change the entire meaning of a sentence simply by choosing which word or words you emphasize. Some people call this hitting or punching a word.   In this short episode, you'll hear an exercise that not only illustrates how this works but also one you can use to practice hitting the appropriate words so you accurately convey your intended meaning. 

I don’t know about you, but if I were asked to list the various ways the body is involved in public speaking, I would include stance, movement, gestures, heart rate, and even sweating. And to be honest, the rib cage would be far down on that list, if it were on it at all.   In this episode, Dr. Amy Novotny shares why the often-neglected rib cage should be higher on that list and how it helps you when you deliver presentations in meetings and on stage.

When I started coaching, I realized that many of the things my mother taught me about interacting with others were spot on.    From her point of view, she was teaching me about respect. However, she couldn't have known that she was also teaching me about one of the most valuable aspects of presentation skills — engagement.    Listen in, and catch the top 10 things my mom taught me about public speaking.

Richard Strauss said, “The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play.”     He was so right. Think about the numerous aspects of the human voice that you can manipulate, including pitch, rate, tone, and volume. Add to this that, just like any fine instrument, you need to care for it.     With so much to know and do, it’s no wonder that so many speakers pay little attention to their voices and use them well.     In this episode, Alana McKenzie helps you treat your voice as an instrument, prevent vocal pain or exhaustion, and create authentic and compelling emotion in your speaking.

Are you an introvert? Great! Because too many people believe you need to be an extrovert to enjoy or excel at public speaking. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. In fact, if you are an introvert, you have several advantages.    In this short episode, you’re going to learn about three of these advantages and the benefits they provide.   Perhaps you can be inspired by these famous people who are self-proclaimed introverts. - Warren Buffett - Elon Musk - Barack Obama - Clint Eastwood - Micheal Jordan - Lady Gaga - Mahatma Gandhi - Julia Roberts - Meryl Streep - Tom Hanks - Christina Aguilera - Elton John - Beyoncé - Abraham Lincoln - Issac Newton - Albert Einstein - Bill Gates - Steven Spielberg - Eleanor Roosevelt - Mark Zuckerberg - Larry Page - JK Rowling - Charles Darwin - Dr. Seuss - Steve Wozniak

Speaking on stage and writing a book are often seen as two entirely different disciplines ... and with good reason. But is it really that cut and dry? In this episode, prolific speaker and author, Geralyn Gendreau compares and contrasts speaking and writing, based on her own experiences. Tune in and discover if you have a speech (or book) in you, and if you do, how to find your voice and clarify your message.

Do you watch any of the home renovation shows? My wife and I do. And it didn't take watching very many shows to realize that there was going to be a surprise – a problem – in every episode, no matter which shows we were watching. But, of course, this makes sense since stories, to be interesting, need challenges or conflicts. The surprise I like most is when the hosts discover there are problems with the house's foundation. Then, all structural work comes to a screeching halt because all they do structurally is at risk until the foundation is solid. This situation is a near-perfect metaphor for developing a talk. Your presentation is likely to have problems without establishing a solid foundation, just like a house built on an unreliable foundation. Listen in and discover how you can build a strong foundation for your talks.

In this episode, we take a departure from our usual discussions about speaking and talk about happiness. Why? Well, for two reasons. One reason is that, to me, speaking and happiness go hand-in-hand. The other reason is that when I learned about Mike Duffy and his mission in life, I wanted to interview him so he could share his message with you.

Which word in the English language do you believe is the most powerful? Of course, if you're like most people, you'll say it's "please." Now, answer this question, please. Which word in the English language do you believe is the most powerful when it comes to speaking in public? Listen in, and you'll learn how this simple word helps you and your talks connect more effectively with your individual audience members.

If you want to know how effective a public speaker you really are, then you should present to students and young adults. As one of my clients who routinely speaks to students likes to say, “You have to know what you’re doing because kids will eat you alive.” But he’s quick to add that presenting to young people can be one of the more exhilarating experiences you could have, and if you do it well, you live to do it again. In this episode, Ryan Sweat shares with you his expertise when it comes to speaking, including with the teens and young adults of Gen Z.

Your brain’s primary functions include keeping you alive and steering you clear of harm’s way. When it determines that you are in a dangerous situation, or even in a stressful one, it initiates the fight or flight response. Once that adrenaline begins flowing through your body, all sorts of things start to happen, including your brain becoming super vigilant. In this episode, you’ll learn how your brain, in an effort to help and protect you, may actually undermine your talk and how you can keep it from happening.

Everyone has their own public speaking styles practices. The key is to learn from others, take the ideas that resonate with you and your style and make them your own. Of course, once you do that, you should continue to learn, always advancing and honing your skills. One of the people you want to learn from is my guest, Jeff Belanger. In this episode, he explains how he has developed his public speaking skills, including how he learned from those in other professions.

How long do you have to establish a connection with your audience? Is it 3 minutes? 1 minute? 30 seconds? How about 15 seconds? Or 3 seconds?   I side with those who say 3 seconds. Now, you might be thinking, “How can I possibly connect with an audience in 3 seconds?”   Listen in and learn how you can connect with your audience before walking on stage and still have 3 seconds to spare.

Leaders have the opportunity to effect change, to move people, to make a difference. And to do that, they need many skills, but one of them perhaps more than any other. Of course, it's public speaking.   As leaders, too many of us miss out on these opportunities because we don’t spend the necessary time building these skills, thinking of them as soft skills, as opposed to the power skills they actually are.   In this episode, Simon Trevarthen shares ways that you can use these skills to better communicate with others, ultimately providing yourself with a greater chance for the success you’ve been striving for.   Takeaways - 3 Keys to connecting with your listeners - The 3 most powerful words in the English language - Using the rightly-timed pause - Delivering the powerful 3-minute presentations - How to create and tell hi-def stories - The reason to combine emotion with data - Why butterflies are your friend - How short sentences connect with your audience   Resources - ElevateYourGreatness.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontrevarthen/ - https://www.facebook.com/simon.trevarthen.9

Does it drive you crazy when the car in front of you takes an abrupt turn without using a turn signal? If you’re like most people, it does.   Why couldn’t they turn on the signal? The lever’s right there. It’s incredibly easy to use. And for something so simple, it provides a significant benefit to them and the people behind them.   And what about you? Do you use your turn signals? Tune in and learn how to use transitions so your audiences follow you throughout your presentations.

Richard Strauss once said, “The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play.” How well do you play this wonderful gift you have?   Do you vary your pace? Do you alter your pitch? How about your tone and volume?   If you’re not sure you’re including enough vocal variety or if you’re using it to its greatest advantage, listen in as Madonna Hanna shares tips and ideas that will add color to your presentations, making them more engaging and compelling.   Takeaways - How practice helps develop your vocal variety. - Why you should include vocal variety in your presentations - How to develop vocal variety? - Exercises do you have for practicing the elements of vocal variety - Why it's important to record practices   Resources - DropKickTheDrama.com - instagram.com/madonnafitfastandfabulous - Toastmasters.org

One of the questions I get asked often is, “How do I know my presentation connected with the audience?” That’s a fair question because just about every speaker is curious, if not eager, to know if they served their audience well.   Here’s what I tell them. First, listen to the subject of their comments. If it’s about you, you probably didn’t achieve your objective. If it’s about themselves, it’s more than likely that you nailed it! Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Please stick with me while I explain.   Tune in to this quick episode and learn an easy way to know if you served your audience or not.

The mission of basic training is to motivate, train, and inspire the generation of service men and women. And in that spirit, who better to discuss the basics of public speaking than a veteran of both the service and the White House communication Agency.   In this episode, Darrell Williams, a man who served his country and now his fellow citizens, covers fundamentals that help you serve your audiences.

What do you do if your energy level and that of your audience are different? Do you try to force them from their sluggish state or go to where they are and raise their energy level as you progress through your presentation? The latter may be the correct answer, but the former might be implemented more often.   In this episode, you'll learn how to ramp up an audience's energy and enthusiasm so you can engage them and deliver the takeaway you had intended.

As a speaker, you want to get more gigs, especially higher-paying gigs, so you can share your message with more people. To accomplish this, you need to market yourself, your expertise, and the result your message provides.   Perhaps the most cost-effective way to get in front of your target audience is to be covered in the media. And media coverage delivers an extraordinarily high level of authority, credibility, and trust.   That’s why I’m thrilled to have with us today Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. She is going to share ideas on getting media coverage and how it can help you achieve your goals.   Takeaways - How to get hits on top-tier media sources - The key to building authority - Why clarity is important - How to build  - Is TV king? - Where to connect with the media   Resources - DrRoseann.com - HARO

Have you ever been in a car, singing along with your favorite singer, only to run out of breath as she continues to hold a note for a seemingly impossibly long time? How do they do that? They learn to breathe! Listen in and learn how you can breathe life into your presentations.

No matter how thought-provoking your message, and no matter how well you deliver that message … if you aren’t connected to it, your presentation may not be as well received — nor as effective — as you would like.   And that’s why the topic for this episode is connecting. And who better to discuss this with you but a veteran speaker who’s also an expert on connecting.   Listen in as Michelle Tillis Lederman shares why connecting is essential to your being a more compelling, more engaging speaker.   Takeaways - Why connecting with your message is even more powerful than connecting with your audience - Why authenticity matters to your audience - The pros and cons (most cons) of scripting) - The two parts of a talk that you should memorize - How to use notes effectively, if at all - How to engage others on Zoom - How to be an inclusive speaker   Resources - MichelleTillisLederman.com

Whether we're delivering motivational talks, presenting to corporations and organizations, or speaking on other occasions, we, as speakers, often deliver solutions. That's precisely what we're supposed to do, right? Well, if the situation calls for providing solutions, then yes, that's right … ah … that's half right.   Why is it only half right? Well, a solution is only half of an equation. The other half is the problem. And, all too often, we proudly provide solutions but don't state the problems. In fact, not establishing a problem before providing a solution is one of the reasons that so many presentations – as well-delivered as they may be – ultimately do not serve the audiences.   Listen to the episode and learn how you can craft presentations that serve your audiences more effectively.

Every generation has characteristics associated with it — accurate or not. And millennials are no exception. Of course some traits are the same in every generation, and some differ due to circumstances, trends, and their environment.   So when it comes to speaking to audiences of millennials, or even more so, having them present, we have to adjust our thinking. To help us with that is today’s guest, Tiffany Foote.   Takeaways - How millennials communicate differently - How to encourage millennials - Giving feedback to millennials  - What millennials can do to ease their nerves   Resources - The Fearless Millennial

"A speech is like a love affair. Any fool can start one, but it requires considerable skill to end it." - Anonymous   That quote is a favorite of mine because it’s both catchy and on target.    All too often people let their otherwise engaging presentations come to an unexciting and uninspiring end.    Tune in and learn how you can end your presentations in a way that makes a difference in the minds and lives of others.

Facilitating a seminar or workshop is indeed a form of public speaking. And just like another kind of presenting, it requires its own set of skills.   When organizations look to hire an instructor, they often look for those who know the science of facilitation but only hire those who know how to use the science in an artful way. This, my friend, is the secret recipe for the ideal and best of the best.   In this episode, Tina Clements shares this artful approach and how you can be the best of the best.   Takeaways - What makes a facilitator the best of the best - The truth about facilitating myths - Why some participants heckle - How to handle hecklers - How to handle participants' fear - How to handle your fear   Resources - rpc America

Do you want your stories to be more captivating? Do you want your listeners to be engrossed, waiting and wondering how your story is going to end? If so, you want to include in your stories one vital element – conflict.   Conflict isn’t the only element necessary in compelling stories, but it is the one many people leave out.   Conflict creates interest. It interrupts an otherwise smooth progression. Without conflict, your stories are boring.

Is your voice helping you communicate with clarity? Is it helping you influence and persuade? Is it helping you significantly increase your financial success? Is it helping you connect with people, or is doing just the opposite.   If your voice is not doing what you needed to, or if you're just not sure what it does, listening as Tracy Goodwin shares how to step into the power of your natural voice so you amplify your authority and captivate the room.

As a public speaker, whether you are speaking in a meeting or on stage, you, too, need to grab your audience’s attention right at the start. Why? There are several reasons, but the greatest one is that if you don’t grab your listeners’ attention from the beginning, you will have to work especially hard to get them engaged. You might be able to accomplish this, but it is not easy.   Listen in and discover how you can immediately grab your audience's attention.

You might not be able to define it, but you certainly know when someone has it! What am I talking about? Confidence. Competence. Charisma. Authenticity. That certain something. That je ne sais quoi!   Most of believe that those who have it were born with it. Well, if you believe that, then you want to listen is as my guest, Evelyne Brink, talks about these characteristics and how you can develop them.   Takeaways - Is confidence natural or learned - Charisma vs authenticity... which is more important - How to “just be yourself” - How develop these traits - What to do if you confidence has been beaten up - Being confident on video   Resources - Brink Coaching - Instagram - LinkedIn

Many speakers give little thought to Q & A sessions … and that’s unfortunate because what’s often looked at as an inconsequential way to end a presentation could be viewed as a significant opportunity to clarify and share more ideas. Takeaways - How to make your Q & A sessions much more productive - Where to include Q & A in your presentations - How to transition to Q & A - How to respond to questions - What to do after you've answered a question - How to ensure that your presentations end on your terms

The world of public speaking has continuously evolved over time, and probably never substantially in as short a period of time as it has during the pandemic.   So, it’s no surprise that many professional and aspiring speakers are wondering how to be most effective. And that is exactly what Rael Bricker, a certified speaking professional, is going to help you figure out.   Takeaways - How personality types can be incorporated into your presentations - The drive to be a public speaker - The difference between delivering a keynote and facilitating a workshop - The role comedy plays in speaking and how it has changed over the years - How speaking organizations continued to provide during the pandemic.   Resources - Rael's website - Get a free copy of Rael's book, "Dive In: Lessons Learned Since Business School" - National Speakers Association - Professional Speakers Australia

Do you want to have more confidence in yourself and your presentations? You can! Listen in to this QuickBites episode (less than 5 minutes) and learn the secret. When you do, you'll be as confident as a bird landing on a branch.

The fear of public speaking is so pervasive that many, if not most, books on public speaking include a chapter on the subject.   But Mike Acker’s book, Speak with No Fear, is different. It focuses only on the fear of public speaking and how to move beyond it so you can accomplish what you want in life, even if it’s not standing in front of an audience.   Listen in as Mike shares ideas and techniques that help you overcome the fear that’s holding you back.   Takeaways Where you are is not where you stay How shifting your focus helps you become a more effective public speaker How the idea of “It is not about us” is important not only in public speaking but also in other aspects, such as leadership The two weights you carry as a communicator and how they affect your level of fear Why Mike focuses on fear of public speaking in “Speak with No Fear How being familiar with other languages and cultures can affect your communication and leadership   Resources Mike Acker’s website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn You Tube Mike’s books on Amazon

What do you think about preparation?   Well, I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t a fan. Why? Oh, let me count the ways …   It’s time consuming … I have a lot to do, and preparation for those things takes up precious time. It’s not fun … Let’s face it. It can be pretty boring. It’s not the sexy part of anything, especially public speaking … I want to get to the exciting part of things, and preparation just isn’t it!   In this QuickBites episode (under 5 minutes), learn to embrace preparation and how it provides a greater opportunity for your presentation to resonate with your audiences.

You may ask yourself what a former stuntman, fight director, college professor, and motivational speaker can do for you. Ok, you’ll probably never ask yourself that question, but you do want to know the answer.   My guest in this episode, John Davis, speaks to companies all over the world, empowering their teams to awaken their "inner action hero" so they can achieve more. He does this using his Five-F approach, which hacks the fight or flight response.   In this episode Learn the difference between a topic speaker and an Action Hero speaker How to muster the courage to raise your speaking fee Determine the value of slides (powerpoint etc.) in your presentation Understand if comedy an important element of public speaking? Learn how to overcome limiting beliefs Use the Five Fs of Achievement to achieve more personal and professionally   Resources John Davis' website Get the Five Fs of Achievement 

I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked, “Am I supposed to memorize my presentation?”   My standard -- and slightly confusing -- answer is, “No … and yes … but mostly no.”   Let me explain. Memorizing your entire presentation is not recommended, nor is it reasonable.   In this episode, you learn: - which elements of a presentation should be memorized and why - what you should do with the body of a presentation - the two most important parts of a talk - what to do if you are going to include a long quote or other passage - what propels you from being a speaker who speaks to one who connects with their audience and serves them well

If speaking in public is the greatest fear, then speaking on TV must be off the charts.   I have seen many experienced speakers freeze when that little red light comes on. Heck, many years ago, it happened to me. It was my first time on TV. I was a guest on a Miami morning show. I didn’t necessarily freeze, but let’s just say it wasn’t the best public appearance.   If you have this problem, that’s okay. My guest, Stephen Brooks, is here to help bridge the gap between speaking on stage and speaking on TV.   In this episode The difference in preparing for TV, as opposed to being on stage The biggest differences between live audiences and virtual ones Rehearsing to speak on stage and on TV The greatest piece of advice for a speaker   Resources Stephen's Linkedin

A key tenet of sales is to make it easy for your prospective customers to buy from you. Making the process too convoluted, it’s believed, increases the likelihood that they buyer will become confused or frustrated and ultimately opt out of the buying process.   The same is true when it comes to public speaking. If we, as speakers, confuse or frustrate our listeners, they won’t buy what we’re selling – be it a product, service, or message.   However, many of us unknowingly make it difficult for our listeners to, well, listen. One of the ways we do this is not speaking clearly, instead we garble words and syllables.   Not enunciating can happen for a variety of reasons including habit, aging, and not giving it much thought. But now you should be giving it thought because it matters.   In this QuickBites (under 5 minutes) episode, learn various exercises that help you enunciate and speak more clearly so you can engage and resonate with your audiences.

Public speaking may not be the greatest fear in the world, but it certainly scares a great many people. Some get nervous when presenting to large groups, while others break into sweats at the mere thought of speaking to even a small group. But as my guest, Frances Cahill, will share with you, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can be more comfortable when speaking in public.   In this episode -  What exactly is glossophobia? -  Why public speaking is the safest activity in the world -  The cause of the fear of public speaking some people experience - Is it public speaking that you really fear? -  When the fear response usually starts -  If the fear of public speaking is always going to happen when you get up to speak -  How to deal with the fear of public speaking   Resources -  Frances Cahill website -  Speaking Easy Facebook Group

There is no doubt about it, we live in a video world, and that’s a scary realization for many.   The thought of seeing themselves on screen — or even worse — others seeing them on screen — makes their hearts pump faster, causes them to sweat, and … well, they react in the same way as someone who is afraid of speaking public.   Thankfully, there are people like Elsewine Rietveld who can help us be more confident and more comfortable on camera.   In this episode - The importance of using video in marketing your business - The common struggles people have when it comes to making video and how to resolve them - The first steps to take if you're feeling camera-shy? - Things not to do or to avoid - What to do if you forget what you were going to say - How to get Elsewine's new book “Get Comfortable on Camera”   Resources - Elsewine.com - Buy "Get Comfortable on Camera" - "Get Comfortable on Camera" website

When it comes to any art or science, there are certain things that establish a foundation … that you absolutely need to know.   In this episode, speaker, coach, and author Tyler Foley shares with you 5 insider tips that you, as a speaker, need to know.   In this episode - Where stage fright come from and how you can get over it - Why storytelling is so powerful and how you can tell compelling stories - How to discover your audience and determine your client avatar - How you can give better, more engaging presentations - How you can be a better networker and why it's important   Resources SeanTylerFoley.com The Power to Speak Naked

When we think of public speakers, we might not include teachers, but we should. Teachers present more often than those in just about any other profession. They present to their major audience — their students — five days a week for three quarters of the year. On top of this, they often present in meetings — whether it’s school related or otherwise.   Tune in as Megan Sweet, a teacher and public speaker, shares what she learned from experience and what you can learn, too.   In this episode: The value of speaking naturally They're not food guards Preparing for the unexpected Staying calm Finding your voice   Resource for this episode: Your 3 Eyes

When it rains on someone’s wedding day, they tell the bride that it’s a sign of a long and happy marriage. I don’t know how much brides believe this old wives tale, but perhaps it provides some solace when the weather on their important day isn’t exactly what they had hope for.   Likewise, people tell introverts that they have an edge when it comes to public speaking. Maybe this is to bolster their confidence; maybe there’s some truth to it. But in my case, anyway, as a proud, card-carrying introvert, I’ve found a great deal of comfort, if not relief, in this adage.   If you’re an introvert, listen to this episode because my guest, Matthew Pollard, best-selling author of "The Introvert's Edge" series, is going to share how you can out-speak, out-sell, and out-network anyone.   And if you happen to be an extrovert, you want to tune in because there are plenty of ideas that you can use, too.   In this episode you learn: - Why so many introverts struggle with networking. - The number one networking mistake introverts make. - What introverts can do differently. - Why such a large percentage of excellent speakers are introverts. - The first action step an introverted can take to become a more effective speaker.   Resources: MatthewPollard.com The Introvert's Edge The Introvert's Edge to Networking Rapid Growth Formula

When it comes to speaking at events, there are several ways that public speakers usually get the gigs … They’re invited. They’re hired through speakers bureaus. They respond to a call for speakers. They make the connection through their own prospecting. But there’s another way!   In this episode, Rich Brooks, founder of the Agents of Change Digital Marketing Conference, shares why it might make sense for you to produce your own event and, if you decide to do so, how to best navigate the process, including: - How and where to get started - How producing events requires focusing on the 3 S's - How to determine which presentations should be keynotes and which should be breakouts - That having other speakers at your event boosts your credibility - How producing your own events differentiates you in the marketplace - Where to focus your energy   Resources for this episode: https://takeflyte.com https://www.theagentsofchange.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/therichbrooks/

Having your audience hear your presentation is one thing. Having people digest and process your point, and even more so remember it, requires that you simplify the complex. Listen is as presentation coach Brian Krogh shares how you can simplify complex data and make your presentations more effective and more memorable.   In this episode you’ll learn: - how to relieve the pressure of trying to impress others when presenting - how it's more about connection than it is about content - break down complex data into everyday metaphors - anchor your points - evaluate the effectiveness of your presentations by listening to who your listeners talk about after - the value of building tension   Resources for this episode: - BrianKrogh.com​ - Squash presentation anxiety for good with Brian's free confidence course

Everyday work conversations should be clear, concise, and get to the point quickly. The problem is we don’t always know how to do this. Because what does it mean to be concise? And how can you summarized a complex topic in just a few lines?   My guest, Chris Fenning, author of The First Minute, has the answers to these and other questions. Listen in, and you’ll learn: - why the first minute is more important than all the other minutes - how to get great results by applying one technique to almost every discussion, email, presentation, and interview - it's steps rather than concepts - how to be clear and concise - how to summarize your point - a question to stop asking - a question to start asking - how to get people from where they are to where you need them to be - how this communication framework works in the majority of industries - how it can be applied to even the most complex topics - if it's worth the time necessary to learn this in order to save much more time in the future - how to make you meetings more engaging, efficient, and productive   Resources for this episode: - https://chrisfenning.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/ - buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/First-Minute-Start-Conversations-Results/dp/183824400X/

You are a consultant because you want to help others solve problems. But, if you're in the same situation as many consultants, you have a huge problem of your own -- how to attract a steady flow of clients.   In this episode, you learn what is possibly the most effective way to attract enough high-quality, high-paying clients to ensure you run a profitable, rewarding business.

Every presenter — novice and veteran alike — gets nervous when speaking in front of others. The difference from one presenter to another is how well they manage this anxiety. While some do not know why this happens to them, others understand why it is happening and how to turn this nervous energy into positive enthusiasm.   In this episode, you’ll learn why you get nervous, that it happens to everyone, and most important, how you can tame your nerves.

Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson each point to public speaking as the most valuable business skill for building a career. Going even further, Buffett, the billionaire investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, whose every investment is analyzed and scrutinized, has stated that developing his public speaking skills is arguably his greatest investment.   Why would Buffett give so much credit to a "soft skill"? He has answered that question, saying he realized at a young age that for others to understand his visions, objectives, and initiatives and to get the greatest return on his efforts, effective communication would be essential.   Tune in to hear seven ways that developing strong public speaking skills can help you move your career forward.

The interest in guest podcasting is growing, and opportunities to increase your exposure and credibility abound, but, if you’re like many perspective guests, you do not know how to reach podcasts without using an expensive PR agency, insider network, or extensive influence.   In this episode, Case Lane helps entrepreneurs, writers, and professionals deliver value to podcast audiences by recognizing the importance of speaking on podcasts to deliver a message, promote a product, and enhance authority in a subject area.   You will learn the latest information on a D-I-Y approach, leveraging the different podcast directories, search, and social media to find ideal podcasts for your subject, including: How to take your public speaking skills to podcasts Understanding the range of available podcasts and where to find them Navigating the podcast databases How to be a valuable guest after the show How to use your guest appearances as assets

When you’re developing a presentation, there’s no doubt that you give thought to the words you will use to convey your message. But how often do you consider when you’ll pause during your talks? My guess is seldom, if ever. Hopefully, that will change and you can transform what would otherwise be a rambling monologue into an engaging and interactive presentation. In this episode, discover 7 ways to implement pauses in your upcoming presentations.

Whether you're presenting in meetings, in court, in sales situations, or on stage, it takes your audience just a few seconds to assess your level of confidence. How would they rate yours?   In this episode of Public Speaking: Your Competitive Advantage, you learn several easy-to-implement tips that help you build confidence in yourself and your presentations.   These tips include: verbal communications nonverbal communications rehearsing and more   Listen in so you can learn to not only have more confidence when presenting but also to convey your confidence.

Storytelling adds magic to presentations ... yes, even business presentations. Learn how you can use stories to make your presentations more engaging and memorable.   In this episode, you learn: The value of adding stories to your presentations How to develop simple, yet effective stories Several other tips that will make your stories even more memorable

This episode of Public Speaking: Your Competitive Advantage focuses on three techniques that will help your presentations be more impactful, influential, and persuasive. These include the benefit statement, transitions, and question and answer sessions. Add these ideas to your presentations and both you and your audiences will hear and feel the difference.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to presenting is delivering their talk without rehearsing. They believe, "I know what I'm going to say, so I'm all set."   But for those who want to engage, persuade, and inspire others, rehearsing is part of their preparation. And with all things being equal, they wouldn't skip this important step.   In this episode: Benefits to your presentation Benefits to you The rehearsal device you already own How to use your rehearsal device When to add slides and props into your rehearsals How to restart when you make a mistake

We're spending more time on zoom than we could have imagined. It's not only a new format for many of us, but it's a whole new animal -- one that's difficult for some to tame. In this episode are seven easy-to-implement tips that will make you as professional in a virtual meeting as you are in a face-to-face meeting.

In this brief episode, you are going to learn how you can quickly differentiate yourself from other speakers, more effectively engage your audience, and have your audience understand the benefit from listening to you.   All you need to do is shift your mindset, and therefore your presentation, from being speaker-centric to audience-centric.   Once you've accomplished this, you're all set to provide a benefit statement, directly after delivering your attention-grabbing opening statement, question, or other tactic.   Show notes: Click here to get your copy of the Benefit Statement template.

Some public speaking myths have been around for years. I have no idea how they continue to be perpetuated. Hopefully, this episode will help bring these myths to an end ... at least for those who listen to it.   The 10 myths covered in this episode include: To become an excellent speaker, just get more speaking gigs. If you get nervous when looking people in the eye, looking above their heads is just as effective. Some people are natural-born speakers. To be less nervous, imagine that the people in the audience are in their underwear. To deliver effective presentations, you need just two things: to know what you’re talking about and the guts to speak in front of people. It's a good idea to have a drink or two to calm your nerves before presenting. You can effectively evaluate your presentation by looking into a mirror when rehearsing. Winging your presentation makes it appear fresh and authentic. Speaking loudly is obnoxious and overbearing. To be an excellent presenter, you just need to demonstrate your passion for your topic.   Listen in and learn why these myths just don't hold water.

Leaving a steady, secure job behind and transitioning to being a full-time speaker can be a nerve-racking undertaking, but it's well worth the effort and stress. That ... from someone who has successfully made the move, Clint Pulver.    Known as “The Millennial Speaker,” Clint Pulver helps organizations that want to retain, engage and inspire their people.   As the president and founder of The Center for Employee Retention, Clint has transformed how corporations like Keller Williams, AT&T and Hewlett Packard create lasting loyalty through his work and research as “The Undercover Millennial.”   For over a decade, he has been a self-motivated entrepreneur who is well-versed in business start-up, sales management, management training, and growing multi-million dollar accounts. Clint understands first hand that relationships are based on trust, service, support, connection and consistent follow-through.   A professional drummer for more than 20 years, he has appeared on America’s Got Talent and in several feature films. Being a drummer plays a significant role in his presentations.   Clint has dedicated his heart to helping organizations understand the younger generation and helping the younger generation understand themselves through living a life of significance, instead of just a life of success: “It’s not about being the best in the world … it’s about being the best FOR the world.”   Join Clint and me as we discuss his journey, how he made the move to being a full-time speaker, and the advice he has for others who want to make the jump.   Topics include: what to ask potential clients what you should have so make solid decisions following up with people who took time with you the value of being flexible and offering more than just a keynote what Clint sees as a crash course in speaking working with corporations why you want more than "good job"   Resources in this episode: - Clint Pulver

Whether you are beginning your speaking career or are a veteran, writing a book on your subject may be one of the most advantageous tings you can do to showcase your expertise.   In this episode, John Jantsch and I discuss how writing a book could affect your speaking career. As you'll discover, it's a daunting undertaking, but can be well worth your time and effort.   John is a veteran marketing speaker and workshop leader with over 200 successful events under his belt. Event organizers and attendees frequently comment on the nature of the practical, actionable “takeaway” value of his presentations. He is also the bestselling author of "Duct Tape Marketing" and other books, including his soon-to-be-released "The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur."   Topics include: how a book helps establish you as an expert in your field know your objective for your book understand how you are going to leverage your book how speaking and writing are entirely different disciplines meeting organizers often look first to those who have written a book how writing a book can increase both your speaking fee and the number of gigs you get each year the need for professionalism, including design and editing   Resources in this episode John Jantsch Bird By Bird Daily Drucker

Public speaking is a craft -- a craft that no one really masters. It is a constant work in process, and for those who work at their craft, it is also a work in progress.   Award-winning speaker and best-selling author Joey Coleman shares how he has shaped his craft and how it has shaped him. And we can all learn from his experience and perspective.   In this episode, you'll discover: Which of the three kinds of speakers you want to be The benefits of looking at speaking as a craft and knowing your purpose The existence of the energetic wave Why you need to address the needs and desires of the audience members Why it's essential to present in alignment with who you are The essence of the human condition Your opportunity to shape the listener's experience When to build rapport with your audience The three audiences you need to address in your presentations   Joey Coleman helps companies keep their customers. An award-winning speaker, he works with organizations around the world ranging from small startups to major brands such as Deloitte, Hyatt Hotels, Zappos, and Whirlpool. His First 100 Days® methodology fuels the remarkable experiences his clients deliver and dramatically improves their profits. His Wall Street Journal #2 best selling book, Never Lose a Customer Again, offers strategies and tactics for turning one-time purchasers into lifelong customers. When not speaking to audiences around the globe, Joey enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and two young sons in the mountains of Colorado. Resources for this episode: - Joey Coleman

Sima Dahl is a branding visionary who revolutionizes the way audiences think about generating demand. Her early career as an award-winning marketer paved the way for Sway Factor™, her groundbreaking model of modern influence that explores personal branding and its impact on traditional business and employer brands.   Sima has traveled from Boston to Budapest showing sales, marketing, and HR leaders how to drive sales, attract top talent, and increase retention by leveraging this unorthodox branding trifecta.    Sima is a Certified Speaking Professional, a Distinguished Toastmaster, and a self-proclaimed live music junkie. Known for her bold candor, unfiltered honesty, and charismatic style.   In this episode, you'll discover: proper practice and preparation the value of effective communication skills for non-professional speakers how confidence is key to connecting with others what to ask your client (or meeting planner) before developing your presentation how the message can be the same but the presentation must change when speaking to different groups how to get more speaking gigs how personal brand and business brand are closer than ever   Resources for this episode Sima Dahl National Speakers Association Toastmasters International

We all know how beneficial word-of-mouth marketing is, yet only 1% of businesses have a word-of-mouth strategy. This is because many of us believe that being competent in our professions inspires people to talk about us and our businesses. Oh, if only this were true.      Jay Baer, Hall of Fame speaker and author of the best-selling "Talk Triggers," explains how you can use talk triggers and other tactics to grow your speaking business.    In this episode, you'll discover: The benefits of making an unconventional choice. How you build word-of-mouth by making a decision to do something different consistently. That competency does not create conversations. Ideas that will help any business, including your speaking business. How to differentiate yourself so meeting planners notice. How speaking benefits your consulting career and vice versa. The 3 things Jay would have done sooner. Jay's biggest suggestion that will help you grow your speaking business.  Jay is one of fewer than 200 living members of the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into the Word of Mouth Marketing Hall of Fame. As a speaker, he has given hundreds of insightful, humorous presentations worldwide.    Jay founded and runs Convince & Convert, a digital strategy consulting firm, and has been an advisor to more than 700 companies, including 34 of the FORTUNE 500. He is the host of the popular Social Pros podcast, as well as the weekly Talk Triggers Show.    On top of all of this — and a lot more — Jay is a New York Times best-selling author of six books, including his latest, “Talk Triggers,” which he wrote with Daniel Lemin.

Is being a speaker one of your goals? You'll want to listen to Suzanne Evans, president of Driven, Inc., share your experience and advice to up-and-coming and established speakers alike.   In this episode, you'll discover: How speaking allows you to connect in ways social media does not. How speaking builds trust. The value of speaking when it comes to gaining visibility. Why optimism is a must for speakers. Why preparation is essential. Where speakers should spend their time. How to get free tickets to Suzanne's Build Your Speaking Biz Bootcamp   Resources for this episode: Driven Inc.

This episode features an interview with one of my favorite raconteurs, Dr. Ivan Misner.   In the episode, you learn: the difference between a fact and a story the four steps that transform a fact into a story the amount of preparation he puts into his spontaneity the value of practice and adjustment how much time you might want to put into a one-hour presentation how his perspective on slides helps him use them effectively in his presentations how one can be an engaging speaker even with being an introvert the value of not just telling a story but reliving it how reliving how you felt draws people into your story about his latest book Who's in Your Room? may make you look at things differently   Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. Founded in 1985, the organization now has over 8,800 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world.   Ivan is a New York Times bestselling author who has written 24 books including his latest book – Who’s in Your Room?   Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by CNN and one of the “Top Networking Experts” by Forbes, Ivan is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world.   Among his many awards, Ivan has been named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Red Cross and was recently the recipient of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award. He is also proud to be the Co-Founder of the BNI Charitable Foundation. Ivan and his wife, Elisabeth, are now “empty nesters” with three adult children. Oh, and in his spare time, he's also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate.   Resources for this episode: Presentation Zen IvanMisner.com BNI.com

Every time you communicate, you're doing it for a reason. You want someone to understand something, do something, or change something. You're trying to make a point. But the only way to make a point is to have a point. And the surprising truth is, very few communicators know their point or even understand what a point is, rendering them pointless.   In this episode, Joel Schwartzberg explains how too many people confuse a point with a title, a topic, an idea, a theme, or even something much less. A point is something more. It's a contention you can propose, argue, illustrate, and prove. A real point creates a position of value.   Joel not only clarifies what a point is, but he also shed light on how to determine if what you're saying is a point or if it falls short.   If you want to more effectively reach your audiences, listen to what Joel has to say.   Resources for this episode: - joelschwartzberg.net

Bob Burg joins me for the first episode of The Speaker Station Podcast.   Bob is a sought-after speaker at company leadership and sales conferences sharing the platform with everyone from today’s business leaders and broadcast personalities to even a former U.S. President.   He is the author of a number of books on sales, marketing and influence, with total book sales of well over a million copies. His book, The Go-Giver, coauthored with John David Mann, itself has sold over 850,000 copies and it has been translated into 28 languages.   His and John’s newest parable in the Go-Giver Series is The Go-Giver Influencer.   Every speaker, whether new to the craft or an experienced veteran, has opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Bob shares how he got started in the speaking business, the biggest challenge he faced on his way to becoming a captivating and purposeful speaker (odds are that you face the same challenge), and his biggest piece of advice he can offer to up and coming speakers. Specifics include: - It's all about the audience. - Focus on engagement, not perfection. - Ideas for prospecting.   Here are links to people/organizations that Bob mentions in the episode. - Jane Atkinson - NSA - National Speaker Association