Public Speaking: Your Competitive Advantage

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 - 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.

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.

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.

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 her 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) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC (The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon)

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

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

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 available on Amazon

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 available on Amazon

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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

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