SpeakEasy with Eric Egan

Your interests must take priority. Avoid the disease to please. Frankly, no one ever said this would be easy, but standing your ground or sticking up for yourself in professional and personal settings is essential to building the confidence required to speak effectively. When the discomfort and anxiety overwhelm, and giving in suddenly seems like the best option - Eric is providing a path to remaining committed to your points, steps you can easily implement to stay the course. Saying what's hard helps you set a personal precedent. You'll get better at it, at every turn. 

As much as we'd like to snap our fingers and immediately turn into speaking experts - it's just not going to happen that way. Building up your speaking arsenal takes time. Eric pulls from a recent experience involving his son, and a superhero story. Even those gifted with superpowers struggle to find the right words. This episode will refresh and remind you how to stay sharp and improve your technique. Never stop learning - and you will never stop growing.  

Don't confuse vulnerability with weakness. Imperfection, maybe, but the same shortcomings you fear could resonate with your audience. Eric shares why being vulnerable is a ticket to connecting with a crowd. Let them in by being willing to share a personal story, or acknowledge a flaw. You have a better chance at connecting when seen as relatable. This will allow an audience to invest and engage with you as a speaker. Plus - the types of stories worth sharing and when they can be most impactful. 

On average, we meet our best friends around the age of 21. So what happens later in life after those formative years? Are we supposed to be ok with the struggle of finding true friendships in our 30s and 40s? Eric examines a recent write-up in The Atlantic  magazine (Katharine Smyth), with the focus on why making friends gets harder as we get older, what gets in the way and why it can be frustrating. It's tongue-in-cheek but it needs to be said. Keep your chin up, there is still a bright side.

There are two sides to every conversation, there must be. So, be strategic and listen. Forget the sales tactics, show your interest by understanding the needs of the person across from you.  Eric sits down with Media Maven Public Relations founder, host and blogger, Christina Nicholson - to get to the bottom of what it takes to sincerely reach people. To some degree It will involve a personal and genuine connection, face to face communicating, and at times a filter-free mindset. Eric and Christina also talk new business game plans and how to turn fear into excitement, when speaking to a crowd!

In simplest terms, be strategic in simplifying your approach. From your outline to your language, you and your audience will find wisdom (and success) in this process. Take away the pressure to perform while providing clarity for the crowd. Simplicity leads to originality, creates space for the true you and allows for better understanding. Your next time at the front of the room will suddenly seem more achievable. 

In this first edition of - Speaking Stories - Eric shares his personal experience in dealing with a difficult manager. There's a common push to ‘please' at all costs in the work world. But like this example, our confidence and creativity must not be compromised. We're discussing why there are always multiple ways to reach a common goal, plus why the best version of ‘YOU' should be prioritized over someone else's. 

First things first, you are not alone. Eric can help you overcome this roadblock because he has experienced it. But to avoid this moment filled with dread and awkward silence, the key is preparation before it happens. Starting conversations with strangers, or speaking in concise, short sentences are just some of the ways to keep your mind clear and your words flowing when you are put on the spot. You will begin to condition yourself to think fast on your feet. It's easy and applicable, and you will no longer run from these scenarios. 

Picture yourself among friends. You're sharing a drink or a meal, this is where your mind must be. Genuine speech is born out of environments where we are most comfortable. Eric dives into the importance of conversational writing when prepping for a speech or presentation. Let your words flow naturally and simply onto the paper, so they will flow freely from your mouth and to your listeners' ears. The more relatable and digestible your word choice, the more people you will reach. Listen to learn how Eric pulls it off.  

A speaking engagement may not feel like vacation, but that's where your mind needs to be with this approach. As a tourist, Eric explains how to put yourself in the prime position to learn faster and enjoy yourself in the process. Tourists aren't worried about being judged, they're always asking questions and routinely discover new things. With these steps there's a good chance you'll discover a new way to make the most out of your next big moment. 

As sure as the sun rises and sets not every talk will go according to plan. When the best intentions unravel you will be equipped to working through the roadblocks without wilting under pressure. Eric outlines what to rely on, to stay on point and press-on, techniques to help you remain calm and focused. By planning for a potential pitfall your chances of avoiding one increase that much more.  

No matter how great you are, or how meaningful your message is, the audience receives it on their terms - a series of preconceived beliefs and emotions. Any excellent speaker must get to know their audience, their truths, and what makes them tick. Eric outlines how to better engage and resonate with a group, so that the message you set out to deliver lands in just the right place. Choosing the right words will make a mountain of difference. 

No wasted days. If we're not on our game, chances are our competitors will be. In this Speak Chat, Eric explains the importance of projecting a positive image. For better or worse, people will judge you by the way you look on the outside. Approaching each day with urgency could lead to the life-changing opportunity you never saw coming. Items to remember: 1) Someone is always watching. 2) Evaluations are not always fair. 3) Take pride in dressing the part. It may be the easiest way to leave your mark. 

Those who practice improve. Those who don't … well, it's an uphill battle. There's a commitment to this self-improvement. But it's also more than logging hours. A big component of your success is HOW you prepare for it. Sure, quality over quantity is part of it, but in this episode Eric examines practice methods proven to produce results. Challenge yourself to rehearsing the right way. In the constant competition for your time, these steps should finish first .. so you do too!! 

You won't win every person over, every time. It's not realistic. In fact, don't put that on yourself. Instead, Eric focuses on ways to grab a group's attention, keeping them focused on you - the speaker - despite their possible indifference. In the constant fight for credibility these steps will have you making bold predictions, actively listening to audience critiques, and much more. Engage them, and why not have fun doing it?!

Face it, you're not always going to feel your best. Some days are just harder than others. But with these ten steps, Eric lays out a strategy to making you look comfortable in front of an audience. You will also be able to project calm and credibility without leading-on that you may feel uncertain or nervous. More people will listen to you strictly for looking the part. You're selling yourself, even more than your message. 

When should you arrive? What do you do for the final 20 minutes before go-time? How to feel and look prepared - Eric covers it from all angles. Plus, a simple rule to remember to make the most of those last few minutes as the clock ticks down, and how to welcome your audience as they arrive. Both you and the crowd stand to benefit as the room settles in. Be purposeful and rely on your pacing. 

This is it. How to capitalize on your opportunity, and not let it slip away. It's possible you may not know when your moment is presenting itself. Treating each one like it's meaningful will put you on the right path. Eric shares three simple approaches to set you up for success, plus the assurance you'll walk away with no regrets. Own the moment.

A genuine conversation with Univ. of Memphis Prof. Jessica Jaglois. Jessica and Eric dive into the approach. How effort and persistence produce results. Why the benefits of listening over lecturing, and humility over ego, prove themselves time and again. And, Jessica's way of reeling in the room if your words aren't landing. It's about being human first and gaining your audience's trust.

This is what you're going to say. Plain and simple, yet critical to crushing it!! Eric explains his four-step approach -- Start, Simplify, Survive, Settle -- to craft your message, and make it memorable. Rocket fuel to rock your next speech or presentation. How to speak from the heart and leave a lasting impact that's easy for you to articulate, and even easier for your audience to appreciate. We're talking personal stories, self-editing, how to handle a heckler and drive home your points. You can do it!

It's a personal list of accomplishments or moments of success, designed to restore that feeling of invincibility when you need it most. Whatever you call your 'brag sheet' keep it close by. It's for your eyes only, and it will provide a pivotal source for building back belief and reassurance. Eric shares what to include in yours and how to make it work.

Is this you? It's okay if it is - you're not alone. From eliminating 'what ifs' to keeping your head space clear, Eric's ways to avoiding self sabotage, and speaking easy without the extra stress. Look, this is hard enough without adding more pressure to weigh you down. Think less, break bad habits and embrace the moment. You'll be on the road to free-thinking in record time.

Meet with the mindset of forming a long term relationship. There's an approach to mingling and small talk that can make the daunting seem doable. Eric provides five ways to carry a conversation by taking the initiative. Being the aggressor can be a good thing! This will get you through a networking happy hour, a kid birthday party or a work conference - it's all applicable. Plus, how effort can outlast talent and skill! You will be remembered. 

Be freed from your fear of public speaking. What are we afraid of? Why can it be so overwhelming and paralyzing? Eric breaks down the elements of what makes us 'sweat' - in public speaking. Plus, the path to proving our fears can be managed and overcome, and how you can perform without the consequence of failure. *Bonus - Not one, but THREE SpeakEasy suggestions. Cheers!

How do we get better? .. By doing!! In this Speak Chat Eric goes to work, exploring four of his favorite exercises for executing your words, improving speech and appearing polished. Listen for the keys to avoid fillers, become more comfortable asking questions and turn weaknesses into strengths. Four fun and challenging ways that WILL make a lasting difference.

Do you like small talk? Do you feel forced into awkward conversations? We've all been there. It may be uncomfortable at times, but that doesn't take away from the importance. Eric examines how small talk can be a catalyst, an open door to a new relationship or opportunity. Big relationships are built on small talk. It can be terrifying, but it's critical, and here are ways to get better at it. Talk ain't cheap, it's priceless. "Done the right way, conversation is an art. Let's stop it from becoming a dying art."

It's a fine line. How do you commit, be passionate and devote your time and energy into something, while not crumbling under the weight of the pressure? This is what we're talking about. SpeakEasy believes optimal performance is achievable when we avoid internal pressure - quiet the voices. Resist taking yourself so seriously! In this episode Eric outlines how he has done it, why it works and the inspiration from 'Tommy Boy'.

Diving into delivery. More than 90 percent of it rests on the way you convey. Find a style that's unique to you and build on it. There's power in nonverbal communicating, body language that lures in the audience. Listen to SpeakEasy with Eric Egan and make a lasting impression. 

Clear your head. Ditch the fear of forgetfulness and brain fog. Eric covers his keys to remembering. Use this when the nerves come knocking. Plus, a crash course on can't-miss speaking tips for all occasions.Bonus - if you've ever wondered how to close a first date, like in public speaking, leave them wanting more.

It's your finishing move. It's the lasting impression you leave. Closing statements are pretty important. Eric focuses on the end of the message. It can both save you from disaster, or it can seal the deal. The strategy to sticking the landing covers how to summarize, so that your last words are optimized. Plus, why planning out the end game can also provide the perfect escape when things go awry.

In this Speak Chat find out why there's comfort in knowing you're not special. No really, conformity breeds reassurance in this case. Likewise, the ticket to speaking success is punched once we allow ourselves to take a back seat. And a 'killer' lyric worth remembering.  

A conversation with pastor and author, Russ Ramsey. Everything is on the table during this discussion. Russ and Eric explore the multitude of ways to grab your audience's attention and not let go. Why Russ compares storytelling to the Trojan Horse, the importance of performing the way you practice and how to acknowledge mistakes when there's nowhere to hide. Plus - insight on 'inner' voices, merciless self-editing and Tom Petty references.   

Introducing a new format to the SpeakEasy podcast - Speak Chats. In select episodes Eric is offering a series of speaking pointers, quick hits, to be consumed on the go. In this first installment - it's the big day, your presentation or speech is quickly approaching. Listen for the top five tips to making certain you will be in the best position to succeed. This list runs the gamut of beverages to avoid, rehearsing right, to resisting last minute changes. 

We are nothing without it. At the same time, with it, everything is possible. No matter the amount of experience you come to the table with, confidence can be learned. Eric is mapping out practical and applicable steps a speaker of any level can put into practice. Plus, why confidence is the foundation to successful public speaking, and how listeners will learn the keys to consistently creating an air of internal and external confidence. BONUS: The SpeakEasy take on the classic Old Fashioned. *Hint - the bourbon matters.

Look good for yourself first and the audience second. You are your strongest visual aid. Appearance cannot be an afterthought, it must be one of the first thoughts. Eric explores the quickest, most economical route to looking your best in front of a crowd, plus a few more ways which may provide the same jolt in positive vibes to execute with confidence.This message is backed by years of experience on the biggest stages, with critical insight for both the gents and ladies.

Are you a hand-talker?Send the wrong message and your audience has pre-judged you instantly. Use them to your advantage and you'll be perceived as confident and authoritative.We SHOULD use our hands in public speaking - most especially when it comes natural! Communicating with our whole bodies is who we are. Eric addresses the question every public speaker is asking. You'll never need to worry about ✋

Answers to your anxiety. Eric's easy-to-implement list of his top ways to break through that paralyzing feeling. He's been in the same place. It's no fun. But this is what works for him. It can, and will, work for you. From getting accustomed to those awkward silences, to singing yourself into feeling bulletproof, it's all in here.

Eric welcomes Marieke Bianchi to the SpeakEasy podcast. Bianchi is an executive in music brand partnerships at Creative Artists Agency, in Nashville. She represents country music talents Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, among others. We learn how she relates to artists, and what she means by - 'If this doesn't go well, there is no plan B.'  Despite the pressure of the industry, successful speaking still boils down to prep, practice and relationships. And speaking of relationships, this chat includes a reunion, long overdue. 

The audience wants you to do well. Eric covers a range of ways to connect with people, several of which have little to do with speaking. It's all in the eyes. We're scratching the surface on presentation in terms of body language, much more to come. Plus, speaking lessons can present themselves in a number of settings. Why it's important to stay open to learning at all times.  

Special guest, Samantha Fisher joins. Eric and Sam anchored in Nashville together for years. The two talk handling anxiety, secrets to success when plans unravel and what really happens behind the scenes when recording stops.

We are our harshest critics. Go easy. Eric focuses on failing, why it's okay to fail, and if learned from, can lead to greater confidence. Never miss an opportunity to grow when something doesn't go as planned. Eric shares how to mask your mistakes and keep your audience tuned-in to what you're doing right. And a speaking strategy that may test your temper. 

In the first episode of SpeakEasy, Eric covers the importance of acknowledging the presence of fear in public speaking. He shares why it's okay for your body to do weird stuff in reacting to nervous energy. Knowing it's coming is a huge leg up. Plus, techniques to overcoming the nerves.