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As professional speakers, we talk a lot about scaling our businesses, landing high-paying gigs, and commanding premium fees, but we rarely talk about the physical baseline required to sustain that level of output. Gruelling travel schedules, high-stakes presentation days, and constant pushing can easily lead to burnout if you aren't intentionally protecting your greatest asset—your health. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am joined by the incredible Mark Black—a heart and double-lung transplant recipient turned marathon runner and CSP—to discuss what it truly takes to build a thriving, sustainable speaking business without sacrificing your well-being. Mark shares his remarkable personal story alongside actionable strategies for managing stamina, setting non-negotiable boundaries on the road, and shifting into a mindset that prioritizes long-term vitality. Grab your pen, because whether you are just getting started or stepping onto global stages, this is a conversation your life and your business both need to hear.Highlights you won't want to miss:Managing Your Health While Running a Speaking Business 0:00A lifetime of health challenges 2:00A miracle donor and a marathon 8:00Speaking, as a career? 11:00Climbing the speaking hill 16:00Bonus time 22:00Prepare and recover 27:00Finding the motivation to keep going 35:00See you next time 40:05If you want to hear some great ideas to help you manage your health, move through challenges and keep your speaking business running, you simply can't afford to miss this episode!For access to FULL SHOW NOTES, including video and links, visit: https://www.speakerlauncher.com/category/podcast/
This episode is brought to you by Urban Platter. To know more, checkout: https://bit.ly/urban-platter-figuring-outGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-563Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are her personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00) - Intro(03:25) - From NYPD Cop to Protecting the President: Her Untold Story(09:17) - The Brutal Secret Service Exam Almost Nobody Passes(20:34) - The Hate She Faced as a Young Cop on the Street(26:46) - The Psychology Trick That Gets Even Criminals to Talk(33:46) - Inside Presidential Security: Snipers, Clean Zones & Hidden Threats(45:22) - The Diplomatic Nightmare of Guarding a Leader on Foreign Soil(49:43) - Why Even "Friendly" Governments Resist US Security Demands(56:22) - Bulletproof Vests & the Science of Catching a Lie(1:07:56) - Going Undercover: A Russian Sting & a Passport-Trafficking Bust(1:13:11) - How She'd Interrogate Jeffrey Epstein and Ted Bundy(1:29:21) - Signs of Psychopathy(1:32:44) - What Would She Ask Osama Bin Laden in an Interrogation?(1:40:16) - What's One Mistake Investigators Can Make to Blow Up the Interrogation?(1:42:56) - Why Is It the Worst Time to Be a World Leader?(1:48:34) - When Has She Felt the Most Powerless in Her Life?(1:51:30) - What's the Cost of Being Successful at What She Does?(1:56:06) - BTS(1:57:25) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Evy Poumpouras, a former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent who spent over a decade protecting several American Presidents and served on the Presidential Protective Division for Barack and Michelle Obama, before becoming a trained interrogator, polygraph examiner, and behavioral expert.Follow Evy Poumpouras here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evypoumpouras/X: https://x.com/EvyPoumpourasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evypoumpouras/About Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More, Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/Twitter @RajShamani https://twitter.com/rajshamaniFacebook @ShamaniRaj https://www.facebook.com/shamanirajLinkedIn - Raj Shamani https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
"Undercharging is not humility. It is a positioning problem and oftentimes a confidence problem. And that confidence problem is wearing a humble costume." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, Dan Irvin digs into one of the most common — and most expensive — mistakes speakers make: undercharging for their talks. And not just because it shrinks your paycheck. Dan makes the case that pricing too low actually makes you harder to book. Here's the scene he sets: you're on a call with an event planner, the conversation is going great, they ask what your fee is — and a much smaller number comes out of your mouth than the one in your head. Dan's been there himself, early in his career. Inside The Speaker Lab, he's had this exact conversation with speaker after speaker. The problem goes deeper than money. When you price too low, planners treat you differently — worse time slots, skipped introductions, ignored A/V requests. Same speaker, same talk, totally different experience. Dan breaks down the three traps that keep speakers stuck in the discount cycle, shares a story about how one "we don't pay speakers" event turned into more than $50,000 in workshops, and walks through his own approach to the fee conversation — the questions he asks, how he frames his number, and why he doesn't commit to a final number on the discovery call. Whether you're brand new and figuring out where to set your first real fee, or you've been speaking for years and suspect you've been leaving serious money on the table, this episode gives you a clear framework for pricing with confidence. You'll learn: How undercharging actually makes you harder to book, not easier The three pricing traps that keep speakers stuck (free gigs, comparison shopping, and fear of hearing "no") How "exposure" builds the wrong reputation and trains your market to expect you for free Why somebody else's fee tells you absolutely nothing about what yours should be The direct link between your fee and how event planners treat you — from your time slot to your introduction What actually determines your fee (hint: it's not just how good your talk is) Why getting uncomfortably niche leads to paid gigs Dan's story of turning a "we don't pay speakers" event into more than $50,000 in workshops How to handle the fee conversation without apologizing, hedging, or negotiating against yourself The one question Dan never skips on a discovery call — and why it reframes everything When to adjust your fee down as a strategic choice and when to raise it And much, much more! "Stop discounting yourself. Your message is worth more than you're charging for it." Not sure what you should be charging — or how to say the number without flinching? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment — In 15 minutes, the team looks at your positioning, niche, and assets and helps you figure out the right fee and how to present it. Dan's on some of those calls himself. Episode Resources: Speaker Business Assessment MySpeakerFee Apple Podcasts Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Harmony Slater and co-host Russell Case sit down with executive coach, theater artist, and University of Virginia lecturer Denise Stewart for a conversation about story, voice, and confidence. With more than three decades of experience as an actor, playwright, and director, Denise now coaches CEOs, physicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and university students on how to access their own stories — not a polished script, but the real, specific, unglamorous truth that actually connects. Topics covered: Why code-switching and accent shame shape how we show up to speak The difference between a "vulnerable moment" and a "weak performance" Why vague stories ("it was a hard time") lose an audience, and how to dig for the moment underneath Aristotle's six elements of story — plot, character, spectacle, diction, music, and theme — as an entry point into your own history "Story pulling" instead of storytelling: how to help someone else open up without interrogating them Why some audiences need vulnerability and others need authority, and how to tell the difference Protecting the stories you haven't "earned" the right to tell yet How Denise coaches Tibetan entrepreneurs, neurosurgeons, and early-stage founders to pitch from story instead of platitude About Denise Stewart: Denise Stewart is an executive coach and lecturer at the University of Virginia's Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where she teaches public speaking, improv, and storytelling. She holds an MFA in Playwriting from UVA and has spent over 15,000 hours in public speaking and theatrical performance, including touring her one-woman show Dirty Barbie and Other Girlhood Tales to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her clients include entrepreneurs, physicians, scientists, and Fortune 500 teams. Connect with Denise: denisestewartstudio.com | Instagram @swamphatchedbutterfly | Substack: The Last Nerve Connect with Finding Harmony: Instagram @findingharmonypodcast | Host @harmonyslaterofficial | community-harmonyslater.com If this episode moved you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to trust their voice a little more today. Ancient Breathing 2.0 Master Class OUTRO - https://harmonyslater.com/free-90-minute-pranayama-masterclass FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation
Harmony Slater and co-host Russell Case sit down with executive coach, theater artist, and University of Virginia lecturer Denise Stewart for a conversation about story, voice, and confidence. With more than three decades of experience as an actor, playwright, and director, Denise now coaches CEOs, physicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and university students on how to access their own stories — not a polished script, but the real, specific, unglamorous truth that actually connects. Topics covered: Why code-switching and accent shame shape how we show up to speak The difference between a "vulnerable moment" and a "weak performance" Why vague stories ("it was a hard time") lose an audience, and how to dig for the moment underneath Aristotle's six elements of story — plot, character, spectacle, diction, music, and theme — as an entry point into your own history "Story pulling" instead of storytelling: how to help someone else open up without interrogating them Why some audiences need vulnerability and others need authority, and how to tell the difference Protecting the stories you haven't "earned" the right to tell yet How Denise coaches Tibetan entrepreneurs, neurosurgeons, and early-stage founders to pitch from story instead of platitude About Denise Stewart: Denise Stewart is an executive coach and lecturer at the University of Virginia's Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where she teaches public speaking, improv, and storytelling. She holds an MFA in Playwriting from UVA and has spent over 15,000 hours in public speaking and theatrical performance, including touring her one-woman show Dirty Barbie and Other Girlhood Tales to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her clients include entrepreneurs, physicians, scientists, and Fortune 500 teams. Connect with Denise: denisestewartstudio.com | Instagram @swamphatchedbutterfly | Substack: The Last Nerve Connect with Finding Harmony: Instagram @findingharmonypodcast | Host @harmonyslaterofficial | community-harmonyslater.com If this episode moved you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to trust their voice a little more today. Ancient Breathing 2.0 Master Class OUTRO - https://harmonyslater.com/free-90-minute-pranayama-masterclass FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation
Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-562Check out Lifespan and get 50% off all Lifespan memberships with code RAJ2026: https://lifespan.com/Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00) - Intro(02:48) - Reversing Age: The World's First Age-Reversal Technology(08:10) - Why Every Organ Ages Differently & What Biological Age Really Means(16:36) - The Mouse Experiments That Proved Age Reversal Is Possible(23:58) - The Breakthrough Discovery That Reversed Aging & Cured Glaucoma(32:30) - Why Your DNA Breaks 20,000 Times a Day(48:33) - His Fasting Protocol(1:04:13) - What Is NAD?(1:08:05) - Why Children Don't Get Alzheimer's or Cancer: The Epigenome Advantage(1:24:50) - Can Aging Damage Be Reversed? Spine Repair & Immune Aging(1:29:04) - What Determines Aging & Why He Went Vegan(1:31:45) - What's Better: Running or Strength Training?(1:40:33) - GLP-1 Drugs, AI Drug Discovery & the Future of Disease-Free Aging(1:51:10) - Ayurveda Meets Science: What Ancient Medicine Got Right(1:53:11) - Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: When Hormesis Goes Too Far(2:00:10) - 5 Habits Linked to 14 Extra Years of Healthy Life(2:05:30) - Daily Habits That Actually Work: Steps, Standing & Diet(2:12:07) - Supplements: What He Takes & What Young People Should Avoid(2:20:51) - What's One Thing People Should Change in Their Lives to Make It Better?(2:22:00) - What's the Cost of Becoming David Sinclair?(2:24:00) - BTS(2:24:45) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Dr. David Sinclair, A.O., Ph.D., Longevity Scientist and Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, to understand the science of aging and whether we can actually slow it down.Follow Dr. David Sinclair Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsinclairphd/X: https://x.com/davidasinclair?lang=enAbout Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More,Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/Twitter @RajShamani https://twitter.com/rajshamaniFacebook @ShamaniRaj https://www.facebook.com/shamanirajLinkedIn - Raj Shamani https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
If you want more speaking invitations, it's tempting to think the answer is more pitching, more social posts, and more cold outreach. But event organizers are receiving more speaker submissions than ever. Being one more qualified person in the pile isn't enough. You need parts of your talk that people can remember, describe, and refer.I call these Signature Stage Segments: intentionally crafted moments that bring together storytelling, humor, audience interaction, props or costumes, and quotable lines.They make the talk more engaging for the audience and give you the kind of video that actually shows an event organizer what you can do on stage.In this episode, I share examples from our clients and our own talks. You'll hear how a lion at a watering hole, a round of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” a game show, a medical mask, and a pair of human-versus-AI paddles all became memorable stage moments.And we'll talk about the part many speakers still hold back.In this episode, you'll learn:What a Signature Stage Segment is and why it helps you get booked and referredThe five elements that make stage moments memorableHow to use our I.D.E.A.L. Storytelling Ingredients to turn something that happened into an actual storyHow simple props can make an abstract idea visibleWhy quotable lines belong in both your talk and your speaker reelThe thing many speakers are afraid to bring to the stage and why it mattersAbout Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/489/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our in-person speaking retreat in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 488: They Took the Stage at Our Speaking Retreat. What Happened Next?Episode 462: Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from TLA GradsEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn [Client Case Study]Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie Anderson [Client Case Study]Episode 467: Making the Shift from Performer to Keynote Speaker with Andy Nunn Join us for our three-day speaking retreat, happening in February 2027, in Downtown Orlando, Florida. You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
If you've ever nodded along while your mind races toward advice, corrections, or the perfect response, you already know the uncomfortable truth: “listening” can be a performance. I sit down with Dr. Randall Alifano, clinical psychologist, ordained minister, and author of Listening in the Raw, to talk about what changes when we drop the techniques and practice real receptivity. Not the kind that sounds polished, but the kind that lets another person's experience actually land, even when we don't know what to say yet.We dig into why kids and teens can sense our intention instantly. When we listen to fix, manage, or prove we're right, they pull away, shut down, or come back with anger. Dr. Alifano explains how tone and curiosity matter more than any “active listening” checklist, and why the most powerful words a parent can say might be, “I'm not following, can you say more?” We also talk about everyday parenting moments like cooking dinner or walking in the door exhausted and how to protect connection without pretending we have endless time.Then we get practical about repair. If you feel distance with your teen, Dr. Alifano offers a brave starting point: own your part, invite the hard conversation, and ask what it was like for them when you didn't listen. The payoff is trust, emotional safety, and a family culture where curiosity becomes mutual.If this resonates, subscribe so you don't miss what's next, share the episode with a parent friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help more families find healthier communication and stronger relationships.Connect with RandallVisit his website and listen to his podcast here.Welcome to Speak Out Stand Out — the show where we build confidence in our future, one voice at a time. I'm your host, Elizabeth Green.I grew up shy, so I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone helps you find your voice. Now, I get to help kids and teens do exactly that — and this podcast is a place to share those tools with you.Each week, I talk with experts and inspiring guests about simple, practical and tangible ways to help the young people in Thanks for listing! Be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources including a free public speaking lesson and 52 fun practice prompts. And if you enjoyed what you heard today, please give us a follow. Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand OutLike what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families. Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!
What happens when the voice you've relied on your entire life suddenly stops working?For veteran performer, voice coach, speaker, lecturer, and bestselling author Elisa James, losing her voice wasn't simply a physical problem, it became a deeply personal journey that ultimately transformed the way she understood confidence, communication, and what it truly means to have a voice.In this inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond, Elisa shares her journey from a successful career as a singer and actor to experiencing vocal nodules and Muscle Tension Dysphonia and ultimately rebuilding her voice—and herself—from the inside out.But this conversation goes far beyond singing.Because whether you're performing on a stage, delivering a keynote, leading a meeting, teaching a class, appearing on camera, or simply trying to make yourself heard, your voice communicates far more than your words.Elisa explains the fascinating connection between psychology and physiology and how fear, insecurity, stress, and imposter syndrome can influence the way we sound. We explore why confidence can change vocal delivery, how our voices reveal what's happening internally, and why finding your voice can sometimes mean rediscovering who you are.Drawing on more than 35 years in the entertainment and voice industries, Elisa also shares practical strategies for creating a more engaging, compelling speaking voice.In this episode, you'll discover:The relationship between physical voice problems and emotional wellbeingHow confidence can affect the voice physiologicallyWhy imposter syndrome changes how we communicateHow to rebuild vocal confidence after losing your voiceWhy executives and performers often experience similar communication challengesHow to create greater color, variety, and interest in your speaking voiceWhy presentation preparation should involve your body, mind, and voiceHow to project the voice without creating unnecessary strainStrategies for reducing vocal fatigueWhy your voice is one of your greatest communication toolsHow to begin finding your voice after feeling silencedFinding your voice isn't simply about learning how to speak louder. It's about believing that what you have to say deserves to be heard.This is a conversation about resilience, confidence, communication, identity, and reclaiming one of the most powerful tools you possess, your voice.Find Elisa Here:elisajames.comfacebook.com/HapsVoiceProinstagram.com/elisajames.voicecoachlinkedin.com/in/elisa-james-voice-coachyoutube.com/@TheVoiceofConfidenceBooks:Find Your Voice: elisajames.com/findyourvoice/The 7 Deadly Sins of Public Speaking: elisajames.com/7-deadly-sins/Blog:elisajames.com/blog/Find Marisa online:Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videosResources:MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/Schedule a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/info-56015/discovery Gratitude Journal: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/in-gratitude-my-daily-self-journal/Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! ...
Download Porter Here: https://app.adjust.com/216agedwGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-561Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00) - Intro(03:32) - Then vs. Now: Smriti's Cricket Journey(06:53) - Her Coach's Manifestation Ritual(18:30) - Handling Mistakes & the Call That Changed Her Mindset(21:01) - Pressure & Anxiety(26:05) - A Day in the Life of a Cricketer: World Cup Final(38:03) - Her Pre-Batting Routine & Superstitions(41:05) - Family Bonds, Marwari Upbringing & Gender Concerns(49:37) - The 30-Minute Rule & Handling Her Emotions(53:55) - Leadership, Captaincy & Taking Team Responsibility(59:52) - Being Content, Selfless & Putting Others First(1:12:29) - Handling Anger, Losing & Competition(1:18:00) - The Mindset Coach Moment: "You're Not That Player Anymore"(1:21:48) - Meeting Her Childhood Idol & Batting Alongside Her(1:23:24) - Decoding Human Emotions & Fame(1:35:50) - Staying Grounded Through Setbacks & Her Father's Health Scare(1:42:30) - One Piece of Advice No One Should Follow(1:45:10) - The Cost of Ambition: Cricket's Sacrifices(1:47:51) - BTS(1:48:31) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Smriti Mandhana, one of the biggest stars in Indian cricket, to talk about the mindset, sacrifices, and discipline behind performing at the highest levelFollow Smriti Mandhana:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smriti_mandhana/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smriti-mandhana-181491278/X: https://x.com/mandhana_smritiAbout Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More,Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/Twitter @RajShamani https://twitter.com/rajshamaniFacebook @ShamaniRaj https://www.facebook.com/shamanirajLinkedIn - Raj Shamani https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
Andrea Fleming and Regan Bieber return to Farm4Fun to share how their lives and operations have changed since their previous appearances. Regan talks about stepping back into her South Dakota family farm during the COVID era while continuing to grow The Cactus Brand, which she started in high school. Andrea shares how a plan to become a veterinarian ultimately brought her back to the Minnesota family farm, where she now combines cattle, crops, content creation, personal training, public speaking, agritourism, and a few fainting goats. The conversation gets deeper as they discuss the growing disconnect between farmers and consumers. Andrea explains why she decided to publicly stand up for feedlots and modern livestock production rather than letting outdated images define agriculture. Both women believe farmers need to keep showing up, have conversations, and show people what agriculture actually looks like instead of simply throwing facts at them.They also talk about being women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, encouraging daughters to get involved on the farm, and giving young people the opportunity to prove what they're capable of. Andrea shares the personal story behind her message that changing plans doesn't make you a failure, while Regan explains why farming, fashion, business, and creativity don't have to fit into separate lanes. It's a fun conversation about building a life in agriculture without feeling like there's only one way to do it. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The 2026 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking was held in August, and this special episode was requested by many. Darren and Mark are joined by fellow World Champions David Brooks (1990), Ed Tate (2000), Lance Miler (2005), and Aaron Beverly (2019) as they offer their observations and share their thoughts on the 2026 Finals. SNIPPETS: • The WCPS should be the best speakers in their best setting. • The WCPS should be a showcase event and a marketing tool • Energy at contest time is critical • Get audience perspectives on what works and what doesn't • Avoid using local references • Don't stop when you make a mistake in rehearsal • Provide levity amidst heavy moments • The speaker who wins the audience wins the contest • Give the audience something different • Be demographically strategic • Measure pauses in heartbeats; a pause is a device • Silence is a message • Disturb the audience's predicted thinking patterns • Internalize your message to better handle on-stage mishaps Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
Thom's Nutshell: "Self-denial results in dependence. Self-acceptance creates independence." Waking up is a process, not an event. A road back to our true lost selves. Daniel Fulop-Furlano joins Allen to talk about his journey towards emotional sobriety, which began with the “Divided Sky” rehab retreat in Ludlow, Vermont. Dan's book, “Sincerely, Delusional,” is a testament to both the sincerity of his delusion (which we also call “sleepwalking”), and the capacity, beginning with an earnest asking for help, that he's built brick by brick as a person courageously exposing and addressing his deep set dependencies. Learn more about Dan and purchase his remarkable book: https://www.sincerelydelusional.com Learn more about Divided Sky: https://dividedsky.org Our music is provided by the great southern artist Jefferson Ross. Learn more about Jefferson at jeffersonross.com Visit our website: www.emotionalsobriety.info Learn more about Joe C., Secular AA and Rebellion Dogs here: https://rebelliondogspublishing.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: thomrutledge2 Joe C. Twitter: @Rebellion_Dogs Friendly Circle Berlin workshops: https://friendlycircleberlin.org/events Allen's book, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety: https://www.amazon.com/12-Essential-Insights-Emotional-Sobriety/dp/1955415129/ Join Allen & Thom at our Thursday night, 7pm PST Zoom meeting on Emotional Sobriety and the Steps (login information below): https://zoom.us/j/330149513 Password: 375986 For our ongoing workshop video series on Emotional Sobriety and the 12 Steps, visit our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEM2-kqLkfp3I4c0jy-X-g Also, please join our “Emotional Sobriety and Recovery” FB Group at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120450976662519 We'd love to stay in touch in between meetings. We appreciate feedback! Contact Patrick, our producer, at pndirective4@gmail.com for any questions or comments. Chapters (00:00:07) - Introduction and Grateful Dead Sphere Chat(00:01:02) - Setting Up the Conversation on Waking Up(00:02:39) - The Flight to Rehab and Sincere Delusion(00:04:21) - Hitting the Bottom and Limitation(00:06:42) - Arriving at Treatment and Losing Freedom(00:08:49) - Returning a Year Later and Writing the Book(00:12:22) - Discovering Emotional Sobriety Language(00:14:51) - Compassion, Honesty, and Safe Spaces in Treatment(00:18:46) - Deciding to Go to Treatment Despite Resistance(00:21:11) - Sacrifice and Choosing Recovery Over Life Events(00:23:11) - Living Fully After Recovery(00:23:54) - Public Speaking, Nerves, and Practice(00:28:10) - Emotional Sobriety as Maturity and Practice(00:29:37) - Waking Up Back Into the World(00:31:41) - Book's Impact and Reactions from Readers(00:32:50) - Life as an Adventure and Closing Thoughts
Download Porter Here: https://app.adjust.com/216agedwGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-560Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00:00) - Intro(00:04:09) - Rumors, Fake News & His Hardest Personal Attacks(00:07:51) - What an ADC Does: Anticipating the President's Needs(00:16:57) - The Hardest Part: Managing a Presidential Tour(00:19:03) - Presidential Etiquette: Protocol Rules & Why Touch Is Forbidden(00:23:29) - VVIP Security: Sanitized Zones & Threat Assessments(00:36:31) - Becoming an ADC: Selection, Interviews & Testing(00:46:37) - Background Checks & Why He Trusts No One Outside His Inner Circle(00:55:44) - Protocol in the Room & State-by-State Security(01:06:17) - Decoding the Uniform: Colors, Medals & Ranks(01:20:03) - Inside Para SF Selection: 90 Days of Sleep Deprivation & Survival Tests(01:29:15) - Real Combat Stories: The Cave Operation & Kashmir(01:31:59) - Make in India, Self-Reliance & Intelligence Agencies(01:44:10) - The "Military Mindset": Discipline Over Aggression(01:49:05) - Facing Real Fear: A Front-Line Story(01:51:59) - His Childhood Dream, Father's Pride & Mother's Sacrifice(01:57:39) - His Relationship With the President(02:00:34) - Why He Retired Early & the Personal Cost of Service(02:05:07) - 3 Characteristics Every Man Should Have(02:06:10) - The Personal Cost He Paid to Become the President's ADC(02:08:42) - What Is One Piece of Advice Nobody Should Follow?(02:11:46) - BTS(02:12:20) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal an Ex-Special Forces officer and former ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to the President of India for a rare and powerful conversation about courage, discipline and serving at the very top.About Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More,Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/Twitter @RajShamani https://twitter.com/rajshamaniFacebook @ShamaniRaj https://www.facebook.com/shamanirajLinkedIn - Raj Shamani https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
What could your mind do with just a few moments of silence? This week Robert Greene explores the liberation that comes from practicing enlightenment through silence, and how recognition of death tragedy help him manage adversity in his daily life. Listen in as we discuss why manipulation is part of our makeup, why recognizing our failings makes us better people, and how a near-encounter with death changed his perception of adversity. Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, and The 50th Law. His highly anticipated fifth book, Mastery, examines the lives of great historical figures such as Charles Darwin, Mozart, Paul Graham and Henry Ford and distills the traits and universal ingredients that made them masters. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, Greene’s books are hailed by everyone from war historians to the biggest musicians in the industry (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent). Greene attended U.C. Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He currently lives in Los Angeles. You can see a full collection of Greene’s work here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGV3IS/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=33a4f706-a8ef-4d25-8162-c1f038681070 Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Risky Conversations, I sit down with Poornima Vijayashanker, founding engineer of Mint.com, former Apple engineering leader, and founder of Femgineer, to talk about why communication is the edge technical professionals can't afford to ignore. We explore how her “planned exits” from both Mint and Apple shaped her philosophy on career agency, and how a painful startup shutdown taught her the value of accountability and honest, risky conversations. If you've ever wondered how to stay relevant in an AI-driven world while staying true to your values, this episode is for you.Takeaways:What you can do to reclaim agency in your tech career when layoffs, AI, and leadership decisions feel completely out of your control.How to identify, articulate, and communicate your unique expertise—especially when your product fails, sunsets, or gets shut down.Why communication is now a critical differentiator for technical professionals who want to thrive alongside AI, not be replaced by it.Connect with us: Femgineer website: https://femgineer.comConnect with Poorima on X: https://x.com/poornimaJamie Lee Coach website: https://www.jamieleecoach.comConnect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/Text me your thoughts on this episode!Enjoy the show? Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts. Connect with meBook a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1. Connect with me on LinkedIn Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com
"And I realized I had bought into someone else's definition of what success looked like and even career path. And I find that so many people do that. And so we're living a life that someone else designed for us. And my whole thing is just determine what's important to you and then find a career that enables you to do that." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight, Dan pulls up a chair with Carlos Hidalgo — keynote speaker, executive advisor, and author — who spent years building and running the company he co-founded before walking away to design a life and career on his own terms. That decision opened doors. Fellow executives started calling to ask how he did it — because they were miserable. Carlos built an advisory practice, wrote a book, and started gaining traction as a speaker. Then, right after joining The Speaker Lab, he suffered a stroke. A brain bleed with a 50% mortality rate. Seven days in a hospital bed. About eight weeks derailed. He came back, caught up, and graduated from the program in April. The experience sharpened everything: his message, his sense of urgency, and his willingness to do the daily work most speakers skip. In this conversation, Carlos breaks down the exact moves he's making to build his pipeline — from the digital audit that revealed he was positioning himself three different ways on his own website, to the warm network strategy that turned 100 messages into real conversations and real opportunities. He talks about his "power hour" habit, why he held his fee when a past client pushed back on price, and what it actually looks like to grind through the messy middle of building a speaking business. The stage, as Carlos puts it, is the cherry on top. Whether you're just getting started, rebuilding after a setback, or deep in the daily grind wondering if any of it is going somewhere — this one will remind you that the work compounds. You'll learn: Why Carlos walked away from the company he co-founded — and what fellow executives kept asking him afterward How he and his wife use a "mental whiteboard" to pressure-test big life decisions (and how that landed them in the Adirondacks) What happened when a stroke hit right after he started with The Speaker Lab — and how he caught up and graduated that April What TSL's digital audit uncovered about his website and positioning, and how he fixed it in about a week The warm network move: how he turned roughly 700 real LinkedIn relationships into speaking opportunities with 100 targeted messages His "power hour" — one daily hour of cold outreach and follow-ups, tracked and consistent Why a seventh follow-up finally landed a response and what that tells you about persistence and pipeline How he stays "always ready" with his messaging locked, full-day availability built into his fee, and a referral-first mindset when he's not the right fit Why he held his fee when a previous client passed on two events over cost — and the long-game math behind that decision The one-small-change-per-day approach to redesigning your career without blowing everything up And much, much more! "So I just started to call that list and I didn't go out and say, do you have any opportunities? What I said was, here's what I'm doing and I'm building this. Here's my message. Here's who I work with. If you know of anybody who wants or needs a speaker, I would love an introduction. And if there's any way I can help you, please let me know." Are you building your speaking business around your own definition of success — or someone else's? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out where you actually stand. Episode Resources: Speaker Business Assessment Carlos Hidalgo MySpeakerFee Apple Podcasts Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This episode is brought to you by Urban Platter. To know more, checkout: https://bit.ly/urban-platter-figuring-outGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-559Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00) Intro(03:16) Who Is Dr. Sahar Yousef?(05:50) The Biology of Brain, Focus & Motivation(09:19) The "Billionaire Brain": Why Ultra-Achievers Feel Limitless(14:09) How to Rewire Your Identity & Change Your Beliefs(26:59) Why Vague Goals Fail: If-Then Plans & Tiny Habits(32:12) The Psychology of Addiction & Breaking Bad Habits(42:13) The Science of Breaks: How to Rest & Recover(50:32) Digital Hygiene: Why Your Phone Kills Productivity(1:03:53) Why Your Brain Can't Multitask(1:18:42) Mind-Wandering, Creativity & "Shower Thoughts"(1:28:42) Long-Form vs. Short-Form: How Content Affects Your Brain(1:37:21) Why Scrolling Makes You Forget & Feel Lonely(1:48:35) The Brain Chemistry Behind Social Media Addiction(1:53:45) Brain Map 101: CEN, DMN, Amygdala & Hippocampus(2:03:33) The Truth About the "5 AM Club" & Your Body Clock(2:11:32) Chronotypes: Finding Your Peak Performance Hours(2:23:03) Burnout vs. Stress: How to Complete the Stress Cycle(2:28:03) The 3M Framework: Micro, Meso & Macro Breaks(2:35:00) Her 9-Week Study: Reversing Loneliness & Attention Loss(2:43:45) Can Cognitive Results Be Faked? Proving It's Not Bias(2:47:00) When Did She Feel the Most Powerless?(2:51:01) The Cost She Paid to Become Sahar Yousef(2:54:17) BTS(2:54:38) OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Sahar Yousef cognitive neuroscientist at UC Berkeley for a practical, science-backed conversation on how to train a sharper, calmer, more focused brain.Follow Sahar Yousef here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsaharyousef/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsaharyousef/About Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.
Over the weekend, clips emerged showing Amy Acton an Ohio Democrat running for Governor, appearing to have been overserved. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What stays with you after a speaking retreat - once the filming is over, the notes are back in your hands, and you're home again?We could tell you what happens at one of our in-person speaking retreats and workshops. Instead, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz sits down with three women who experienced it: scientist and registered dietitian Dr. Karen Corbin, physician and health equity consultant Dr. Nicole Rochester, and emotional freedom and forgiveness coach Brenda Reiss. They talk candidly about having to practice without their notes, watching themselves on video, learning to use stories and props, and getting immediate feedback from a room full of women who wanted them to succeed.What I love most about this conversation is what happened next. Nicole changed how she delivers talks and brought a much more personal story to a medical conference. Brenda learned to trust herself and let more of the real person behind her expertise come through. Karen became even more committed to helping scientists use story and personality to become trusted voices. Their experiences are different, but the thread is the same: when you stop trying to get every word right, you create more room for the audience to connect with you.You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/live/rmXYSCCoz-A.About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/488/ Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/live/rmXYSCCoz-ADiscover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Learn about our in-person speaking retreat: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/ Learn about our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazNicole Rochester = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-rochester-md/ Karen Corbin = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-corbin-phd-rd-75229111/ Brenda Reiss = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendareiss/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 411: Reframing Public Speaking: From Elite Skill to Everyday Power with Dr. Karen CorbinEpisode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole RochesterEpisode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a SpeakerEpisode 385: Leading with Story in Your Talks [Roundtable] Join us for our three-day speaking retreat, happening in February 2027, in Downtown Orlando, Florida. You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
BNR_ POD_ Public Speaking Talent or Skill That Can Be Taught Ft. Mr. Dei
Your child's “good” might mean “I don't have the words yet” or “I'm not sure it's safe to say it.” That is why we wanted this conversation with Ashley Noelle, founder of Blended Bond, a conversation card company designed to help families build stronger relationships through meaningful questions and consistent check-ins.We dig into what actually changes when parents stop guessing and start asking. Ashley shares how her own blended family began using short, intentional family meetings to help kids name emotions, voice needs, and shape new routines together. We talk about why listening is the real confidence builder, how to make questions more specific without turning them into yes or no traps, and why simple tools like “this or that” prompts or a one-to-ten scale can unlock honest answers for kids who shut down with broad questions.You will also hear practical parenting tips for quieter kids who need more time, plus strategies for blended families with tweens and teens where trust takes longer and connection cannot be forced. Ashley explains what is inside the Blended Bond deck, including growth, trust, connection, takeaway, and fun cards, along with activity ideas that create bonding without pressure. If you want better family communication, stronger co-parenting rhythms, and kids who advocate for themselves at school and in life, this is a great place to start.Subscribe for more tools that help kids speak up with confidence, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with the one question you plan to ask at dinner tonight.Connect with AshleyHead to the Blended Bond website for a free download you can try tonight with your family. Check out Blended Bond on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Welcome to Speak Out Stand Out — the show where we build confidence in our future, one voice at a time. I'm your host, Elizabeth Green.I grew up shy, so I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone helps you find your voice. Now, I get to help kids and teens do exactly that — and this podcast is a place to share those tools with you.Each week, I talk with experts and inspiring guests about simple, practical and tangible ways to help the young people in Thanks for listing! Be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources including a free public speaking lesson and 52 fun practice prompts. And if you enjoyed what you heard today, please give us a follow. Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand OutLike what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families. Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!
Checkout Rezolve Here: https://rezolve.com/Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-558Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.(00:00) Intro(03:26) From Cricketer to Tech Leader: His Unconventional Career Story(08:49) Why India's "Breaking Doors" Attitude Beats the West(12:26) Same Talent, Different Outcomes: What Makes a Future CEO?(16:40) The #1 Career Killer: Overthinking vs. Fast Execution(21:44) Why "Chaos Engineering" Beats the Waterfall Career Model(23:21) How to Spot a Bullshitter?(29:18) Inside Flipkart's Big Billion Day: Surviving a System Crash(35:37) The RACI Framework(40:08) What Elite Spin Bowlers Teach Us About Intelligence(44:53) The Truth About Promotions, Pay Hikes(55:30) Why "Officer" Matters in CXO Titles & When to Give Second Chances(1:08:47) Leadership Lessons From World Leaders(1:13:33) CEO vs. Founder Power: Tata, Reliance & Family Businesses(1:21:54) Leaving Tata & Building an AI Company(1:31:01) AI Voice & Grocery Shopping: The Future of E-Commerce(1:41:00) AI Hallucinations & How the AI Stack Actually Works(1:45:05) Neuralink, AI & the Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces(1:51:14) Can India Build Global Soft Power?(1:54:04) The Personal Cost: Fatherhood, Family & Losing His Mother(1:58:33) BTS(1:59:18) OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Sauvik Banerjjee, Group CTO - Rezolve Ai PLC and Chairman | Rezolve India, to talk about leadership, decision-making, execution, and the future of business.Follow Sauvik Banerjjee Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauvikbanerjjeeofficial/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sauvik-banerjjee-492b65aYoutube: https://youtube.com/@sovs76?si=AzG8aPjN1DTO1Z9OAbout Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More,Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/Twitter @RajShamani https://twitter.com/rajshamaniFacebook @ShamaniRaj https://www.facebook.com/shamanirajLinkedIn - Raj Shamani https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
Dr. Donya Ball is an international keynote speaker, leadership expert, and best-selling author known for her ability to identify the real-world challenges leaders face every day. Through her engaging, no-nonsense approach, she equips organizations with practical, actionable strategies that inspire lasting growth and meaningful results. As a professor and experienced leadership mentor, Dr. Ball has helped countless leaders navigate complexity with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Dr. Ball is the author of two number-one release books: Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership (2022) and Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet (2023). Both works explore real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable insights that resonate across industries. Her expertise has been recognized nationwide, with features in USA Today, MSN, and the Associated Press positioning her as a thought leader in executive and organizational leadership.In 2024, Dr. Ball delivered a TEDx Talk titled “We Are Facing a Leadership Crisis. Here's the Cure,” where she shared her compelling vision for addressing today's pressing leadership challenges. Her message emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, and creating cultures of accountability and innovation.Dr. Ball's engaging keynotes, workshops, and writings continue to inspire and empower leaders from diverse fields, equipping them to drive meaningful change and achieve sustainable success in their organizations. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou've spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it's time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn't just another book; it's the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down: the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you'll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams, without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will
Whether you are trying to land your next big stage or scale your influence online, capturing the room and the algorithm takes more than just luck. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast, I am joined by career coach, keynote speaker, and viral content powerhouse Ashley Stahl to uncover what it truly takes to command attention in a crowded marketplace. Listen as Ashley breaks down the anatomy of shareworthy messaging, the psychology behind high-impact content, and how you can master the art of going viral without sacrificing your message or your brand integrity. Highlights you won't want to miss: The Art of Going Viral 0:00 Ashley's very interesting background 1:00 Becoming the go-to authority 3:00 The “gift” of a TEDX talk 5:00 Will 45 million subscribers ever go out of style? 8:00 The ROI of PR 11:00 Key segments of a viral speech 16:30 Stage presence is key 19:00 See you next time 26:05 If you want some great ideas on how to improve your personal branding to increase your audience and possibly go viral, you simply can't afford to miss this episode! For access to FULL SHOW NOTES, including video and links, visit: https://www.speakerlauncher.com/category/podcast/
For links to the prompts and tools, join the WhatsApp community: https://figuringoutai.co/fo557Check Out AI Implementation startup of Vaibhav: https://projectfulcrum.ai/Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-557Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.Order 'Build, Don't Talk' (in English) here: https://amzn.eu/d/eCfijRuOrder 'Build Don't Talk' (in Hindi) here: https://amzn.eu/d/4wZISO0Follow Our Whatsapp Channel: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaokF5x0bIdi3Qn9ef2JSubscribe To Our Other YouTube Channels:-https://www.youtube.com/@rajshamaniclipshttps://www.youtube.com/@RajShamani.Shorts
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your talent, your intelligence, or your work ethic, but your inability to express what you already know? Rory Vaden is back for his third appearance on the show, and this conversation might be the most important one we've ever had together. Rory is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, a two-time World Championship of Public Speaking finalist, and the co-founder of Brand Builders Group. He's also someone who has personally helped me grow my own brand and career. We go deep on what I believe is one of the most underrated skills in life: your ability to communicate, present, tell stories, and move people emotionally. Because whether you're leading a company, closing a sale, raising your kids, building a relationship, or speaking to thousands of people, you're presenting every single day. Rory breaks down why charisma isn't something you're simply born with. It's a skill you can develop. We get tactical about how changing your pace, volume, eye contact, pauses, and storytelling can literally change how another person feels when they're listening to you. And in a world increasingly dominated by AI, Rory makes a powerful point: your story and your experiences are becoming more valuable, not less. AI can help create information, but it cannot live your story for you. If you can learn to tell that story in a way that creates emotion and meaning for someone else, you become unforgettable. We also get into personal branding, and Rory gives one of the best definitions I've ever heard: your personal brand is the digitization of your reputation. You already have a reputation, whether you're intentional about it or not. The question is whether that reputation is helping you create more income, impact, and opportunity. Rory explains why you don't need millions of followers to build an incredibly profitable brand. Instead of obsessing over reaching more people, serve a narrower audience in a deeper way. Be useful. Create value. Become so good at helping the right people that they can't ignore you. But this conversation goes deeper than business. Rory shares the buffalo story that helped build his career and explains why successful people learn to run directly toward difficult things instead of spending their lives avoiding them. We talk about separating your emotions from what needs to be done, doing the difficult things today that create freedom tomorrow, and why success ultimately becomes empty if it's driven only by ambition or competition. Rory's journey has taken him from ambition, to competition, and ultimately to mission. And that's where the real fulfillment is. It's not just about what you accomplish. It's about who becomes better because you were here. Key Takeaways: Why communication may be the fastest skill you can develop to dramatically change your life How to move people emotionally whether your audience is 20,000 people or one person Why storytelling becomes even more valuable in the age of AI Rory's four-part storytelling framework: scene, struggle, summit, and lesson Why the struggle is actually the most important part of every great story How your personal brand is really the digitization of your reputation Why you don't need millions of followers to build a powerful and profitable brand How serving a narrower audience more deeply can create extraordinary results Why successful people run toward difficult things instead of avoiding them The difference between building your life around ambition, competition, and mission Some of you are far more talented, capable, interesting, and valuable than the world currently knows. The problem isn't what's inside you. The problem may be that you've never learned how to express it. Get better at communicating. Get better at telling your story. Get better at expressing who you really are. Because when you learn how to move people emotionally, you don't just change your business. You change the depth and quality of your entire life. God bless you. Max out your life. Click the Link Below to Secure Your Seat with Ed and Rory Vaden: https://presentationmasteryevent.com/ed Go to https://IM8HEALTH.com/ED10 RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description and use code ED10 for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel sachets, plus 10% off your order.
This listener wants to get paid for public speaking, and he's got a good story to share—but does he need a more specific topic? Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week.Show notes: SideHustleSchool.comEmail: team@sidehustleschool.comBe on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questionsConnect on Instagram: @193countriesVisit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.comRead A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.comIf you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.
Dana Robinson Slote and I originally connected on LinkedIn, where I stumbled upon her work and was immediately excited about some of our similar passions. In getting to know her a bit and learning more about her strengths, I knew she would be a great fit for the show. She loves to talk about things many leaders dread, such as public speaking and managing up. I love a leader who brings simplicity to things that can be overwhelming, if not downright scary. Dana does just that. Dana brings more than two decades of experience in the political arena and the public sector to her work as a communications strategist. In her current role, she's responsible for advocacy communications in the External Affairs division for the country's largest regional children's hospital, serving four states and one million square miles. In prior positions, Dana served as the Director of Media Relations at the University of Washington and as the Director of Communications for the Seattle City Council and the Washington State Senate concurrently. Dana earned a bachelor's degree in communication from Western Washington University and a master's degree in communication and organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. She's also an affiliate faculty member at UW's Communication Leadership program, a world traveler, and a two-time Ironman triathlete with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. Listen in to hear Dana share: How her overlap of working in politics, public sector work, media relations, and being a two-time Ironman triathlete brought her to her current leadership role How to find opportunities in moments of massive inconvenience or disappointment How to create “fake stakes” as self-imposed deadlines for discipline and accountability Her belief that all speaking is public speaking and her 3 Ps to make public speaking more approachable How to manage up more effectively by asking strategic questions to open up conversations Links Mentioned: LI: Dana Robinson Slote, M.A. | LinkedIn Connect with Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarobinsonslote1 [2 Spots Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Constancy of purpose says we're in, we're locked, we're going until we get to a point where we have sufficient data or an understanding of what we're doing that we need to make a change.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, Dan sits down with TSL alumnus Bill Englehaupt — founder of Auditology and a 30-plus-year veteran of financial services audit. Bill works with CPA firms and Fortune 500 internal audit teams to root out what he calls “the hidden factory”: the invisible, below-the-line work that quietly eats organizations alive.Bill's speaking business had been dormant for months. Then he submitted a proposal for a national conference in Las Vegas, got the nod, and walked into a breakout room with more than 200 people — his first talk back after a long dry spell. He's also an author twice over: his first book, Managing the Hell Out of Your Audit, became the springboard for Auditology, and his brand-new second book, The Productive Auditor, just hit Amazon. He didn't wait for anyone to hand him credibility. He stacked proof: one book, one webinar, one talk at a time.Whether you're trying to crack the chicken-and-egg problem of getting booked without a track record, wondering if writing a book is worth the time, or just trying to stay consistent when outreach feels like shouting into the void, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics from someone building it right now.You'll learn:What “the hidden factory” is and how Bill turned a 30-plus-year audit career into a speaking nicheHow he landed a 200-person breakout session at a national conference after months of his business being dormantWhy writing a book gave him “a platform to stand on” — and why you don't actually need one to get startedThe chicken-and-egg problem: what to do when event applications ask for experience you don't have yetHow webinars for continuing-education content providers became his lower-barrier proof engineHow to turn one strong talk into a demo reelDan's five-week contact strategy and why most responses come from email three, not email oneWhy Bill calls the book “an avoidance activity” — and how to catch yourself dodging the real workW. Edwards Deming's concept of “constancy of purpose” and what it means for speakers chasing shiny objectsThe 30-day win Bill is actually chasing — human-to-human contact, before any bookingAnd much, much more!“Well, for a speaker, it's just stick to your plan, right? I think that's the one main thing. You know, if you've got your power hour, get your power hour going. If you're, you know, having trouble getting your follow-ups going, stick to the plan.”Ready to stop guessing and start building your own proof-stacking plan? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out exactly where you stand.Episode Resources:Speaker Business AssessmentBill EnglehauptMySpeakerFeeApple PodcastsSpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Too many business owners secretly wish they could be “that person on stage” but aren't sure how speaking actually translates into clients and revenue. Referrals, social media, and ads only go so far, and they're still left feeling like a best-kept secret. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, speaking strategy mentor Leisa Reid, founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now and CEO of the International Speaker Network, explains how to turn public speaking into a reliable client acquisition system, without needing a massive following or celebrity status. Many entrepreneurs struggle to stand out, even when they're great at what they do. They rely on referrals, social media, or ads, but still feel like a “best-kept secret” in their industry. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, speaking strategy mentor Leisa Reid, founder of Get Speaking Gigs Now and CEO of the International Speaker Network, explains how to turn public speaking into a reliable client acquisition system without needing a massive following or celebrity status. Leisa shares how business owners can use client-attraction talks and strategic presentations designed to educate, build trust, and naturally lead to new clients. She breaks down how to choose the right speaking topics, where to find aligned stages (including associations, conferences, and niche groups), and how to ensure your talk fits your business model. Instead of chasing random “exposure,” Leisa shows how to speak in front of audiences filled with your ideal clients, and turn that visibility into revenue. You'll also hear why relationship-based networking beats cold outreach, what Leisa's “no pouncing” rule means for ethical prospecting, and how to leverage the connections you already have to book speaking gigs even if you don't use social media much. She shares real-world examples, including a client who transformed a deeply personal story about grief into a $10,000 paid keynote, and another who landed two speaking opportunities from just two phone calls. Leisa talks candidly about overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, reframing yourself as a teacher disguised as a speaker, and using speaking as a “drug-free drug” that energizes you while growing your business. She also shares her own evolution from communication degrees and university teaching to becoming a professional speaker giving over 600 talks, and why coaching and better slide design radically upgraded her results. https://youtu.be/lpt92eGwKWs?si=tzStlfST8NZsXgT5 If you've ever dreamed of being on stage, want more qualified leads, or are simply tired of blending in online, this episode will show you how to use speaking strategically to get clients, build authority, and expand your impact. Tune in to discover practical steps to get booked, deliver value-driven talks, and turn your message into a movement. Quotes: "I believe that everybody has a gift to share, and when we are able to share those gifts with other people, that raises the consciousness of our planet." "For the last 10 years I have not cold-called for a single talk, and it's through the relationship building." "You could have the best talk in the whole wide world, but if no one hears it, that's not going to do any good." Contact Details: Visit the Official Get Speaking Gigs Now Website to Get your Free Speaking Tips Get Your Free 5-Step Roadmap to More Speaking Gigs Connect with Leisa Reid on LinkedIn for Paid Speaking Opportunities Get Your Free Speaking Strategy: Join Leisa Reid on Facebook Ready to Take the Stage? Let's Make It Happen: Follow Leisa Reid on Instagram Grow Your Business Through the Power of Speaking: Subscribe to Leisa Reid on YouTube Your Message Deserves a Bigger Stage: Join the Speaker Network Today
Get Protocol (An Operating Manual for the Human Body) in English: https://www.figuringout.co/link/fo-protocolsGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-556Guest Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/bnaeY3FpoFU9ZjA47Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for educational purposes and opinions shared by the guest are his personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices. The media used in this video are solely for informational purposes and belongs to their respective owners.00:00 - Intro02:53 - Who Is Andrew Huberman?06:16 - The Morning Cortisol Hack17:37 - How HRV Works & the Power of Breathwork24:01 - The Simple Trick to Stop Overthinking31:02 - Yoga Nidra, Sleep & How to Fall Asleep Faster36:46 - Sleep, Ashwagandha, Nicotine & Cortisol: The Truth44:37 - "Know Thyself": The Key to Reaching Your Potential51:45 - How Much Real Work Can You Sustain Every Day?54:12 - The 3-Stage Career Framework: Grind, Regulate & Master1:11:27 - Why Fame Can Destroy Performers1:24:26 - The Neuroscience of Choking Under Pressure1:34:53 - Is Your Brain Built for Survival or Success?1:38:00 - How to Actually Learn From Podcasts & Books1:41:46 - When Wellness Becomes the Problem1:50:08 - Top 3 Mental Games to Build Resilience1:59:19 - How to Turn Other People's Energy Into Motivation2:03:35 - Losing Three Mentors: How He Processes Grief2:12:06 - What to Do When You Hit Rock Bottom2:20:53 - Can Hardship Actually Rewire Your Brain?2:23:53 - AI, Social Media & Screen Time: His Honest Take2:25:56 - Stop Being a Consumer: Become the Producer2:30:00 - Why Is Love Difficult to Understand?2:34:22 - When Has He Felt the Most Powerless?2:41:28 - The Cost of Being Andrew Huberman2:46:17 - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Andrew Huberman, professor & neuroscientist at Stanford and host of Huberman Lab, to unpack the science behind building a mind that performs under pressure and never collapses when it matters most.Subscribe for more such conversations.Follow Andrew Huberman here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hubermanlabLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hubermanX : https://x.com/hubermanlabAbout Raj ShamaniRaj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.To Know More,Follow Raj Shamani On ⤵︎Instagram @RajShamani https://www.instagram.com/rajshamani/About Figuring OutFiguring Out Podcast is a Candid Conversations University where Raj Shamani brings raw conversations with the Top 1% in India.
If you've been telling yourself you'll pitch the conference, keynote, or TEDx talk once you feel more confident, I want you to reconsider the order. Public speaking isn't something you do after you become confident. It's one of the ways confidence is created.I'm sharing three practical ways to build real speaking confidence: say yes and get the reps, experiment with different formats and time constraints, and use podcasting to strengthen your ability to speak naturally. I tell the story of walking into a TV studio for the first time with my heart pounding - and how becoming a regular political analyst years later finally gave me the repetition I needed to trust myself.And then there's the thing that surprised me most: taking an eight-week improv class. Even after decades of speaking, improv helped me get out of my head, into my body, and more comfortable not knowing exactly what would happen next.In this episode, you'll learn:Why confidence is created through speaking rather than perfected in privateWhat it means to embody your message instead of delivering it only from your headWhy repetition builds the muscle memory that makes speaking feel more naturalWhat my first TV political panel taught me about saying yes before I felt readyWhy relying on a script can interrupt your connection with the audienceHow PechaKucha, Ignite, DisruptHR, workshops, and keynotes develop different speaking skillsWhy hosting a podcast or becoming a regular podcast guest strengthens impromptu speakingWhat an eight-week improv class taught me about uncertainty and presenceHow speaking confidence can help you claim the identity of “speaker”Why women's public voices matter to gender equalityAbout Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/487/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Learn more about our speaking retreat in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Speak with Confidence podcast seriesEpisode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a SpeakerEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World
Your kid arguing with you can feel like disrespect, but it can also be the training ground for confidence, boundaries, and real-world self-advocacy. We sit down with Dr. Elise Murray, licensed psychologist, certified life coach, author, and podcaster, to get practical about how parents can communicate in ways that help kids speak up without turning the home into a battleground.We dig into a key distinction that changes everything: a peaceful household is not always a connected household. When “keeping the peace” becomes the top priority, kids can learn to stay quiet, hide worries, or avoid disagreement. Dr. Elise explains how respectful pushback, negotiation, and honest conversations help kids build the skills they will need with friends, teachers, and eventually bosses and partners. We also talk attunement, the mindset that your child is not you, and how curiosity about their inner world builds trust.You'll learn concrete strategies you can use today: why car rides can unlock harder conversations, how device-free family meals create open doors, what to say when your teen drops a shocking confession, and how to support the child who never wants to talk on your timeline. We cover cooling-off breaks, the agenda check-in for tense moments, and the difference between authoritarian communication and assertive communication, so you can hold boundaries while still showing respect.If you want calmer conflict, deeper connection, and kids who know their voice matters, this one will help. Subscribe, share with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find these tools.Connect with Dr. Alise MurrayVisit her website for a free assessment, grab her ebook "From Resentful to Respected: 6 No-Nonsense Scripts for Authentically Communicating," and check out her Pinterest.Welcome to Speak Out Stand Out — the show where we build confidence in our future, one voice at a time. I'm your host, Elizabeth Green.I grew up shy, so I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone helps you find your voice. Now, I get to help kids and teens do exactly that — and this podcast is a place to share those tools with you.Each week, I talk with experts and inspiring guests about simple, practical and tangible ways to help the young people in Thanks for listing! Be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources including a free public speaking lesson and 52 fun practice prompts. And if you enjoyed what you heard today, please give us a follow. Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand OutLike what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families. Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!
“We are now competing in conversation with someone's feed.”Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ourselves can shape how others experience a conversation. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, behavioral researcher and author of Cues and Captivate, Vanessa Van Edwards joins Matt Abrahams to explore the subtle cues that make communication more engaging. She shares strategies for navigating networking events, sparking more meaningful conversations, and signaling the warmth and competence that shape charisma and connection.Takeaways:Connection starts before you speak. Visible palms, eye contact, positioning, and other nonverbal cues can signal warmth and openness, shaping how others experience an interaction from the start.Better conversations spark curiosity. Moving beyond routine small talk with engaging questions, surprising stories, and genuine enthusiasm can make interactions more memorable and meaningful.Activity:Create a conversational feed. Start a note on your phone and collect three things from your week—a surprising moment, an interesting observation, or a small win. Bring one into your next networking event or meeting as “conversational confetti” instead of defaulting to routine small talk.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa's Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.301 Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - Why Your Hands Matter (02:20) - Networking With Confidence (05:34) - Make Small Talk More Engaging (09:03) - The Science of Charisma (13:11) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Áron's Big Leap: A New School Year of Possibilities Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-08-27-22-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A napsütés lágyan szűrődött át a budapesti gimnázium nagy ablakain, megtöltve a folyosót melegséggel.En: The sunlight gently filtered through the large windows of the budapest high school, filling the hallway with warmth.Hu: Az új tanév első napja volt.En: It was the first day of the new school year.Hu: A diákok versengve beszélgettek, csillogó szemekkel nézték a klubok színes, izgalmas standjait.En: The students were eagerly chatting, their eyes gleaming as they looked at the colorful and exciting stands of the clubs.Hu: Az iskolai klubkiállítás mindig az izgalom csúcsát jelentette, és idén sem volt ez másként.En: The school club exhibition always marked the peak of excitement, and this year was no different.Hu: Áron lassan sétált a sorok között, kezében egy köteg papírt szorongatva.En: Áron slowly walked between the rows, clutching a stack of papers in his hand.Hu: Benne volt a terve, és az a lehetőség, amit egész nyáron álmodozott: a „Zöld Elmék” klub.En: Within them was his plan and the opportunity he had dreamed about all summer: the "Zöld Elmék" club.Hu: Képzeletben már számtalanszor elpróbálta a bemutatóját, mégis most kapta el a lázat a gyomra mélyén.En: He had rehearsed his presentation countless times in his imagination, yet now he felt a flutter deep in his stomach.Hu: Eddig sosem volt erőssége a nyilvános beszéd, de tudta, hogy most itt az ideje a cselekvésnek.En: Public speaking had never been his strength, but he knew that now was the time to take action.Hu: Miután biztosra ment, hogy mindent magával hozott, Áron elhatározta, hogy segítséget kér Esztertől.En: After making sure he had brought everything with him, Áron decided to ask for help from Eszter.Hu: Esztert, akit mindenki ismert az iskolában a kedvessége és határozottsága miatt. Az ő tanácsai biztosan hasznosnak bizonyulnának a bemutatóhoz.En: Eszter, known by everyone at the school for her kindness and decisiveness, would surely provide valuable advice for the presentation.Hu: Áron mély levegőt vett, és megszólította Esztert a folyosó egyik sarkában.En: Áron took a deep breath and approached Eszter in one corner of the hallway.Hu: – Szia, Eszter – kezdte kicsit rekedten.En: "Hi, Eszter," he began, his voice slightly hoarse.Hu: – Volna egy-két kérdésem a bemutatóval kapcsolatban. Tudnál segíteni?En: "I have a couple of questions about the presentation. Could you help?"Hu: Eszter mosolyogva bólintott. – Persze, Áron! Mesélj a klubról!En: Eszter nodded with a smile. "Of course, Áron! Tell me about the club!"Hu: Áron, bár kicsit bizonytalanul, de lelkesen belevágott a tervébe.En: Though a bit uncertain, Áron enthusiastically launched into his plan.Hu: Eszter figyelmesen hallgatta, majd tanácsokkal látta el, hogyan tehetné a bemutatóját még hatásosabbá.En: Eszter listened attentively and then offered advice on how to make his presentation even more impactful.Hu: Ezután Áron Bencét is megkereste, aki az iskolai diákönkormányzat elnöke volt.En: Afterward, Áron also approached Bence, the president of the school student council.Hu: Bencét mindenki kedvelte, ő pedig mindenben segítőkész volt.En: Everyone liked Bence, and he was always willing to help.Hu: Áron arra gondolt, hogy Bence támogatása elengedhetetlen lesz a klub sikeréhez.En: Áron thought that Bence's support would be essential for the club's success.Hu: A klubok bemutatója elkezdődött.En: The club presentations began.Hu: A résztvevők számos érdekes programmal készültek.En: The participants had prepared numerous interesting programs.Hu: Amikor Áronra került a sor, a torka összeszorult.En: When it was Áron's turn, his throat tightened.Hu: Megállt, és végignézett a tömegen.En: He stopped and looked over the crowd.Hu: Az utolsó pillanatban megpillantotta Esztert, aki biztató pillantást vetett rá.En: At the last moment, he spotted Eszter, who gave him an encouraging glance.Hu: Ez erőt adott Áronnak.En: This gave Áron strength.Hu: Mély levegőt vett, és határozott hangon beszélni kezdett.En: He took a deep breath and began to speak in a firm voice.Hu: – Üdvözlök mindenkit! Az én álmom a „Zöld Elmék” klub megalapítása.En: "Welcome everyone! My dream is to establish the 'Zöld Elmék' club.Hu: Együtt olyan környezeti projekteken dolgozhatnánk, amelyek segítenek zöldebbé tenni az iskolát és a környezetünket.En: Together, we could work on environmental projects that help make the school and our environment greener."Hu: A diákok figyelmesen hallgatták, és Áron érezte, hogy szavai hatnak.En: The students listened attentively, and Áron felt his words resonating.Hu: Bence a bemutató végén odalépett Áronhoz, és elismerően bólintott.En: At the end of the presentation, Bence stepped up to Áron and nodded approvingly.Hu: – Fantasztikus ötlet, Áron! Melletted állok, és segíteni fogok, hogy minél több diák csatlakozzon hozzád.En: "Fantastic idea, Áron! I stand by you and will help to get as many students as possible to join you."Hu: A tanári kar egyik tagja is odalépett Áronhoz, és lelkesedését fejezte ki.En: A member of the teaching staff also approached Áron and expressed enthusiasm.Hu: Az Áron szívét nagy büszkeség töltötte el.En: Áron's heart filled with great pride.Hu: Rájött, hogy képes lehet bármit elérni, ha hisz benne és megosztja másokkal.En: He realized he could achieve anything if he believed in it and shared it with others.Hu: Az esemény után Áron vidáman csatlakozott a többi diákhoz.En: After the event, Áron cheerfully joined the other students.Hu: Már nem csak a saját ötleteinek adott hangot, hanem megnyílt a világ előtt, új barátokat szerezve.En: He was no longer just voicing his ideas but opening up to the world, gaining new friends.Hu: A nap végén tudta, hogy a „Zöld Elmék” több számára, mint egy klub.En: By the end of the day, he knew that "Zöld Elmék" was more than just a club for him.Hu: A közösség, amely segít neki megerősödni és növekedni.En: It was a community that helped him grow stronger and thrive.Hu: A búcsúzáskor Eszter és Bence mellette álltak, és Áron rájött, hogy az iskolai élet sokkal több annál, mint eddig gondolta.En: At the farewell, Eszter and Bence stood beside him, and Áron realized that school life was much more than he had thought.Hu: A változásokkal teli nap mosolyt csalt az arcára, és tele volt reménnyel a jövőre nézve.En: The day full of changes brought a smile to his face, and he was filled with hope for the future. Vocabulary Words:filtered: szűrődöttgleaming: csillogóexhibition: klubkiállításpeak: csúcsclutching: szorongatvarehearsed: elpróbáltaflutter: lázatdecisiveness: határozottságahoarse: rekedtenenthusiastically: lelkesenattentively: figyelmesenimpactful: hatásosabbátightened: összeszorultencouraging: biztatóresonating: hatnakapprovingly: elismerőenpride: büszkeségbelieved: hiszshared: megosztjacheerfully: vidámanvoicing: adott hangotthriving: növekednicommunity: közösségfarewell: búcsúzáskorrealized: rájöttfull: telewarmth: melegségunexpected: váratlansupport: támogatásanumerous: számos
“You can't get through it if it's not real.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this alumni speaker connection episode, Dan sits down with Robin Blair — an ordained minister, award-winning speaker, singer, and media producer who spent decades inside network television and radio before walking away from it all to pursue ministry and professional speaking.Robin's career arc reads like a Hollywood pitch: TV shopping host on network television, then a key player in the first children's radio network to go national, then co-founder of a children's television production company. She and her team created a live-action, puppet, and music children's show, made four pilots, and sold the show to Animal Planet. But at the New York City Toy Fair in the 1990s, she watched an executive preview a show being imported from the UK and announce to the room that one-year-olds were now advertising targets. That moment gutted her. Shortly after, discouraged with the direction of the industry, she answered a call to ministry and headed to seminary — all the way through to a doctorate.After a couple of decades preaching from the pulpit, Robin has stepped back from congregational ministry to build a professional speaking business. Her body of work, Digital Discipleship Matters, takes a faith orientation to the digital culture we all live in — helping families discern media rather than making an enemy of it. And she's working through a mindset shift that will sound familiar to a lot of speakers: moving from speaking for little or nothing to truly valuing the expertise she brings.You'll learn:How Robin's decades inside network TV, radio, and children's media became her strongest speaking credentialWhy your past career detours are qualifications, not wasted timeWhat “digital discipleship” means and how Robin carved out a speaking niche from itThe mindset shift from speaking for free (or nearly free) to getting paid what your message is worthWhy Robin created a family discernment tool as the key to unlocking hesitant audiencesDan's advice on finding the smaller group who desperately need your message instead of trying to reach everyoneWhy slow, relational trust-building beats aggressive outreach — especially when you're just startingHow to handle silence after a pitch (hint: it's normal, even when it stings)Robin's approach to treating the internet as a mission field for her messageThe difference between having something important to say and assuming everyone wants to hear itAnd much, much more!“What I'm bringing has value to people for their lives and for generations of their lives. And it's perfectly okay to receive compensation for that.”Are you sitting on years of hard-won expertise — but still struggling to turn it into a speaking business that actually pays? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out exactly where you stand.Episode Resources:Speaker Business AssessmentRobin BlairMySpeakerFeeApple PodcastsSpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rory Vaden is the co-founder of Brand Builders Group, a firm that helps clients identify their voice, tell their story and share their unique message. He is a world-class speaker who has competed in the World Championship of Public Speaking, and he has given a TEDx Talk, How To Multiply Time, which has been viewed over 4 million times. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of three books: Take The Stairs, Procrastinate On Purpose, and a new one, Wealthy and Well-Known, that publishes the day this episode releases - and is available in audiobook for free. Rory joined Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about building a successful personal brand and using that brand to build relationships, revenue and a bigger impact on the world. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: shopify.com/elevate Masterclass: masterclass.com/elevate Framer: framer.com/elevate Northwest Registered Agent: northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate Whatnot: Search "Whatnot" in the app store to download Indeed: indeed.com/elevate
“We're all salespeople at the end of the day.”Whether you're pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you're telling—it's also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese, that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the protagonist, he explores how storytelling, collaboration, and clarity can make any message more persuasive.Takeaways:Every pitch tells two stories. You're selling the idea itself, but you're also showing your audience how saying yes can solve their problem, reduce their risk, and lead to their success.Brevity makes your message stronger. Cutting unnecessary words and choosing them carefully helps your ideas land with greater clarity, impact, and memorability.Activity:Tell the second story. Take a pitch you're currently working on and write one sentence describing the idea you're selling. Then write a second sentence from your audience's perspective: “If I say yes, what becomes possible for me?” Use that second story to reshape your pitch around their success, not just your idea.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Rhett ReeseEp.167 Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Make Every Word Count (03:09) - How to Pitch an Idea (07:38) - Creatively Collaborating (10:35) - Creating Space for Feedback (12:49) - AI & the Future of Hollywood (16:44) - The Final Three Questions (23:15) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
Public speaking is the ultimate high performance training, that will shape you into a leader before you even realize it.Sharpening my skills on stage has transformed every part of my life and business. Here are the top 7 skills I've learned as I gained experience improving my public speaking skills.Stepping onto a stage takes serious courage, but what you gain in return is worth far more than a moment of nerves. Whether you want to be seen, heard, or get paid for your expertise, public speaking is the key to unlocking confidence and visibility.Here's what you'll learn:Confidence doesn't show up until you've logged real stage time, which means every awkward first attempt is doing more for you than you realize.You learn to organize a scattered thought into something clear and simple, before you ever have to pitch a client or navigate a hard conversation.Watching a great storyteller drop you straight into the middle of a moment shows you exactly why backstory kills the momentum a story needs to hook a room.>>>Book a Speaker Success Call at https://speakandstandout.com/speaker-successExperts Edge newsletter delivered right to you inbox: https://speakandstandout.com/bid-newsletterConnect with me on:LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-ann-murabitoInstagram: @laurieann.murabitoVisit my website for more advice and tipsThank you for listening, LA
If you're exhausted by creating a brand-new presentation every time you're invited to speak, I get it. You want the talk to fit the audience. But customizing your message is very different from reinventing it.In this episode, I'm joined by our coaches Diane Diaz and Erin Mark to talk about how we each use one foundational signature talk across different audiences, industries, and formats.Erin shares how she adapts her CALM framework for everything from a six-minute-and-40-second PechaKucha talk to a 60-minute keynote. Diane explains what to keep, what to change, and why your stories should be the last thing you cut when time is tight.In this episode, we talk about:Why customizing a signature talk is different from creating a new talk from scratchThe core elements that should stay consistent across speaking engagementsHow Erin adapts her CALM framework for different industries and talk lengthsHow Diane changes stories and audience engagement without losing her central messageWhy listing 10, 15, or 20 speaking topics can make you harder to remember and referHow our Brand Voice Canvas connects your mission, expertise, methodology, and experiencesWhat Erin did when she was assigned a topic outside her expertiseHow to expand a keynote into a workshop without turning it into a content dumpHow your signature talk can become podcast talking points, website copy, and months of LinkedIn contentAbout Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/486/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Learn about our Orlando speaking retreat: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Erin Mark = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and ImpactEpisode 462: Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from TLA Grads with Erin MarkEpisode 475: From Personal Story to Thought Leadership: A Framework for Speakers with Erin MarkEpisode 483: How an I.D.E.A., Not a Topic, Makes You Easier to Refer, Pitch, and Book with Carol Cox
“The tools of communication have changed, the human brain has not.” In a world of endless content and shrinking attention spans, getting your message heard means giving people a reason to care. For Carmine Gallo, a communication coach, author of Viral Voices, and CEO of Gallo Communications, that starts with understanding what captures the brain's attention: emotion, relevance, and a compelling story. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gallo joins Matt Abrahams to explore the timeless principles behind persuasive communication. From crafting attention-grabbing hooks to using analogies and storytelling, he shares practical techniques for making your ideas more emotional, clear, and memorable.Key Takeaways:Attention starts with making people care. Emotion and relevance help your message cut through the noise, giving your audience a reason to listen before you ask them to absorb your ideas.Great communication follows timeless patterns. Hooks, analogies, and structured storytelling make ideas easier to understand and remember, regardless of the platform or technology used to deliver them.Activity:Build the hook. Take a presentation, pitch, or message you're already working on and write a one-sentence opening that answers your audience's unspoken question: “Why should I care?” Make it relevant, specific, and compelling enough to earn their attention.Episode Reference Links:Carmine GalloCarmine's Book: Viral VoicesEp.103 Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - Capturing Attention (03:30) - Timeless Communication Patterns (06:46) - The Persuasion Toolkit (10:49) - The Three-Act Structure (15:30) - The Final Three Questions (19:54) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
Today we're tackling a topic that every single speaker will eventually face, yet few ever plan for: what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball right in the middle of a packed calendar? Joining me today is the incomparable Shola Richards—a master of workplace civility, bestselling author, and a speaker who knows firsthand how to lead with transformative kindness, even through profound personal grief. In this episode, Shola and I dive deep into navigating loss while maintaining your commitments, honoring your humanity without derailing your business, and why showing up with radical kindness—especially toward yourself—is the ultimate key to resilience. Grab a notebook, because this is a conversation your heart and your business both need to hear. Highlights you won't want to miss: When Life Interrupts the Busy Speaker 0:00 Shola's current business model. 1:00 Fighting through grief. 6:00 Grief sometimes starts before death. 12:30 The show must go on. 17:00 Prepare for the worst. 21:00 Kindness in an AI world. 23:00 Where to hang out on social media. 28:00 Speak your truth. 32:00 See you next time. 38:23 If you could use some great ideas on how you can deal with any kind of loss or emotional distress and keep things moving forward, you simply can't afford to miss this episode. For access to FULL SHOW NOTES, including video and links, visit: https://www.speakerlauncher.com/category/podcast/
The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are:Jackie Berry - Lecturer of Cognitive Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former Fulbright US Scholar to Egypt.Terry Gipson - Preceptor in Public Speaking for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.Anna Markowitz - Executive Director of Communities for Local Power and former White House Advance Lead.Mike Spain - Former Times Union Associate Editor.
"And so I'm sending out the emails, I'm doing the work, I'm following the process, and I'm not really getting any responses. And so by the end of the day, I'm like, well, am I doing this right? Or, you know, imposter syndrome kind of sets in, you know, am I really built for this?" Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight, Dan Irvin sits down with Marcus Dove — a performance mindset coach based in Tulsa who helps coaches and programs turn talented athletes into consistent performers under pressure. Marcus played basketball for 30 years, earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row at Oklahoma State, then spent 16 years playing professionally overseas across six countries. He knows what it takes to perform when it counts. Now he's building a speaking business around that expertise — and in this episode, he's just signed his first paid gig. Here's what makes this conversation worth your time: Marcus did not have some easy path to that first booking. He was doing the work. Sending the cold emails. Following the process. And hearing nothing back. By the end of the day he'd be down on himself, questioning whether he was built for this at all. Then his TSL coach Corinne made one suggestion — stop reaching out to coaches, start reaching out to athletic directors. Two days later, an athletic director responded. Five to seven days after that, the gig was locked in. Marcus also walks through the tools that made the difference day to day: the CRM that replaced running outreach off memory (he calls it a lifesaver), the speaking agreement negotiation that nearly sent him spiraling when the buyer countered, and his game film method — recording himself giving the speech 30 to 40 times at home and watching it back, the way an athlete watches tape. Whether you're in the stretch where nothing is coming back and imposter syndrome is creeping in, or you're past the first booking and trying to figure out how to actually prepare for the stage, this is a conversation with someone standing exactly where a lot of listeners are standing right now. You'll learn: How one pivot in Marcus's outreach strategy — from coaches to athletic directors — booked his first paid gig in under a week What the stretch of silence and non-responses actually felt like day to day, and how imposter syndrome set in Why Corinne's suggestion worked so fast, and what Marcus wants every student in the program to hear about it How switching from memory-based outreach to a CRM gave him a clear plan every morning for his power hour The moment a buyer countered his speaking proposal — why he thought the deal was dead, and why it closed within 24 hours His game film method: recording himself giving the speech 30 to 40 times at home and watching the playback to find what to add and cut Why he does a couple of free gigs at local high schools before a paid stage How comparison hit hardest in group sessions — seeing other students further along with their websites already built The reframe that got him past it: everyone's on their own journey, and their progress is information, not a verdict Why a mindset speaker has to practice what he preaches — and Dan's point that what we speak on is often the medicine we need His pre-stage nervous voice, what it says, and the counter-script he runs against it His answer to "a no from a client really means…" — and why reframing it as "not right now" changes how you carry the rejection And much, much more! "Growth comes in uncomfortability, right? If you don't step outside your comfort zone, if you don't step outside your norm, growth doesn't happen. And so try to do something different. Try to push yourself to a limit you haven't been pushed to." Stuck in the stretch where you're doing the work but nothing is coming back? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and find out exactly where you are in your speaking journey and what to do next. Episode Resources: Speaker Business Assessment Marcus Dove MySpeakerFee Apple Podcasts Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
“Over time, what works is truly showing up in a way where you actually care, you're actually trying to give value.” In a culture that rewards boldness and visibility, quieter voices can be easy to overlook. But Susan Cain, a former Wall Street lawyer, negotiation consultant, and bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet, argues that introverts bring powerful strengths to communication and leadership, from deep listening to thoughtful reflection. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Cain joins Matt Abrahams to explore how introverts can communicate with confidence without pretending to be extroverts. From overcoming speaking anxiety to embracing quiet leadership, she shares how sincerity and self-awareness can help us show up at our best.Key Takeaways:Introversion is a strength, not a limitation. Deep listening, thoughtful reflection, and strong one-on-one relationships can make quieter communicators highly effective leaders, even when those qualities are less visible.Confidence doesn't require changing who you are. By gradually building comfort in challenging situations and communicating with sincerity, you can become more confident while staying true to your natural communication style.Activity:Redesign a meeting. Choose one recurring meeting and change one element to make space for quieter voices. Try sending questions in advance, adding silent thinking time, or using Susan's think-pair-share approach before opening the discussion to the group.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Susan CainSusan's Books: Quiet / BittersweetEp.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:01) - The Extrovert Ideal (04:28) - Introversion vs. Anxiety (06:16) - Building Confidence (09:00) - Quiet Leadership (10:11) - Introvert-Friendly Workplaces (13:29) - Vulnerability and Trust (16:40) - The Final Three Questions (21:47) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
What if the most important sales moments connected to your speaking engagement happen before you step on stage and in the first few minutes after you step off?My guest, sales strategist Nikki Rausch, has been my go-to coach for sales language, proposals, pricing, consultation calls, and follow-up for years. In this conversation, we walk through the entire speaking engagement from the first inquiry to the conversations that happen after your talk. Nikki explains how to make yourself easy for an event organizer to hire, plant sales seeds without turning your presentation into a pitch, and recognize when an audience member is giving you a buying signal.We also chat about why your job as the speaker begins long before your scheduled presentation time. In this episode, Nikki and I talk about:Why you should answer an event organizer's question before asking for a callHow to state your speaker fee clearly and keep the conversation openNikki's “rapport bank account” and why your presence matters before you reach the stageThe difference between planting sales seeds and selling from the stageHow to use client stories and Q&A responses to show people how you helpWhat a buying signal sounds like after a presentationHow to invite someone to buy or schedule a call while her interest is still highAbout Our Guest: Nikki Rausch is a sales strategist, speaker, and founder of Sales Maven. With more than 25 years of sales experience and over a decade as a business owner, she teaches service-based entrepreneurs how to have confident sales conversations that lead to yeses, without feeling pushy or fake. As a Master Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Nikki focuses on the language and communication behind selling. Her approach is rooted in building rapport, recognizing buying signals, and guiding conversations in a way that feels natural for both you and the client. She is the author of three books, including The Selling Staircase, and host of the Sales Maven Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally. Through her coaching, programs, and speaking, Nikki supports women entrepreneurs in turning sales into a skill they can rely on, so they can grow their business with clarity and confidence.About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/485/ Nikki's website: https://yoursalesmaven.com/ Get Nikki's free gift Follow-Up Made Easy Guide: https://yoursalesmaven.com/easyfollowup Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Learn about our Orlando speaking retreat: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxNikki Rausch (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkirausch/ Related Podcast Episodes:Carol's episode on Nikki's Sales Maven podcast: https://yoursalesmaven.com/blog/integrating-both-thought-leadership-and-lead-generation-into-one-talk/Episode 133: Authentic Selling at Your Speaking Engagements with Nikki RauschEpisode 34: Relationship Selling with Nikki RauschEpisode 483: How an I.D.E.A., Not a Topic, Makes You Easier to Refer, Pitch, and Book with Carol Cox
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by Dr. Laura Sicola, a renowned leadership and communication coach with over 15 years of experience guiding individuals to master the art of effective communication. Dr. Sicola delves into the crucial elements of leadership communication, introducing her concept of the "three C's": Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal. She shares valuable insights on the importance of aligning what you say with how you say it, and how this alignment fosters trust and credibility in any conversation.Throughout our discussion, Dr. Sicola emphasizes the power of storytelling and the techniques that can transform ordinary speakers into hypnotic storytellers. She explains how using analogies, shifting energy, and speaking in the present tense can engage listeners on a deeper level, making messages resonate and stick. Additionally, she addresses common pitfalls that undermine authority, such as run-on sentences and upspeak, providing practical tips to enhance communication skills.Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to improve their leadership presence, understand the relationship between voice and body language, and the significance of authenticity in communication. Dr. Sicola also shares details about her upcoming projects and offers a special gift to our audience, the first two chapters of her book, *Speaking to Influence*.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The three C's of effective leadership communication- Techniques for becoming a hypnotic storyteller- Common speech pitfalls to avoid for greater authority- The relationship between words, voice, and body language- Insights into Dr. Sicola's upcoming projects and how to access her resourcesFor more information on Dr. Laura Sicola and to receive your free gift, visit her website at https://chapters1and2.speakingtoinfluence.com/register-page-1640-3841-2773-8221Support the show
Today we're talking about a kind of power most of us are terrified to claim: the power of our own voice.My guest is Samara Bay, speech and speaking coach to CEOs, politicians, and tech founders, and author of Permission to Speak. She was last on the show talking about that book, and now she's back with something new: a viral TEDx talk about how to actually be human while you're speaking in public, whether that's on a stage, in a work meeting, or in a hard conversation at home.Here's the thing. Most of us think great public speaking means sounding polished, authoritative, in control. Samara says the opposite. The speakers who actually move us are the ones who let us see that they care. Not perform it, reveal it. And when our words, our tone, and our body language are all telling the same story, that's when people lean in.We get into why "public speaking" feels so loaded in the first place, what's actually happening in our bodies when fear takes over (hello, vocal fry and monotone), and the practical difference between practicing a talk and actually inhabiting it.And yes, this is a money conversation. Because whether you're asking for a raise, pitching an idea, negotiating with a partner, or standing up at a town hall about your property taxes, your ability to speak with power and stay human while doing it is directly tied to the outcomes you get. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.