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How can preachers help people hear Scripture rather than merely collect information about it?In this conversation, Mike speaks with New Testament scholar David B. Capes about conversational preaching, the public reading of Scripture, recovering the Old Testament and its language of lament, and recognising the scriptural world that shaped the New Testament writers.David also explains how Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes helps readers notice Matthew's use of Israel's Scriptures. Along the way, he reflects on Christ-centred preaching, faithful listening, friendship across religious differences, and the work of the Lanier Theological Library.IN THIS EPISODEDavid's first sermon at twelve years old and his early sense of callingWhy effective preaching should sound like a meaningful conversationThe difference between saying something and helping people learn itRecovering the public reading of Scripture in the churchWhy Christians need the Old Testament's language of lamentHow the New Testament writers read and reused Israel's ScripturesReading Matthew with greater sensitivity to its first-century Jewish settingChrist-centred preaching without forcing Jesus artificially into every isolated verseLearning to listen carefully to people with whom we disagreeThe libraries, lectures, podcasts and study opportunities offered by the Lanier Theological LibraryRESOURCES MENTIONEDMatthew Through Old Testament Eyes by David B. Capes (Kregel Academic)https://www.kregel.com/bible-commentaries/matthew-through-old-testament-eyes/Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture by Jeffrey D. Arthurs (Kregel Academic)https://www.kregel.com/jeffrey-d-arthurs/devote-yourself-to-the-public-reading-of-scripture/Paul's Use of the Old Testament by E. Earle Ellis (Wipf and Stock)https://wipfandstock.com/9781592441945/pauls-use-of-the-old-testament/TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson(This is the public-speaking book Mike recalled, although its title was not stated during the interview.)https://www.ted.com/read/ted-talks-the-official-ted-guide-to-public-speaking/OTHER BOOKS BY DAVID B. CAPESThe Divine Christ: Paul, the Lord Jesus, and the Scriptures of Israel (Baker Academic)https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780801097867_the-divine-christOld Testament Yahweh Texts in Paul's Christology (Baylor University Press)https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481307918/old-testament-yahweh-texts-in-pauls-christology/Rediscovering Paul: An Introduction to His World, Letters and Theology, second edition (IVP Academic)https://ivpress.com/rediscovering-paulSlow to Judge: Sometimes It's OK to Listen (Thomas Nelson)https://www.thomasnelson.com/author/4083/david-capes/ADDITIONAL WORKS REFERENCEDBooks by Rabbi Stuart FederowFederow's writing was discussed, but no individual title was named during the interview.https://hebrewjumpstart.com/booksLISTEN AND EXPLORELanier Theological Library and Learning Center — Houston, USAhttps://lanierlibraryandlearningcenter.org/Lanier Theological Library — Yarnton Manor, Oxford, UKhttps://yarntonmanor.org/theological-library/Lanier sabbatical opportunities in Houstonhttps://lanierlibraryandlearningcenter.org/sabbaticals-2/Research and writing visits at Yarnton Manorhttps://yarntonmanor.org/apply-to-visit/research-writing/The Stone Chapel Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stone-chapel-podcast/id1537425950Exegetically Speaking — Wheaton Collegehttps://www.wheaton.edu/listen/exegetically-speaking-podcastA Show of Faithhttps://ashowoffaith.org/David B. Capes's websitehttps://davidbcapes.com/Calvary Chapel Cooperativehttps://calvarychapelcooperative.com/CONNECT WITH DAVIDEmail: david.capes@lanierlibrary.orgFor information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective
"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there."How do you explain complex ideas without losing your audience? The challenge isn't knowing more—it's helping others understand. For Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal, great communication comes from making difficult topics accessible while holding people's attention. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ryssdal joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to simplify complex information without oversimplifying it, conduct interviews that feel like genuine conversations, and communicate with confidence under pressure. From asking better questions to earning your audience's trust, Ryssdal shares practical techniques for staying present when the stakes are high.Key Takeaways:Complex ideas become powerful when they're easy to understand. Great communicators don't just share information—they translate it into clear, engaging messages that help others learn without sacrificing nuance.Preparation gives you the freedom to be present. The more thoroughly you prepare, the easier it becomes to listen, adapt, and communicate with confidence when the conversation takes an unexpected turn.Activity:Rewrite for clarity. Take an email, presentation, or document you've already written and revise it for someone with no background in the topic. Remove jargon, simplify explanations, and make sure every sentence helps your audience understand your message.Episode Reference Links:Kai RyssdalEp.220 Prep Like a Pro: Communication Confidence, Clarity, and Comedy 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 (00:59) - Making Complex Ideas Clear (02:24) - Find Your Communication Rhythm (03:30) - Keeping People Listening (04:38) - Better Introductions (05:50) - More Conversational Interviews (08:49) - Getting Conversations Back on Track (10:23) - Communicating Through Uncertainty (12:23) - Managing Speaking Anxiety (14:22) - Recovering from Mistakes (15:39) - Staying Curious (16:42) - When Your Mind Goes Blank (18:05) - The Final Three Questions (21:35) - 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.With LinkedIn Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast
When someone asks what you speak about, do you give them one clear answer - or a list that includes a bunch of keywords like leadership, communication, resilience, confidence, and change?I understand the temptation to include everything. When you've had a long career, narrowing your message can feel like leaving out valuable parts of your experience. But if the person you're talking with can't explain what you speak about after the conversation is over, she can't refer you. And that means you're less likely to get booked.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between a broad subject, a presentation topic, and a distinctive ideaWhy your speaking topic is also a positioning decisionThe one-sentence referral test every speaker should tryHow broad positioning costs you opportunities you may never know you lostThree questions that can uncover the point of view inside your experienceHow to test your message with my I.D.E.A. FrameworkWhat event organizers need to understand before they can picture you in the roomA practical sentence prompt for clarifying your audience, claim, and outcomeAbout 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/483/ 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/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episodes 478-481: Expert Trap SeriesEpisode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting Speakers
Adam helped a client who was having anxiety when doing presentations to colleagues and clients and in large meetings. Adam helped them to think about presenting differently. Rather than an anxiety-causing event that they'd rather avoid, an opportunity to open doors where confidence can be built by actively wanting to do the thing they used to avoid. Adam helps them see the temporary anxiety as the price of admission for a future without anxiety. Get 50% off a consultation call with Adam using the code PODCAST. Click here to schedule: https://courses.adamcox.co.uk/workwithadam
Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Against the Odds: Núria's Rise Amid Montserrat's Giants Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-08-03-22-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol brillava amb força sobre Montserrat.En: The sun shone brightly over Montserrat.Ca: Les muntanyes es dibuixaven com gegants de pedra sota un cel blau cristal·lí.En: The mountains appeared like stone giants under a crystal blue sky.Ca: La monestir, vell i majestuós, semblava vigilar silenciosament el moviment animat dels científics que s'havien trobat per a la conferència anual de recerca ambiental.En: The monastery, old and majestic, seemed to silently oversee the lively movement of the scientists gathered for the annual environmental research conference.Ca: Aquest any, entre tots els assistents, hi havia dos noms que destacaven: Núria i Oriol.En: This year, among all the attendees, two names stood out: Núria and Oriol.Ca: Núria estava nerviosa.En: Núria was nervous.Ca: Feia mesos que treballava en el seu projecte de restauració ecològica.En: She had been working for months on her ecological restoration project.Ca: Havia aconseguit resultats prometedors, i ara volia que tot el món científic ho conegués.En: She had achieved promising results, and now she wanted the entire scientific world to know about them.Ca: Però Oriol, el seu rival professional, també presentava el seu projecte.En: But Oriol, her professional rival, was also presenting his project.Ca: A més, el seu torn era just abans del de Núria.En: Moreover, his turn was right before Núria's.Ca: Famos per les seves habilitats de presentació, Oriol sempre aconseguia captar l'atenció del públic.En: Famous for his presentation skills, Oriol always managed to capture the audience's attention.Ca: El corrent d'aire era fresc dins de la sala de conferències, oferint un descans del calor d'estiu.En: The air inside the conference hall was fresh, offering a respite from the summer heat.Ca: Núria es preparava mentalment mentre Oriol resplendia a l'escenari.En: Núria was mentally preparing herself while Oriol shone on stage.Ca: La seva presentació va ser perfecta, plena d'imatges vistoses i paraules persuasives.En: His presentation was perfect, full of vivid images and persuasive words.Ca: Quan va acabar, l'audiència va esclatar en aplaudiments.En: When he finished, the audience erupted in applause.Ca: Núria va notar una punxada de preocupació a l'estómac.En: Núria felt a pang of worry in her stomach.Ca: Era el seu torn.En: It was her turn.Ca: Núria va pujar a l'escenari amb determinació, però aviat van començar els problemes tècnics.En: Núria walked onto the stage with determination, but soon technical problems began.Ca: La seva presentació en power-point no es va obrir.En: Her PowerPoint presentation wouldn't open.Ca: Va sentir com si el terra li desaparegués sota els peus.En: She felt as if the ground was disappearing beneath her feet.Ca: No obstant això, Núria tenia una decisió: improvitzar.En: However, Núria had a decision to make: improvise.Ca: Va respirar profundament i va mirar l'audiència, que esperava amb curiositat.En: She took a deep breath and looked at the audience, who were waiting with curiosity.Ca: Va començar a parlar espontàniament sobre el seu treball.En: She began to speak spontaneously about her work.Ca: Va compartir nous descobriments i històries personals sobre el temps al camp.En: She shared new discoveries and personal stories about her time in the field.Ca: En preguntar a l'audiència les seves opinions, va vincular les seves experiències amb els conceptes que discutia.En: By asking the audience for their opinions, she linked her experiences with the concepts she was discussing.Ca: Sense cap gràfic visible davant d'ells, l'audiència va començar a involucrar-se més directament.En: Without any visible graphics in front of them, the audience began to engage more directly.Ca: Els va atraure la passió de Núria i la seva autenticitat.En: They were drawn to Núria's passion and authenticity.Ca: Al final, la sala va esclatar en aplaudiments encara més forts que per Oriol.En: In the end, the hall erupted in even louder applause than for Oriol.Ca: Quan Núria va sortir de l'escenari, es va sentir alleugerida.En: When Núria left the stage, she felt relieved.Ca: Havia après que confiar en les seves capacitats i intuïcions podia ser igual de poderós que qualsevol presentació perfectament planificada.En: She had learned that trusting in her abilities and instincts could be just as powerful as any perfectly planned presentation.Ca: Des d'aleshores, Núria no només va guanyar el respecte que desitjava, sinó també un nou sentit de confiança.En: From then on, Núria not only gained the respect she desired but also a new sense of confidence.Ca: Va entendre que ser autèntic i adaptable pot conquistar qualsevol escenari, fins i tot entre els gegants de Montserrat.En: She understood that being authentic and adaptable can conquer any stage, even among the giants of Montserrat. Vocabulary Words:monastery: el monestirgiants: els gegantslively: animatattendees: els assistentsrestoration: la restauraciópromising: prometedorsrival: el rivalpresentation: la presentacióskills: les habilitatsattention: l'atenciófresh: frescrespite: el descansapplause: els aplaudimentsworry: la preocupaciótechnical problems: els problemes tècnicsimprovise: improvitzardeep breath: respirar profundamentcuriosity: la curiositatspontaneously: espontàniamentdiscoveries: els descobrimentsgraphics: els gràficsengage: involucrar-seauthenticity: l'autenticitatrelieved: alleugeridainstincts: les intuïcionsplanned: planificadaconfidence: la confiançaauthentic: autènticadaptable: adaptableoversee: vigilar
A tense moment hits and your brain goes straight to fight, flight, or freeze. The scary part is how fast that reflex can turn a normal disagreement into yelling, shutdowns, or patterns that feel impossible to break. We sit down with educator, psychologist, and domestic violence prevention researcher Dr. Denise Healy to talk about what actually helps families stay nonviolent, connected, and emotionally safe, especially when stress is high.We trace her path from working with women and children in shelters to “flipping the script” toward prevention and accountability, including virtual classes designed to help people change violent behavior. Then we get practical: active listening without judgment, a simple body-level reset that starts with averting your eyes, and the surprisingly powerful “what” question like “What's my next best step?” that shifts you back into problem solving. If you're parenting a teen, we also dig into homework fights, miscommunication, and why school dynamics and bullying can make a capable kid feel unsafe and fall apart.We also zoom out to the relationship habits that kids watch every day: putting down defensive “shields,” using appreciation to rebuild trust, and creating a new cycle that replaces denial with awareness and tension with problem solving. Dr. Healy shares resources at S2S DV Online plus her books Mending Broken Connections and Christopher's Anger for younger kids.Connect with Dr. HealyCheck out Streets2Schools, book her as a speaker or see her upcoming events, or connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a parent or partner, and leave a review so more families can find these anger management and domestic violence prevention tools.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!
For more, visit www.BishalSarkar.com.In this visionary episode of the "I Love Public Speaking" podcast, Bishal Sarkar paints a vivid picture of your life after mastering public speaking.Join Bishal Sarkar as he explores the transformative impact that becoming a skilled public speaker can have on your personal and professional life.Learn how mastering this vital skill can open doors to new opportunities, enhance your confidence, and significantly boost your influence.Tune in to the "I Love Public Speaking" podcast with Bishal Sarkar to envision the remarkable changes and successes that await you after mastering public speaking.
As an overconfident person, you need to know how to not only speak but articulate your thoughts.
Checkout Tanla here: https://www.tanla.com/ http://wisely.ai/Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-543Guest 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(03:41) - How to Build Trust: The Chief Trust Officer Explains(07:09) - Inside the SP Oswal Digital Arrest Scam: How It Happened Step by Step(14:42) - Why Your Brain Gets Hijacked in the First 90 Seconds of a Scam(18:26) - Why Victims Keep Paying Even After Bribing "Officers"(23:50) - The Heartbreaking Case of a Mother Who Died After a Fake Call(26:44) - Are Scammers Victims Too?(27:16) - India Loses ₹54,000 Crore to Scams Every Year: The Real Numbers(30:48) - Inside the Scam Industry(36:52) - How Scammers Buy Your Aadhaar Number and Phone Number for Just ₹100(49:35) - 5 Warning Signs You're Being Scammed Right Now(55:34) - Why Nobody Has an Incentive to Stop ScamsAbout Call Detection(1:13:44) - How India Is Fighting Back: TRAI, AI Detection & the Indonesia Case Study(1:23:10) - The Personal Cost of Becoming a Trustworthy Person(1:28:50) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Sunil Bajpai, Chief Trust Officer at Tanla Platforms, a man who has spent decades inside government and industry trying to understand how trust actually breaks down, and how scams have quietly become a trillion dollar global industry.Follow Sunil Bajpai here:X: https://x.com/sunilbajpaiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunilbajpai1/Follow Tanla Here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tanla-platforms/?originalSubdomain=inX: https://x.com/Tanla_India Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanlaplatforms/Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/tanlaplatformslimitedAbout 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.
"We're always going a hundred miles an hour. So we never even realize that we're driving through fog all that time." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! This week's Alumni Spotlight features Scott Hacker — thirty-plus years in corporate sales, now a certified high performance coach who goes by the clarity coach. His signature talk is called Navigating the Fog of Life, and the premise is simple: when you drive into actual fog, you slow down, turn off the radio, and pay attention. In our lives, we just keep going a hundred miles an hour and never notice the fog is there at all. Scott's recent run is a case study in the long game. He found a whole new market for his workshops in chambers of commerce and nonprofit boards, and none of it happened in one meeting. He joined the chamber. He spoke at a breakfast for free. That turned into a longer workshop, which turned into a chamber president asking him to facilitate a board retreat he had never facilitated before — so he said yes, built it out, and walked away with a board member offering to personally fund an ongoing engagement. Then there's the story Dan wanted the room to sit with: a free two-hour workshop for a women's council of realtors in January of last year, which came back around eighteen months later as a four-month multi-series mastermind. Dan also puts on his coaching hat for a stalled deal, digging into what happens when a chamber executive tells you his members want "real tools," not the soft, touchy feely stuff — and why Scott held his ground instead of building a talk that wasn't his. Whether you're weighing whether the next free gig is worth your time or trying to decide how hard to hold your positioning when a buyer pushes back, this conversation is a clear-eyed look at how patient, aligned work compounds into paid opportunity. You'll learn: How a free talk for a local realtors' association came back as a four-month paid engagement Why chambers of commerce and nonprofit boards are an overlooked market for workshops The long game that turns one free breakfast talk into a multi-workshop contract How saying yes to a board retreat he'd never run led to a funded, ongoing program Why Scott starts with the business owner's mindset instead of the nuts and bolts The criteria that decide whether a free stage is worth your effort What to do when a decision maker says your message is too soft for his members Why building the talk they asked for would have shown up on stage as incongruent How alignment with your own message keeps you calm when a room pushes back The once-a-month touch-base system that keeps a stalled opportunity warm The daily habit that keeps a clarity coach clear And much, much more! "As soon as you get clarity on what it is you truly want, your actions will become a lot easier, the priorities will become easier." Wondering whether that next free stage is worth your time — or how to turn the ones you're already doing into paid engagements? Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment and find out exactly where you are in your speaking journey and what to do next. Episode Resources: Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business Assessment Scott Hacker's Website Calculate Your Speaking Fee Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas With Bela and Mike
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Unconventional Path: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Stories and Ideas! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with a truly exceptional guest, Robert Kennedy III (RK3). Robert's journey is the definition of an unconventional path—he began his career as a school teacher, faced the unexpected challenge of losing his job, and successfully pivoted into a thriving entrepreneur. Today, he operates a premier communications and presentation training firm, helping individuals find their voice.In this insightful interview, Robert breaks down the art of communication and explains how vital storytelling is across all platforms. Whether you are pitching to small business owners, speaking to a massive crowd, or recording content for your own YouTube channel, the ability to engage your audience through a compelling narrative is a game-changer.Are you someone who struggles with public speaking anxiety? Do you get nervous or jittery the second you look into a camera lens or step onto a stage? Robert shares his actionable strategies on how to improve public facing communication skills while drastically reducing presentation stress. He discusses how to shift your mindset around fear, famously noting that our goal should not be to completely eliminate the butterflies in our stomach, but rather to get them to fly in formation.Drawing from his background as a science teacher, Robert explains the physiological connection between fear and excitement. He emphasizes the absolute necessity of establishing a "pre-show activity" or a routine to get your mind and body into a peak flow state before delivering a speech. From shadow boxing to jumping on a trampoline like motivational speaker Tony Robbins, discover how top presenters manage their energy backstage.Additionally, Robert flips the script on traditional business networking events. He shares his favorite alternative icebreaker questions to completely bypass the standard, boring "What do you do?" inquiry, opening the door for much more authentic, organic human connection.If you want to build massive confidence, command any room, master video marketing, or simply learn how to tell better stories in your daily life, this conversation is packed with frameworks you can implement today. Hit that subscribe button, like this video, and drop a comment below sharing your favorite pre-show routine!XConnect with The Unconventional Path:Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at bela.and.mike@gmail.com with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeSEO Search Terms / Keywords:public speaking tips, presentation skills training, how to overcome public speaking anxiety, storytelling for business, entrepreneurship journey, effective communication strategies, business networking icebreakers, confidence on camera, public speaking for small business owners, presentation training framework
J Loren Norris: The Influence Equation (Live Keynote)Show Notes:"Your Story Power + Purpose + Assignment = Generational Change."In this live keynote address from the CCA Live event in Milwaukee, champion speaker and certified coach J Loren Norris delivers a raw, high-impact message on mastering the narrative. Loren pulls back the curtain on how leaders fail to scale because they fail to connect their solutions with their clients' actual pain.Loren unpacks his signature Story Power framework—Story Craft, Stage Craft, Connection, and Narrative—sharing powerful personal insights from competing at the World Championship of Public Speaking to the advice from leadership expert John Maxwell that altered his path forever.Whether you are an engineer trying to advance your career, a missionary raising funds, or a faith leader aiming to anchor the next generation in truth, this episode will teach you how to make your communication brief, bright, and unforgettable.Connect with J Loren Norris:Visit the main hub: storypowercoach.comTrain your skills online: storypoweracademy.comTurn storytelling into your career superpower: Check out the 6-Week Boost Your Business guided program.Make sure to follow/subscribe for more media resources packed with leadership lessons promoting faith, family, and freedom.Bio for J Loren NorrisJ Loren Norris is an international award-winning speaker, certified John Maxwell leadership coach, and the visionary founder of Story Power Academy. A master storyteller who has competed at the highest levels—ranking in the semi-finals among 35,000 global contestants at the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking and securing a golden ticket at Grant Cardone's Great American Speakoff—Loren has dedicated his life to teaching leaders how to own the stage and lead the narrative.Loren teaches a radical truth: No one cares about your story until they know what's in it for them.Through his signature Story Power Method, he helps entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and faith leaders bridge the gap between inspiration and action to 10x their impact, influence, and income. Anchored by a fierce commitment to faith, family, and freedom, Loren doesn't just train people to deliver monologues—he equips them with spiritual and practical communication weapons capable of driving generational change.
Send money home with Taptap Send and use promo code FIGURINGOUT on your first transfer to receive a bonus.This offer is available to new users only. Users in the US and Canada must send 100 or more on their first transfer to qualify for the bonus.Bonus amounts:USA: $20 USDCanada: $20 CADEuropean Union: €10United Kingdom: £10Australia: $30 AUDTo view the full list of supported countries and terms, visit: https://www.taptapsend.com/enGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-542Check out Friends: https://amzn.in/d/06nXryK5Guest 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(03:24) - India's "Live-In Relationship" Foreign Policy Explained(05:46) - India's Seven Key Strategic Partners(18:50) - Japan: A "Brotherly" Relationship & Countering China(23:58) - How Japan & India Can Offer an Alternative to China's Belt and Road(26:42) - China's "Debt Trap" Diplomacy vs. Japan's Approach(28:47) - India's Non-Dominating Foreign Policy & Civilizational Roots(52:02) - The United States: A Deep but Complicated Partnership(57:17) - Why the US-India Relationship Struggles in India's Neighborhood(1:05:29) - France: Why It's India's Most Trusted Western Partner(1:15:23) - UAE: India's Fastest-Growing & Most Open Partnership(1:22:33) - How the World Really Ranks India Among Its Priorities(1:26:29) - BTS(1:26:51) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Sreeram Chaulia, Professor & Dean at the Jindal School of International Affairs, a foreign affairs expert, author, and TV show host who has spent years decoding how nations actually think and behave on the world stage.Follow Sreeram Chaulia Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sreeramchaulia/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sreeram-chaulia-b6164110/ 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.
J Loren Norris: The Influence Equation (Live Keynote)Show Notes:"Your Story Power + Purpose + Assignment = Generational Change."In this live keynote address from the CCA Live event in Milwaukee, champion speaker and certified coach J Loren Norris delivers a raw, high-impact message on mastering the narrative. Loren pulls back the curtain on how leaders fail to scale because they fail to connect their solutions with their clients' actual pain.Loren unpacks his signature Story Power framework—Story Craft, Stage Craft, Connection, and Narrative—sharing powerful personal insights from competing at the World Championship of Public Speaking to the advice from leadership expert John Maxwell that altered his path forever.Whether you are an engineer trying to advance your career, a missionary raising funds, or a faith leader aiming to anchor the next generation in truth, this episode will teach you how to make your communication brief, bright, and unforgettable.Connect with J Loren Norris:Visit the main hub: storypowercoach.comTrain your skills online: storypoweracademy.comTurn storytelling into your career superpower: Check out the 6-Week Boost Your Business guided program.Make sure to follow/subscribe for more media resources packed with leadership lessons promoting faith, family, and freedom.Bio for J Loren NorrisJ Loren Norris is an international award-winning speaker, certified John Maxwell leadership coach, and the visionary founder of Story Power Academy. A master storyteller who has competed at the highest levels—ranking in the semi-finals among 35,000 global contestants at the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking and securing a golden ticket at Grant Cardone's Great American Speakoff—Loren has dedicated his life to teaching leaders how to own the stage and lead the narrative.Loren teaches a radical truth: No one cares about your story until they know what's in it for them.Through his signature Story Power Method, he helps entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and faith leaders bridge the gap between inspiration and action to 10x their impact, influence, and income. Anchored by a fierce commitment to faith, family, and freedom, Loren doesn't just train people to deliver monologues—he equips them with spiritual and practical communication weapons capable of driving generational change.
When the moment arrives and you don't have a script, are you trying to impress, or working to connect?Matt Abrahams is a lecturer in organizational behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, and author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. His path into this work starts very young and is almost comically literal. His last name starts with AB, so all through school he was the one teachers called on first. He felt what it is to be put on the spot before he had any tools for it. Later, in the corporate world and then at Stanford, he watched how much rides on those unscripted and authentic moments, and he set out to study what actually helps.The central idea of this conversation is freeing: speaking in the moment is a skill, not a gift you're either born with or not. Like any athlete, you can learn it and train it, and, as Matt puts it, you can prepare to be spontaneous. That reframe changes everything downstream. When the spotlight hits and the heart starts pounding, the body reads the moment as a threat. The work is learning to meet it as an opportunity instead, to buy yourself a little space, and to put your attention where it belongs: on the person in front of you rather than on your own performance.Matt and Mike spend time in this conversation getting quite practica. Matt shares the two tools to reach for when your mind goes blank, the simple What, So What, Now What structure for organizing a thought under pressure, and a listening practice he calls pace, space, grace. Mike opens up too, telling the story of a first international conference where he tried to breathe his way to calm on stage and realized, mid-panic, that he had never trained the skill he needed most. In the end, they land on this simple concept: being present, grounded, and in service of the other person is the big rock that makes the rest work.In this conversation, we explore:How speaking in the moment is a trainable skillWhat actually happens in the body when you're put on the spotHow to shift from seeing a moment as a threat to seeing it as an opportunityThe two tools to use when your mind goes blankThe What, So What, Now What structure for organizing a thought quicklyWhy great listening is pace, space, and graceHow to turn the spotlight off yourself and onto connectionWhy the goal is never to sound perfect, only to connectMatt's work is a reminder to all of us that the goal was never to sound perfect. It was always to connect.Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletterDownload Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindsetFollow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XMatt Abrahams' Book: Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the SpotSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week Rich Diviney delves into his latest work, 'The Masters of Uncertainty,' which offers strategies for managing stress and performing under pressure. Rich shares the importance of understanding and deconstructing attributes, the concept of dynamic subordination in teams, and the critical role of trust. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience behind dealing with uncertainty, the practice of moving horizons, and practical breathing techniques for managing autonomic arousal. Rich emphasizes the need for purpose-driven leadership and how mastering uncertainty can empower individuals to thrive in complex environments. Episode Highlights: 03:57 Writing and Impact of 'The Masters of Uncertainty' 08:30 Applying SEAL Strategies to Everyday Life 24:07 Navigating Adversity with Micro Strategies 25:58 The Power of Breathing Techniques 41:51 The Four Pillars of Trust 44:34 Dynamic Subordination in Leadership Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL Commander. In a career spanning more than twenty years, he completed more than thirteen overseas deployments-eleven of which were to Iraq and Afghanistan. As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, he spearheaded the creation of a SEAL directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. He led his small team to create the first ever "Mind Gym" in Naval Special Warfare that helped SEALs train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better, especially in high-stress environments. Since his retirement, Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, training more than five thousand business, athletic, and military leaders. Rich also works with Simon Sinek's organization, Start With WHY. You can learn more about Rich here: https://theattributes.com/ 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.
| Today I'm bringing you a conversation with Helen von Dadelszen from Present Potential Sàrl. We covered a lot of ground in terms of using our voice, speaking in front of others, dealing with stage fright, and often doing all of these things in an additional language. Some of the key topics are:
“It's too easy to look back at sciences of the past and say they were all fools. The exact same thing is gonna happen two hundred years from now when people look back at us.” — Paul Stob on the lessons of phrenology Step right up. Over the road from P.T. Barnum's American Museum in 19th century New York stood the city's more metaphorical circus — the Phrenological Cabinet, where admission was free and you could hold a murderer's skull in your hand. After the Barnum museum, it was the second most popular show in town. Although back then phrenology — the supposed science of skull size and head bumps — wasn't seen as the province of tricksters or clowns. So who created this 19th century American obsession with skulls, who created the phrenology phenomenon? In his new book, Empire of Skulls, the Vanderbilt scholar Paul Stob tells the phrenology story through the wealthy Fowler family — Orson, Lorenzo, and Charlotte — who financed and promoted this American circus. It was the Fowlers, Stob explains, who shaped phrenology into the intellectual glue of 19th century American progress and convinced reformers like Walt Whitman, Susan B. Anthony, John Brown, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton of its social value. The appeal was self-improvement, that most American ideal. In Europe, your skull was your fate; in Fowler's America, you could supposedly reshape your brain like a bicep in order to grow new bumps. A gym for skulls. And, in P.T. Barnum fashion, it toured, bringing replica skull collections to the utopian communes of mid 19th century America. And in good (or bad) American fashion, this bunk often had a darker subtext with skulls pilfered from native burial mounds and, inevitably, a slaveholding phrenologist wing. Not everyone bought a ticket. Mark Twain visited Lorenzo Fowler's London depot incognito and was told his skull shape indicated an absence of humor. Three months later, he reappeared, this time as Twain, and got the reverse prognosis. But what finally killed phrenology wasn't Twain but the hitherto unparalleled bloodshed of the Civil War. Not even the Fowlers could glean much positive from the mountains of actual skulls at Gettysburg or Antietam. The circus had ended. Now it's the Fowlers who are the freaks. We gawk at them rather than their skulls. Step right up. The show must go on. Five Takeaways • The Intellectual Glue of American Reform. From the 1830s to the 1860s — the era of reform — practically every movement to improve the young republic was led by believers in phrenology: abolition, women's suffrage, temperance, prison and education reform. Whitman, Susan B. Anthony, John Brown, Stanton, and Mott were all sympathetic; Orson Fowler barnstormed Massachusetts with his Amherst friend Henry Ward Beecher, who swore by phrenology for the rest of his life; John Brown Jr. worked at the Fowlers' Phrenological Cabinet until Bleeding Kansas called him west. The reason was one word: improvement. Even the enslaved, the phrenologists argued, must be freed — because every human being deserves the chance to improve.• Curl Your Brain Like a Bicep. European phrenology said your skull was your fate. The Fowlers Americanized it: exercise a mental faculty, they taught, and the brain deposits new gray matter that literally pushes out the skull — self-improvement you could measure with calipers. Parents brought children for readings, returned years later, and found the head had grown just as prescribed: to the Fowlers, concrete proof. The ideal male head measured twenty-three inches around, the female twenty-two — women started in a different place, but nothing said they couldn't climb. And in 1843's Hereditary Descent, Orson made an argument radical for his century: that race mixing was a positive good for humanity.• Second Only to Barnum. For three decades the Fowlers' Phrenological Cabinet at Clinton Hall — free of charge, unlike the American Museum kitty-corner across the street — was the second most visited tourist attraction in New York City. Visitors could hold a murderer's skull and feel for themselves why he killed, or trace the bumps of statesmen and writers. The empire was literal: the global skull trade of the era, from Samuel Morton's Crania Americana to skulls pilfered from native burial mounds, stocked the shelves. The Fowlers were millionaires, not billionaires — and Orson spent his share on a sixty-room octagon mansion, flagship of the 500-odd octagon houses he inspired across America.• Twain's Two Visits — and the Birth of “Pseudoscience.” Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. said reading a brain through a skull was like reading the inside of a safe by feeling the knob — and coined the word “pseudoscience” specifically for the phrenologists. Mark Twain ran the experiment: visiting Lorenzo Fowler's London depot incognito, he was told his organ of mirthfulness was a divot; three months later, business card presented, it was off the charts. Stob still insists on calling phrenology a science — because that is how its era understood it, because it was more accurate than much of the competition, and because one of the fathers of American neurology emerged from the Fowlers' own circle.• We Are the Phrenologists Now. What killed phrenology was the Civil War: three decades of promising heaven on earth ran skull first into carts of actual skulls, and the utopia of self-improvement died on the battlefield. But the impulse never did. Phrenology, Stob argues, was self-help before the word existed — and its descendants fill the airport bookstore: astrology, Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram, the genetic ancestry kit, all of them, in his words, scientifically garbage yet enormously significant in people's lives. The uncharitable reading of the past is a trap. In two hundred years, Stob warns, they will look back at our sciences of the self exactly the way we look at the Fowlers. About the Guest Paul Stob is Director of the Program in American Studies at Vanderbilt University, where he also teaches in the Department of Communication Studies and the Program in the Communication of Science and Technology. His research focuses on nineteenth-century American intellectual culture — religion, democracy, populism, and social movements. He is co-author, with Stephen Lucas, of The Art of Public Speaking, now in its fourteenth edition. His first trade book is Empire of Skulls: Phrenology, the Fowler Family, and a New Nation's Quest to Unlock the Secrets of the Mind (Counterpoint, April 14, 2026). References: • Empire of Skulls: Phrenology, the Fowler Family, and a New Nation's Quest to Unlock the Secrets of the Mind by Paul Stob (Counterpoint, April 2026). Jennifer Wright in The New York Times Book Review: “A thoroughly researched and intriguing work.”• The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby by Michael Blanding — the recent Keen On episode on the Greens, this show's previous installment of ...
Checkout ASUS ExpertBook P Series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-storeGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-541Guest 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/0029VaokF5x0bIdi3Qn9ef2J(00:00) - Intro(03:25) - Why People Cheat(07:06) - What Is Mother's Touch Starvation?(11:11) - Why Men Struggle With Touch & Emotional Support(24:18) - Do Women Actually Want Aggression?(37:01) - Why Teens Like Older Women & Older Men Like Younger Women(42:08) - The Dopamine Science of Falling in Love(49:25) - Why Workplace Affairs Happen(52:38) - Why Red Flags Predict Better Relationships Than Green Flags(1:04:24) - Why We Get Bored in Relationships (Monkey Branching)(1:16:51) - Is Dating Harder for Men or Women Today?(1:20:28) - The Science of the "Ick"(1:24:47) - Do Rich Men Have an Unfair Dating Advantage?(1:33:54) - Red Pill, Black Pill & Green Pill(1:47:21) - Why Nothing Seems to Work(1:55:00) - Can You Make Someone Fall in Love With You?(1:58:14) - The Science of Charisma(2:03:18) - Feedback for Raj(2:06:35) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Dr. K - MD, MPH, Psychiatrist & President of Healthy Gamer for a raw, science-backed conversation about how we actually love, and why we so often get it wrong.Follow Dr. K Here: Website: https://www.healthygamer.gg/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.
Most people think great storytellers are born with natural talent. They're wrong. In this conversation, storytelling expert Philipp Humm explains why storytelling is actually a learnable skill—and why it may be the most valuable communication skill for entrepreneurs, leaders, investors, parents, and anyone who wants to influence others. You'll discover: ✔️ The 3 elements every unforgettable story needs ✔️ Why most public speaking advice actually makes you worse ✔️ How to become a confident speaker without memorizing speeches ✔️ The storytelling framework entrepreneurs should use to sell ideas naturally ✔️ Why emotion beats information every time ✔️ How impromptu speaking builds confidence faster than rehearsing scripts ✔️ The psychology behind stories that people remember for years ✔️ Why authenticity isn't about perfection—it's about connection Whether you're raising capital, leading a team, pitching clients, creating content, or simply trying to become a better communicator, these storytelling principles will transform how people listen to you. One of the biggest takeaways? People don't remember information. They remember stories. And the best part is—you don't need extraordinary life experiences to become a great storyteller. You simply need to learn how to tell everyday moments in a way that creates surprise, emotion, and vivid imagery. If you want to become a better speaker, leader, entrepreneur, salesperson, or content creator, this conversation is packed with practical techniques you can start using today. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:49 Meet Storytelling Expert Philipp Humm 01:50 Why Philipp Became a Storytelling Coach 03:38 The 3 Ingredients of Every Great Story 06:53 Jake Critiques His Own Story 07:38 The Biggest Storytelling Mistake People Make 09:44 Why TED Talks Often Feel Fake 11:37 The Surprising Power of Stories in Business 14:17 The Two Stories Every Entrepreneur Must Master 15:33 Gino's Origin Story (A Story Done Right) 18:18 How Long Should a Story Be? 21:14 Customer Stories vs. Boring Case Studies 23:24 Public Speaking Tips That Actually Work 25:20 Live Impromptu Speaking Challenge 30:13 Storytelling vs. Public Speaking 35:00 How to Make Stories More Memorable 37:30 The Confidence Exercise That Changed Everything 41:02 Why Memorizing Speeches Hurts You 42:20 How to Practice Speaking Every Day 44:00 Turn "How Are You?" Into a Great Story 45:20 The Fastest Way to Become a Better Speaker 47:07 Final Takeaways on Storytelling & Leadership 49:04 Outro
AI can give you an answer. But it can't be genuinely curious about you.In this episode, I'm joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, to explore why curiosity is essential for developing a compelling thought leadership message and signature talk, especially in an age when AI can quickly produce polished but often predictable content.Diane shares a powerful analogy about browsing library stacks: You may begin by looking for one book, only to discover an unexpected idea on the shelf beside it. That kind of exploration and serendipity is often where your most original insights come from.We also talk about why being too close to your expertise can make it difficult to recognize what is most interesting about your ideas and experiences - and why the right questions from another human can uncover connections and stories you would never find through a fill-in-the-blank formula.Diane and I discuss:How relying too heavily on AI can weaken our curiosityWhy constraints can help you create a stronger talk more quicklyThe questions that uncover your most compelling ideas and storiesWhy your curiosity about your audience matters as much as your expertiseHow curiosity contributes to originality, personal connection, and even humorYour audience doesn't need more information. They want a reason to become curious about your idea and about you.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/482/ 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/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 481: Expertise Alone Doesn't Get You Booked as a Speaker - Here's What DoesEpisode 479: 3 Ways AI Can Hurt Your Public Speaking, and 3 Ways It Can Help
The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government atSkidmore College Beau Breslin, Preceptor in Public Speaking for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.
What causes the fear of public speaking? Why do I get heart palpitations? I mean, I like to think of myself as being an expert in your field (at least within my own company.) And I know what I'm talking about. After all, I've worked in my field for years. I've done my research. So, why do I break out into a cold sweat when I have to speak in front of groups of people?Well stick around and hear about exactly what causes these symptoms and the fastest and most efficient way to treat them!Show Notes: What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking and How to Overcome this Fear(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-causes-of-the-fear-of-public-speaking-and-how-to-overcome-them/#past-negative-experiences)
Today, I am joined by Steve Fenster the founder and president of NJveg, and is now a full-time volunteer. He holds degrees in Biology, Business Administration, and Computer Science from Rutgers University, and worked as a systems engineer. Steve has been vegan for 16 years and was vegetarian for 7 years prior. He is a lifelong New Jersey resident, and has lived in the northern, central, and (currently) southern portions of the state. NJveg is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to educating the public on the benefits of a plant-based life while providing support, volunteer opportunities, and social events throughout New Jersey. Steve takes us through why he created NJveg, shares his vegan journey, we talk community, and more!To connect with Steve and NJveg:Website: https://NJveg.orgEvent Calendar: https://njveg.org/event-calendar/Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/dwk3hHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegnj/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NJveg/Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/vegnj/Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/vegnj/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vegnjMeetup: https://www.meetup.com/njveg-meetup-group/Email: NJveg.org@gmail.comText: 609-557-7077Mentioned in this episode:Goats of Anarchy: https://www.goatsofanarchy.org/Ethos Farm to Health (Steve and I met as vendors at Ethos Farm Days): https://www.ethosfarmtohealth.org/Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM): https://www.pcrm.org/PETA: https://www.peta.org/front/Phoenixville, PA VegFest: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixvilleVegFest/To connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusDYBTH merch now available! Check out the shop here: https://did-you-bring-the-hummus.myspreadshop.comFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivistsContact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest©2026 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters @musicbyjpw
Your kid is going to see the internet, even if you try to block it forever, so we bring in a voice who has been studying the digital world from the beginning. Cybersecurity expert, author, and futurist Winn Schwartau joins us to answer the question parents ask most: “How can I protect my kids online?” His response is blunt and strangely reassuring: you can't, not completely. What you can do is get serious about tools, involvement, and a simple security mindset that works everywhere from banks to families: detect and react.We unpack what healthy digital habits actually look like at home, starting with screen time limits and why the type of screen matters as much as the number of hours. We talk about social media addiction, the like button as a reward loop, and why hundreds of online “friends” can warp teen identity and fuel insecurity. Wynne also explains research suggesting kids raised on constant tech may be wired differently, and why real human connection still takes time and effort.Then we go deeper into misinformation, attention economics, and Winn's upcoming concept of “critical ignoring,” a practical way to fight information overload before it becomes a brain-level DDoS attack. You'll hear simple filters like “I don't care” and “I don't have time,” why “do your own research” is often a red flag, and how to approach source verification with “trust nothing, verify twice.” If you're looking for online safety tips for parents, media literacy for teens, and digital wellbeing strategies that don't rely on fear, this conversation delivers.Connect with WinnCheck out the book The Art & Science of Metawar: How to Coexist With AI-Driven Reality Distortion, Disinformation, & Addiction in the Metaverse. You can also contact Winn on Instagram.If this helps, subscribe, share with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find the show.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!
Seven years ago James launched The Lonely Leader. In that time he's had the privilege of coaching and mentoring leaders across FTSE 100 businesses, the NHS, SMEs and the wider public and not for profit sectors. Different sectors, different titles, different pressures, and yet the same handful of challenges surface again and again.In this milestone episode he pulls together the seven challenges that clients have raised most often over the past seven years. For each one, he points you towards the episodes in the back catalogue that explore it in more depth, so you can go straight to the area that matters most to you right now.Whether you're a chief executive, a founder or an emerging leader, the chances are at least one of these is sitting close to home.1.Loneliness in leadershipGo deeper: Episode 30 Preventing Loneliness in LeadershipEpisode 103 Escaping Leadership LonelinessEpisode 106 When performance stops feeling worth it2.Burnout Go deeper: Episode 9 Warning Signs of Burnout and Tips to Prevent ItEpisode 23 Lessons Learned from BurnoutEpisode 71 Holiday Illness, a Warning Sign You Cannot Ignore3.Imposter syndromeGo deeper: Episode 20 Tackling Imposter Syndrome4. StandardsGo deeper:Episode 61 Set your Standards High5.Psychological safetyGo deeper: Episode 22 Creating Psychological Safety in a Team6.CommunicationGo deeper:Episode 38 Mastering the Art of CommunicationEpisode 80 Feedback Culture Part 1: Giving FeedbackEpisode 81 Feedback Culture Part 2: Receiving FeedbackEpisode 113 Connection before command: The human side of leadershipEpisode 124 Feedback isn't bullying. Silence is worse 7.ClarityGo deeper: Episode 84 Leadership Essentials: Clarity Go further with The Lonely Leader AcademyIf you want to work through some of these areas properly, James goes deeper on standards, communication and clarity across the modules and lessons already available inside The Lonely Leader Academy.ABOUT THE HOST James is an experienced mentor, coach and thought leader who works with a range of clients from FTSE 100 companies, SME´s the NHS and wider public and not for profit sectors.His twenty year career in elite sport initially as a professional rugby player but predominantly as a chief executive has given him an invaluable insight in managing the success, failures and pressures associated with leadership at the highest level.As a high performance coach James specialises in enhancing resilience and leadership development. He is a passionate advocate of the notion that to find lasting fulfilment we need to take a holistic view of high performance. CONNECT & CONTACT The Lonely Leader Academy: The Lonely Leaderwww.thelonelyleader.co.ukThe Lonely Leader's LinkedIn James' LinkedInInstagramhello@thelonelyleader.co.uk THIS SHOW WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LONELY LEADER MEDIA NEWSLETTERSign Up to The Leadership Accelerator Newsletter for advice, inspiration and ideas, you'll also receive James' Top 10 Tips for Combating Your Fear of Public Speaking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-540Check out The Money Trap: https://amzn.in/d/0hTkmA3jGuest 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(02:31) - Masayoshi Son's Two Epic Crashes & Comebacks(06:28) - What Makes Masayoshi Son a True Visionary(09:26) - Steve Jobs, the ARM Holdings Deal & Betting on the Future(11:41) - Inside the $100 Billion Vision Fund & What Killed WeWork(15:36) - Adam Neumann: Salesman, Visionary, or Both?(18:20) - When to Suspend Analysis: Betting on Future Business Models(23:42) - Indians Building Startups in India vs. Silicon Valley(27:21) - India vs. the US vs. China: What It Takes to Build There(32:56) - Underfunded vs. Overfunded Startups(37:14) - Bhavish Aggarwal & the Art of Attracting Capital(39:42) - Masayoshi Son & Ritesh Agarwal's Special Bond(43:08) - What VCs Actually Look for in Founders(45:45) - Why Stubborn Founders Often Win(47:00) - The Most Inspiring Entrepreneur: Elon Musk(50:26) - Other Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Him(52:38) - Steve Jobs: The Leonardo da Vinci of Tech(53:57) - Why "Follow Your Passion" Is Terrible Advice(58:16) - The Money Trap: How Much Is Enough?(1:00:46) - Sleep, Health & Data-Driven Obsession(1:04:14) - The Next Billion-Dollar Opportunity: AI in Every Business(1:06:59) - Why He Finally Wrote His Book(1:14:05) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with T. V. Mohandas Pai, Co-founder and Chairman of Aarin Capital and Chairman of 3one4 Capital to discuss India's future, entrepreneurship, AI, governance, and what it really takes to build a successful career.Follow Alok Sama Here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloksama/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.
“The better the foundation is, the more opportunities I'm getting to do exactly that.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! This week's episode is another alumni spotlight, and it might be Dan's favorite combination yet: Matthew Sharpe is a licensed therapist — and a stand-up comedian. He put the two together in Standup Therapy Live, where the laughs do the heavy lifting for the mental health lessons. Matt works with high-stress, high-stakes professions — healthcare workers, law enforcement, corrections officers — teaching resilience through humor, complete with a “humor lab” where he makes rooms full of uniformed officers sweat bullets by writing jokes on a 15-minute deadline.But the real story of this episode isn't the comedy — it's the business. Matt just booked out a full week of paid speaking for the first week of October, and every gig in it traces back to a different lesson from The Speaker Lab playbook: cold outreach to people he'd never met, follow-up that turned one law enforcement gig into a repeat booking, and a Department of Corrections client bringing him back to train staff from around their state. He's even had a gig land completely cold — the National Conference of State Legislatures found him through SEO he didn't set up. And then there's the lesson most speakers never learn: Matt genuinely loves the process. The prospecting, the pipeline, even the rejections. Dan also coaches Matt through a proposal that died on price, unpacking budget questions, decision makers, add-on gigs, and the “menu” of offerings that can save a stalled deal.Whether you're still chasing your first paid gig or trying to figure out why your calendar isn't as full as your talent deserves, this conversation is a masterclass in falling in love with the 95% of the work that gets you the 5% on stage.You'll learn:How Matt booked a full week of paid speaking by following the process step by stepThe simple cold email (“quick question — who books your talks?”) that keeps turning into gigsHow follow-up after a gig — the harvest — creates repeat bookingsWhy an inbound gig from SEO is the bonus you earn for doing the workThe mindset shift that separates speakers who burn out from speakers who buildHow to reframe the business side as your foundation, not the tax you pay to performThe 85/15 rule of speaking — and why Dan thinks it's really 95/5How Matt learned to price himself with confidence (and who convinced him to raise his fee)Where a proposal to a doctors' organization stalled — and the budget questions that could have saved itHow add-on gigs and geographic prospecting give you room to get creative with your feeWhy offering a menu — keynote, workshop, reception comedy set — adds value for event plannersAnd much, much more!“Find something new and exciting that makes you laugh every day. It just opens your eyes to new possibilities.”Ready to build a speaking business that books itself — and actually enjoy the work that gets you on stage? 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:Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business AssessmentMatthew Sharpe's WebsiteCalculate Your Speaking FeeSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask Matt Anything episode, Matt Abrahams answers real-world questions from members of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community, sharing practical advice for communicating with confidence when the stakes are high. From managing cognitive load and regulating anxiety to leading uncertain conversations and running more engaging meetings, Matt offers actionable strategies for staying focused, connecting with your audience, and communicating with clarity under pressureKey Takeaways:Manage your emotions to manage your message. Reducing cognitive load through preparation and emotional regulation helps you think and communicate more clearly under pressure.Lead with your audience in mind. Whether navigating uncertainty or running meetings, acknowledging emotions, setting clear expectations, and tailoring your message helps people stay engaged and take action.Activity:Stress-test your message. Before your next high-stakes conversation or presentation, rehearse it once under mild pressure—set a timer, record yourself, or practice with a colleague. Notice where you lose clarity, then refine those moments before the real conversation.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Speaking Under Pressure (04:01) - Calming an Anxious Audience (07:45) - More Engaging Meetings (12:33) - Communicating Change Without Fear (16:30) - Conclusion
If you had asked me a year ago about living through adversity, I would have had no idea what it is like to think about losing part of my sight. Having recently navigated my own eye health journey with a detached retina, this brings a deeply personal perspective to this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast. I am happy to welcome Jeremy Poincenot to explore how to turn unexpected life challenges into extraordinary success. After suddenly losing his central vision at age 19, Jeremy reframed his adversity into a powerful catalyst for personal growth and a thriving speaking career. Listen as Jeremy shares his practical strategies for mastering resilience, building deep trust with a team, and inspiring audiences to embrace change and tackle life's unexpected obstacles with unwavering confidence. Highlights you won't want to miss: Tragedy to Triumph 0:00 Jeremy's journey 1:00 Missing everything in the middle 5:00 Finding the new normal 10:00 Keep your eye on the ball 16:00 Gaining interdependence 20:00 From the links to the stage 25:00 The SEE Method 35:00 See you next time 41:59 If you could use some inspiration from someone who truly knows what it means to turn tragedy into triumph, 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/
In this episode, Eva Rose Daniel joins host David Rendall and shares practical strategies for distilling your message into a single, clear idea and developing frameworks to organize your speeches effectively. Learn how to craft memorable speeches that resonate and inspire action.David's new book Speak Different: How to Present Ideas That Inspire Action written with co-author, Stan Phelps, is available now!Eva Rose Daniel is a Public Speaking Strategist & Coach and Founder of The Speak Shop.
Checkout ASUS ExpertBook P Series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-storeGet your hand-picked playbook here: https://www.figuringout.co/pdf/fo-539Guest 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/0029VaokF5x0bIdi3Qn9ef2J(00:00) - Intro(02:54) - Tax Terrorism & How Honest Taxpayers Get Harassed(09:10) - Democracy, Bureaucracy & Corruption(15:36) - What It Actually Takes to Become a Politician(23:12) - Fixing India's Broken Education System(33:16) - Running a DBT Program(40:45) - Why Did He Read 4,000 Balance Sheets?(43:17) - India's Risk Premium & Cost of Capital Explained(1:02:23) - The Five Core Functions of Government(1:13:09) - Why Fresher Salaries Haven't Increased Since 2008(1:15:28) - Why He Finally Left Infosys After 17 Years(1:16:28) - Narayana Murthy: The Toughest Boss He Ever Had(1:24:59) - Spotting Talent & Retaining High Performers(1:42:51) - The Dark Side of AI: Security & Quantum Threats(1:54:41) - When Should a Startup Hire a CFO?(2:02:53) - Starting Over at 17: What Would He Do?(2:05:51) - Three Ideal Investors(2:07:38) - One Mistake He Would Avoid(2:09:12) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with T. V. Mohandas Pai, Co-founder and Chairman of Aarin Capital and Chairman of 3one4 Capital to discuss India's future, entrepreneurship, AI, governance, and what it really takes to build a successful career.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.
Episode Overview In this episode, Michael D. Levitt speaks with Antoniette Roze, speaker agent, podcast host, and voice strategist, about what separates average speakers from those who actually create transformation. This is not about stage presence. It is about using your voice as a leadership system to drive action, clarity, and change. The Core Problem: Most Speakers Deliver Information, Not Impact The majority of speakers make the same mistake: They overload audiences with content They focus on delivery instead of outcomes They leave people inspired but inactive Antoniette reframes the role of a speaker: Your job is not to inform. Your job is to create a next step. Without that, the talk fails, regardless of how engaging it felt. The Shift: From Content Delivery to Transformation Design Corporate audiences have changed. What organizations want now: Actionable insights Interactive experiences Clear takeaways that can be implemented immediately What they reject: Generic keynotes Overly polished but empty talks Theory without application The speaking bar is higher because: Attention spans are shorter AI can generate content instantly Value must be experiential, not informational Overcoming Fear: The Leadership Reframe Michael shares a pivotal moment in overcoming public speaking anxiety: Delivered a presentation while recovering from chickenpox Received a poor grade but a standing ovation The lesson: Audiences care about value, not perfection Impact outweighs appearance Fear decreases when focus shifts from: “How am I performing?” to “Am I helping someone right now?” The Practical Strategy: Speak to One Person Antoniette introduces a simple but high-leverage tactic: Think of one person you have helped before Speak directly to them This does three things: Reduces anxiety Sharpens message clarity Increases emotional connection This is a leadership discipline, not a speaking trick. The “Story Bank” Advantage Top speakers do not reuse the same talk. They build a system. Antoniette recommends maintaining a story bank: Real experiences Client transformations Leadership lessons This allows speakers to: Adapt in real time Stay relevant to different audiences Avoid sounding scripted A static talk is a liability. A dynamic system is an asset. The Micro-Transformation Model One of the most important ideas in this conversation: Do not try to change everything. Create one shift. Effective speakers deliver: One insight One tool One action That is enough to: Change behavior Create momentum Build credibility Anything beyond that becomes noise. Corporate Training Insight: Less Content, More Action Michael reinforces this from his leadership work: When training teams: Overloading information reduces retention Simplicity increases execution The goal is not comprehensive coverage. The goal is behavior change. The Evolution of the Speaking Industry Key changes shaping the space: Hybrid and virtual speaking is now standard AI is accelerating content creation Organizations expect measurable outcomes This creates a clear divide: Commodity speakers (content providers) Strategic speakers (transformation drivers) Only one of these is growing in demand. Leadership Application: Speaking as a System This conversation is not just about stages. Every leader speaks: In boardrooms In team meetings In strategic conversations If your communication: Lacks clarity Lacks structure Lacks action …it creates confusion, not alignment. Speaking is part of your Leadership Operating System. Key Takeaways for Leaders Stop delivering information. Start designing outcomes Speak to one person, not the room Build a story bank for adaptability Focus on one actionable shift per interaction Measure success by action taken, not applause Action Steps Audit your last presentation What action did it drive? Define your “one takeaway” If they remember one thing, what is it? Build a story bank Document 10 real leadership stories Reframe your delivery Speak to a single person, not an audience Add a clear next step What should they do immediately after? Guest Links Speaker assessment tool: https://speakerbooker.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/1antoniette/ https://SPEAKPact.com Closing If your communication is not driving action, your leadership is creating noise. Clarity is not about saying more. It is about making it actionable. Book your Leadership Operating System review: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/LeadershipOS
Most people don't have a short attention span. They have a low threshold for boredom.Netflix asks "are you still watching?" and you always say yes when the story's good. The same thing happens in a boardroom, on a stage, in a pitch meeting. People don't tune out because they can't focus. They tune out because you gave them a reason to.So what makes some speakers impossible to look away from, while others lose the room in the first thirty seconds?It's not charisma. It's not luck. It's a handful of specific, learnable habits: how fast you get to the point, how often you deliver something worth hearing, and whether you're brave enough to say something only you could say.In this episode, I break down exactly how I coach CEOs, TEDx speakers, and total beginners to hold a room's attention from the first second to the last. You'll learn why you have one tenth of a second to make a first impression, why "rate of revelation" matters more than most people realize, and why stories beat spreadsheets every single time.I also share the exact opening formula I use before every talk, the reason AI generated content falls flat no matter how polished it looks, and a personal story about my son that shows why none of this works without honesty.If you've ever watched someone speak and thought "why can't I do that," this episode is the answer.Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/(00:00) Why Public Speaking Fear Is Universal(01:20) It's Not About You: Serve the Idea, Not the Ego(02:36) Nervous or Excited? The Story You Tell Yourself(03:22) Practice Is the Enemy of Doubt(04:39) Record Yourself: The Fastest Way to Improve(05:52) Is Persuasion Manipulation?(08:33) The H.I.U. Formula for Opening Any Talk(09:49) First Impressions and the Rate of Revelation(12:33) Attention Span Myth: Why Stories Beat Spreadsheets(15:26) Why AI Can't Replace Your Voice(17:58) The SHUSH Storytelling Formula(22:21) Structure, Frameworks, and Why Talent Is Practice in Disguise
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-538Guest 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(02:57) - Early Life & Choosing Punjabi Literature Over Music(08:40) - On Humility, Authenticity & Not Faking a Persona(16:42) - Reclaiming Punjab's Identity Beyond the Warrior Stereotype(20:46) - Real Self vs. Stage Persona: Satinder vs. Sartaaj(25:23) - Ethical Responsibility & His Quiet Private Life(29:45) - Why He Can't Record in a Studio & Prefers Performing Live(31:34) - Family Bonds: His Mother, Brother & Cultural Differences in Expressiveness(38:35) - Carrying His Father's Legacy: Shoulder vs. Shadow(43:04) - His Parents' Enduring Frugality Despite His Success(45:41) - Perfectionism & Proving Himself(48:24) - Early Fame via YouTube & His First International Tour (2009)(52:52) - The Backstory Behind His Song "Sai"(55:24) - On Solitude, the Empathy-Isolation Paradox & Creative Inspiration(1:00:00) - How Did He Choose His Stage Name, "Sartaaj"?(1:02:14) - Punjabi Music Themes & Whether He'd Ever Choose a Louder Path(1:03:56) - Petty Childhood Mischief: Stolen Guavas & a Borrowed Dictionary(1:09:50) - What Is Sufi Music & Its Historical Roots: Amir Khusrau(1:13:30) - His PhD Research on Punjab's Sufi Singing Tradition(1:17:07) - Inventing His Own Instrument: The Saaz ~ Sartaaj(1:23:54) - What Does It Cost to Become Satinder Sartaaj?(1:26:26) - A New Song Exclusively Sung on the Show(1:32:53) - BTS(1:33:52) - OutroIn today's episode, we sit down with Satinder Sartaaj, Singer, Lyricist, Composer & Actor, a PhD holder in Sufi singing, and one of the world's most celebrated Sufi artists, who sold out London's Royal Albert Hall years before most Indian artists had even attempted it.Follow Satinder Sartaaj here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satindersartaaj/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.
"It's not an accent, it's an identity."The way we speak shapes more than how we're understood—it shapes how we're perceived. Peter Novak believes the goal of communication isn't to eliminate an accent, but to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity. As a linguist, communication coach, and expert in accent bias, Novak helps multilingual professionals communicate more effectively while embracing the identity their voice represents. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to explore how accent bias influences the workplace, why clarity matters more than sounding "native," and the practical techniques anyone can use to communicate with greater confidence and impact.Key Takeaways:Clarity matters more than sounding native. Effective communication comes from making your message easy to understand, not eliminating your accent.Your accent is part of your identity. Multilingual communicators bring unique perspectives and strengths that should be embraced, not hidden.Activity:Focus on clarity. Record yourself explaining a familiar topic for one minute. Listen back and identify three words or phrases to emphasize and two places to pause. Record it again, focusing on clarity rather than sounding perfect, and compare the difference.Episode Reference Links:Peter Novak82. It's Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others F… 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (00:52) - Accent Bias (03:55) - Accent and Identity (05:55) - Processing Fluency (08:25) - Clarity Over Perfection (10:26) - The Power of Prosody (15:33) - Speaking with Confidence (17:56) - The Final Three Questions (22:13) - 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.To see what Scribe could look like for your organization, head to scribe.how/thinkfast and mention Think Fast for your first month of Scribe Capture free.
If people leave your talk thinking, “She really knows her stuff,” that feels good. But it doesn't necessarily make you memorable, referable, or bookable.In this fourth and final episode of my Expert Trap series, I'm looking at three things you may be saying yes to (more content, neutrality, and the wrong room) and the identity questions underneath each one. I've done all three, and I still have to watch for them in my own presentations.You'll hear why your audience doesn't need everything you know, how a clear point of view helps your ideas travel, and how to choose speaking opportunities that make your thought leadership stronger instead of more generic. I'll also give you one practical exercise you can use right away: replacing one proof sentence with one belief sentence.In this episode, you'll learn:How too much content can become a way to prove you belongWhy staying neutral can make your message harder to rememberHow to know when a speaking opportunity is the wrong roomThe identity shift from expert to thought leaderWhy expertise builds trust, but your point of view makes you referable and bookableThe difference between a proof sentence and a belief sentenceAbout 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/481/ 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/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episodes 478-481: Expert Trap SeriesEpisode 463: The Connection Formula of Expertise + Story: Live Signature Talks from Thought Leader Academy GradsEpisode 458: Same Message, Different Medium: Why Your Talk Isn't Landing (and How to Fix It)
What if the biggest thing affecting your relationships, leadership, and communication isn't what you're saying...but how you're breathing?In this episode, Anne sits down with speaker, facilitator, and communication expert Hilary Blair (hilaryblairspeaks.com), creator of the Fruitful Friction® framework, to explore the surprising connection between breath, voice, trust, and human connection. Drawing from decades in theater and corporate leadership development, Hilary reveals why your voice is a giant "poker tell" and how small shifts in breath and awareness can dramatically change the way people experience you. If you've ever struggled with difficult conversations, workplace conflict, executive presence, or feeling truly heard, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.In This Episode, We Talk About: Why your voice communicates trust before you even speak the words How breath affects confidence, connection, and emotional regulation The difference between being vulnerable and being available Why "take a deep breath" may be terrible advice...and what to do instead How tone, vowels, consonants, and vocal habits influence relationships Want more from Hilary?HilaryBlairSpeaks.comArticulateRC.comHilary Blair is a dynamic speaker, facilitator and CEO of ARTiculate: Real&Clear. She's the creator of Fruitful Friction®, a framework redefining tension as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and trust. Blending her background as a professional actor with deep expertise in communication and executive presence, Hilary helps leaders stay in conversation when it matters most. Her work equips teams to engage authentically, communicate clearly, and use friction to gain traction for growth.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.
I'm writing my next book! In this episode, I lay out all the details for why I'm taking a risk, where the book fits in the market, and just how much of a delusional project this might be.Then, listen to the empathy statement—a kind of prologue or "starter dough" writing which sets the tone and answers the question, "Why should I care?"Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for book updates, exclusives, and behind-the-scenes, as well as the chance to submit your stories for inclusion!EPISODE CREDITS:Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo.Music for Why They Resonate is by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook).***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot.I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books.Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance.Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.comBook me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotesWatch video versions of some episodes, plus get regular insights into stronger public speaking and growing a speaking business, at youtube.com/jayacunzo***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.
Today, I am joined by Sally Malanga, Founder of Boon for All. Boon for All is a plant-powered life-changing brand featuring her products: Plant-based Boon Broth and Boon Collagen Reviver. Sally is the voice in the inbox that inspires a second look, the strategist behind a better future, and the woman who can rebrand a wellness product, fire off a fiery town council email, and make you believe a baked potato can change your life. Sally is also a certified nutrition coach, Co-Founder of Our Green West Orange, and a Board Member of Friends of Animals. She is a public speaker on the joy of plant-based eating for health and the planet.To connect with Sally:https://www.instagram.com/boonforall/https://www.tiktok.com/@boonforallhttps://www.facebook.com/boon4all/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-malanga-0007916/Additionally, if you're interested in exploring the Main Street Vegan Academy, of which Sally and I are both graduates (and how we connected) visit the MSVA website at: https://mainstreetvegan.com/, there is a new cohort beginning this October. Mentioned in this episode:Upton Sinclair's The Jungle info: https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Jungle-novel-by-SinclairFoborg - vegan options in Montclair, NJ (not fully vegan) https://www.faubourgnj.com/montclair/menus Plant-based menu:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65149890bf49c9090426e1b7/t/6a51511f8ec8c772ed19f2eb/1783714079449/FGM+PLANT+BASE+06-26-2026.pdf.pdf Veggie Heaven (multiple locations in NJ) https://www.veggieheavenmontclair.com/Friends of Animals: https://friendsofanimals.org/To connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusDYBTH merch now available! Check out the shop here: https://did-you-bring-the-hummus.myspreadshop.comFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivistsContact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest©2026 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters @musicbyjpw
Fluent Fiction - Catalan: From Nerves to Applause: Marcel's Climactic Speech Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-07-20-22-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol brillava intensament sobre Montjuïc aquell matí d'estiu.En: The sun shone intensely over Montjuïc that summer morning.Ca: L'aire era fresc i portava l'aroma del mar Mediterrani que es veia a la distància.En: The air was fresh and carried the aroma of the Mediterranean Sea that could be seen in the distance.Ca: Marcel, un polític jove i ambiciós, es trobava davant d'un gran repte.En: Marcel, a young and ambitious politician, faced a great challenge.Ca: Estava a punt de donar un discurs molt important en una cimera internacional sobre el canvi climàtic.En: He was about to deliver a very important speech at an international summit on climate change.Ca: Havia somiat amb aquest moment durant molts anys, però ara, amb el moment tan a prop, els nervis l'envaïen.En: He had dreamed of this moment for many years, but now, with the moment so near, nerves overcame him.Ca: Montjuïc estava ple de delegats de tot el món.En: Montjuïc was full of delegates from all over the world.Ca: Les banderes onejaven en l'aire, i un rum-rum constant de veus omplia l'atmosfera.En: Flags waved in the air, and a constant murmur of voices filled the atmosphere.Ca: Marcel sentia la pressió per fer un gran discurs, un discurs que no només impressionés als polítics, sinó que també inspirés acció real.En: Marcel felt the pressure to give a great speech, one that would not only impress politicians but also inspire real action.Ca: Però el camí no era fàcil.En: However, the path was not easy.Ca: Alguns companys polítics li demanaven concessions.En: Some fellow politicians were asking him for concessions.Ca: Els activistes, en canvi, exigien acció contundent.En: The activists, on the other hand, demanded strong action.Ca: Però era sobretot la seva por a parlar en públic el que l'aconseguia tenallat.En: But it was above all his fear of public speaking that kept him immobilized.Ca: Sentia el pes de les expectatives a les seves espatlles.En: He felt the weight of expectations on his shoulders.Ca: Aleshores va decidir fer una pausa.En: Then he decided to take a break.Ca: Va caminar fins a un racó més tranquil del parc i va trucar a Laia, la seva assistent de confiança.En: He walked to a quieter corner of the park and called Laia, his trusted assistant.Ca: "Necessito la teva ajuda", va admetre amb un sospir.En: "I need your help," he admitted with a sigh.Ca: La veu de Laia al telèfon el va calmar.En: Laia's voice on the phone calmed him.Ca: "Marcel, tu pots fer-ho", li va dir amb seguretat.En: "Marcel, you can do it," she told him with certainty.Ca: Junts, van treballar en el discurs, buscant l'equilibri entre la realitat política i els seus ideals.En: Together, they worked on the speech, seeking a balance between political reality and his ideals.Ca: Laia el va ajudar a practicar la seva entonació i gestos.En: Laia helped him practice his intonation and gestures.Ca: A poc a poc, Marcel va començar a sentir-se més segur.En: Gradually, Marcel began to feel more confident.Ca: Sabia què havia de fer.En: He knew what he had to do.Ca: L'hora del discurs va arribar.En: The time for the speech arrived.Ca: Marcel va pujar a l'escenari, mirant el vast públic que l'observava expectant.En: Marcel stepped onto the stage, looking at the vast audience that watched him expectantly.Ca: El cor li bategava amb força, però ara no era només per nervis, sinó també per determinació.En: His heart pounded fiercely, but now it was not just from nerves, but also from determination.Ca: Inspirant profundament, va començar a parlar.En: Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.Ca: Les seves paraules, plenes de passió i convicció, van ressonar en l'aire.En: His words, full of passion and conviction, resonated in the air.Ca: Va parlar de la necessitat urgent de protegir el planeta, de la importància de treballar junts abans que fos massa tard.En: He spoke of the urgent need to protect the planet, of the importance of working together before it was too late.Ca: A mesura que avançava, la seva por es va convertir en força.En: As he progressed, his fear turned into strength.Ca: La sala va quedar en silenci, atenta.En: The hall fell silent, attentive.Ca: Quan va acabar, un potent aplaudiment va omplir Montjuïc.En: When he finished, a powerful applause filled Montjuïc.Ca: L'havia aconseguit.En: He had done it.Ca: Havia trobat la seva veu i la confiança que necessitava.En: He had found his voice and the confidence he needed.Ca: Caminant fora de l'escenari, Marcel es va adonar que no només havia donat un discurs important.En: Walking off the stage, Marcel realized that he had not only given an important speech.Ca: Havia après el valor de la col·laboració sense perdre els seus principis.En: He had learned the value of collaboration without losing his principles.Ca: Mentre es dirigia cap a on era Laia, va veure el mar i va somriure.En: As he headed towards where Laia was, he saw the sea and smiled.Ca: El futur era incert, però estava preparat per continuar lluitant.En: The future was uncertain, but he was ready to continue fighting. Vocabulary Words:the air: l'airethe aroma: l'aromaambitious: ambiciós/ambiciosathe challenge: el reptethe speech: el discursthe summit: la cimerathe climate change: el canvi climàticnerves: nervisthe delegates: els delegatsthe flags: les banderesthe murmur: el rum-rumthe atmosphere: l'atmosferathe path: el camíthe concessions: les concessionsthe activists: els activistesthe break: la pausathe corner: el racóthe park: el parcthe assistant: l'assistentthe intonation: l'entonacióthe gestures: els gestosthe stage: l'escenariexpectantly: expectantthe audience: el públicthe determination: la determinacióto resonate: ressonarto protect: protegirto collaborate: col·laborarto fight: lluitarthe applause: l'aplaudiment
When you start asking questions like, “What’s the point?” And you wonder, “Who am I really?” and “What am I doing here?” That’s when you know that you are ready to begin a soul discovery journey. And today’s guest is Helen Plehn, who’s the founder of Helen Creates Beauty, and the award-winning author of “The Aura Color Wheel.” This Aura Color Wheel is a soul discovery system that helps people identify their life purpose through their soul aura color. Join us to find out more! Helen Plehn was born in China and raised in Hong Kong attending weekly mystical orchid tea ceremonies in the mountainside orchid garden. After moving to the U.S., Helen achieved PhD level education and a stable, highly successful profession in data analytics. Depression, severe anxiety and panic attacks set her on a journey of self discovery to find true fulfillment and happiness. Now, Helen is an intuitive painter, an angel channeler, a certified crystal healer, an aura reader, a certified yoga teacher and Theta healer. Helen is the creator, founder and award-winning author of the “Aura Color Wheel”, and hostess of the Aura Evolution Podcast. The founder of Helen Creates Beauty where she offers Psychic Readings, Public Speaking, Spiritual Coaching, a private Facebook group for Q&A and support and online courses by integrating systems such as Western and Vedic astrology, numerology, the Enneagram, Human Design, Gene Keys, and Feng Shui to help you find and live your purpose with clarity, joy, and fulfillment. Watch or listen to the show to learn how you can find your purpose and love with clarity, joy, and fulfillment. You’re Invited! READ: The Aura Color Wheel https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401995438?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER Free Soul Aura Color Quiz https://helencreatesbeauty.pro.typeform.com/Soulauracolor Free Unlock Your Soul Purpose with the Aura Color Wheel Masterclass https://www.auracolorwheel.com/acwmasterclass Aura Color Wheel Book Purchase Bonuses https://download.helencreatesbeauty.com/book/ HELEN PLEHN BIO Helen Ye Plehn is the founder of Helen Creates Beauty and the award-winning author of The Aura Color Wheel, published by Hay House. She created the Aura Color Wheel™, a soul discovery system that helps people identify their life purpose through their Soul Aura Color. Helen is an intuitive painter, angel channeler, certified crystal healer, third-generation Feng Shui master, and Flamenco dancer. She is also the host of the Aura Evolution Podcast. Her mission is to help one million souls discover and live their purpose with joy and fulfillment. LINKS Website: www.helencreatesbeauty.com Aura Evolution Podcast: https://aura-evolution-podcast.captivate.fm/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helencreatesbeauty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helencreatesbeauty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helencreatesbeauty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@auracolorwheel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenplehn/ YOUR GUIDE TO SOUL NECTAR: KERRI HUMMINGBIRD Kerri Hummingbird, Medicine Woman, Mother and Mentor, is the Founder of Inner Medicine Training, a Mystery School that shares potent ancient traditions from the Andes and Himalayas for owning your wisdom and living your purpose. She is the #1 international best-selling author of “Inner Medicine: Becoming One with Mother Earth for the Survival of Humanity”, “Love Is Fierce: Healing the Mother Wound”, “The Second Wave: Transcending the Human Drama” (on the int'l bestseller charts for over 6 years) and the award-winning best-selling book “Awakening To Me: One Woman's Journey To Self Love” which describes the early years of her spiritual awakening. As the host of Soul Nectar Show, Ms. Hummingbird inspires people to lead their lives wide awake with an authenticity, passion and purpose that positively impacts others. As a healer and mentor, she catalyzes mind-shifts that transform life challenges into gifts of wisdom. If you are wondering what the heck is going on, the answer is simple. We are in the process of a massive shift in consciousness that can most aptly be described as the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. As a medicine woman, I guide you to the next deepest understanding and embodiment of yourself as a spiritual being. Whether you receive a shamanic healing session, participate in the Reinvent Yourself Training program, or join us for Inner Medicine Training, one thing is certain: you will connect more deeply with your true self and learn to navigate the changes in your life from an empowered space within. SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY SESSION: https://tinyurl.com/SoulNectarChat JOIN SOUL NECTAR TRIBE! https://kerrihummingbird.com/membership In Soul Nectar Tribe, we are joining forces to influence a new conversation on the planet…one that respects and honors all of life and looks forward seven generations to ensure the consequences of our actions are what we choose to create for our descendents. When we join our sparks together in community and comraderie, we become a powerful beacon of light and hope. FREE GIFTS! 1. Receive the free Reinvent Yourself ebook and guided meditations at http://www.kerrihummingbird.com/gift 2. Receive the Second Wave Guided Meditation Pack for free at http://www.thesecondwave.media LINKS FOR KERRI HUMMINGBIRD Website: www.kerrihummingbird.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerri.hummingbird.sami Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerri.hummingbird/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulnectarshow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrihummingbird/
"What if I didn't let it stop me? What if I just push past it?"Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Dan Irvin sits down with Speaker Lab alumni Jennifer Ryan — a speaker who just hit a real turning point. She finished her book, Be the Donkey, Not the Jackass, she's ready to take it on the road, and she's built a talk that is unmistakably her own.Jennifer's message starts with fear — the greatest motivator and the greatest deterrent to everything. It began with a movie, sparked a "year of yes" where she said yes to literally everything, and led her to a horse and dog rescue where two donkeys handed her the metaphor that became her book. Along the way she learned what it takes to write something deeply vulnerable, rebuild a talk after rereading her own book exposed the gaps, and differentiate herself in a world where "a million people speak about yes."But this conversation doesn't stay in theory. Jennifer and Dan get honest about the hard stuff: the conference that suddenly had no space for her (and no explanation why), the self-doubt train that follows silence, and the moment she realized her talks were entertaining people without actually moving them to act. Her fix — be prescriptive, give your audience exactly what to do next Monday — is a masterclass in building talks that create change instead of just applause.You'll learn:Why fear is both the greatest motivator and the greatest deterrentHow a "year of yes" can completely change your trajectoryHow to find your signature story in unexpected placesWhy writing a book is a "humbling" exercise in vulnerabilityHow rereading your own book reveals the gaps in your talkHow to differentiate yourself when your topic is "already taken"What to do when a reliable speaking avenue suddenly closesHow to handle negative feedback (and why the 2% matters)The difference between entertaining an audience and moving them to actWhy prescriptive next steps are what turn talks into transformationAnd much, much more!"A talk has done its job the moment one person decides to try something new."What's the question that flips the switch on your fear? Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and turn "what if" into your next step.Episode Resources:Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business AssessmentJennifer Ryan's WebsiteCalculate Your Speaking FeeSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, I'm joined by Andrew Sykes, founder of Habits at Work, professor of executive education at the Kellogg School of Management, author, leadership expert, and global speaker who has spent his career helping leaders build trust, communicate with influence, and create lasting impact. In this episode, Andrew and I explore what truly separates great communicators from everyone else. We discuss why trust is the foundation of effective communication, why listening goes far beyond simply hearing words, and how storytelling helps leaders inspire action rather than simply share information. Whether you're leading a team, presenting ideas, managing relationships, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Let's dive in. Additional Resources: ► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond ► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/ ► Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsykes1/ ► Learn more about Habits at Work: https://www.habitsatwork.com/ ► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/ ► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com
In this episode, Rachel Axelrod, Speaker Coach, Event Producer, Attorney, Axelrod Consulting Chicago, shares practical strategies for becoming a more engaging speaker, from using storytelling to simplifying complex messages and connecting with audiences.
"People aren't inside of our heads, so you have to give them that emotional information as well as the factual information."Humor is more than entertainment—it's a powerful way to create connection. As a comedian, writer, and former teacher, Chris Duffy has learned that laughter, curiosity, and emotion can transform even ordinary conversations into memorable experiences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Duffy joins Matt Abrahams to explore how humor can strengthen communication, build deeper connections, and make ideas more memorable. Together, they discuss how to engage an audience, bring authenticity to repeated messages, and create conversations that invite others to participate rather than simply listen.Key Takeaways:Connection comes before comedy. Humor is most effective when it invites others into the conversation, rather than putting the spotlight on yourself.Emotion makes ideas memorable. Combining facts with curiosity, emotion, and storytelling helps audiences understand, remember, and engage with your message.Activity:Create a conversational doorknob. In your next conversation, replace one routine response with an observation, opinion, or question that invites discussion. Notice how offering a "doorknob" changes the depth and energy of the conversation.Episode Reference Links:Chris DuffyChris's Book: Humor MeEp.13 Make 'Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your … 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:03) - Lessons from the Classroom (01:52) - Curiosity Captures Attention (04:48) - Facts Need Emotion (05:49) - Sounding Authentic (09:29) - Calming Performance Nerves (11:01) - Jamming vs. Joking (14:36) - Becoming Funnier (19:01) - Better Conversations (22:53) - The Final Three Questions (26:48) - Conclusion
If you love facilitating workshops and trainings, but you know there's something more you want to say, this episode is for you.My guest is Corrin McCloskey, a healthcare executive, speaker, writer, and facilitator who has made the leap from being a fabulous facilitator into a true thought leader. Corrin joined us in Thought Leader Academy in January 2025, and in the year and a half since then, she has spoken at multiple national conferences, published writing in her field, and continued building momentum around her message: healthcare needs more human-centered, connected, and courageous leadership.This conversation is part of our Expert Trap series because Corrin's story is such a powerful example of what happens when you move beyond simply teaching helpful content and start naming what's missing in the conversation.We talk about:How Corrin shifted from facilitating strategic planning and leadership workshops to speaking on bigger stagesWhy thought leadership is less about having all the answers and more about sharing a clear perspectiveThe role of writing in expanding your ideas beyond a single talkHow to keep putting your work out there, even when it doesn't feel perfectWhat Corrin learned from both deeply affirming audience feedback and a painful experience of harassment after a speaking engagementWhy having a support system matters when you're using your voice more publiclyWhat I love about Corrin's journey is that she didn't abandon facilitation. She built on it. She took the skills she already had, added her lived experience and perspective, and stepped into a bigger conversation.That's the real invitation of thought leadership: to stop hiding behind expertise alone and start using your voice for the change you want to see.About Our Guest: Corrin McCloskey is a healthcare executive, executive coach, and national speaker focused on leadership, culture, and change management in healthcare. She serves as Vice President of Heart & Vascular and Oncology Services at Tanner Health, where she leads strategy, growth, and service line development. Passionate about helping leaders build trust and navigate complexity, Corrin frequently speaks on physician leadership, organizational culture, and leading change in healthcare. Over the past year, she has expanded her national speaking presence and contributed thought leadership focused on creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems.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/480/ Corrin's website: https://corrinmccloskey.com/ Watch Corrin deliver her signature talk on our live show: https://www.youtube.com/live/rhDAdGR44-g?si=MulG_sPQ0-MmpLK4 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/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxCorrin McCloskey (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/corrinmccloskey/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 478: The Expert Trap: Why Great Speakers Don't Become Thought LeadersEpisode 391: Claiming Your Identity as a Speaker and Thought Leader
"When you're late, you tell people you don't care. I didn't agree with it at the moment. But then I started really just disciplining myself. And it is hard work for me every single day to be early."Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, host Dan Irvin brings on Michael Hidalgo — a keynote speaker who helps teams actually talk to each other. His core idea is deceptively simple: words are vehicles, and what the receiver unpacks may not be what you loaded them up with. But what makes this episode fire is the business side of Michael's story — and the habits that are fueling a serious run right now.Start with the headline: Michael just landed his highest-paid gig yet off a single email. Except it wasn't really a single email. He did the homework — researched the organization, understood the need, sent a tailored pitch — and then heard nothing for two months. Instead of chasing with "did you get my email?", he followed up twice by adding value: an article relevant to their challenge, a lesson he learned from a client. Seventy-three days later, the planner wrote back with four words: "Are you still available?" Booked on the spot — and now they want his consulting, too.Then there's the keynote that produced six hot leads. Michael put a Calendly QR code on his final slide with a $50-value team assessment offer. By the time he walked off stage, four CEOs had already booked calls. He stayed for dinner with another contact who introduced him to two more executives. Two proposals went out that week. And every one of those consulting opportunities came from the speaking — the keynote was the tip of the spear.Whether you're figuring out how to follow up without being annoying or wondering what separates speakers who get rebooked from speakers who get forgotten, this one is a masterclass in the business behind the business!You'll learn:Why Michael's biggest booking came 73 days after his initial pitch — and what he did in the silence that made it happenHow to follow up with event planners by adding value instead of asking "did you get my email?"The QR code + free assessment strategy that generated six hot leads from a single keynoteWhy speaking is the tip of the spear for consulting revenue — and how to build that pipeline from stageWhat "be fun and easy to work with" actually looks like in practice (hint: show up early and set up chairs)The pre-talk ritual Michael never skips: handwriting an abbreviated outline, connecting with the tech team, checking in with the planner, and glide-handing the roomHow to pivot mid-call when an event planner says "this isn't what we want" — without getting defensive or losing the gigWhy the two magic phrases "tell me more about that" and "help me understand" buy you time and keep conversations aliveThe difference between value addition and value extraction — and why givers get rememberedWhy the gig is actually won before you ever send the first emailAnd much, much more!"How can I leave someone with something that is going to make them either personally or professionally better? How can I give something to them? I promise you that will pay dividends."Give more than you take? That's the whole business plan. Grab a free 15-minute Speaker Business Assessment at thespeakerlab.com/SBA and build a system that turns generosity into bookings.Episode Resources:Get Your 15 Minute Speaker Business AssessmentMichael Hidalgo's WebsiteCalculate Your Speaking Fee Subscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience."Great presentations don't just share information—they create connection. As Apple's former Chief Evangelist and Canva's co-founder, Guy Kawasaki has spent decades helping people communicate ideas that inspire action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for crafting compelling presentations, building better slide decks, and using storytelling to keep audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote speeches, he explains why the best communicators don't just inform—they captivate.Key Takeaways:Pitch to keep the conversation going. The goal of a pitch isn't to close the deal—it's to earn the next conversation.Keep it simple and audience-focused. Engage people with clear stories, concise visuals, and a message built around what they care about.Activity:Choose an idea, project, or product you frequently explain. Challenge yourself to describe it in 30 seconds, focusing only on the problem you solve and why it matters to your audience. Then ask someone if they can clearly explain it back to you. Revise your pitch until they can.Episode Reference Links:Guy KawasakiGuy's Book: Think RemarkableEp.82 It's Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others FirstEp.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better FounderConnect: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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:29) - Being a Great Evangelist (02:51) - Why Stories Move People (04:15) - Entertain Before You Inform (06:36) - The Goal of a Pitch (09:56) - Evolve Every Pitch (12:42) - The 10-20-30 Rule (15:57) - Better Slides, Better Presentations (16:39) - Lessons from Podcasting (18:09) - The Final Three Questions (22:20) - 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.Most Work Platforms Help People Communicate. Some help you organize, but Zoom turns conversations into outcomes. Try Zoom Mate today