Afleveringen
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“Champions don’t do extraordinary things. They do ordinary things better than everyone else.” – Tony Dungy, former NFL player and coach, best known for leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win
Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, on taking over as head coach of the Packers, said, “I am not going to change anything. We will use the same players, the same plays and the same training system. But we will concentrate on becoming brilliant on the basics.”
Becoming brilliant at the basics of public speaking has always been and will always be the foundation of any excellent presentation.
In this podcast episode, we will explore three essential skills every public speaker must master to become brilliant in the basics:
References
Lucas, S. E. (2014). The Art of Public Speaking (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill.Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press.Cuddy, A., Kohut, M., & Neffinger, J. (2013). Connect, Then Lead. Harvard Business Review.Kennedy, G. A. (2007). On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Oxford University Press.Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent Messages. Wadsworth.Gilbert, G. M. (2010). The Psychology of Communication. Allyn & Bacon. -
“The worst part of holding the camera up to speak is knowing that no one is really there to nod or smile back at you.” — Unknown
This week, my son Frank returned from a six-month Navy submarine deployment. He is a nuclear officer on the USS Indiana fast-attack submarine. My wife Elaine and I are very proud of him for defending our great country.
I thought about how my son and the other sailors on his boat must feel isolated being underwater for months. They have no contact with the outside world when they are underway.
Online-speaking entrepreneurs may also feel isolated at times. Speaking to and with others on a virtual platform differs from meeting with or presenting to others in person.
This episode explores three ways online speaker entrepreneurs can avoid isolation.
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References
National Speakers Association: www.nsaspeaker.orgToastmasters International: www.toastmasters.orgLinkedIn Networking Tips: LinkedIn Business SolutionsPodMatch for Podcast Collaborations: www.podmatch.comEventbrite for Finding or Hosting Events: www.eventbrite.comStreamYard for Webinar Hosting: www.streamyard.comMastermind.com: www.mastermind.comSCORE Business Mentoring: www.score.orgCoachHub for Professional Coaching: www.coachhub.com -
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“Everybody wants to win. However, there are few people who want to prepare to win.” - Paul “Bear” Bryant, legendary coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team
Today’s professional speakers face several challenges that can impact their effectiveness and career growth.
Here are three key concerns of today’s professional speakers and how to address them:
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References
Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. St. Martin’s Press.Duarte, N. (2012). Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences. Wiley.Neffenger, J. (2018). Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential. Penguin Books.Vaynerchuk, G. (2018). Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence—and How You Can, Too. Harper Business.Scott, D. M. (2020). The New Rules of Marketing & PR. Wiley.Schaefer, M. (2014). Social Media Explained: Untangling the World’s Most Misunderstood Business Trend. Mark W. Schaefer.Allen, K. (2015). The Speaker’s Edge: The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Locating and Landing Lots of Speaking Gigs. Indie Books International.Walker, C. (2020). The Wealthy Speaker 2.0: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business. Speaker Launcher.Baer, J. (2018). Talk Triggers: The Complete Guide to Creating Customers with Word of Mouth. Portfolio. -
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant, educator, and author,
As a professional speaker, you must manage various business aspects to build and sustain your career.
We will examine three key business matters for you as a professional speaker in this podcast episode.
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References
According to insights in Book More Business, effective branding is essential for speakers to stand out in a competitive market.As noted in Book More Business, digital adaptation is a critical business matter that demands continuous learning and technological integration.Brands on Brands emphasizes that understanding and managing fee structures is crucial for long-term financial sustainability in the industry. -
“Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were.” – Richard Paul Evans, American author best known for writing The Christmas Box
As a speaker, you may often experience imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which you doubt your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of your competence.
In this episode, we will examine three key reasons why you may feel like an imposter and what you can do to overcome these feelings, supported by references (at the end of this article) from psychological research and communication studies.
References
Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.Kruger, J., & Dunning, D. (1999). Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121.Swann, W. B. (1983). Self-verification: Bringing social reality into harmony with the self. Psychological Perspectives on the Self, 2, 33-66. -
“Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king.” -- Winston Churchill, British statesman, military officer, and writer who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 (during the Second World War) and again from 1951 to 1955.
In this world of accelerating technological speed, it would be good if we stepped back in time instead of stepping forward to reveal what three legendary speakers can teach us about public speaking.
In this episode, we will briefly examine the public speaking wisdom of Cicero (106 – 43 BCE), Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965), and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968).
References
Cicero, “De Oratore”Cicero, "On the Ideal Orator"Cicero, “Brutus”)William Manchester, “The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill”Winston Churchill, “The Second World War, Volume II”Richard Toye, “The Roar of the Lion: The Untold Story of Churchill’s World War II Speeches”Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream” Speech, August 28, 1963Martin Luther King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”Martin Luther King, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech, April 3, 1968 -
"The future of public speaking is not about a solitary orator on a stage—it's a dynamic interplay between technology and human connection, where immersive digital experiences bring audiences closer than ever before." – Will Higham, behavioral futurist, author, and speaker known for exploring emerging trends in communication
It is hard to imagine the transformation in speaking in store for us as we speak.
This transformation is possible because of the rapid acceleration of technology.
This podcast episode examines three ways public speaking is expected to evolve.
References
A detailed exploration of these innovations is provided in the article "The Future of Public Speaking: Emerging Trends and Technologies," which discusses how XR technologies are poised to transform the speaker–audience dynamic by blending physical and digital experiences (speakeragency.co.uk). The Future of Public Speaking: 10 Emerging Trends Every Speaker ShouldKnow. The Public Speaking Academy's review of emerging trends, which emphasizes the role of multimedia and virtual platforms in modern presentations, provides additional insights (publicspeakingacademy.co.uk)."The Future Of Oratory: AI Enhanced Public Speaking". Illustrates how speakers leverage AI tools to refine their techniques, offering concrete examples of AI-driven coaching and performance analysis (forbes.com). Virtual presentation experts provide complementary perspectives, and they note that AI is increasingly becoming essential for tailoring speeches to real-time audience feedback (speaking.coach).The article "Top Trends in Public Speaking: What Audiences Expect in 2024" discusses how modern audiences demand a more participatory experience, prompting speakers to integrate interactive tools into their presentations (speakeragency.co.uk)Further support comes from insights in "Trending Topics in Public Speaking for 2025," highlighting the growing emphasis on using data to personalize content and boost engagement during live events (speakerhub.com). -
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney, American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur
Self-motivation, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a better leader are crucial for public speakers.
They directly influence your ability to engage audiences, inspire action, and maintain effectiveness over time.
In this episode, you will discover why each of these areas is vital to you as a speaker:
References
In his book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel H. Pink discusses how intrinsic motivation, as opposed to extrinsic rewards, leads to higher performance and satisfaction—key qualities for a public speaker.In Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth emphasizes how grit—the combination of passion and perseverance—is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success. Public speakers often exhibit this trait to push through difficult moments and improve their craft.Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek focuses on the idea that effective leaders create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute. Public speakers who embrace leadership principles can foster a similar environment in their talks. -
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward, American inspirational writer
In the hit cartoon movie Madagascar, there is a group of talking penguins led by “the Skipper.” One of the penguins asks, “Skipper, don’t you think we should tell them the boat’s out of gas?” The Skipper simply says, “Nah! Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.”
As a speaker, how can you greatly benefit from smiling and waving to your audience?
Smiling and waving before speaking can offer several advantages that enhance your delivery and audience engagement.
In this episode, we will explore three benefits of smiling and waving at your audience
References
“5 Reasons Why Smiling Will Improve Our Public Speaking,” eFactor Consulting, efactorconsulting.com“Does Smiling Help or Hurt Presenters?” Guila Muir & Associates, guilamuir.com“5 Reasons to Smile While Speaking,” Ethos 3, ethos3.com -
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin (1809–1882), naturalist, geologist, and biologist
Have you ever considered that adaptability is key to you delivering an excellent presentation? How do you develop the ability to be adaptable “on the fly?”
Seamlessly adaptable speakers can adjust their delivery, content, and engagement strategies based on the situation, ensuring their message remains impactful.
In this episode, you will discover three essential techniques for you to be adaptable during your presentations.
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“When you walk into a room, own it. Let your presence be felt. Confidence isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you carry yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul and Philanthropist
To own a room effectively, speakers can employ several strategies:
This podcast episode explores three strategies: exuding confidence, engaging through storytelling, and mastering delivery techniques.
Reference1. Magnetic Speaking
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"Speed reading is a skill that allows you to process information more efficiently, which is critical for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in today’s fast-paced world." – Tony Buzan, British author and educational consultant, best known for his work on mind mapping and mental literacy
Have you ever thought how reading at a faster rate can help you become a better speaker? Probably not.
This episode will explore three ways reading faster will enhance your speaking.
Buzan (1993) in The Speed Reading BookBerg and Ehrenberg (2013) in The Anxious BrainCarroll (2005) in Confidence in Public Speaking
References -
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier, American author and publisher
Maintaining motivation is a challenge for speakers like you.
This episode explores three ways you as a speaker can maintain your motivation.
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“Your content is your voice. Post consistently, and the right people will hear you.” – Unknown
One of the most common ways to become known as a speaker is to post your content regularly on various electronic platforms.
This episode reviews three platforms you can use to post your speaker content online.
Medium Blog (2023). “Why Blogging Remains a Powerful Content Medium.”Patel, N. (2023). “The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Blog”. Neil Patel.Statista (2023). “Number of Social Media Users Worldwide 2023”.Forbes (2023). “How Social Media Drives Content Creation”. Forbes.YouTube Blog (2023). “The Power of Video in Content Sharing.”HubSpot (2023). “Why Video Marketing Works”. HubSpot.
References -
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens
Public speaking has always been a cornerstone of societal change, personal influence, and cultural growth.
From ancient forums to modern stages, powerful speeches have shaped our world.
In this podcast, you will discover three ways your public speaking leaves a legacy.
Carson, C. (2001). The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Warner Books.Mio, J. S., Riggio, R. E., Levin, S., & Reese, R. (2005). “Presidential Leadership and Charisma: The Effects of Metaphor.” The Leadership Quarterly, 16(2), 287-294.Sorensen, T. C. (1965). Kennedy. Harper & Row.TED. (2020). Impact Report 2020. Retrieved from ted.com.Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2012). “What Inspires People to Give Their Best?” Harvard Business Review.
References -
“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.” –- Steve Jobs, American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding the technology company Apple Inc.
Have you ever thought about why you speak to your audience?
Although the number of topics you can speak on is limitless, there are only a few primary reasons to talk to your audience. They are to inform, persuade, or inspire others.
This article will explore these three reasons in more detail.
Lucas, S. E. (2015). The Art of Public Speaking (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.Aristotle. (2007). The Rhetoric (W. Rhys Roberts, Trans.).Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People.
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“A panel discussion is a great way to explore multiple viewpoints, but it only succeeds if the panelists are engaged and the moderator knows when to steer or step back.” — Nancy Duarte, American writer and speaker
You may be asked to moderate a panel discussion one day.
In this podcast, we will explore ways you can prepare, conduct, and follow up as the moderator of a panel discussion.
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"If you can't write your message in a sentence, you can't say it in an hour." — Dianna Booher, American author and communication expert
It's the holiday season, and you have more than a few things to do. So, how do you get them all done?
The key to a happy holiday season is to prioritize the items you need to accomplish and then complete them one at a time. If you do this, you won't complete all the items on your "To Do" list, but you will complete the most important ones.
There is an analogy between this and your presentations. Sometimes when you want to get so much done in a presentation, your message is lost on your audience.
This week's podcast explores three strategies you can use to focus on your message
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"Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, American jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Do you have challenges answering technical questions from the audience during your presentations? You are not alone.
Fortunately, there is a myriad of information on how to overcome the challenges presented by audience questions.In this week's episode, we explore three of these challenges and how you can overcome them
Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. The book emphasizes the importance of listening and clarifying for effective communication.Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. The book highlights the importance of storytelling and analogies in making technical content accessible.Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The habit of "seeking first to understand" aligns with acknowledging limitations and committing to clear follow-ups.
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References -
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in." - Author unknown
When technical issues occur during a presentation, technical professionals can take a few key actions to address and resolve them efficiently.
In this episode, we explore three critical steps that technical people can take to address and resolve presentation technical issues:
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