S4 07: Speaking That Sticks: The Art of Impactful Communication in Leadership with Maria Franzoni

In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I’m joined by the brilliant Maria Franzoni — communication strategist, former international speaker bureau owner, and creator of The Bookability Formula. With over 25 years of experience helping speakers get booked and rebooked, Maria knows exactly what makes communication memorable, impactful, and influential.Together, we explore how to elevate your communication — whether you’re speaking to a boardroom, pitching a new idea, or presenting to your team. Maria shares powerful lessons from the world of professional speaking that every leader can apply, from listening and storytelling to confidence, feedback, and reading your audience.We also talk about authenticity versus professionalism, what really gets people rebooked (and what doesn’t), and how to make data and presentations come alive. This conversation is full of practical insight and honesty from one of the best in the business.Inside This EpisodeThe trait every extra-Ordinary leader sharesWhy confidence and psychological safety matter mostThe biggest communication pitfall — and how to fix itHow to listen before you speakInfluence through attraction, not persuasionBalancing authenticity with professional presencePowerPoint, data and storytelling done rightHow language shapes culture and impactReading your audience and slowing downWhat keeps great speakers rebookedMaria’s teabag test for leadership under pressureFor more on Maria’s work, visit www.mariafranzoni.meIf you’d like to deepen your own leadership journey, my book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leaderMentioned Resources:The world over time -- in data | Hans Rosling | TEDxStockholmThe beauty of data visualization - David McCandlessGlow In The Dark - Mark LerusteNever Split The Difference - Chris Voss