Public Speaking with Peter George

Most speaker introductions are really just bios in disguise — a list of credentials that leaves your audience thinking "so what?" instead of "I can't wait to hear this person." In this episode, learn how to write an introduction that's actually about your audience, not you, and how to run every line through a simple relevance test. You'll also find out what to do when your carefully written intro falls apart at the last second because it will happen eventually. Walk away with a clear plan for writing, coaching, and recovering your introduction, so you start every talk already connected to the room. PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The AMP'D Speakers Circle - petergeorgepublicspeaking.com/ampd-speakers-circle-public-speaking-classes/

Do you say "um," "like," or "so" more than you realize? In this episode, we break down why fillers creep into our speech and how they quietly undermine your credibility as a speaker. You'll learn the two main reasons fillers happen — an instinctive discomfort with silence, and a habit of stalling while you think — and why simply becoming aware of them is the first step toward eliminating them for good. From there, we walk through a practical, low-cost method for training yourself out of the habit: the dog training clicker technique. You'll hear exactly how it works, why it's so effective at building self-awareness, and how to replace fillers with something far more powerful — the pause. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear action step to start practicing immediately.

You walk into a room of 50 people, or 500, and something in you shifts. Your language gets bigger. Your eyes glaze over the crowd. Without realizing it, you start speaking to everyone at once, and no one in particular. In this episode, you learn the simple shift the best speakers make instead: speaking to one person at a time, even in a packed room, so every listener feels like you're talking directly to them. You'll discover why this shift makes your language simpler, your tone warmer, and your nerves smaller, all at once. And you'll get a practical way to build this into your very next presentation, starting with the words you choose before you even open your mouth. PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are your slides helping you or upstaging you? In this episode, you'll learn what separates a slide that actually supports your message from one that competes with it: backing up a single point, being instantly clear, and staying light on words. Learn why "Death by PowerPoint" became shorthand for a specific kind of pain, and you'll walk away with a simple test to run on your own deck before your next presentation. PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

You prepared. You know your material. You have a strong point of view. So why does the room keep tuning out before you finish your sentence? The answer might be three small words you don't even notice you're saying. In this episode, you'll discover the three verbal habits that quietly undermine smart, capable professionals every day, and why they do more damage than any nervous gesture or shaky slide ever could. You'll learn what each one signals to your audience, the simple swap that restores your authority, and why stripping them out doesn't make you pushy. It makes you clear. Whether you're pitching an idea to your team, presenting to leadership, or asking a question in a room full of experts, this shift will change how people hear you, and how seriously they take what comes next. Plus, a two-minute action step you can start using in your next meeting. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

What if the presentations you dread are actually the opportunities you've been waiting for? Most professionals treat workplace speaking as an obligation to survive. Something to get through. But that mindset is quietly costing you, because your audience can feel it the moment you start. In this episode, you'll learn why two small words shape everything about how you show up, and how flipping them changes your energy, your preparation, and the impact you have on the room. You'll walk away with a new lens for every meeting, presentation, and unexpected "say a few words" moment on your calendar, plus a simple action step you can apply to the next one. Whether you're presenting to your team, your CEO, a client, or a room full of strangers, this shift will change how they experience you, and how you experience the moment. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Ever walked away from a presentation more confused than informed? You'll discover why trying to sound smart often backfires, and why true clarity is what actually builds your credibility. In this episode, you'll learn five practical techniques to transform complex ideas into messages anyone can grasp and act on, from swapping abstract jargon for concrete language to using analogies that make technical concepts instantly relatable. You'll also get a simple test to run on your next presentation before you ever step on stage: the "explain it to a twelve-year-old" technique. Whether your audience is executives, technical experts, or a general crowd, you'll walk away with a clear framework for making your ideas land, without sacrificing nuance or talking down to anyone. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

What if your audience already felt connected to you before you said a single word? The most effective speakers don't wait until they're on stage to start building relationships — they begin well before the event starts. In this episode, you get six practical pre-event engagement strategies that reduce your nerves, warm up your audience, and sharpen your content. From creating a short connection video to conducting a pre-event survey, each approach is designed to help you walk on stage to a room that's already on your side. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Most speakers show up, deliver their talk, and leave. They're competent but forgettable. Exceptional speakers ask one question: "What else can I do to serve this audience and this organization?" That question is what separates a good speaking career from a great one. In this episode, Peter shares six practical ways to go the extra mile—from offering a bonus session and creating pre-event engagement videos, to following up personally and offering unexpected resources. Small acts of thoughtfulness create raving fans, repeat bookings, and a reputation that grows because people talk about how you exceeded expectations. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Humans have been captivated by the same story structure for thousands of years — and the best business speakers have figured out why. In this episode, Peter George breaks down the Hero's Journey into a simple three-act framework you can apply immediately to case studies, client success stories, and your own origin story: the Setup, the Struggle, and the Transformation. The key insight isn't just the structure itself — it's understanding why all three acts are essential. A hero who faces no real struggle isn't believable. A story without transformation is just a sequence of events. Peter walks you through a concrete business example and gives you a clear action step to map one of your existing stories to this framework before your next presentation.   • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

The difference between a presentation that feels polished and one that feels choppy often has nothing to do with the content — it comes down to transitions. In this Quick Bytes episode, Peter George breaks down exactly what an effective transition does, why poor transitions create mental speed bumps for your audience, and how a simple past-transition-future formula can keep listeners oriented and engaged from start to finish. You'll also learn four specific transition types — the flashback, the question, the bridge, and the contrast — along with a common mistake speakers make when moving into Q&A. The goal is transitions so smooth your audience never notices them. They just feel like your presentation flows naturally. Because the best bridge is one nobody has to think about crossing.   • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Every industry has its alphabet soup — ROI, KPI, B2B, API, SDK, LTO — and we toss these around assuming everyone in the room is fluent. They're not. Even in a roomful of professionals from the same field, someone is new, someone works in a different department, someone comes from a region where different terms are standard. And the moment you use an acronym they don't recognize, they stop listening to you and start trying to decode what you just said. You've lost them—not because your content was weak, but because your language assumed too much. In this episode, you'll learn a simple, five-second fix that keeps every member of your audience with you: define each acronym, set of initials, or piece of jargon the first time you use it. I'll show you how to do it naturally so it never sounds remedial, share the story of a client whose engagement transformed once he stopped assuming his audience knew what "LTO" meant, and give you a practical action step you can apply to your next presentation. Clarity isn't just courtesy. It's the difference between speaking at your audience and bringing every one of them along with you. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Ever wondered how one sentence can carry seven completely different meanings — without changing a single word? In this episode, Peter unpacks the subtle but transformative power of emphasis, the speaking technique that can flip a message on its head with nothing more than a shift in stress. Through a deceptively simple sentence — "I said he didn't steal the money from the bank" — you'll hear how moving the emphasis from one word to the next changes the story entirely, and why this small adjustment is one of the most underused tools in a speaker's arsenal. You'll walk away with a clear, practical method for emphasizing the right words at the right moments, plus four specific strategies to apply emphasis in your next presentation — from highlighting key words and creating contrast to signaling transitions and avoiding the trap of stressing everything. Whether you're delivering a keynote, leading a meeting, or pitching an idea, this episode will help you stop saying words and start shaping meaning. Because when you master emphasis, you master meaning. • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

What's the one thing your audience will actually remember from your presentation a week later? Spoiler: it's not your data, your slides, or even your best joke — it's your repeatable phrase. In this episode, Peter reveals the deceptively simple technique behind the most memorable talks you've ever heard: a short, punchy statement that becomes the anchor of your entire message. You'll learn why great speakers from every field use this strategy, how it triggers recall long after you've left the stage, and what makes the difference between a phrase that sticks and one that falls flat. You'll also get a practical playbook for crafting your own — from the ideal word count and language style to exactly when and how often to deploy it during your talk. Peter even shares his favorite advanced move: inviting your audience to finish the phrase with you, turning passive listeners into active participants. Whether you're preparing a keynote, a pitch, or your next team meeting, this episode will give you the one tool that transforms a forgettable presentation into a message your audience can't stop repeating. Because they won't remember everything you say — but they will remember this. Resources: • PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com • The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

The moment you think you've arrived as a speaker, you start declining. In this episode, you learn how the best speakers never stop learning, refining, and pushing themselves to the next level. You'll discover ten practical commitments that turn experience into expertise—from keeping a speaker's journal and seeking uncomfortable feedback, to recording yourself regularly, studying speakers across different fields, and building a peer community that holds you accountable. But continuous improvement isn't about chronic dissatisfaction or comparing yourself to others. Peter unpacks the essential paradox at the heart of growth: "I am enough right now, AND I'm committed to growing." Both can be true. Whether you're delivering your signature talk for the hundredth time or stepping onto a stage for the first time, this episode will help you reconnect with your why, identify your growth edges, and commit to one specific area of improvement over the next three months. Because the speakers who captivate audiences year after year aren't the ones who arrived—they're the ones who never stopped growing.

Technology will fail you. It's not a matter of if; it's when. In this episode, you discover what to do when your mic cuts out, your slides freeze, or the internet goes down mid-presentation. From smart preparation strategies to in-the-moment recovery tactics, you'll learn how to stay composed, keep your audience engaged, and handle the unexpected like the professional you are. Technical difficulties don't have to derail your presentation, In fact, they can actually enhance your credibility. You can turn an unexpected snafu into an audience engagement opportunity by how you respond to the problem itself. If you speak in public at any level, this episode is one you can't afford to skip. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

That nagging voice telling you you're not qualified, that someone's about to find you out, that other speakers are more credible than you — it has a name: impostor syndrome. And it affects even the most accomplished speakers in the world. In this episode, Peter George breaks down exactly why it happens, what's driving it, and why the story you're telling yourself about your qualifications is almost certainly wrong. You'll walk away with practical strategies to silence self-doubt and step onto any stage with confidence, including a simple mindset shift that instantly takes the pressure off, a proven technique for turning your own experiences into unshakeable credibility, and the one question that will stop impostor syndrome in its tracks every time. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or just getting started, this episode reminds you that your audience doesn't need perfection. They need you! Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

What's the ultimate goal of every presentation you give? It's not to inform. It's not even to inspire. It's to transform—to leave your audience thinking, feeling, and acting differently than they did before you spoke. In this episode, Peter George breaks down exactly what transformation looks like and why it's the only standard that truly matters. You'll discover how to get crystal clear on the outcome you're creating, how to make your message personally compelling, how to build urgency that moves people to act now, and how to remove the barriers standing between your audience and real change. If you're ready to stop being a speaker people forget and start being one they can't stop talking about, this episode is your roadmap. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Most speakers learn by watching others — studying their gestures, their pacing, their delivery — and then trying to replicate it. The problem? Audiences can feel the difference between someone who is performing and someone who is present. If you've ever walked off a stage feeling like you were playing a role rather than owning the room, this episode is going to change the way you think about your development as a speaker. In this episode, you learn why your most powerful speaking asset isn't a technique you can borrow — it's the authentic voice you already possess. You'll discover how to identify your natural strengths, develop the signature elements that make you unforgettable, and build a style that is unmistakably, unapologetically you. Whether you're just starting out or you've been speaking for years, this conversation will challenge you to stop chasing someone else's style and start trusting your own. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

For many speakers, Q & A is the part of the presentation they just want to survive. The questions feel unpredictable, the pressure feels real, and one stumble can seem to undo everything you worked so hard to deliver. But what if Q & A wasn't something to endure — what if it was a dynamic opportunity to connect, impress, and leave a lasting impression? In this episode, you'll discover how to walk into any Q & A session with a clear plan and unshakeable confidence. You'll learn how to prepare for the questions you don't see coming, how to handle challenging or hostile questions without losing your composure, and how to close Q & A with a strong, memorable finish that reinforces everything you wanted your audience to remember. When you apply what you learn here, Q & A stops being a threat and starts being the moment your audience sees you at your very best. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Your slides aren't your presentation — you are. Yet most speakers build their deck first, then figure out what to say about each slide, and end up reading from the screen with their backs to the audience. In this episode, Peter George flips the script on how you think about visual aids, sharing a simple but powerful reframe that will change the way you prepare and deliver every talk going forward. You'll walk away with five practical principles for using slides the right way — from cutting clutter and choosing authentic visuals to animating with purpose and breaking the habit of reading from the screen. If your slides have been carrying your presentation, it's time to take that weight back. Step forward, own the room, and own your message. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Most speakers think they're rehearsing. They scroll through their slides, run the talk in their head, maybe do one read-through the night before. Then they step in front of an audience and wonder why the words feel clunky, the transitions awkward, and the timing all wrong. Here's the truth the pros know: rehearsal isn't a sign of insecurity — it's a sign of respect. Respect for your craft. Respect for your audience. And when you rehearse the right way, something remarkable happens: you stop performing your talk and start owning it. Listen in and you'll get a proven, systematic rehearsal routine that strips away the guesswork and helps you walk into every room calm, polished, and ready for anything. Because your best presentation isn't the one you prepared — it's the one you rehearsed. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

In this episode, you'll learn about something absolutely critical to your success as a speaker: your core message. Without one, your presentation is just a collection of interesting points. With one, you create lasting transformation. Here's a question: If your audience remembers only one thing from your presentation, what should it be? That's your core message — the central theme that everything else supports. Tune in and learn how to create core messages that are the foundation for engaging talks that engage your audiences. As a result, your audiences will retain more and be more likely to act! Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

The more engaged your audience is, the more they learn, remember, and act on your message. Unfortunately, most speakers treat presentations as monologues, delivering content and hoping people pay attention. The most effective speakers, however, create dialogues—they pull their audiences in and make them part of the experience. Tune in and learn practical techniques you can use immediately to increase your audience connection, participation, and retention! Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

There's something that affects nearly every speaker, from beginners to seasoned pros…and probably you: nervousness. That anxiety, those butterflies, that surge of adrenaline before you speak. The good news? You can harness that energy and turn it into power. Even the most experienced speakers feel nervous. The difference is that great speakers have learned to channel that nervous energy into positive, dynamic deliveries instead of letting it paralyze them. Tune in and learn to turn your nervousness into positive energy! Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Data informs, but stories transform — and in this QuickBites episode, Peter George reveals why storytelling is the secret weapon that separates exceptional presenters from merely good ones. Stories bypass the analytical brain and speak directly to emotion, which is why your audience will forget your framework long before they forget the entrepreneur who lost everything and rebuilt from scratch. If you want your audience to feel your message, not just understand it, this episode is essential listening. Peter breaks down the three essential elements every effective story must have — a protagonist, a challenge, and a resolution — along with a simple formula you can use immediately. He also shares the craft details that bring stories to life: sensory language, dialogue, present-tense delivery, and the discipline to keep it short. You'll walk away knowing how to identify the right story for any key point, and why building a personal story library is one of the smartest investments a speaker can make. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Most speakers are terrified of silence — so they fill every gap with words, filler phrases, and nervous chatter. In this QuickBites episode, Peter George flips that instinct on its head and makes a compelling case for the strategic pause as one of the most powerful tools in public speaking. Just as silence in music creates rhythm and emotion, silence in a presentation creates emphasis, connection, and moments your audience will actually remember. Peter introduces five types of strategic pauses — emphasis, dramatic, processing, interactive, and transitional — and shows exactly when and how to deploy each one. He also tackles the two concerns speakers raise most often: won't I look like I've lost my place, and how long is long enough? The answers might surprise you. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple exercise to start practicing immediately — and a completely new relationship with silence. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Great content delivered in a monotone is forgettable content. In this QuickBites episode, Peter George makes the case for one of the most underutilized tools in any speaker's arsenal: vocal variety. Your voice is an instrument, and when you play it well, you pull your audience from disengagement to rapt attention. When you don't, even your best material can feel like a terms and conditions agreement read aloud. Peter breaks down the four elements of vocal variety — volume, pace, pitch, and tone — with clear, practical guidance on how and when to use each one. You'll learn when to whisper and when to project, when to accelerate and when to deliberately slow down, and why your tone must always align with your message or risk confusing your audience entirely. He wraps up with a deceptively simple practice exercise that will show you just how much meaning your voice alone can convey. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

While you're speaking, your body is having its own conversation with your audience — and it may not be saying what you think. In this QuickBites episode, Peter George breaks down the nonverbal signals that can either reinforce your message or silently undermine it. From the way you stand before you say a single word to the gestures that either add energy or betray your nerves, your body language is always communicating. The question is whether it's helping you or hurting you. Peter walks through four key areas — posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact, and movement and proximity — with specific, actionable guidance for each. You'll learn what confident body language actually looks like, which nervous habits to eliminate, and how to use strategic movement to add energy and punctuate your message. Then he leaves you with a simple but revealing challenge: watch yourself on video with the sound off. What you see might surprise you. Topics covered include: Posture Gestures Facial Expressions Eye Contact Movement   Tune in and be sure your body language is saying the same thing as your words. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

You have 30 seconds to earn your audience's attention — and most speakers waste them. In this QuickBites episode, Peter George tackles one of the most critical moments in any presentation: the opening. He starts with what not to say, calling out the overused, credibility-killing phrases that make audiences tune out before you've even begun. If you've ever opened with "Thank you for that introduction" or "I'm a little nervous," this episode is your wake-up call. Then Peter delivers five proven techniques for opening strong — from asking a thought-provoking question to articulating your audience's pain point so precisely they lean in and think you're reading their mind. But a powerful opening isn't just about grabbing attention; it's about making a promise to your audience that what follows will be worth their time. Peter shows you exactly how to make that promise — and keep it. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

You've done the work. Your content is solid, your slides are polished, and you feel ready — but the audience sits there unmoved. Sound familiar? In this QuickBites episode, Peter George diagnoses one of the most common and costly mistakes speakers make: skipping audience research. Before you craft a single slide or write a single word, there are six critical questions you need to answer — and Peter walks you through every one of them. From uncovering the SCOOP behind your presentation to identifying the transformation your audience will experience as a result of hearing you, these six questions form the foundation of every presentation that truly lands. Peter breaks down the difference between what your audience needs to know and what they want to know, why emotion drives action, and why "think differently" is not a call to action. Do this research, and you won't just be a speaker they politely applaud — you'll be one they remember. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Ever walked away from a presentation wondering what the point was? In this QuickBites episode, Peter George gets to the heart of why so many knowledgeable speakers still fall flat — and what separates them from the ones audiences remember for years. The answer is process, not talent. Peter introduces his proprietary AMP'D Framework: a four-part system designed to help you create presentations that don't just inform, but transform. Peter walks through each element — Audience, Message, Presentation, and Delivery — with the kind of clarity and practicality that makes you want to pull up your next talk and get to work immediately. From identifying how your audience will be transformed to rehearsing until you can't get it wrong, this episode is a masterclass in five minutes. If you're ready to stop winging it and start captivating, this one's for you. Resources: PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

After a two-year absence following a life-changing health scare, Peter George is back — and he's bringing a fresh perspective with him. The experience away didn't diminish his passion for helping people become calm, confident, and credible speakers; if anything, it deepened it. In this return episode, Peter reconnects with his audience, reflects on what kept him away, and explains why he couldn't stay gone for long. Along with his return comes a refreshed format. Listeners have always loved the bite-sized QuickBites episodes, so that's now the heart of the show — weekly, practical, immediately actionable speaking tips delivered in five minutes or less. Featured guests will still appear, but only when someone truly exceptional is worth your time. If you've been waiting for Peter to come back, the wait is over. PeterGeorgePublicSpeaking.com The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

After an unexpected absence, Peter George returns with a deeply personal episode to share what kept him away. What began as feeling slightly under the weather in early July quickly escalated into an AFib alert on his Apple Watch, a rush to the hospital, and an aortic stenosis diagnosis that led to open heart surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston — on his 65th birthday. With the skilled hands of aortic specialist Dr. Kim De la Cruz and a recovery that included two additional procedures, Peter spent most of July fighting to get back to the life and work he loves. Now recuperating faster than expected but with priorities firmly in focus, Peter shares a difficult decision: stepping back from the podcast so he can give his full energy to what matters most — his clients. He closes this final episode with gratitude for every guest who made the show worth listening to, and for every listener who tuned in. It's a candid, moving farewell that reflects the same authenticity Peter brings to everything he does.

People often tell me they don't like their own voices. Well, what about you? Do you like your voice? Do you, or more importantly, do others find it compelling? Does it enhance your presentations or distract from them? In this episode, John Henny provides techniques that help you strengthen your communication skills and gain more confidence in your speaking voice. As a result, you eliminate strain and bring out your best-sounding compelling voice.   John has decades of experience helping thousands of voice users around the world become more effective communicators. He is a featured lecturer at top voice conferences and institutions, including IVTOM, Osborne Head and Neck Institute, VIP Worldwide Voice Conference, The Paul McCartney Liverpool Institute, and USC.   The author of three Amazon bestselling books and host of the popular podcast The Intelligent Vocalist, John coaches professional voice users at corporate businesses, the U.S. military, sports announcers, and voice-over artists.   Resources - JohnHenny.com - CompellingSpeaker.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://bit.ly/440Ut0J

You hear and read them all the time, things like build a personal brand, identify your niche, and craft your signature talk. But how do you go about doing these? In this episode, Kelly Charles-Collins gives you the answers so you can position yourself as the go-to expert in your field. As a result, you have a greater opportunity to secure corporate training contracts and paid speaking engagements.    As a Keynote & Award-Winning TEDx Speaker, Retired Trial Attorney and Law Firm Partner, Speaker, Mentor, and Author, Kelly is a sought-after authority in courageous conversations, unconscious bias, and women's empowerment.    A transformative speaker, Kelly's media features include ABC, NBC, CBS, Time.com, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, Women's Wear Daily, and more. She's the author of Conversations Change Things.   Resources - KellyCharlesCollins.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://bit.ly/440Ut0J

Understanding and honoring the powerful psychology of the speaker-audience relationship helps you improve your communication skills and professional and personal interactions. But how do you do this? Well, in this episode, Steve Multer gives you the keys to adding value, passion, and connection in any outbound marketing message. Remember … a number without a story that gives that number meaning is easily ignored and quickly forgotten. Yet, when you learn to tell a better story, you'll instantly serve your listeners and yourself more successfully, strategically, and organically.    Steve is a veteran corporate storyteller, speaker coach, team trainer, and market messaging strategist for some of the world's leading brands including Cisco, Splunk, Fujifilm, HP, Siemens, NTT Data, Bayer, Xerox, and Panasonic. He has guided more than 2,500 professionals to deliver value, passion, and connection in on-stage and on-camera presentations. His new book, Nothing Gets Sold Until the Story Gets Told: Corporate Storytelling for Career Success and Value-Driven Marketing, was released in January.

Are you a professional speaker? Or, perhaps, you're ready to move into the world of speaking at the professional level. If you're in either situation, then you probably realize the value of promoting yourself as a professional. Yet, if you want to grow your speaking business, you need to know how to promote yourself effectively and consistently. You're in luck! In this episode, you hear Steve Lowell share his insights on how to effectively drive business through speaking without resorting to manipulative selling tactics. You also get to explore the concepts of creating a signature talk that defines you to your audiences and the importance of being known for something specific.   Takeaways - The effectiveness of non-manipulative speaking - Apprehension towards high-pressure sales tactics from speakers - Building trust with the audience - Importance of focusing on solving the audience's problem - The value of a Signature Talk - Being known for something - Importance of being recognized and branding oneself - The desired outcomes of a keynote - Developing a process to challenge commonly taught ideas - Becoming a category of one - Challenging one's own creations - Providing unique experiences for the audience - The task of promoting oneself as a speaker - Going deeper to promote as a problem solver - Asking questions to generate new perspectives for oneself   Resources - SteveLowell.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://bit.ly/440Ut0J

If you're having difficulty differentiating yourself from other speakers and meeting planners can't distinguish you, then you definitely want to listen to this episode featuring Scott McKain. He discusses the importance of standing out and becoming distinctive in your field and shares valuable insights on accomplishing this.   Scott has achieved the Certified Public Speaker designation from the National Speakers Association and has been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. He is the best-selling author of Iconic, the soon-to-be-released The Ultimate Customer Experience, and other popular business books.   Takeaways - The importance of distinction in speaking - Finding unique ways to communicate effectively - Making speeches personal and valuable to the audience - The shift from lectures to personal talks and conversations with the audience - The importance of repeat and referral business for successful speaking engagements - The value of connecting with the audience - The importance of personal stories in speaking - The benefits of practicing and coaching - The power of storytelling - The advantage of having a signature story - Having a differentiating factor that sets you apart - Being remembered beyond a good speech   Resources - ScottMcKain.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Is PR part of your promotional mix? Or do you believe it's a tool used only by larger companies with larger bank accounts? Then listen in as Brandi Sims shares with you how PR can be part of your mix and how it will benefit you no matter the size of your company.   Takeaways - The Difference between Marketing, PR and Advertising - PR is not just for big brands - The Importance of PR in Small Businesses - PR Agency: An Extension of Your Team - Understanding Different PR Roles for Your Business - Managing Crisis: The Importance of Expert Help   Resources - BrandincPR.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

When you speak, do you quickly engage and connect with the audience? Do the audience members remember you, and more importantly, do they remember your message and how it benefits them? In this episode, my guest, Chandler Walker, helps you ensure all of this happens every time you speak in public.   Chandler has spoken on stages, both big and small, in several countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and more. With over ten years of experience in the business and speaking world, Chandler has a passion for sharing the knowledge he's gained and has learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and the pursuit of mastery.    Takeaways - Using popular culture references and humor in a talk can keep the audience engaged and interested. - Engaging the audience and having fun can help them remember you and follow you on social media. - Tips on how to speak with authority and poise by becoming a challenge leader, mastering paradoxical thought patterns, and using emotional storytelling. - Changing paradigms and shifting the way people think about internal issues can help facilitate change. - Good speakers connect with the audience at a deep level by listening and speaking from the heart. - Challenging the audience is important to keep their attention and make them remember you - Having a clear point and presenting familiar topics in a new way can keep listeners engaged and interested.   Resources - instagram.com/chandler_SAF/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are you an empowered public speaker, or do you shy away from the challenges that speaking presents even though you know they are necessary for growth? Then listen in as my guest, Victoria Rader, helps you focus on your message instead of yourself and explains how using "what if?" scenarios enables you to shift your attention to the possibility of success.   Victoria is a transformational speaker and founder of YU2SHINE. She empowers coaches, entrepreneurs, and people who seek personal development to grow in all areas of their lives through the proven formula of success. As a result, they have more peace, purpose, and prosperity.   Takeaways - How to know if you are meant to be a public speaker - The difference between scared and sacred - A way to overcome your fear of public speaking - The main qualities of being a good public speaker - Where you should start to prepare to be a public speaker - A solidnumber one go to technique?   Resources - YU2SHINE.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Are you still trying to get over your nervousness or maybe even dealing with limited beliefs? Well, maybe it's time to try Emotional Freedom Techniques, commonly known as EFT or Tapping. Listen in as my guest Lauren Fonvielle explains how tapping can help you reduce your anxiety, overcome limiting beliefs, and help you accomplish what you're striving to do.    Lauren is an integrative energy practitioner specializing in EFT tapping to help entrepreneurs reduce stress and increase profits. She guides her clients on a journey of self-healing to break through obstacles, whether they're physical, mental, or emotional, that keep them stuck in life and in business.   Takeaways - How EFT reduces the amount of stress hormone — cortisol — and helps clear the energy meridians that move through the body - How tapping  helps acknowledge emotions for a different perspective and outcome - The importance of acknowledging and feeling emotions rather than avoiding them to move forward in a positive way - How EFT tapping addresses physical sensations and memories associated with past experiences to release emotions and change thinking patterns - What sessions with a therapist look like - Where tapping can be employed   Resources - MindShiftWithLauren.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Have you ever thought about working with a speech pathologist? Well, neither have I ... at least not since I worked with one in elementary school. But maybe it's time to consider the idea. Listen in, and hear speech pathologist Lenora Edwards explain how working with a speech language pathologist can help improve communication and presenting skills -- whether you're speaking to one person across a desk, 12 people in a convergence room, or 1,000 people in an auditorium. Takeaways - Why effective communication is crucial  - How speech therapy can benefit your communication and presentation skills in various scenarios - Discover the components of speech therapy that you can improve - How to reduce discomfort and improve confidence in speaking - The importance of vocal hygiene - Ways to care for vocal hygiene - The importance of taking care of your vocal cords - If you should be concerned with dialect and accent modification - How to practice in formal and informal settings   Resources - BetterSpeech.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

As it is in just about any industry, speakers look for ways to set themselves apart from the pack. This results in more gigs and an easier and shorter selling process. What would it mean to you if you could accomplish both of these at the same time? What would it mean for your revenue? How about your confidence? Well, Arel Moodie is here to show specific strategies on how to book more speaking engagements by leveraging data in a way most speakers aren't. And get this ... it's easy!   Takeaways - Use data to separate yourself from other speakers. - Consistently book more gigs. - What apple pie can teach you about marketing. - What event planners know that doesn't help you. - How feedback ups your speaking game. - When to get the feedback. - How to tee it up. - Get those who hire speakers to identify themselves. - Get a special offer on Talkadot!   Resources - Talkadot.com - https://app.talkadot.com/referrer?via=petergeorge - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you network? Better yet … do you network with intention so you can accelerate your business growth? If you're not intentionally networking, or even if you already are, listen in as Jocelyn Chong explains how you can be a more deliberate networker and achieve success sooner. Jocelyn is an internationally-recognized networking specialist, four-time #1 international bestselling author, high-performance sales speaker, and coach. She has over 20 years of experience leading multiple eight-figure businesses and building high-performance sales teams in the banking and finance sector. Having been featured in many media outlets, she is regarded as a thought leader in the banking industry.   Takeaways - Common myth about networking - What intentional networking really means - The biggest challenge about networking right now, and how do you overcome it - Advice for attending a networking event - Have to build the proper mindset - How to avoid a common networking trap   Resources - https://JocelynChong.com.au/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Sure, knowing your product or service is essential, but do you know how to develop and deliver that information in ways that your audience will remember, repeat, and respond to? If not, you're missing out, and so is your audience. In this episode, John Watkis offers several ideas on how you can accomplish this by making your speeches sound like music.   Takeaways - How a speech is like music - Why are you would want to include a chorus - Where does the chorus go? - The value of using a hook - How to make a "boring" subject interesting - Mistakes some speakers make - How do you respond to resistance - How to end your talk with power - A key to storytelling   Resources - JohnWatkis.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Do you want to be seen as a thought leader in your field? Would it help if you could continue to grow your network and social media following? Are you striving to get more speaking gigs? If you said yes to any of these, then building your personal brand may be the answer ... or at least a significant part of it. In this episode, Victoria Pelletier discusses the importance of personal branding and its impact on professional growth.   Resources - Victoria-Pelletier.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Would you like to hear some of the things speakers do well? What about some of the things that might not have gone so well, including a mistake that cost a speaker $375,000? My guest, Bret Ridgway, shares a few war stories and other tips that can help you avoid some of the mistakes that could derail your success.   Resources - BretRidgway.com - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC

Have you ever wanted to be a clown? Better yet, as a speaker, do you want to be able to use the essence of a clown so you can more deeply engage your audiences? My guest, Don Colliv er, shows you how you can better communicate through the power of authenticity, listening, and play, or what he calls the Secrets of Clown.   Takeaways - How clowns relate to public speaking - How you can engage better with their audiences - What to do when things don't go as expected - What to do to deal with nerves - Whether you should add humor to your presentations  - Discover the key to clown presence   Resources - https://www.DonColliver.com/ - The Captivating Public Speaker on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ8HRPWC