Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals podcast artwork

PODCAST · education

Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals

Teach the Geek helps engineers, scientists, and technical professionals speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Each episode provides actionable tips for public speaking, technical presentations, and communicating complex ideas to non-technical audiences. Learn how to prepare slides, tell stories with data, handle Q&A sessions, and improve your professional presence. Perfect for STEM professionals, researchers, and anyone who needs to present technical content with impact.

  1. 416

    EP. 418 - Bob Hankins: Speaking Engineering to Business Leaders

    Bob Hankins: Speaking Engineering to Business LeadersBob Hankins is Director of Engineering with more than 20 years of experience in engineering leadership, product development, and medical technology. Bob has built a career translating complex technical challenges into practical business outcomes while also serving in executive leadership roles, including interim Medical CTO. In our conversation, Bob shares insights on bridging communication gaps between engineering and business teams, explaining technical trade-offs to executives, balancing speed with sound engineering decisions, and helping engineers become more influential communicators.To learn more about Bob, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rthankins/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  2. 415

    EP. 417 - Thomas Mazzaferro: Helping Technical Professionals Influence Decisions

    Thomas Mazzaferro: Helping Technical Professionals Influence DecisionsThomas Mazzaferro is a globally recognized executive who has led AI, data, and digital transformation initiatives at several companies. We discuss how communication gaps between technical and nontechnical stakeholders can shape decision-making, trust, and business outcomes. We also explore the role of storytelling, leadership, and presentation skills in helping technical professionals communicate ideas clearly and drive meaningful impact across organizations.To learn more about Thomas, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmazzaferro/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  3. 414

    EP. 416 - Venkat Sivaramakrishnan: From Battery Research to Leadership

    Venkat Sivaramakrishnan: From Battery Research to LeadershipVenkat Sivaramakrishnan is an accomplished R&D leader who brings together deep technical expertise and strong people skills, currently working at the intersection of research, innovation, and business development in the battery technology space. He has also led global virtual teams and built international academic collaborations across India, China, and the UK. In this episode, we explore how communication shapes innovation between technical and nontechnical teams, the role of storytelling and trust in leadership, and why strong communication skills are becoming just as critical as technical expertise in powering the future of renewable energy, electric mobility, and IoT devices.To learn more about Venkat, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkatraman-sivaramakrishnan-aa91057/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  4. 413

    EP. 415 - Kishore Ravilla: How CTOs Influence Business Decisions

    Kishore Ravilla: How CTOs Influence Business DecisionsKishore Ravilla is a CTO with 25 years of leadership across healthcare, insurance, and financial services. In this episode, we explore how technology leaders can better communicate with business stakeholders, why storytelling matters in digital transformation, and how strong execution and operational excellence create lasting business value. To learn more about Kishore, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kishoreravilla/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  5. 412

    EP. 414 - Justin Windle: Bridging Data and Business Communication

    Justin Windle: Bridging Data and Business CommunicationJustin Windle has more than 20 years of leadership experience across major financial institutions. In this episode, we explore why communication often breaks down between technical teams and business stakeholders, how storytelling shapes data-driven decision making, and what leaders get wrong about analytics, AI, and governance. We also discuss the communication skills data professionals need to influence strategy, build trust, and connect complex work directly to business value.To learn more about Justin, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-windle-b932733b/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  6. 411

    EP. 413 - Jill Luber: Translating Tech for Everyone

    Jill Luber: Translating Tech for EveryoneJill Luber is a longtime technology and data leader. Her career has included building the data backbone behind analytics products, leading major technology integrations, and overseeing engineering teams responsible for core linking and scoring systems. With deep expertise in data, engineering, security, and analytics, Jill is known not only for her technical leadership but also for her collaborative approach and strong customer focus. In this episode, we explore how technical professionals can communicate more effectively with mixed audiences, why storytelling matters in technical presentations, and what organizations can do to make communication a true priority across technical teams.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  7. 410

    EP. 412 - Renaud Adams: Mining Leadership through Communication

    Renaud Adams: Mining Leadership through CommunicationRenaud Adams is a mining industry leader with more than 30 years of global operational and executive experience across the Americas. Throughout his career, Renaud has led major organizations, helping guide strategic growth, operational performance, and major company transformations. In this episode, we discuss the communication challenges between technical and nontechnical stakeholders, how engineers and technical professionals can present more effectively to mixed audiences, and why storytelling and communication skills are critical for leadership success in highly technical industries.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  8. 409

    EP. 411 - Angelo Mazzocco: Speaking Beyond the Technical Audience

    Angelo Mazzocco: Speaking Beyond the Technical AudienceAngelo Mazzocco, President of Mazzocco Consulting LLC, has built a career that includes leading technology organizations as a CIO, president, and advisor across several companies. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member and has earned numerous awards for innovation, leadership, and service. In this episode, Angelo shares how communication breaks down between technical and nontechnical stakeholders and what leaders can do to bridge that gap.To learn more about Angelo, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelomazzocco/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  9. 408

    EP. 410 - Naomi Lenane: Fixing the Tech-Business Disconnect

    Naomi Lenane: Fixing the Tech-Business DisconnectToday’s guest, Naomi Lenane, is a results-driven CIO known for aligning technology with business needs. We’ll discuss why communication between technical teams and non‑technical leaders so often falters, and what those gaps cost an organization. We’ll also dive into how misconceptions about engineering and IT shape decisions at the highest levels, and what leaders can do to build teams that communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. To learn more about Naomi, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-rapoza-lenane-0477302/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  10. 407

    EP. 409: I have no beef with Toastmasters, but...

    In this solo episode, I talk about my experience with Toastmasters and how it shaped how I view public speaking. For technical professionals who speak to decision makers, this episode was made with you in mind. __TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comFollow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  11. 406

    EP. 408 - Raffi Krikorian: Translating Tech for Better Business Outcomes

    Raffi Krikorian: Translating Tech for Better Business OutcomesCTO Raffi Krikorian is a technology leader who has worked at the highest levels and, among other things, helped to launch the first self-driving fleet in the United States. In this conversation, we explore why communication breaks down between technical and nontechnical teams, the misconceptions that shape business decisions, and the real impact poor communication can have on outcomes. To learn more about Raffi, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkrikorian/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  12. 405

    EP. 407 - Uma Subramanian: Bridging the Technical Talent Communication Gap

    Uma Subramanian: Bridging the Technical Talent Communication GapUma Subramanian is founder of The Limitless Leaders, where she’s redefining how leadership is developed for the modern world of work. From scaling a global developer community to 37,000 members in just five months and leading developer success, she’s seen firsthand how technical talent can thrive or stall based on how well they communicate their value. In this episode, we explore why even top technical professionals struggle to connect with nontechnical audiences and how mastering communication, visibility, and influence can transform careers.To learn more about Uma, visit http://linkedin.com/in/uma-subramanian-limitless .__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  13. 404

    EP. 406 - Antonio Taylor: Turning Tech Talk into Business Value

    Antonio Taylor: Turning Tech Talk into Business Value Most organizations don’t have a technology problem; they have an ownership problem. Today’s guest, Antonio Taylor, has spent more than 26 years in IT and executive leadership helping companies confront exactly that. He’s worked with organizations navigating growth, risk, and transformation, bringing executive-level clarity to technology decisions without adding unnecessary complexity or headcount. In this episode, we explore how technical professionals can communicate more effectively with nontechnical stakeholders to drive clearer decisions, stronger alignment, and better business outcomes.To learn more about Antonio, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniodtaylor/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  14. 403

    EP. 405 - Jason Johnson: from Warehouse Floor to CIO Impact

    Jason Johnson: from Warehouse Floor to CIO ImpactCIO Jason Johnson leads a 210-person IT organization focused on making technology serve the business, not the other way around. From packing boxes on the warehouse floor to building data-driven systems that directly impact revenue, efficiency, and customer loyalty, he brings a rare ground-level perspective to executive decision-making. With a background in the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense, and a relentless focus on uptime, outcomes, and clarity, he joined us to break down how technical leaders can better communicate with the business and drive real impact.To learn more about Jason, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonpauljohnson/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  15. 402

    EP. 404 - Samya DasSarma: Bridging Tech and Business Communication

    Samya DasSarma: Bridging Tech and Business CommunicationCTO Samya DasSarma has more than 25 years of experience in software development and leadership. He has spent much of his career operating at the intersection of deep technical work and executive decision making. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical experts and business leaders, how those gaps affect strategic decisions, and what technical professionals can do to make their ideas clearly understood and influential.To learn more about Samya, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/samya/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  16. 401

    EP. 403 - Dan Lipp: Speaking Tech so Executives Understand

    Dan Lipp: Speaking Tech so Executives UnderstandDan Lipp’s career began with a physics degree and grew into more than 25 years leading software teams, delivering products, and guiding Agile transformations across startups and established companies. Today, he focuses less on coding and more on helping individuals and teams improve their satisfaction and productivity through leadership, mentoring, and continuous growth. In this episode, we discuss the communication gap between technical professionals and non technical audiences and how clearer communication can lead to better executive decisions.To learn more about Dan, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-daniel-lipp/__ TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  17. 400

    EP. 402 - Sam Juarez: Communicating Tech Risk to Executives

    Sam Juarez: Communicating Tech Risk to ExecutivesHead of IT Sam Juarez has risen from the help desk to the boardroom, leading technology strategy for more than 3,600 employees. He has more than 15 years of experience scaling operations, driving digital transformation, and delivering measurable cost savings. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical professionals and business leaders, the risks of getting it wrong, and the practical steps organizations can take to ensure technology conversations lead to smarter executive decisions.To learn more about Sam, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/juaresam/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  18. 399

    EP. 401 - Ken Little: Bridging Engineering and Business

    Ken Little: Bridging Engineering and BusinessToday, we’re tackling one of the most expensive and underestimated problems in modern organizations: the communication gap between technical professionals and nontechnical leaders. I’m joined by Ken Little, SVP of Engineering, to explore where engineers most often struggle with nontechnical audiences, how to make complex ideas understandable to business-minded leaders so they can make better decisions, and what happens when that translation breaks down. We also dig into how organizations can build stronger communication muscles, and how engineers can move from explaining problems to making recommendations.To learn more about Ken, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethllittle/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  19. 398

    EP. 400: Kader Sakkaria on Translating Technical Complexity into Executive Decisions

    Kader Sakkaria on Translating Technical Complexity into Executive DecisionsKader Sakkaria is a senior technology and data executive who has led enterprise-scale transformation across financial services and complex global organizations. The work sits at the intersection of data, AI, and executive decision-making, helping organizations turn fragmented efforts into durable business value. In this episode, we focus on how technical leaders communicate with nontechnical audiences, how that skill evolves with seniority, and how to translate complexity into clear business decisions.To learn more about Kader, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksakkaria/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer audio? Visit http://podcast.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  20. 397

    EP. 399 - Mike Grabarek: Learning, Leadership, and the Language of Impact

    Mike Grabarek: Learning, Leadership, and the Language of ImpactMike Grabarek helps people and organizations thrive through better learning, coaching, and change leadership. From streamlining performance management to crafting top-rated eLearning and coaching programs, he has led L&D efforts that stick. We talk about how technical professionals can communicate more effectively with nontechnical audiences, and what organizations can do to build those skills.To learn more about Mike, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-grabarek/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  21. 396

    EP. 398 - Patrick Dunn: Bridging Technical and Non-Technical Audiences

    Patrick Dunn: Bridging Technical and Non-Technical AudiencesPatrick Dunn is no stranger to bridging the gap between technical and nontechnical teams. We explore how he translates requirements, resolves misunderstandings, and helps both sides achieve true alignment on complex projects. Patrick also shares his tips for improving communication, managing nerves, and speaking effectively in high-stakes situations.To learn more about Patrick, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdunnintl/ __TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  22. 395

    EP. 397 - Richard Geary: Clarity over Complexity for Leaders

    Richard Geary: Clarity over Complexity for LeadersRichard Geary, an EVP of drug development, and I discuss why communication is just as important as technical skill for leaders. We break down the biggest mistakes technical professionals make when talking to nontechnical audiences and share actionable strategies for making complex work clear and compelling. Plus, we cover tips on managing nerves, improving presentations, and the first changes anyone can make to communicate with impact.To learn more about Richard, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-geary-95587b4/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  23. 394

    EP. 396 - Ramesh Songukrishnasamy: Communication Gaps that Stall Progress

    Ramesh Songukrishnasamy: Communication Gaps that Stall ProgressCTO Ramesh Songukrishnasamy and I explore how communication gaps, not technical gaps, slow down projects, derail decisions, and limit career growth for technical professionals. As a transformational leader who has driven major technology transformations, built high-performing teams, and delivered millions in new product revenue, he shares what communication behaviors signal readiness for greater responsibility and what technical professionals often misunderstand about nontechnical audiences. We also dig into what organizations can do to help their technical staff communicate more clearly and the first step individuals can take to improve their speaking skills.To learn more about Ramesh, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshrs/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  24. 393

    EP. 395 - Robert Blumofe: a CTO on Technical Influence

    Robert Blumofe: a CTO on Technical InfluenceCTO Robert Blumofe oversees areas like edge computing, zero trust, 5G, and IoT, while working closely with customers and internal leaders on digital transformation. In this conversation, we will explore how technical professionals can better communicate with nontechnical audiences, why technical excellence alone is not enough to influence outcomes, and what organizations can do to close that gap.To learn more about Robert, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-blumofe-258233/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  25. 392

    EP. 394 - Brandon Berg: Making R&D Ideas Influential

    Brandon Berg: Making R&D Ideas InfluentialBrandon Berg is an R&D Sr. VP. In this episode, we explore how technical leaders can communicate complex ideas clearly to nontechnical audiences. We’ll chat about strategies for aligning innovation with organizational goals, coaching teams to present effectively, and influencing stakeholders to support R&D priorities. You’ll also gain insights on building trust, driving adoption, and making technical work accessible and impactful.To learn more about Brandon, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-berg/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  26. 391

    EP. 393: Dr. Adam Link: Communication Builds Technical Trust

    Dr. Adam Link: Communication Builds Technical TrustIn this episode of Teach the Geek Interviews, I speak with engineering manager Dr. Adam Link about why communication becomes a leadership requirement for technical professionals. We discuss what breaks down when engineers struggle to explain their work to nontechnical stakeholders and how those breakdowns affect trust, alignment, and business outcomes. The conversation also explores what managers look for in engineers ready for more influence and practical habits that help technical ideas land with the right audience.To learn more about Dr. Link, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlink/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  27. 390

    EP. 392: Ohad Parush - When Technical Communication Becomes Leadership

    Ohad Parush - When Technical Communication Becomes LeadershipOhad Parush is a Chief R&D Officer here to talk with me about technical professionals communicating with nontechnical audiences from the perspective of a technical leader. We will discuss why communication becomes a leadership requirement, how breakdowns impact the business, and what separates technical experts from technical leaders.To learn more about Ohad, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohadparush/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  28. 389

    EP. 391: Speaking from a President's View with Cash Mahesh

    Speaking from a President's View with Cash MaheshCash Mahesh is a President with a proven track record of accelerating global business growth through strategic initiatives. With an engineering background, I wanted to discuss with Cash how, as a president, he views the effectiveness of technical employees communicating with nontechnical audiences. With his technical background, I’m sure he’ll have valuable insights. To learn more about Cash, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakashmahesh/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  29. 388

    EP. 390: Turning Technical Complexity into Clarity with Yanik Berube

    Turning Technical Complexity into Clarity with Yanik BerubeYanik Berube is a VP Engineering with a passion for leadership, technology, and the people and teams who build these technologies. I wanted to talk to Yanik about the challenges translating complexity into clear and actionable insights. We explored lessons that any technical leader can apply to improve clarity, influence, and impact across their organization.To learn more about Yanik, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanikberube/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  30. 387

    EP. 389: 3 Presentation Skills I Wish I Had Learned Earlier

    3 Presentation Skills I Wish I Had Learned EarlierIf you want to give better presentations, this video will help you avoid the mistakes I made early in my career. I share three presentation skills that would have saved me time, stress, and confusion. These tips will help you speak with clarity, keep your audience engaged, and deliver your message with confidence.Whether you are a technical professional, a new speaker, or someone who wants to level up your communication skills, this video breaks down simple strategies you can use right away.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Working with technical professionals so they can present more effectively, especially in front of non-technical audiences. Get public speaking tips at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

  31. 386

    EP. 388: Dr. Ruth Jones - Physicist and STEM Advocate

    Dr. Ruth Jones - Physicist and STEM AdvocateDr. Ruth Jones has over 25 years in the Aerospace Industry, skilled in Mishap Investigation, Optical Physics, and Engineering Management. She’s also founded It’s All About MEI, LLC, delivering speeches on topics like leadership, career development, and mindset. I’m curious to learn more about her founding It’s All About MEI, her journey to get to where she is now, and how a Physics major embraced public speaking. To learn more about Dr. Jones, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/drruthjones/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  32. 385

    EP. 387 - John Congdon: the PHP Architect

    John Congdon: the PHP ArchitectJohn Congdon is a web programmer specializing in e-commerce and database administration. He is also the CEO of PHP Architect, a force in the PHP space, publishing a monthly magazine, books, training, and hosting conferences. I’m curious to learn more about his motivation to start his own enterprise, working in the PHP space, and the ways in which speaking has benefited him. To learn more about John, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncongdon/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  33. 384

    EP. 386 - Lawrence Watkins: an engineer investing in the future

    Lawrence Watkins: an engineer investing in the futureLawrence Watkins is not your typical engineer. He has formed companies, worked in the investment sector, and is now the managing partner of Malcolm Garvey, helping organizations, business owners, and families use practical, market-driven approaches to improve the overall well-being of Black communities. I’m keen to learn more about the differences between entrepreneurship and corporate life, making the transition from one to the other, and the work he does now with Malcolm Garvey. To learn more about Lawrence, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencewatkins.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  34. 383

    EP. 385: How to Ensure Your Audience Remembers What you Said

    How to Ensure Your Audience Remembers What you SaidLast week we talked about making presentations less boring. This week, we take it a step further: how do you make sure your audience actually remembers what you said?In this episode, I share practical tips for technical professionals to:a. Craft a clear, memorable key messageb. Structure presentations so your audience can follow alongc. Use stories and examples that stickd. Check understanding before it’s too lateWhether you’re presenting to colleagues, clients, or at a conference, these strategies will help your message land — and stay.💡 For more tips on communicating complex ideas clearly, visit http://teachthegeek.com

  35. 382

    EP. 384: Why Brilliant Engineers Give Boring Presentations and How to Fix it

    Why Brilliant Engineers Give Boring Presentations and How to Fix itBrilliant engineers often struggle to give presentations that are clear, engaging, and understandable — especially for nontechnical audiences. In this episode of Teach the Geek, I explain why technical professionals stumble in front of an audience and share practical tips to fix it:✅ Avoid the curse of knowledge✅ Use slides to support, not replace you✅ Let go of perfection and connect✅ Focus on what the audience cares aboutIf you lead technical teams or want to communicate your ideas more effectively, this episode is for you.🌐 Learn more at teachthegeek.com

  36. 381

    EP. 383 - Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur: Speaker and STEM Advocate

    Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur: Speaker and STEM AdvocateElaine Schomburg-LaFleur is an engineer with over 22 years of experience in the entertainment industry, leading projects in engineering, design, and technical management for major theme parks. Outside of work, she’s also a speaker and STEM advocate, inspiring the next generation of STEM workers. I’m interested to learn more about her work in entertainment, her STEM outreach, and speaking of course.To learn more about Elaine, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaineschomburglafleur/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

  37. 380

    EP. 382 - Dianna Deeney: A Coach of Quality

    Dianna Deeney: A Coach of QualityDianna Deeney is an engineer, product development coach, and founder of Deeney Enterprises. With over 25 years in manufacturing, she’s worked her way up from the plant floor to leading product design and quality engineering teams. She’s also the author of the book “Pierce the Design Fog”, showing how leaders can bridge the communication gap with engineers. I’m curious to learn more about her founding of Deeney Enterprises, her motivation to write her book, and the ways in which becoming an effective communicator has benefited her. To learn more about Dianna, visit https://deeneyenterprises.com/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  38. 379

    EP. 381: Dr. Harold Lee III on life in corporate, founding a consultancy, and giving technical presentations

    Dr. Harold Lee III on life in corporate, founding a consultancy, and giving technical presentationsDr. Harold Lee III is the founder of the Preferred Thinking Group, a consultancy that provides services such as soft skill development, career readiness training, and project management. I’m curious to learn more about his work in corporate, his motivation to start the Preferred Thinking Group, and the ways in which becoming an effective communicator has benefited him. To learn more about Dr. Lee, visit https://thepreferredthinkinggroup.com/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  39. 378

    EP. 380: Jenn Stevens on Working with Technical Professionals on their Communication Skills

    Jenn Stevens on Working with Technical Professionals on their Communication SkillsJenn Stevens is the founder of Presence Coaching & Consulting, working with growing tech companies on the human side of technical problems. She has spent her career helping leaders discover that their biggest challenges aren't technical but are about communication, leadership, and navigating organizational complexity. I’m keen to learn how an organizational development consultant became the go-to person for leaders in tech companies when they realize they have people problems, not technology problems.To learn more about Jenn, visit https://presenceod.com/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  40. 377

    EP. 379: Jacques the Party Scientist is Bringing Joy to the World

    Jacques the Party Scientist is Bringing Joy to the WorldJacques The Party Scientist ditched his career in pharmacology to, among other things, develop the Joy Bootcamp, the first joy-based leadership retreat. We chatted about his corporate life in Medical Devices (something we have in common), his transition to self-employment, and the ways in which he uses speaking to spread his message of joy.To learn more about the Party Scientist and Jacques, visit https://thepartyscientist.com/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  41. 376

    EP. 378: Darnell Dixon on STEM Advocacy, Being a Manager, and Technical Speaking

    Darnell Dixon on STEM Advocacy, Being a Manager, and Technical SpeakingDarnell Dixon is an engineer and STEM advocate, working with local schools and organizations to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I’m keen to learn more about his journey in Engineering, his advocacy efforts, and the ways in which speaking has impacted him. To get in touch with Darnell, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdixon/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  42. 375

    EP. 377 - Engineer Kim Burton on being a Pilot, Giving Presentations, and Managing Others

    Engineer Kim Burton on being a Pilot, Giving Presentations, and Managing OthersKim Burton is a director of project engineering. She’s a pilot, too. I’m curious to learn more about where her interest in Engineering came from, her work in industry, and how speaking has benefited her work life. To get in touch with Kim, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-burton-2898b9a/. You can also find her on IG and X @kimengineers.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  43. 374

    EP 376: Melanie Myles - Engineer Turned Coach: Master Career Growth & Public Speaking in STEM

    Melanie Myles - Engineer Turned Coach: Master Career Growth & Public Speaking in STEMMelanie Myles is founder of Arctic Butterfly Coaching and Consulting. She helps women in STEM take control of their careers via the GRACE framework. I’m keen to learn how an engineer got into coaching, her life industry, and the ways in which speaking has worked for her so far. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Melanie leveraged her mechanical engineering background to start a coaching businessThe difference between bragging vs. self-advocating in STEM careersCommon career challenges faced by technical professionals and solutionsPublic speaking strategies for engineers, scientists, and other STEM professionalsTips to build confidence, communicate effectively, and grow your careerTo get in touch with Melanie, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniemyles/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  44. 373

    EP. 375 - Dr. Barbara Oakley: From Military to Engineering, Learning, Altruism & Public Speaking Insights

    Dr. Barbara Oakley: From Military to Engineering, Learning, Altruism & Public Speaking InsightsToday my guest is Dr. Barbara Oakley, a distinguished professor of Engineering. She didn’t start there, though. She spent time in the military before embarking on a career in industry, which ultimately led her to academia. I’m curious to learn more about learning Russian, going back to school to study Engineering, the "pathologies of altruism", and the ways in which speaking has benefited her. To get in touch with Dr. Oakley, visit https://barbaraoakley.com/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  45. 372

    EP. 374 - Caroline Dunn: From Engineer to YouTuber

    Caroline Dunn: From Engineer to YouTuberCaroline Dunn is a YouTube creator and author. In her corporate life, she started in engineering and transitioned to marketing before pursuing her current endeavors. I’m curious to find out more about her previous work life, the change to creator, and the ways that her past has prepared her for what she does now. To get in touch with Caroline, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedunn/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.comPrefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  46. 371

    EP. 373 - The Communication Gap Brilliant Minds Need to be Aware Of

    The Communication Gap Brilliant Minds Need to be Aware OfI attended the SPI Optics + Photonics conference and notice some things that perhaps don't affect a technical audience, but will affect a non-technical one. I laid out 3 challenges that technical presenters must overcome to effectively communicate with a non-technical audience. Do you agree with the challenges? Let me know in the comments!__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  47. 370

    EP. 372 - Dr. Stella Lee: Paradoxical Learning

    Dr. Stella Lee: Paradoxical LearningDr. Stella Lee is founder of Paradox Learning, a consultancy that partners with clients to develop initiatives in digital learning transformation, AI integration, and workforce capability development. I’m curious to learn more about how she came to founding her consultancy, the work she did along the way to get her there, and how she works with clients. I’m sure public speaking will come up, too. To get in touch with Stella, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellal/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  48. 369

    EP. 371: Frank DiBartolomeo - From Military to Speaking

    Frank DiBartolomeo - From Military to SpeakingFrank DiBartolomeo is the founder of DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI) and host of the Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals podcast. After years in the armed forces and working in engineering roles, he started his firm to help technical professionals with their public speaking skills. I’m curious to learn more about his evolution from officer to engineer to found and podcast host. To get in touch with Frank, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdibartolomeo.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  49. 368

    EP. 370 - Cartis Best: Non-Impulsive Leadership

    Cartis Best: Non-Impulsive LeadershipCartis Best is the director of Impulse Leadership LLC, working with clients to develop strategies to lead, especially in uncertain times. I’m curious to find out more about his journey, namely how his Engineering background benefited him in what he does now, how his clients work with him, and how speaking figures into it all.To get in touch with Cartis, visit http://cartisbest.com__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

  50. 367

    EP. 369 - The Teach the Geek Story

    In this solo episode, I talk about the genesis of Teach the Geek, starting from my days working as an engineer to where Teach the Geek is today, working with organizations to help their technical staff communicate more effectively with non-technical audiences. __TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Working with technical professionals so they can present more effectively, especially in front of non-technical audiences. Get public speaking tips at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Teach the Geek helps engineers, scientists, and technical professionals speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Each episode provides actionable tips for public speaking, technical presentations, and communicating complex ideas to non-technical audiences. Learn how to prepare slides, tell stories with data, handle Q&A sessions, and improve your professional presence. Perfect for STEM professionals, researchers, and anyone who needs to present technical content with impact.

HOSTED BY

Neil Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals have?

Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals about?

Teach the Geek helps engineers, scientists, and technical professionals speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Each episode provides actionable tips for public speaking, technical presentations, and communicating complex ideas to non-technical audiences. Learn how to prepare slides, tell...

How often does Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals release new episodes?

Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals?

You can listen to Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals?

Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals is created and hosted by Neil Thompson.
URL copied to clipboard!