“Is this ANNything?” Ann Handley Returns to Work Out New Drafts
How Stories Happen with Jay Acunzo
Intro
This chapter introduces a virtual boot camp aimed at enhancing storytelling and presentation skills. The host collaborates with a seasoned marketing expert to explore their experiences and refine raw ideas into engaging narratives.
This week, I’m joined by my favorite recurring guest and the star of our “Is this ANNything” mini-series, the brilliant Ann Handley.
Throughout this mini-series (usually called “Is This Anything?”), close friends and collaborators join me to work out new ideas and unproven drafts to see if it is, in fact, anything.
Today, Ann and I start by discussing the first time we were paid to speak, then we touch on my white whale of public speaking, the big no-nos when opening speeches, and how we have evolved our on-stage voices over the years. Then, we crack open Ann’s notebook to hear musings on her favorite pencils, Blackwings, before I reciprocate with a draft of my own: a story about a hilarious business bro who didn’t realize he was the joke.
It’s a refreshing look at two prolific writers and speakers (and one bestselling author!) in the middle of their process.
Learn more about Ann at her website and subscribe to her newsletter
Follow Ann on LinkedIn and Instagram
Buy Ann’s book, Everybody Writes
***
REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:
Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.
For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks.
Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING:
Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com
Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
***
CONNECT:
Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky
This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins
Cover art designed by Blake Ink
***
ABOUT ME:
I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.
With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.
After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.
I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.
***
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
The AI-powered Podcast Player
