In this episode, we go inside the delivery and construction of a popular TED Talk! Elise Hu gets real with us about the preparation and challenges that go into taking complex ideas and molding them to fit a tightly delivered speech.

Elise is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and ‌author based in Los Angeles. She’s the host of TED Talks Daily, Accenture’s Built for Change, and a co-host of Forever 35. And if that’s not enough, she also co-founded the LA-based podcast production company, Reasonable Volume to work with brands and companies tell their stories better. She spent time at Vice News and NPR, serving as their first-ever Seoul bureu chief. She released her first book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital in 2023.

Elise and I discuss:

How to react when the audience response isn’t what you expected
What goes into crafting an exceptional talk, tightly told
Our shared love for Anthony Bourdain (I know, shocker)
The “peak/end rule” in storytelling and journalism
And the power of a callback.

We also unpack why observation is the key to being a great storyteller, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for any truly compelling speech.

I imagine you (like me) will be endlessly enthralled by Elise’s curiosity, wisdom, and charm. Happy listening!

Connect with Elise on her website and L inkedin

Grab a copy of her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital

Listen to Elise on your favorite podcasts

And watch her TED Talk here

***

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

Leave a rating on Spotify

Halftime Report Live from Schwab Impact in Denver 11/5/25

Halftime Report

Market Reaction to Recent Volatility

The AI-powered Podcast Player