In this conversation, Dr. Nick Morgan breaks down the science behind effective communication and explores why traditional public speaking advice often falls short. From the neuroscience of trust-building to the challenges of virtual communication, Nick shares decades of insights on what it really takes to move people to action through authentic, embodied communication.

Great communication isn't about perfecting your technique or following traditional public speaking rules—it's about developing awareness of how you're being received and creating authentic connection through alignment between your words, body, and intent. As Nick emphasizes, the most powerful communicators are those who've learned to focus outward on their audience's experience rather than inward on their own performance.

This episode is perfect for business leaders, executives, and anyone looking to improve their communication impact and lead more effectively through authentic presence.

Nick is the author of multiple acclaimed books including Working the Room (Harvard, 2003), Trust Me (2009), Power Cues (2014), and Can You Hear Me? (2018) on virtual communication. His forthcoming book, The Embodied Voice, is planned for 2025. After earning his PhD in literature and rhetoric, Nick taught at UVA, Lehigh, and Princeton before founding his communications consulting firm, Public Words, in 1997.

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Join us at The Q1 Planning Workshop!

Most business owners hit January with good intentions and a loose idea of what they want to accomplish. By March, they're back in reactive mode, wondering where the quarter went.

Here's the thing: Q1 sets the tone for your entire year. If you don't have a clear plan going in, you're leaving your business growth to chance.

That's why Bradley is hosting a live Q1 Planning Workshop on December 9th at 10 AM CST.

This isn't another feel-good goal-setting session. We're going to roll up our sleeves and do the real work:

Financial Analysis & Planning – Review where you actually stand (not where you think you stand) and set revenue targets that make sense for your business.

90-Day Plan Design – Build a focused quarterly plan that moves the needle, not just keeps you busy.

The Clarity Organizer – Use this framework to translate your vision into actionable steps your team can actually execute.

You'll walk away with a concrete plan for Q1 that creates momentum for the rest of 2025.

When: Monday, December 9th at 10 AM CST

Investment: $25

Who It's For: Business owners doing $300K-$3M in annual revenue who are serious about growth

Click here to register: https://blueprintos.thrivecart.com/the-q1-planning-workshop/

Thanks to our sponsors...

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Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

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