In this enlightening conversation, Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach for presidential candidates and author of Don't Say Um, dives into the intricacies of effective speaking. He emphasizes that public speaking requires physical engagement, offering playful drills like using Legos and even talking with a wine cork in your mouth. Michael shares strategies to eliminate filler words, enhance vocal variety, and improve gestures, while also highlighting the importance of self-compassion in overcoming vocal tics and managing nerves.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Delivery-Content Cycle
Focus on delivery to improve speaking, thinking, and presence.
Better delivery unlocks a virtuous cycle, improving content and thinking.
insights INSIGHT
Focus Outward
Effective communication comes from focusing on the other person, not on oneself.
External tools like eye contact are outputs of genuine connection.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid Thought Suppression
Avoid thought suppression; "don'ts" make you fixate on the negative.
Replace vague instructions like "slow down" with physical actions.
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In 'Don't Say Um,' Michael Chad Hoeppner offers a unique approach to communication training. The book includes simple-to-master physical exercises designed to improve speaking skills quickly. Hoeppner challenges traditional notions of good speaking techniques and provides powerful tools to become a master communicator. The book is praised for its practical advice and has been endorsed by various professionals, including a presidential candidate and a CEO, for its effectiveness in improving public speaking and confidence.
Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding toast, or even on a first date. Did you struggle with using too many filler words, such as "um" and "like," talk too fast, or awkwardly ramble?
Most of us try to fix these saboteurs of speech by giving ourselves mental mantras: "Slow down"; "Think about what you want to say."
But my guest would say that becoming a more engaging and effective speaker comes down to realizing that it's a very physical act that requires getting out of your head and into your body.
Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach who has worked with everyone from presidential candidates to business executives, is the author of Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. Today on the show, Michael explains why you need to treat speaking as a sport and shares embodied drills and exercises — from playing with Legos to talking with a wine cork in your mouth to throwing a ball against a wall — that will fix common delivery problems, including eliminating ums, enhancing vocal variety, and managing your gestures.
The Art of Manliness 
