#217: Richard Mulholland on Mastering the Art of Audience Connection & The Future of Speaking Industry with AI

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Jul 11, 2024

Experienced public speaker Richard Mulholland discusses the evolution of public speaking, the impact of AI on communication, and the theatrics in keynote speaking. They explore timeless speaking principles, the Shapiro Matrix, and the importance of authenticity in presentations. Examples include Jamie Oliver's sugar demonstration and Bill Gates' mosquito release.

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ADVICE

Structured Podwalking

Leaders should embrace "podwalking" but add structure to the debrief.
Prepare slides, trigger discussion, and present key takeaways to your team.

INSIGHT

Podwalking's Impact on Teams

Podwalking's value lies in building learning rituals and shared mental models within teams.
This fosters cohesiveness and improves overall team performance.

ADVICE

Effective Podwalking Questions

Structure podwalking discussions with specific questions like "What hooked you?" and "What lost you?".
A formal note-taking system ensures engagement and thoughtful discussion.

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Key Topics and Timestamps:

Introduction and "Podwalking" Concept (00:00 - 23:00)
- Discussion of "podwalking" as a new trend for hybrid teams
- Benefits of structured learning and discussion in organizations
- Importance of leadership in facilitating learning experiences
The Evolution of Public Speaking (23:00 - 30:00)
- Richard's 21 years of speaking experience
- The timeless principles of effective communication
- How audience expectations have changed over time
The Shapiro Matrix and Four Novelties (30:00 - 39:00)
- Introduction to Julian Shapiro's concept of novelties in writing/speaking
- Detailed explanation of the four novelties: a) Counterintuitive b) Counter-narrative c) Elegant articulation d) Shock and awe
- Examples and personal experiences with each novelty type
The Impact of AI and Technology on Public Speaking (39:00 - end)
- The increasing value of authentic, in-person communication
- How AI and shortened attention spans have elevated the importance of public speaking
- The unique combination of authority and extended attention in live presentations
Theatrics in Keynote Speaking
- Discussion of novel presentation techniques (e.g., 3D projections)
- Examples of impactful presentations (Jamie Oliver's sugar demonstration, Bill Gates' mosquito release)
Importance of Fundamental Speaking Principles
- Logos, Pathos, Ethos
- Rhetorical devices like antimetabole and tricolon
Skill vs. System Curve in Speaking
- High skill, low system speakers can be entertaining but may not drive change
- Example: Ken Robinson's popular TED Talk criticized for lack of substance
Rich Mulholland's Approach to Talks
- Core talk: "Relentless Relevance" with variations for different audiences
- Balancing information and entertainment
Key Topics for Corporate Speaking Engagements
- Sales, leadership, culture, and future
Importance of Future-Oriented Content in Speaking
Specialization vs. Generalization in Speaking Careers
- Need for niche expertise, especially in markets like the US
Strategies for Speaking on Unfamiliar Topics
- Using metaphors and "distance management"
- Creating relatable examples and frameworks
Authenticity and Audience Connection
- Importance of understanding audience limitations
- Avoiding pretending to be an insider when you're not
The Impact of AI on Public Speaking
- Growing importance of storytelling and authenticity
- Challenges of engaging audiences in a world of hyperintelligence
The Universal "Bullshit Detector" in Audiences
- Importance of being genuine and playing to your strengths as a speaker

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