
Teach the Geek Podcast - public speaking for technical professionals
In STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)? Struggle with public speaking? Then you're in the right place! I'm Neil Thompson, engineer and speaker. This is the place to get tips to improve your public speaking, and also hear from others with STEM backgrounds who saw the benefit of public speaking in their careers and the steps they took to get better at it. Think you or someone you know would make a great guest? Email me at hello@teachthegeek.com.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2024 • 27min
EP. 316: Mechanical Engineer, Neuroscientist, and Keynote Speaker Dorsey Standish
Mechanical Engineer, Neuroscientist, and Keynote Speaker Dorsey Standish
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of Dorsey Standish, a mechanical engineer, neuroscientist, and keynote speaker. As the CEO of Mastermind Meditate, Dorsey brings mindfulness and emotional intelligence to organizations worldwide. Her unique combination of expertise sets her apart in the professional speaking world. Discover how Dorsey transitioned into becoming a professional speaker, chose her speaking topic, markets herself, and secures speaking engagements.
Discover how to become a professional speaker and gain insights into the world of public speaking from a unique perspective. If you're interested in becoming a keynote speaker, this episode is a must-watch!
To get in touch with Dorsey, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorseystandish.
TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
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Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Jul 10, 2024 • 29min
EP. 315 - Improving Technical Communication: Ruba Sarris Sawaya on Effective Presentation Skills
Improving Technical Communication: Ruba Sarris Sawaya on Effective Presentation Skills
Ruba Sarris Sawaya is a woman of many talents, with a diverse work history in government affairs, business development, and clinical affairs. What propelled her to pursue these varied fields? How did she excel in each, and what role did effective technical presentations play in her journey? In this interview, we uncover the secrets behind her success and learn valuable public speaking tips for technical professionals. Whether you're looking to improve your technical communication skills or master the art of giving better technical presentations, Ruba's insights are invaluable. Let’s dive in!
To get in touch with Ruba, her LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruba-sarris-sawaya-5639332/.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
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Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

Jul 3, 2024 • 29min
EP. 314 - Varshi Gupta: Engineering Director's Journey and Public Speaking Tips for Tech Professionals
Varshi Gupta: Engineering Director's Journey and Public Speaking Tips for Tech Professionals
Varshi Gupta is a seasoned Engineering Director, spearheading DevOps and product engineering initiatives. However, her career trajectory wasn't always straightforward. In this episode, we explore Varshi’s journey to her current role, how mastering public speaking has significantly impacted her career, and everything in between.
To get in touch with Varshi, you can find her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/varshigupta.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

Jun 26, 2024 • 31min
EP. 313 - From Engineer to Entertainer: Avish Parashar's Journey to Speaking Success
From Engineer to Entertainer: Avish Parashar's Journey to Speaking Success
Welcome to Teach the Geek Interviews! In this episode, we delve into the world of professional speaking with Avish Parashar, a computer engineer turned speaker renowned for his unique approach of integrating improvisational comedy techniques into business and personal development. If you've ever pondered the path to becoming a successful speaker, you're in the right place. Avish addresses burning questions such as securing speaking engagements, pricing strategies, and transitioning to a full-time speaking career. Join us as we uncover Avish's journey and glean valuable insights for aspiring speakers.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Jun 19, 2024 • 30min
EP. 312: Tony Chatman - Insights from a Professional Speaker
Tony Chatman - Insights from a Professional Speaker
With a chemical engineering background, Tony Chatman is a professional speaker, author, and consultant, speaking on topics such as change management, teamwork, and unconscious bias. For those of who are considering becoming speakers, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you get speaking engagements? How do you figure out pricing? How do you make the jump to full time speaker? So many questions, so let’s see what Tony has to say.
To get in touch with Jamie, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonychatman/.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Jun 12, 2024 • 33min
EP. 311: Chris Hodges Shares Secrets to Speaking Success
Chris Hodges Shares Secrets to Speaking Success
With a computer science background, Chris Hodges is a professional speaker, author, and consultant, speaking on using automation to create more profitable businesses. For those of who are considering becoming speakers, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you get speaking engagements? How do you figure out pricing? How do you make the jump to full time speaker? So many questions, so let’s see what Chris has to say.
To get in touch with Jamie, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwhodges/.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Jun 5, 2024 • 31min
EP. 310: Jamie Champagne is Cracking the Speaker Code
Jamie Champagne is Cracking the Speaker Code
Jamie Champagne is a business analysis speaker and trainer. For those of who are considering becoming speakers, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you get speaking engagements? How do you figure out pricing? What do you need to have in place to be a speaker? So many questions, so let’s see what Jamie has to say.
To get in touch with Jamie, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-champagne/.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

May 29, 2024 • 30min
EP. 309: Navigating Speaker Success with Eric J. Rodriguez
Navigating Speaker Success with Eric J. Rodriguez
Welcome to Teach the Geek Interviews! In this episode, we dive into the world of professional speaking with Eric Rodriguez, the owner of Change Maker LLC. Having transitioned from the tech industry to becoming a successful speaker, Eric shares invaluable insights for aspiring speakers. From securing speaking engagements to pricing strategies and essential preparations, Eric covers it all.
To get in touch with Eric, visit his website at https://ericjrodriguez.com/.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

May 22, 2024 • 29min
EP. 308: Douglas Squirrel is the Tech Team Guru
Douglas Squirrel is the Tech Team Guru
In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Squirrel, an advisor, author, speaker, coach, and consultant who helps technical teams become more profitable. What does that mean, and how did he get into this line of work? How important is public speaking in his career? Let's find out!
Get in touch with Douglas:
🌐 Douglas Squirrel http://douglassquirrel.com
🌐 Squirrel Squadron http://squirrelsquadron.com
Connect with Teach the Geek:
🌐 Teach the Geek http://teachthegeek.com
📱 Twitter: @teachthegeek https://twitter.com/teachthegeek
📸 Instagram: @_teachthegeek_ https://instagram.com/_teachthegeek_
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.
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May 15, 2024 • 32min
EP. 307 - Between Buildings and Books: Sandy Poirier Smith's Unexpected Path
Between Buildings and Books: Sandy Poirier Smith's Unexpected Path
In this episode, Neil Thompson sits down with Sandy Poirier Smith, the CEO of Smith Publicity, a company dedicated to helping authors with book marketing and promotion. Despite her background in architecture, Sandy found herself in the world of book promotion. Join us as we explore her unique journey, the benefits of public speaking in her career, and much more.
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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)
Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
Follow @teachthegeek (Twitter) and @_teachthegeek_ (IG)
Get Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
#publicspeaking #technicalcommunication #presentationskills
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