The Speaker Lab Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Marcy Grossman, a former criminal psychologist and Canadian ambassador turned professional speaker, shares her transformative journey. She discusses overcoming the 'dark valley of despair' and how vital it is to differentiate nerves from anxiety when stepping on stage. Marcy reveals how she built her speaking brand, faced setbacks, and the importance of finding support systems like The Speaker Lab. Her insights into evolving into consulting and overcoming self-doubt will resonate with aspiring speakers.

In this engaging conversation, youth speaker and entrepreneur Josh Shipp shares his insights into building a seven-figure speaking business. He emphasizes the importance of perfecting your speech and diversifying income through merchandise, books, courses, and licensing. Distinctiveness within a niche is vital, and he provides a clear six-step roadmap to success. Josh also discusses setting income benchmarks and the strategic value of targeting specific audiences to refine your message. Tune in for actionable tips and a deep dive into scalable speaking strategies!

In this insightful conversation, Melanie Deziel, an author and content strategist, shares her expertise on building impactful frameworks for speakers. She emphasizes the importance of structured ideas in creating memorable presentations and how they evolve into intellectual property. Melanie introduces the IRON method—Information, Relationship, Operation, Name—guiding listeners through crafting effective models. She shares common pitfalls like overloading frameworks and the value of nuanced naming, ensuring your framework genuinely reflects your expertise.

In this engaging conversation, Harris III, an award-winning illusionist and entrepreneur, discusses his journey from being a child magician to a transformative speaker. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing meaning over money and critiques superficial entertainment. Harris reveals the challenges of shifting his identity while maintaining authenticity and how storytelling can significantly impact corporate culture. His insights on building a personal brand and the importance of long-term relationships in event settings provide valuable lessons on balancing personal fulfillment with professional growth.

"All those little intangibles that are so nuanced, the great storytellers can put themselves physically and emotionally back in the story and bring you with them, and then somehow bring it back to you.” If you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t interesting enough for the stage, Katie Quesada is here to change your mind. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Katie and Grant Baldwin unpack what really makes stories memorable. Instead of rehashing a list of personal events, Katie encourages speakers to choose moments that spark connection. For example, she doesn’t just share about living in an RV; she asks audiences, “Have you ever craved simplicity?” Suddenly, everyone relates.Her simple storytelling framework uses the Three Cs:Context: Set the scene, but skip the extra details. Give just enough info so listeners can picture what’s happening.Conflict: Don’t shy away from what was hard or scary. This is where real connection happens.Conclusion: Don’t just wrap up with your own win. End on shared values, so the audience sees themselves in the story.Katie’s practical advice is to test stories at dinner parties, coffee shops, or wherever you chat with friends. Notice what gets a reaction, and refine as you go. She recommends keeping a running note of story ideas and even using AI tools like ChatGPT to help organize and edit your thoughts. And when it comes to humor, focus on levity. You don’t need punchlines; just offer moments for your audience to breathe and relate. You don’t need a dramatic life event. Look for everyday moments that mean something, keep your stories concise, and always connect back to your listener!You’ll learn:Creating shared meaning with the audienceDifferences between personal stories, borrowed anecdotes, and historical narrativesCutting unnecessary details from your speakingBalancing struggles with authenticityMoving from moments to meaningEmotional resonance as the driver of behavioral changePracticing energy, expressiveness, and nuanced deliveryAnd much, much more!“Authenticity is going to be what cuts the noise of becoming a stereotype, especially in the speaking space.”Episode ResourcesKatie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Lord, a seasoned talent agent from Premier Speakers Bureau, shares invaluable insights for aspiring and established speakers. He introduces the 'speakers matrix', emphasizing the importance of understanding your market position. Networking strategically with peers can lead to valuable referrals. Brian stresses the need for authenticity in a rapidly changing industry, particularly amidst AI trends. He also highlights the significance of building meaningful relationships offstage to enhance future bookings and reinforces the idea that continual improvement is key to success.

In this engaging conversation, guest Erick Rheam, a seasoned professional speaker, shares insights from his journey in building a sustainable speaking career. He outlines the five levels of a speaking career, discussing the challenges and triumphs at each stage. Erick emphasizes the importance of intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest to avoid burnout. Listeners gain practical advice on how to maintain ambition without losing vision, making this a must-listen for anyone aiming to make a lasting impact in the speaking industry.

Neen James, an experienced keynote speaker, consultant, and author of "Exceptional Experiences," shares her insights on creating unforgettable audience experiences. She emphasizes the importance of intentional focus and nurturing authentic relationships. The conversation covers the BDA framework for preparation and follow-up, the significance of being exceptional on stage, and practical steps for event success. Neen also discusses customizing content, building long-term relationships, and the importance of treating event planners like rock stars.

Lance Cibik, a former senior vice president in finance, now inspires as a professional speaker and author. He shares how he transitioned from corporate life to embrace speaking full-time, driven by a desire to use his personal experiences with adversity. Topics include the pivotal moments that led to his career shift, the importance of audience engagement, and techniques for effective outreach. Lance emphasizes treating speaking like a business and highlights how personal stories can resonate, turning pain into impactful lessons for others.

In this engaging discussion, leadership expert Marcy Grossman and networking specialist Michael Foreman share tips for elevating their speaking careers. Marcy emphasizes the need for clarity while balancing her diverse services, advocating for consistent outreach. Michael reveals how to tap into existing relationships to secure new gigs. Both guests receive coaching on revitalizing their pipelines by treating free gigs like paid ones, and the importance of nurturing their networks to turn one opportunity into many. Get ready for some actionable insights!