

The Speaker's Edge
Roddy Galbraith
Welcome to "The Speaker's Edge" podcast, where we're devoted to helping you master your message and inspire your audience every time you speak. Whether you're a speaker, coach, author, or entrepreneur, this podcast is your home for advancing your communication skills. With years of experience as a professional speaker and speaker trainer, your host, Roddy Galbraith, as worked alongside top communicators, including John Maxwell. Each week, in about 35 to 40 minutes, we'll share practical tools and insights drawn from training thousands of speakers globally. We're kicking off our first episode with how anyone can develop unshakable self-confidence as a speaker. I hope you can join us and find your speaker's edge!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 12, 2026 • 15min
046: Overcoming Speaking Anxiety: What to Do When You Go Blank
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores what truly happens when speakers experience the dreaded "blank mind" on stage. He shares insights from renowned cellular biologist Bruce Lipton, explaining how the body's physiology reacts to fear and stress during public speaking. Roddy provides actionable strategies for overcoming anxiety, including the power of preparation and building strong habits for your opening moments. Gain practical tips for turning fear into confidence and find out why preparation is the ultimate tool for mastering your message and captivating any audience.

Jan 5, 2026 • 16min
045: How to Build Speaking Confidence (No Natural Talent Needed)
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the myth of the "natural speaker" and reveals how true mastery comes from the persistent practice that happens behind the scenes. He shares lessons from Simon Sinek and Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, who both credit their success to the countless unseen repetitions that built their skills and confidence. Listeners hear inspiring stories and actionable advice on how to refine their message and delivery through consistent effort, even when no one is watching. The episode offers practical tips for improving communication and reminds listeners that growth as a speaker is available to anyone willing to put in the work.

Dec 29, 2025 • 11min
044: 4 World-Class Speakers Reveal the True Power of Audience Connection
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores why connection matters more than content for world-class speakers. He shares key lessons from John Maxwell, Bonnie St. John, Les Brown, and Seth Godin, showing how genuine connection creates a foundation for influence. Listeners learn practical strategies for building rapport with any audience, including the importance of authenticity and meeting people where they are. The episode offers actionable advice for anyone who wants to move beyond simply delivering information and start inspiring real impact every time they speak.

Dec 22, 2025 • 12min
043: Why Clarity Is Your Secret Power
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explains how clarity is the foundation of powerful communication. He encourages speakers to focus on one big idea and keep their messages simple, using John Maxwell's impactful message on unconditional love as a real-life example. Roddy Galbraith shares practical strategies for structuring presentations by starting with the desired outcome and breaking content into memorable sections. Listeners will come away with actionable tips for mastering their message and making a lasting impression on any audience.

Dec 15, 2025 • 33min
042: How to Raise Money Without Being Pushy with Jeff Vreeland
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith is answering a question he as a communicator gets frequently: How do you translate communication into influence, specifically in the nonprofit space? He's joined by Prosper Group COO Jeff Vreeland, who shares practical strategies for raising money without feeling pushy or making people uncomfortable. Together, they discuss the importance of clear messaging and genuine conviction when communicating a nonprofit's mission, using storytelling to create emotional connections with potential donors. Learn the value of linking specific asks to tangible outcomes and the significance of inviting people to take action. The conversation also covers how authenticity and understanding your audience build long-term donor relationships and drive fundraising success. Interested in improving results on your communication? This episode is a must-listen! Want to connect with Jeff to up-level your impact? Find him at WorkJeff.com!

Dec 8, 2025 • 22min
041: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Thanh Nguyen
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy interviews Thanh Nguyen about her inspiring journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt through public speaking. They share practical strategies for building confidence, including the importance of taking small, consistent steps and learning to accept compliments. Thanh explains how her background as an immigrant shaped her insecurities and how mentorship and community helped her grow into a successful leader and keynote speaker. Discover valuable insights on embracing courage, reframing negative self-talk, and using personal stories to connect with audiences. Want to follow Thanh as she continues her journey? Click here to get your copy of Unshrink Yourself.

Dec 1, 2025 • 23min
040: The Secret Determiner of Success & How to Use it to Your Advantage
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the powerful role that setting clear goals and intentions plays in a speaker's growth and overall success. He shows how aligning daily actions with long-term objectives brings order, focus, and efficiency to both your personal and professional life. He also shares practical strategies for discovering purpose, cultivating self-discipline, and turning interests into lifelong passions. Discover actionable tips for building better habits and staying motivated on your journey to becoming the most impactful communicator you can be!

Nov 24, 2025 • 27min
039: Why to Develop Your Speaking Skills & How to Start
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores why developing speaking skills is crucial for personal and professional growth. He shares practical steps to get started as a speaker, addresses common challenges like imposter syndrome and overwhelm, and reveals how consistent, imperfect action leads to improvement. Roddy Galbraith draws on insights from John Maxwell and other thought leaders, offering actionable strategies for becoming an expert who communicates with impact. Listeners will discover how to craft compelling presentations, bring their messages to life with stories, and embrace the ongoing process of growth to inspire any audience.

Nov 17, 2025 • 13min
038: From Cradle to Conviction: How Early Experiences Shape Our Beliefs
In this episode of the Speaker's Edge Podcast, Roddy Galbraith unpacks how our earliest experiences form the subconscious beliefs that drive our confidence, success, and communication. You'll discover why many of your thoughts about who you are—and what you can achieve—were learned before you could even think for yourself. Roddy shares practical insights on changing subconscious beliefs, achieving self-image transformation, and overcoming the limits we unknowingly accept. You'll learn how to: Recognize and replace limiting beliefs holding you back Reprogram your mindset for growth and confidence Use public speaking as a tool for personal development 🎯 Ready to grow? Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to explore our communication skills training and leadership and public speaking programs through the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team.

Nov 10, 2025 • 26min
037: Are We Really Logical? How Emotion Rules Human Behavior
Title: Why Emotion, Not Logic, Drives Public Speaking Success In this episode of The Speaker's Edge Podcast, Roddy Galbraith explores why emotion—not logic—drives human behavior and decision-making, especially in communication and public speaking. Using engaging stories—including the movie that inspired a decades-long fear—Roddy explains how learned emotional programs shape our reactions, confidence, and speaking style. You'll learn how to: Apply emotional intelligence to your own public speaking habits Overcome the fear of public speaking through awareness and practice Build self-confidence as a speaker Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team speaker training programs and elevate your communication skills.


