

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

9 snips
May 26, 2025 • 27min
013: 8 Lessons from a Lifetime of Leadership & Communication with John C. Maxwell
Leadership expert John C. Maxwell shares his insights on powerful communication that transforms leadership. He emphasizes the importance of making genuine connections and continually learning to stay relevant. Maxwell offers practical strategies for engaging with audiences and fostering trust. He discusses how effective communication enhances team dynamics and personal growth. Listeners gain actionable advice to strengthen their speaking skills and cultivate deeper relationships, ultimately boosting their leadership effectiveness in every aspect of life.

May 19, 2025 • 33min
012: How to Do Less and Achieve More as a Speaker
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the quickest path to success in speaking: focusing on what matters most and avoiding getting lost in distractions. He shares insights from John Maxwell and the Pareto principle, illustrating how channeling energy into the most impactful activities leads to greater results. Roddy provides practical strategies for crafting an exceptional keynote by outlining both top-down and bottom-up approaches to developing a keynote. You will walk away with actionable steps to prioritize your time, get to a first draft, and continually improve your message for maximum impact on any audience.

May 12, 2025 • 29min
011: 7 Ways to Make Your Speech More Impactful
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode of The Speaker's Edge podcast, host Roddy Galbraith shares seven powerful techniques to help speakers create lasting impact every time they present. He outlines the importance of choosing key points to stand out, using tools like storytelling, repetition, emotion, and visuals to make messages memorable. Roddy encourages speakers to collect their "best bits" and gives practical strategies for ensuring audiences remember the most important parts of a speech. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips to enhance their delivery and inspire their audiences more effectively.

May 5, 2025 • 30min
010: 5 Key Parts of a Powerful Speech
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith outlines the five essential elements every effective speaker includes in a powerful speech opening. Discover research-backed insights on the impact of first impressions, ways to affirm and connect with the audience, and strategies for grabbing attention with a compelling hook. Roddy also shares the importance of positioning yourself as a confident, likable expert and explains how and when to introduce a sales pitch. Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable steps to master their speech openings and inspire their audiences from the very first moment.

Apr 28, 2025 • 24min
009: Success in Speaking Made Simple
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode of The Speaker's Edge, host Roddy Galbraith explores the four key principles for achieving infinite growth as a speaker. Intentional, consistent action—rather than natural talent or perfection—is the true driver of speaking success. Roddy shares how cultivating daily habits and self-discipline helps speakers benefit from the compounding effect of small, regular improvements over time. Discover practical strategies for building speaking skills, collecting ideas, and embracing opportunities to grow and see how the journey of communication can be both rewarding and attainable for speakers at any stage.

Apr 21, 2025 • 36min
008: 8 Body Language Basics for Public Speakers
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode of The Speaker's Edge podcast, host Roddy Galbraith explores body language basics crucial for public speakers. Learn how to avoid common distracting posts such as the "penguin" and "hypnotic wobbler," and what body language habits to adopt instead. Even if you're struggling on stage, you can use body language to appear confident and professional. Practice these body language basics to become a natural, engaging communicator.

Apr 14, 2025 • 30min
007: 20 Tips for Memorizing Your Speech
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode of The Speaker's Edge, Roddy Galbraith explores the best strategies for memorizing a speech, including 20 tips to help speakers internalize their messages for confident and engaging delivery. Learn how to leverage repetition and emotion in learning, and other helpful tools like practicing with bullet points and creating video feedback. This episode equips speakers with resources to master their presentations and connect authentically with their audiences.

Apr 7, 2025 • 33min
006: How to Be Great Every Time You Speak
Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode of The Speaker's Edge, Roddy Galbraith guides speakers on maintaining the magic of speaking like it's the first time, every time. Listen as Roddy debunks the myth of the natural-born speaker and shares the true source of success: strategic effort. Roddy shares insights from renowned speakers like Les Brown and John Maxwell, illustrating how even seasoned professionals consistently prepare to deliver their best. The episode offers practical strategies for speakers to connect with their audiences authentically, ensuring each presentation remains fresh and engaging.

Mar 31, 2025 • 39min
005: The Power of Examples
In this episode, Roddy highlights the importance of using examples and personal stories to make speeches more engaging and memorable. Learn his seven-point checklist for ensuring your messages are effective, and discover the 4 most compelling kinds of examples that will capture your audience's attention. Become a professional speaker at MaxwellLeadership.com/JoinTheTeam! Listen to more episodes at MaxwellLeadership.com/TheSpeakersEdge

Mar 24, 2025 • 35min
004: 10 Steps to Develop Your Keynote
In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the foundational elements of creating impactful keynote speeches. He shares the importance of understanding the audience's needs and tailoring content to provide real solutions to their problems. Discover the value of simplicity, sharing personal stories and experiences, and taking listeners on a journey through well-crafted narratives. The episode offers essential strategies for speakers to enhance their message delivery and effectively engage their audience. Become a professional speaker at MaxwellLeadership.com/JoinTheTeam! Listen to more episodes at MaxwellLeadership.com/TheSpeakersEdge


