The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

In this quick tip episode, I’m lifting the lid on how a speaking judge thinks and giving you the good, the bad and the ugly based on judging 55 speaker award entries … in one sitting (yes, I needed snacks!) I was honoured to be a judge for the Speaker Awards again this year, covering Best Storyteller and Best TEDx categories — and I want to share what I saw behind the scenes, to help you sharpen your own speaking game. This isn’t just fluff, it’s truth. You’re gonna’ walk away with tips to help you avoid the mistakes and amplify the magic in your own talks. In this episode, I cover: What made the top entries stand out from the crowd The subtle (and not-so-subtle) issues that cost speakers points Why “telling” isn’t the same as storytelling How to avoid the ‘audiobook trap’ The role of character, voice, and relevance in a standout speech What infuriated me as a judge - don’t do this! Whether you’re entering awards, prepping for a keynote, a TEDx, or just want to up your storytelling game — this episode is packed with golden nuggets. Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:   Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club (Take a photo of your review, email it to me at sarah@saraharcher.co.uk and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)   Books: Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker   Resources: FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   leave a comment below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc – I read and appreciate every single one Subscribe on iTunes  

The business world is changing fast. AI is reshaping how customers search, buy, and connect — but most companies are still stuck in old habits, missing the human magic that actually builds loyalty. At the same time, too many businesses are confusing efficiency with excellence. They’re chasing five-star reviews that may not mean what they think they do, and ticking boxes while their customers quietly drift away. My guest today, Steven Van Belleghem, has spent over a decade helping companies level up their customer experience — and he’s here to show you how to stay relevant when "good" just doesn’t cut it anymore. Steven is a bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to brands that want to balance tech innovation with human connection.  He’s also walked the talk on over 1,000 stages around the world, and has a refreshingly honest take on what it takes to create moments that matter — both in business and on stage. If you want to future-proof your brand, wow your customers, and connect with audiences in a way that gets remembered and rewarded… this episode is for you. What you’ll discover: What’s broken in how most companies connect with customers today (and how to fix it) What it really means to be "great" in a world where "good" is everywhere Why customer experience inflation is giving companies a dangerous false sense of security What today’s customers want beyond just product and service – and how to give it to them Real-world examples of brands balancing digital convenience with human warmth How Steven built a global speaking career from a research job (and a Microsoft invite!) The surprising key to building lasting audience connection from the stage Whether AI, apps, or interactivity belong in live talks (and Steven's refreshingly honest take) Why you don't need to be flawless on stage to be unforgettable The #1 mindset shift that will help you speak with heart, not just polish Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>   All things Steven: Website: https://www.stevenvanbelleghem.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenvanbelleghem/ Books & Resources*: The Offer You Can’t Refuse by Steven Van Belleghem Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)  

Let’s be honest — most speakers spend a lot of time crafting their talk, but when it comes to what they wear on stage? That’s often a rushed afterthought… or a full-blown panic. Are you second-guessing whether your outfit actually helps or hinders your message? Ever watched back your talk and thought, “What was I thinking with that jacket?” Or maybe you’ve stuck to the same ‘safe’ outfit for years, even though it doesn’t really feel like you anymore? Well, this episode is for you. Because how you show up visually matters. Not in a “fashion week” kind of way, but in a connection, confidence and credibility kind of way. And to help us nail that balance between comfort, authenticity and speaker presence, I’ve brought in stylist to the speakers — Kay Korsh. Kay’s not your average personal stylist. She’s dressed A-list celebrities, worked with luxury magazines, and now she’s on a mission to help speakers look the part, feel amazing, and avoid wardrobe disasters that distract from their message. She's the real deal — equal parts savvy, stylish and strategic. What you’ll discover: The #1 thing your outfit might be silently saying about you (and how to fix it) Why you ‘shouldn’t’ dress like a model... and who you should model instead How to develop a signature style that makes you stand out — without feeling uncomfortable A simple way to stop your outfit undermining you on stage How to travel without looking like you slept in your suitcase (yes, even in linen) Why certain colours can drain you on stage — and how to make them work with your brand Plus… how Kay helped one client land her biggest gig just by changing her outfit (it’s a cracking story). How styling for speakers differs from people in the entertainment industry. How speakers get the balance right between sharing their authentic self and personality, whilst still meeting event and audience expectations when it comes to their wardrobe choices. Cost-effective ways to elevate your professional appearance, if you’re on a budget So whether you’re a keynote pro or just starting to get your message out there, this episode will help you sharpen your image, simplify your wardrobe, and show up with more power on stage — without losing your personality. Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>   All things Kay: Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/   Books & Resources*: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross Colour Quiz for Professional Speakers: Interactive Calculators & Quizzes Ultimate step-by-step guide to looking great on stage: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/look-great-on-stage-as-a-professional-speaker   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

I see so many business authors and experts set out to use speaking to have more impact, step firmly into the thought leadership space, and monetise their message, only to get frustrated when they struggle to get the results that they want.  Some struggle just getting their talk together, unable to work out which bits of their book ‘baby’ to put in and leave out.  Others manage to create a talk, only for it to fall flat when they share it on stage.  What’s often the cause of these issues - and how do you overcome them? That’s what this episode is all about! In this episode, I cover: Why the page to stage transition is so hard.  The three biggest gaps that make it hard to turn a book into a compelling keynote.  How to close those gaps to craft an authentic message that lands in minutes (not chapters). The ingredients of a profitable talk. What to do next. If you’ve been stuck in indecision, or not getting the results you want then listen up! Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here.   Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club (Take a photo of your review, email it to me at sarah@saraharcher.co.uk and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)   Books: Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker   Resources: - NEW TRAINING: The Profitable Talk: https://training.saraharcher.co.uk/profitable-talk-tsc  FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   leave a comment below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.    

Loreta Tarozaite, a former TV journalist and now an executive presence and video storytelling coach, shares invaluable insights on effective communication. She discusses how leaders can humanize their brands and articulate complex ideas clearly, avoiding jargon that muddles their message. Loreta emphasizes the power of storytelling, not just for entertainment, but as a strategic tool to connect with audiences. With tips on mastering presence on stage and screen, she helps listeners overcome the 'robot presenter' syndrome for authentic engagement.

My guest today is Heather Lillico. I was so inspired by an article I read from Heather on the Tiny Buddha website, where she outed herself as a nutritionist who out of the limelight was actually struggling with an eating disorder, that I was curious to find out more. What I discovered is that her journey of managing and mastering anxiety is not only inspiring, but could really help those of you who are struggling to manage anxiety around speaking.  I know so many speakers and aspiring speakers struggle with this and it can really sabotage results, or worse get in the way of you getting started in the first place.  Heather is a Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Anxiety Warrior. She teaches anxious, people-pleasing perfectionists how to step into a more confident version of themselves with a natural & holistic approach.  She is the creator of the anxiety support app, Cultivating Calm, and believes we can all make mental space for what really matters. Heather’s been through the trenches and come out stronger, and in this episode, she’s sharing the real, practical tools you need to stop letting fear run the show. We dive into: Why anxiety is more than just a feeling—and what it’s really trying to tell you The surprising link between what you eat and how confident you feel on stage A simple mindset shift that can turn anxiety into excitement A powerful technique to calm those pre-stage jitters in seconds The biggest mistake speakers make that actually fuels their fear (and what to do instead) Why waiting for ‘confidence’ before you act is a losing game Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:   All things Heather: Website: Heather’s Website Instagram: @HeatherLillico Cultivating Calm App: Download Here Tiny Buddha Article   Books & Resources*: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thích Nhất Hạnh, et al    Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)  

In this quick tip episode, I’m tackling something that holds many speakers back —decision-making. Whether you’re using speaking to market your business, win clients, or land paid gigs, hesitation can cost you big time. Every day you wait, someone else is taking the stage. In this episode, I cover: Why making decisions feels so challenging. The results I’ve seen when speakers go all in. Practical ways to accelerate your decision-making process. If you’ve been stuck in indecision, or not getting the results you want then listen up. Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:   Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club (Take a photo of your review, email it to me at sarah@saraharcher.co.uk and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)   Books: Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker   Resources: FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Jackie Brennan's Episode: Why the Conventional Approach to Managing Mental Health is Flawed and What to Do Instead with Jackie Brennan - 215   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Leave a comment below. Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.  

I saw Lee Warren speak at the Professional Speaking Association summit and he was one of the star turns of the event. The theme was standing out, and his talk was aimed at helping speakers to do exactly that, for the right reasons.  Lee was a magician by night and a sales director by day before he fell into professional speaking. That was 15 years ago and he has been speaking consistently since then using his background in sales, performance, and psychology to help audiences at global brands to become more compelling, confident and connected.  He is also the author of the award-winning book 'The Busy Person's Guide To Great Presenting', and is visiting faculty at The University of Oxford. If that wasn’t enough he is also a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association, and a recipient of the UK's highest award for Professional Public Speaking - The Hall of Fame Professional Speaking Award of Excellence. In this show I wanted Lee to share the inside track on what it takes to get going, to stand out and stay at the top of your game as a professional speaker. He didn’t disappoint. The tips and advice you get from Lee in this show are worth their weight in gold and I know that your speaking will level up if you put them into action.   What you’ll discover: How Lee got into magic and how it’s influenced his approach to speaking. How he got his first paid speaking gig.  The big lesson from magic that separates the great speakers from the amateurs. How his content and delivery have evolved over his speaking career and why. The distinction between different types of speakers, trainers and workshop facilitators How Lee tailors his keynotes for different audiences across different industries without reinventing the wheel every time. Some of the mistakes that people make when transitioning from free to paid gigs and how to avoid them.  Lee’s tips for building a strong paid speaking pipeline. How the landscape of paid public speaking changed since Lee started in the industry and how speakers can make sure they stay relevant going forward. Why reading some of the great works of fiction can level up your speaking. Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here.   All things Lee: Website: https://leewarrenspeaker.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewarrenspeaker/   Books & Resources*: Selling to Big Companies by Jill Konrath   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Frustrated by low engagement? Discover why some less qualified voices reach wider audiences. Learn to identify the problems your audience faces, making your message resonate. The key? Authenticity! Connecting through your true self boosts relatability. Plus, get actionable tips for enhancing your online presence, particularly on LinkedIn. Uncover the secrets of effective audience engagement while putting your unique personality at the forefront!

The road to making speaking a sustainable business is littered with people who quit because the journey was so much tougher than they ever anticipated.  There are lots of people dangling the golden carrot of gigs worth thousands, and becoming a six figure speaker … and it is absolutely possible, but those who make it are a fraction of those that start out. One of those few, is my guest today, Arel Moodie.  Arel is a best-selling author and professional speaker who has spoken in 48 states and 5 countries to over 750,000 people. He is also a member of an exclusive group within the National Speakers Association, of those who have generated over seven figures of speaking business.  Having started his speaking business whilst in college he has encountered the ups and downs of a speaking career, and he is here to share some ‘home truths’ about the industry, alongside giving you the strategies that have worked to get him where he is today.  Arel is also the co-founder of Talkadot.com, the number one tool helping professional speakers land spinoff business by capturing speaking leads, testimonials and measuring the impact of their presentations with data reports from every audience they speak to. If you want to generate an income, or a more consistent income from speaking then listen up, because there is gold in this here interview!   What you’ll discover: How Arel decided what to talk about when he first started speaking in colleges. What he did to get speaking gigs when he started out. Why he switched topics and how he knew it was time to make a change. The challenges Arel encountered with his speaking business and the different things he tried to increase the consistency in his gig pipeline.  The epiphany that caused him to create ‘talkadot’ What challenges he encountered getting his software business off the ground. How a speaker can use talkadot to get more paid talks without overtly ‘selling. The ‘land and expand’ strategy for getting more speaking gigs.  The unfiltered truth most speakers don’t face up to about a speaking business and what to do to have a sustainable speaking business.  How Talkadot can help to create customers and clients from the audience. What other essentials you need to build a professional speaking career Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:   All things Arel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arelmoodie  https://www.facebook.com/arelmoodie/  https://www.instagram.com/arelmoodie/?hl=en  Talkadot   Books & Resources*: The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber  Rich Dad Poor Dad by Napoleon Hill Kobe Bryant Motivation (on YouTube)   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening! To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.  Subscribe on iTunes.   *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)