The definition of ‘self-expression’ is the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas, through words, choices or actions, especially in writing, art, music, or dance. Sounds easy doesn’t it?    The trouble is that we are all so bogged down with messages about how we should look, think, speak, and act; that it can make it difficult to let go of expectations and simply be ourselves… and for women this conditioning has many additional layers!  What about you?  How fully self-expressed are you? Do you want to speak on stage but feel like an imposter positioning yourself as an expert in your niche? Maybe you do speak, but on stage you find yourself playing safe, or trying to be what you think a presenter should be instead of sharing your personality with the audience? Well, my guest today will be sharing some ideas to help you to be more you.  Michelle Minnikin is a  Chartered Organisational Psychologist, speaker coach, and author of Good Girl Deprogramming. For many years Michelle struggled under the weight of expectations, playing small, putting herself last and being a ‘good girl’, without even realising she was doing it.  Eventually she discovered she was suffering from ‘good girl conditioning’! In this show she shines a light on what that is and how it has disempowered women for years, decades, and generations.  And whether you’re a man or a woman, who is burdened by how you are told you should be … you will get tips in this show, for how to deprogram that conditioning and set yourself free!   What you’ll discover: How Michelle became a rebel and why Why Michelle is to women like Orpheus is to Neo in the matrix What’s on the other side of good girl conditioning.  The resistance she has encountered to her book and ideas.  How you can tell if you’re a good girl.  How good girl conditioning may be holding you back. The three biggest things organisations can do to enable women to fulfil their potential. What obstacles you might encounter on the way to being fully self-expressed.  The biggest challenges Michelle has encountered in creating her signature keynote   All things Michelle: Good Girl Deprogramming Ebook and Paperback available at all good bookshops Good Girl Deprogramming (Amazon)  Good Girl Deprogramming (Audible) Find out if you’re a Good Girl at https://goodgirlquiz.co.uk/ Website - https://www.michelleminnikin.com/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin   Books & Resources*: Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff Allende Playing Big by Tara Mohr   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!   If you would like to support the show and get more from me and The Speaking Club, check out our brand new Patreon Memberships here: https://patreon.com/thespeakingclub   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)

This show was prompted by the question of a podcast listener, but reflected a recurring issue with people that I work with.  My clients have written great books, become accomplished experts in their field and have a big message to share, but when it comes to sharing their views in person or on stage, a number of them begin to doubt themselves. It shows up in the content they share and how they share it, and it will end up undermining their authority, authenticity and the value and credibility of their message in the eyes of the audience.  It also surfaces in the way that they approach gig outreach, sometimes making assumptions and barricading doors before they’ve even attempted to open them. Fortunately, I’m able to help them deal with this, and I want to help you too. That’s why in this show, I’m going to share some ideas of why this might be happening based on my experience of working with many, many speakers, some new perspectives and some practical tools to get you out of the shackles of self-doubt.  I want you to be bold, audacious and confident in sharing your message! Enjoy! What you’ll learn: The recurring problem that a listener and others have with self-doubt.  Why the vessel shouldn’t matter when it comes to good ideas. What we have in common with Eddie Brock. How ‘bad stories’ destroy your dreams. The power in harnessing your imagination.  How self-doubt shows up in your speaking Actions to master your mindset. Why you can’t tell anyone anything. The power of unreasonable excitement. The importance of congruence in all aspects of your performance. How to become the most powerful person in the world. And more!!   If you'd like to watch the episode on our YouTube Channel, 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: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Other episodes that will help you with your speaking confidence: Episode 001 - No negative thought puts you in the corner! Episode 024 - My 8 Hacks for Mental Resilience and Getting What You Want Episode 046 - Managing Your Mind with Brooke Hender Episode 057 - Master your Mind to Achieve What Matters with Gail Gibson Episode 067 - 8 Tips for Managing Anxiety Around Public Speaking Episode 091 - Breaking Free from ‘Bad’ Stories Episode 098 - Two Must Have Skills for Powerful Public Speaking Episode 103 - Getting Your Public Speaking Persona Right! Episode 146 - Do You Need to KonMari Your Mind? Episode 245 - Overcome Anxiety and Power Up Your Speaking with this Secret Weapon Episode 282 -  [Quick Tip] How to Show Authority Without Shoving it in People’s Faces Thanks for listening!   Brand new for episode 300! If you would like to support the show and get more from me and The Speaking Club, check out our Patreon Memberships here: https://patreon.com/thespeakingclub   To share your thoughts:                                                   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. Join our BRAND NEW Patreon community (coming very soon!) Subscribe on iTunes.

Do you feel resistance when you hear the word marketing? So many people do. They have hang ups and beliefs about marketing and it can get in the way of them being able to achieve success in their business and as a speaker.  I get it though, marketing can feel complicated, overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. What if it could feel clear, and light and simple? Because marketing is about showing your audience the problem you can solve for them, and  making sure you stay front of mind, for when they decide to get that problem solved. That’s what I’m hoping you get a sense of today, from my straight talking guest Chantal Cornelius.  Chantal has been helping service businesses attract new clients since 2000. She also speaks to audiences around the world, showing them how to understand the emotional buying decisions made by their clients and how that translates into a stand out strategy for them. Chantal also happens to be National President of the Professional Speaking Association, (at the time of this episode), so not only does she have golden nuggets to share about how to market yourself, but she has some speaking tips too!   What you’ll discover: How 7 year old Chantal started her on her quest to stand out. Why Chantal believes that USPs don’t work. How Chantal discovered the marketing strategy that works for her audience. What changes she has made to her marketing as a result. The test results for my marketing strategy revealed Iive.  Ideas for effectively measuring your marketing.  The three most important things that speakers need to get right with their marketing. How Chantal started speaking and ended up becoming the National President of the Professional Speaking Association.  The three things that make a speaker memorable in Chantal’s experience.   All things Chantal: https://appletreeuk.com/take-the-test/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantalcornelius/ https://appletreeuk.com/products/stand-out-strategies/   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>    Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Straight To The Top by Sarah Archer   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)

Have you got dreams of turning your years of experience, knowledge and wisdom into a new career as a speaker? Well that’s exactly what Dr Rhona Morrison did.  She is a retired Forensic Psychiatrist, who worked in the NHS for 32 years, and the author of ‘I don’t talk to dead bodies’.  Her book takes you beyond the sensationalist headlines to show you just what happens in a world where mental illness occasionally makes good people do bad things. Rhona shares her often funny,  at times downright bizarre, but consistently thought provoking  experiences of delving into the minds of the real offenders she worked with as a leading forensic psychiatrist.  Born and bred in Scotland, into a working-class family, she has a grounded approach to life, with a generous helping of humour.  In this show you’ll find out about her writing journey and how transitioned from psychiatrist, to author, to cruise-ship speaker. What you’ll discover: How Rhona became a forensic psychiatrist and what they do. The gift given by her disabled sister that enabled Rhona to be more effective in her job and inspired the book.  Some of the stories from Rhona’s career in forensic psychiatry. The difference between dot-to-dot psychiatry and the art of psychiatry. How Rhona has brought light to a dark subject in her book and talks. What made Rhona want to get into cruise line speaking and how she did it. How speaking on cruise ships works from the speaker's perspective. How Rhona approached creating and testing the five talks she needed for her first cruise booking. The message Rhona wants her audiences to take home.    All things Rhona (including her book - I Don't Talk to Dead Bodies): www.rhonamorrison.com   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here >>   Books*: This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay   Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Straight To The Top by Sarah Archer   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)

Just recently I’ve had people reach out to me with a bleeding neck, and what I mean by that is … they have a huge speaking gig less than three weeks away and they haven’t got a talk to give. So in this quick tip show, I want to give you a heads up on the problems with winging it and what to do instead.  In this show I’m covering: Why people wing their talk. The problems with winging it.  The possibilities if you take a different approach. The principles of bringing it. 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   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   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. Subscribe on iTunes. 

Imagine the scenario, you’ve turned up to a speaking gig, or important presentation and your stomach is playing up, or you’re feeling foggy, and it’s not because you had a heavy night out. It’s just that it happens, and often at the most inconvenient times, and you don’t know why, and your Doctor hasn’t been able to tell you either.  So instead of feeling energised and ready to wow your audience, you’re feeling uncomfortable, maybe even embarrassed if your stomach has swelled up, and worried about delivering a sub par performance as a result. I’ve had some stuff like that happen to me in the past, and I hated not feeling on top of my game. I also couldn’t get a solution, until a friend referred me to Margie Chavasse. Margie is a holistic health practitioner using kinesiology, and she helps people overcome health issues that no-one else takes seriously. She’s here today to share a different view on health, and some tips for staying healthy that might be a gamechanger for you and your performance.    What you’ll discover: Why Margie made the switch from Finance Director to Alternative Health Practitioner The signals your body is sending that most people ignore. How the minor health niggles you’re ignoring could be impacting your success and quality of life.  Why conventional medicine doesn’t always have the answers. Why the aches and pains of old age are a myth. How your gut affects your head and brain fog. The three most important things people can do to maintain their health and performance. The resistance that Margie encounters and how she overcomes it in her messaging and speaking.   All things Margie: Improve Your Gut Health Training  https://www.linkedin.com/in/margie-chavasse/ https://www.nrgholistichealth.com/   Books & Resources*: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey   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)  

The question I hear most frequently from people, whether they’re starting out on their professional speaking journey, or they have been going at it for a while is this one … “How do I get paid to speak consistently?” All they’re getting is the odd few gigs, then tumbleweed. They want a pipeline of speaking gigs but they don’t know how to build it, or they’re trying and failing miserably. That’s why in this show, I’m going to share the big obstacles to building your speaking gig pipeline, so that you can shortcut your journey to consistent speaking gigs.  Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the epsiode - please click here>> What you’ll learn: The different ways to build your gig pipeline.  The big issues that are preventing speakers from filling their calendars. A benchmark for how well your talk is performing. The big myth of representation. How you need to approach outreach. The huge mistake speakers make when they get interest. And more!! Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club (Take a photo of your review 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: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk [Free Download] The Five Levels of Pain (Identify the Trigger to Get Your  Audience into Action) 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. ·      Subscribe on iTunes.   

I was at the Speaker Summit and Speaker Awards in London a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to share some of the advice and tips from the experts there on the day.  In this show I’m covering: The questions that can uncover speaking leads everywhere How to turn your LinkedIn profile into a gig magnet Standing in front of other people’s parades Make sure they remember your name Speaking like a conductor Industry tips from insiders Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the video of the epsiode - please click 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: https://thespeakersummit.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-franzoni/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-kay/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkiarundel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/loveldavincenzimc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-vincenzi/   Message Monetisation Workshop FREE RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  Take the Snackable Story Challenge https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                  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. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Please be aware that this episode does discuss the topics of death and suicide. Each of us has a story to tell, but for many people no reason compelling enough emerges for us to embark on the journey to sharing that story with others.  But for some people, there comes a time where something happens and it ignites a burning desire to share their story, so that others can learn what we’ve discovered or  avoid the pain that we’ve encountered. That is what happened to Don Ryan.  He was a regular guy with a job as a therapist, and a family, who had lost some people he loved. But when a third person he loved decided to die by suicide, Don knew, on all sorts of levels of his being, that he needed to share his story to help other people like him and contribute towards a big change. That’s when he wrote a book called, ‘The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One’, where he pairs his personal experience of losing three members of his family with the professional insights gained across three decades of work in the social services field.  After writing the book, Don knew he wanted to turn the book into a talk, both to share his message more widely, and as a means by which people could discover his book. In this show we will talk about his journey and how he tackled creating an engaging and entertaining talk for this challenging topic.    What you’ll discover: Don’s own experience of losing someone to suicide and how it has impacted his life.  Where his personal and professional experience intersect.  How Don approached sharing his story and the challenges he encountered.  How the current social conditioning around this topic affects the support that people get. Why the figures we have for numbers of suicides don’t reflect the real situation. The most important thing that Don believes needs to happen to start to turn the tide around this issue. The challenges Don faced in turning the book into a talk. How to make sure the audience gets relief when you are speaking about challenging topics.   All things Don: www.thesecretstruggle.com The Secret Struggle by Don Ryan on Amazon Tik Tok: @the.secret.struggle Instagram: don.ryan_the.secret.struggle Facebook: The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One   Books & Resources*: Trinity by Leon Uris  Angla’s Ashes by Frank McCourt   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)  

This quick talk tip will help you avoid procrastination, move closer to your dreams and keep going when things feel tough.  In this show I’m covering: A reframing for the Field of Dreams Why we procrastinate when making decisions The antidote to inaction The greatest place to be in relation to making a decision The lesson from Steve Jobs Why you shouldn’t make assumptions about your audience. Three reasons you should keep going when it feels like no-one is paying attention. Enjoy! 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: Message Monetisation Workshop FREE RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  Take the Snackable Story Challenge https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   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. Subscribe on iTunes.