The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

As well as being an in-demand PR Consultant, Jo Smyth is a funny lady, and this is one of my favourite interviews. As an ex-journalist and newspaper editor, she pulls back the curtain on life as part of the media, gives her view on the state of the news today, and tells some funny stories along the way. She also gives us the lowdown on how to use PR effectively to raise your public profile and get free advertising and social proof. Jo also shares what value a PR consultant can bring to the table over doing PR yourself. There are some brilliant tips and tricks for getting yourself in front of, and managing the media whether you’re a speaker, coach, business owner or corporate leader.   What you’ll learn The difference between PR and Marketing What is a PR plan and who needs one? How to raise your profile through the media Why you should be strategic in approaching your publicity What’s more important, print media or social media? Why editorial is one of the best forms of social proof What makes a good news story How using humour can make your press release stand out What journalists are looking for in a press release and how to write one How you can get the most value out of a PR Consultant How to get your press releases through to the right people at the right time How you can use surveys to get good PR How to handle reporters in a crisis   Resources:   All things Jo: http://wordworker.co.uk   Twitter @WordWorker_Jo Facebook Joanna Smyth   Titter Comedy Course Live Workshop   Titter Online Comedy Course for Public Speakers   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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

If you want to get better as a speaker, being able to make your audience laugh, will help increase the power of your message, and will set you apart from the crowd. I’ve been writing and performing comedy for nearly 16 years. I’ve performed all over the UK, including solo shows in Edinburgh. I’m an international playwright, and my comedy drama ‘Dearly Beloved’, published by Lazybee Scripts, has been performed in the UK, Japan, and Canada. With a long background in business, I also know when and how to use humour appropriately in that environment, and as a Speaker, humour is one of the most important tools I have. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the foundations of using humour, so that you can start to experience the power and joy it brings into your public speaking. What you’ll learn: What makes something funny The THREES formula and the ingredients every joke should have Where to find ideas for material How to create material Where you should use humour in your talks My top three comedy performance tips My Golden Rules of Comedy   Resources: Seth Meyers Golden Globe Opening Monologue Ken Robinson TED Talk Cracking Speech Mate – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker Comedy Writing Exercises:  Rant and reverse Rant Pick something that winds you up, (it could be related to your speaking topic, or something completely different). Write or rant for five minutes on that subject, make sure you record yourself if you’re talking. If you start to dry up, use these statements to keep going: It’s not as if… If I were in charge… I’d be lying if I said… The real challenge here is… It would serve them right if… In another universe… Reverse Now talk about the same subject for five minutes as if you thought it was the best thing since sliced bread and all the reasons why. Here are some ideas for statements that will help you with this part: I get tingly all over thinking about it because… If it didn’t exist then… I love it when… If I were in charge… People who don’t understand should…   Questions are the Answer Take a specific topic Ask questions to start looking at that thing in new ways. How would you describe the thing to an alien – remember they won’t know our language, so you may need to explain a lot. You might find some new things about your topic which are absurd, that could be mined further for a joke. Find an analogy – what are other things this thing could be like in different industries, countries, cultures, professions etc. If you go off at a tangent that’s fine, going down rabbit holes when you’re writing comedy is just the right thing to do.   My Comedy Golden Rules: Jokes must always go from good to bad, or bad to worse Be Specific – the comedy is in the detail Apply attitude to everything you write Write as you talk Leave a beat before you deliver the punchline Don’t talk over the laughter If you are ‘it’ you can talk about ‘it’ Use the THREES formula   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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.  

Emma Stroud’s photo on LinkedIn is currently her dressed as a Banana…that might give you some insight into the lady herself. Not the typical background for an executive coach or host of global events, she has been a funny actress, a clown, and she is currently improvising in the centre of London. But it’s this cocktail of comedic exploits that makes her stand out, (even though she is teeny tiny!). In this episode, we delve into her passions, and mine her speaking experience for a raft of useful and enlightening nuggets for wherever you are on your speaking journey. What you’ll learn Why humour is useful for working with people on deep topics. How adopting the mind-set of a clown can help you become a better MC. The benefits of using improve tools in your speaking, life and business to create bigger profits. The difference between great speakers and average speakers. The first thing you should consider when preparing a talk. Why using stories makes your talk unique. Why adding humour should come from your truth. How to make sure you start your talk with power and impact.  Resources: All things Emma: http://www.truth-works.co.uk  See Emma’s Improv Group ‘The Banana Bunch’ Twitter @Stroudemr Facebook Emma Stroud 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

Being a professional actress, with a training business, Celia Delaney made a smooth transition into public speaking, but it wasn’t until she added humour into her presentations that her professional speaking career really took off. Now, between speaking events, she can be found making people laugh with songs and jokes on the comedy circuit! In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, and there are some fantastic tips for new, and experienced Speakers alike. Only listen to this show if you want to make some serious progress with your speaking this year! What you’ll learn The four pillars you need to work on to become a great speaker How to manage your state before speaking Why you need to treat speaking as a heightened form of conversation Why your content should be full of attitude. How adding humour to your speaking can increase your bookings and fees Why a Question and Answer session should be the last thing you do How to make sure you can always answer the questions Why MC and Speaker roles are totally different Top tips for adding humour to your presentation Why you should always have a notebook with you. Top tips for becoming a paid professional Speaker  Resources: Cracking Speech Mate – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker – Sarah Archer      All things Celia: http://celiadelaney.co.uk Twitter @Celiadelaney Facebook 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

With a powerful wit, and larger than life personality, Ashley Frieze has been making audiences laugh since 2003. His comedy songs and observations on the music world are a joy to behold, and his ability to hold the audience in the palm of his hand with or without his guitar, speaks to his skill as a compere and his adaptability as a comic. In this episode, not only is he taking us behind the scenes to have a peek at the life of a gigging comic…he’s sharing some absolutely golden tips for how you can bring humour into your toolkit, whether as a speaker or a people manager in the world of business. What you’ll learn Why comedy is an important cultural tool Why questions are the gateway to engaging content How to find ideas for humour Why acting confidently works to build your confidence How you can set yourself and the room up for success The different ways of being an MC The power of being present in comedy and speaking and tips to help you achieve this How humour can help you manage people more effectively Ashley’s secrets for speaking success How you can use the tricks of a comic to increase the impact of your message Why getting booed onto the stage can be a positive experience. Resources: The Serious Guide to Joke Writing – How to say something funny about anything – Sally Holloway Cracking Speech Mate – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker – Sarah Archer      The Confidence Gap – Russ Harris   All things Ashley: http://www.ashleyfrieze.co.uk Twitter @Ashleyfrieze & @Ashleyjokes Instagram @Ashleyfrieze   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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

This is an honest, warts and all review of my recent TEDx talk. I’m sharing my wins, the things I could have done better, and things I would change for next time. This week’s episode brings together all the insight from my guests, and my own experience of TEDx, to give you a massive leg up to making your TEDx talk, (or any presentation), achieve the results you want…and there’s a fabulous TEDx Success Cheat Sheet that goes with the show! What you’ll learn: What do after you’ve decided to do a TEDx talk. The different types of TEDx events. Why you should be strategic and intentional about your TEDx talk? The things to think about relating to where you should do your talk, when you should do it, and what you should talk about. How to find your talk idea? Why and how you should do market research before deciding on your talk topic. How to maximise your chances of being selected. The steps you need to go through in preparing your talk for maximum results. Performance tips for your talk delivery. What you should do after your talk to give it the best chance of going viral. Thanks for listening! Resources: TEDx Talk Success Cheat Sheet My TEDx Talk – What does it mean to be authentic? 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.      

Terri Trespicio is a New York–based writer, branding consultant, and co-creator of an online program for authors, experts and entrepreneurs who want to grow their media presence. She has worked for the Martha Stewart brand and has numerous TV credits. Terri speaks all over the USA, at a range of conferences and events, and was rated the #1 speaker at How Design Live in 2015. She also performs comedy regularly at clubs in New York City. What you’ll learn What branding is in one sentence Why you should brand yourself to be successful as a Speaker How a TEDx talk can accelerate your speaking success Why you shouldn’t trot out your usual speech for a TEDx Different ways to find your big idea for your TEDx talk Why there is no such thing as a boring topic Tips for doing live video Why stand-up comedy can make you a better speaker Resources: Terri TEDx Talk - Stop Searching for Your Passion Terri TEDx Talk - It’s About Time We Rethink Happily Ever After Sarah TEDx – What Does it Mean to be Authentic? 25 Questions to Help You Discover Your TED-Worthy Idea Details of Terri's Live Event on 7/8 June 2018 - Tapped to Speak Live Connect with Terri: Terri's Website Twitter @TerriT Instagram @TTrespicio Facebook 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

“I say have the confidence to nudge the people awake with stories, wit and insight.” – Orlaith Carmody A brilliant trainer, that speaks all over the world, and works with some of the most influential people in Ireland, Orlaith Carmody has a wealth of experience around TEDx and speaking generally. In this show, we get the low down on how to make any talk you do linger in the memories of your audience. What you’ll learn: Tips for getting your TEDx talk. The do’s and don’ts of an engaging presentation The role of an effective MC Why you need to know the difference between oral, aural and the written word as a Speaker. Why you shouldn’t give your audience information. Why you shouldn’t rely on learned memory to deliver your talk. Resources: http://gavinduffyandassociates.com Orlaith Carmody TEDx – Find a Customer Not a Job Orlaith Carmody TEDx – Give Your Family the World Sarah Archer TEDx - What Does it Mean to be Authentic Connect with Orlaith - @OrlaithCarmody Perform as a Leader by Orlaith Carmody 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.

Ryan Hildebrandt is an engineer, entrepreneur and marketer that works with multi-billion dollar clients to connect their message to their market. He also works with people who want to get their first TEDx talk. As a founder of one of the most successful TEDx events in the UK, he knows what it takes to get selected, and what you need to do to get your message heard by the most people.  What you’ll learn: How you get a TEDx Talk How you can make your talk stand out Common myths about TED Talks The life-changing opportunities your TEDx Talk can bring you Why you need to treat a TEDx talk differently to a normal speaking engagement Why a TEDx Talk is one of the best ways to build your credibility, authority, and brand How long it takes to prepare your TED talk and why How to test your talk or app or book ideas to maximise their chance of success Why you should do a little upfront brainstorming to get opportunities coming to you for YEARS after your TED Talk. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe and leave a review on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. If you have some thoughts please feel free to share in the comments. If you think someone else will like the show, feel free to share it on  Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, or by good old fashioned word of mouth! Resources: Get Your First Ted Talk Ryan's Website Sarah Archer TEDx Talk Elon Musk - TED Talk TEDx Leamington Spa  

Over my career, I’ve worked with lots of scientists, IT specialists and engineers, and I know that sometimes it’s can be challenging to communicate complicated concepts and ideas in a way that’s simple enough for your audience to understand. This week’s episode gives you tools and techniques to use to make your presentations scintillating and accessible for audiences, even if the information you’re sharing is highly technical. What you’ll learn: The important things to think about before you start writing your talk Ideas for an opening your talk for maximum engagement. What you should do once you’ve grabbed their attention. Tools that you can use to present your data in a way that engages your audience. 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 on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. Resources: Storytelling Template for Success Apollo Robbins – The Art of Misdirection Larry Smith – Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career Dan Pink – The Puzzle of Motivation Ric Elias – 3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed Derek Silvers – How to Start a Movement Canva Cracking Speech Mate – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker