The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Discover the importance of leading with the problem in your speaking and other critical content. Learn how not leading with the problem can result in lost business opportunities and frustration. Find out where and how to lead with the problem, tailor it to your audience, and communicate effectively.

Lisa Bragg, author of Bragging Rights, joins the show to discuss the power of bragging in attracting people. They challenge societal norms that discourage self-promotion and emphasize the importance of acknowledging achievements. The podcast explores leveraging past achievements for future success and stepping into one's power. It also touches on cultural differences in self-promotion and the significance of vulnerability in connecting with others.

Learn how to prioritize audience needs over your own interests, capture attention, and inspire action. Understand the power of connecting with audience pain and crafting impactful talks. Discover a framework for triggering audience action through customer research and targeting the right audience.

How often, when it comes to writing in your business, has the blank page beaten you? I’ve seen so many people get stopped, or never share what they have written because they don’t think it’s good enough, or they are worried about being judged.  Just like when you speak, in your business writing too, you get an amazing confidence boost from knowing that your message is good, that your content will make you stand out and connect with your target audience.  When that happens you’re excited to put yourself out there.  So how do you shift from stuck to successful? How do you go from getting underwhelming results with your business writing, to your audience saying … “this person gets me and my problem, I think I need to work with them”? That’s where this show comes in. My guest today is Kyla Skinner, copywriter and business writing mentor.    She helps business owners harness the power of personality to better connect with their audience, stand out in today’s increasingly noisy market and attract new clients – so they can grow their business, not hold it back. As a fully accredited introvert, Kyla had herself felt shy, nervous and reluctant about showing her own personality. But that changed when she discovered the huge impact it made on growing her fledgling freelance business. Now, she’s an experienced (and award-winning) strategic copywriter, who’s built her copywriting and brand language business, The Jarrah Consultancy, primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. Over the past 20 years, Kyla has helped to position and promote hundreds of brands, including many big name, global market leaders. Today, she also encourages coaches, consultants and small business owners to tap into all this insight and expertise via her dedicated membership community, Copy Café. Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: How Kyla became a copywriter and why personality matters to her. The problem with generic writing and using tools like chat GPT. What it means to ‘show’ your personality in your writing and the difference it makes to your message. Why small business owners struggle to connect with their audience in their copy. The three words that Kyla wrote for a Subaru ad that tells a big story.  How to approach ‘daring to be different’ if you are more introverted.  The difference between bland business writing versus writing with personality. The gap that Kyla found small business owners falling into, and how she filled it.  Examples of results business owners have got by stepping out of their comfort zone. Three tips for how to get more personality into your writing in a way that feels natural and not forced. The surprising differences Kyla experienced as a copywriter creating her own signature talk. How speaking has been working for Kyla and her business   All things Kyla: https://copycafe.co.uk/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylaskinner/  Books & Resources*: Maverick! By Ricardo Semler  The Blue Place by Nicola Griffith https://www.facebook.com/copycafe/   Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.  Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here. 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)  

It’s often said that the real experts are the ones that can make the complex easy to understand, and Ros Atkins is an expert on making things easy to understand … so I guess that would make him the expert’s expert!  As a journalist, and BBC News' Analysis Editor, Ros Atkins has presented and reported on the biggest stories around the world for twenty years . He's also the creator of the critically acclaimed 'Ros Atkins on...' video series, which has become a phenomenon, garnering millions of views. His ability to explain complex stories in a clear, concise and consumable way has led to him being dubbed the nation's 'Explainer-in-Chief'. On this show he is sharing his stories from the front lines of news reporting, the mistakes he made, and how he discovered the secret to the art of explanation. You’ll also get some fantastic tips that will improve your communication generally, and will power up your content and delivery. Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: The mission Ros is trying to accomplish with his book ‘The Art of Explanation’ Why we shouldn’t give up when something seems complicated to explain and what to do instead. What music can teach us about communication.  The huge lesson that Ros learned from another reporter that uplevelled his communication. Tips for using visuals with your talks so that they are adding rather than taking away from the message.  Some techniques for improving clarity and conciseness in your message.  A journalist’s view on how to use stories in the best way. What ‘back annos’ are and why they are a valuable tool for speakers.    All things Ros: https://geni.us/TAOEBOOK  https://twitter.com/bbcrosatkins  https://twitter.com/bbcrosatkins  Books & Resources*: What is history by E.H. Carr Resources: Turn Your Book into a Profitable Talk - PDF Breakthrough Guide   Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.  Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here. 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)  

Waking up paralysed in 2014 completely turned Jamie McAnsh’s life upside down.  He lost his job, and his independence, but he was determined to forge a new path and purpose for his life.  That included becoming a top disabled athlete, and fulfilling his dream of climbing Mount Everest in 2022. What he realised was that he had a great support network around him, helping him to achieve his goals, and he wanted to create something so that other people could experience that support too. That was when he created his company ‘See No Bounds’ with his wife Charlott.  Today, Jamie divides his time between speaking all over the world on various topics, and building the See No Bounds global business community. In this show you are going to get some brilliant insights into what it takes to keep going even when your life and world comes crashing down again and again! You are also going to get some great tips from Jamie around how he built his speaking career. Enjoy!   (TRIGGER WARNING: PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS SHOW CONTAINS REFERENCE TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS)   What you’ll discover: How Jamie woke up paralysed one morning in 2014. Why he had a funeral for his ‘able body’ in 2015, despite beginning to make a recovery. How Jamie’s life was thrown into more turmoil and how he came through it. The lessons he has learned so far from the adversity he has faced. Why Jamie created, ‘See No Bounds’ and how COVID nearly took his business.  How he got started speaking and why. What he has learned about himself from speaking to audiences about his journey. What Jamie got from his TEDx experience and the lessons he learned. How Jamie prepares for his talks and where storytelling and humour fit in.    All things Jamie: www,jamiemcansh.com www.seenobounds.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-mcansh-see-no-bounds/ https://www.facebook.com/SeeNoBounds/ https://www.facebook.com/Jamiemcanshmotivationalspeak   Books & Resources*: Made it Thru the Rain: to light the journey ahead by Beverly Jones   Resources: The Hookology Workshop - Making Sure Your Talk is Captivating From the Start Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.  Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here. 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)

Learn how to grab your audience's attention with a captivating opening in public speaking. Discover the triggers for attention, different lightning bolt options, and tips for building this skill. Also, explore strategies for creating powerful openings and closings, using metaphors and analogies, and exciting opportunities for authors.

Still one of the most prolific tools around, Powerpoint can literally make or break your presentation, depending on how you use it. That’s why I wanted to get Philippa Leguen de Lacroix on the show.  She started life employed as a graphic designer, and was increasingly tasked with creating powerpoint slides for the different organisations she worked for. But … Philippa had a yearning to become her own boss, and after a hockey match with another designer pal they decided to start their own agency. That company has gone from strength to strength, pushing the boundaries of powerpoint to deliver jaw dropping presentations that continue to delight audiences and win new clients. In this show you are going to get some great tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of powerpoint and other types of software, and create slides that support you creating a talk that shines. Enjoy! What you’ll discover: What made Philippa focus on powerpoint. How you and your slides can build the connection with your audience or trash it. Why the bar for good slides is so low and the bad practice Philippa has seen that you can avoid.  The psychological and physiological things that we need to take into account with our slide creation. What design linked with value means and why it matters. What is more important, the talk content and delivery, or the slides. Why Philippa believes we should still consider powerpoint over other slide software options.  Three great tips for good slide design and creation.   All things Philippa: https://presented.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/presenteduk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippaleguendelacroix/ Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk   Books & Resources*: The Long Win by Cath Bishop   Resources: Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.  Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here. 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)

This quick talk tip is in response to a situation one of my client’s found herself in, that could be an obstacle for you too.  In this show I’m covering: Why you need to be able to flex your talk.  Why it works How I used it and you can see it in action Tips for building this skill 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: FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling) 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.  

It wasn’t until I embarked on my marketing, influencing and sales odyssey, that I discovered the concept of ‘audience sophistication’ as I call it.  It’s something I’ve often shared with marketing clients, but although I used it myself in my talks, I’ve not taught it to speakers until recently.  And the feedback when I have has been so positive, that I thought I’d better share it with you too!  In this episode, I’m going to break it down for you, so that you can level up your talks and get better results.  What you’ll discover: The origin story of audience sophistication. Why it matters for speakers.  How it affects your content. A practical example of how you might use it. How you can discover the sophistication of your audience. 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: FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling) 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)