The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Learn how to captivate your audience like a Hollywood director by using 'push and pull' techniques in your speech. Discover how emotion and storytelling can influence thoughts and behavior, and grab practical tips to enhance your speaking impact. Get ready to create engaging talks that leave a lasting impression on your listeners!

As you may know in addition to teaching people how to become awesome speakers, I am a writer, and that’s how I first discovered Jo Gatford. I was writing my second play, and needed some concentrated time to focus on getting it written, queue Writers HQ. Jo Gatford is an award-winning writer of short and long fiction and the co-founder of Writers' HQ. It’s an organisation dedicated to providing low-cost writing courses and resources to arse-kicking writers with no time or money.  In the past five years Writers' HQ has given away over £10,000 of writing courses and retreats to under-represented and systemically excluded writers, and seen hundreds of students go on to be published and win prestigious literary prizes! Jo has worked as an editor and copywriter for over 15 years and has been teaching creative writing workshops for almost a decade.  You’ll probably be aware that the best talks are full of stories, and in this show Jo is sharing her thoughts on storytelling, what can get in the way of creation, as well as a few tips and hacks to get your stories moving. Enjoy! What you’ll discover: How Jo became a writer.  What inspired Jo to write her first novel, "White Lies" and what challenges she had to overcome whilst writing it.  How the process of writing a short story differs from writing a longer piece. Some of the common pitfalls or challenges that storytellers often face. Tips for making your story work.  How to ensure maximum productivity and focus whilst doing creative work. What Writers HQ is and how it could help you realise your writing dreams!   All things Jo: https://writershq.co.uk https://www.jogatford.com   WRITERS' HQ: Twitter: @writers_hq Facebook /writershq Instagram @writershq   Jo Gatford: Twitter: @jmgatford   Books & Resources*: The dog of The Marriage by Amy Hempel   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)  

With technology now able to doctor images, people and chatbots pretending to be who they’re not and the advent of fake news, it might feel like it’s going to be harder than ever before to get people to believe new ideas.  That doubt can hold us back from sharing our message for fear that we might not be able to get it across in the right way, causing damage to our reputation and confidence.  But I want to let you know that it is absolutely possible to overcome skepticism and get your audience bought in and wanting to work with you. In this episode, I’ll be sharing tools that you can use as a speaker in talks, webinars and workshops to establish credibility and overcome skepticism, so that you get the buy-in to your message.  What you’ll discover: What makes us believe things? The most obvious sources of credibility Are you an anti-authority? How to establish your authority How to make statistics meaningful The most powerful authority that you can leverage The Sinatra Test – can you pass it? The incongruence gap and how to use it.   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   Resource Links: Case of Poisoning - National Library of Medicine https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/changing-someones-mind-powerful-new-approach/   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)

Join communications coach Tina Bakehouse as she shares tips on becoming a magnetic speaker, from her journey from farm girl to Disney cast member to embracing unique speaking styles. Learn about the power of storytelling, building community, and mastering magnetic communication for impactful public speaking.

Ross O’Lochlainn is a former engineer-turned-copywriter who has blended his talent for problem solving and building systems with his ability to engage an audience with his storytelling flair.  The result of this combination is a new way of looking at marketing that is getting incredible results. Ross was so confident in his model that he built his entire business by getting paid on results rather than charging up-front fees – which is something that is very unusual.  Today, his company Conversion Engineering is like an oasis in the desert of burnt out business owners, who are looking for a way to get off the feast and famine sales roller coaster. In this episode we’ll be dismantling some myths about sales that might be sabotaging your business, looking at how Ross uses stories to engage his audience, and showing you how you can stand out in a crowded marketplace. If you want to build a sustainable business that gets you sales every day, without using pressure tactics or burning yourself out then you will be interested in what Ross has to share. Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: How Ross went from engineer to copywriter How a story about the UFC turned into a huge launchpad for Ross, and why it went viral.  How to craft a brilliant USP. The difference between customer logic and company logic. Why tuning to the ‘dialogue’ of your customers is critical for landing your message and growing your business, and how to do it.  Why Ross created the open every day system and why it’s the best model for building a sustainable business. Where storytelling and the open every day system intersect. What an open every day business looks like from the perspective of the owner and the client. How Ross uses speaking in his business.   All things Ross: Open Every Day by Ross O’Lochlainn (Free Book)   Books & Resources*: The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss The Lean Startup by Eric Ries   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)

It’s hard enough to cope with the grief that follows the loss of a friend or family member, but add in the pressure of being responsible for the eulogy for the person you cared for and maybe some anxiety around public speaking, and you have a recipe for huge overwhelm. If you find yourself in this situation, my hope is that this show relieves a little of the pressure. I’ll be sharing some ideas and tips for putting the eulogy together and delivering so that you can honour their memory, keep your audience engaged and get through it without breaking down.   Enjoy! What you’ll discover: The purpose of a eulogy Eulogy writing tips How long a eulogy should be A eulogy example How to find and use stories How to add humour to a eulogy How to deal with emotions when giving a eulogy Writing a eulogy for someone you didn’t know well 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: Episode 19 - Humour 101 Episode 28 - How to be Funny Without Forcing the Gag Episode 33 - How to Find Stories to Share in Your Talks, Teaching and Marketing Content Episode 53 - Four Tools to Help You Avoid Being a Dull Speaker Episode 239 - How to Share an Emotional Story Without Losing Control Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling) Nail Your Signature Talk Programme Take the Snackable Story Challenge The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership 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)

When you have a big idea and message to share, and you want to get it out to more people you have so many more channels available today for achieving that.  Regardless of the number of platforms at your fingertips, your choice really comes down to two options - do you communicate one to many using speaking or writing? For business, two of the best options available are creating a talk or writing a business book.  Over recent times, with the advent of the internet and self-publishing, both of these have become more accessible. There is also a symbiosis between a book and a talk, with one being a vehicle to promote the other. The reality is, to have the biggest impact and reach the most people you probably should have both.  That’s why I’ve invited Alison Jones, founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, advocate of business books, Judge of the Business Book Awards and host of The Extraordinary Business Book Club, podcast onto the show. She is a veteran of the publishing industry, having worked at big names like Chambers, Oxford University Press and Macmillan (as Publisher and then Director of Innovation Strategy at Palgrave Macmillan).  She regularly speaks and blogs on the publishing industry, and is also an author in her own right.  She is going to be taking us behind the scenes in the publishing industry and answering lots of questions you may have about business book writing and speaking. Enjoy! What you’ll discover: Why Alison is such a champion of business books. Whether the proliferation of business books has cheapened the value of becoming an author. How business book authors should use stories.  The biggest mistakes authors make when writing a business book. Whether business authors need a talk. What should come first, the ‘talk’ or the ‘book’ What ‘exploratory’ writing is and how it can help you. How to do it. What made Alison decide to write a book about it. What part speaking plays in getting Alison’s own message out there.   All things Alison: 10 Day Book Proposal Challenge  Websites: https://alisonjones.com https://practicalinspiration.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-jones-9b09893/  Alison’s Podcast: http://extraordinarybusinessbooks.com/podcast-episodes/    Books & Resources*: Exploratory Writing: Everyday magic for life and work by Alison JonesThe Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks   Resources: 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 will help you if you know that you have a big message and want to have more impact, but find yourself playing small! In this show I’m covering: The truth about thought leadership How to differentiate yourself in your niche The three obstacles to becoming a thought leader Questions to help you step up  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!) LinkedIN - Here  Facebook - Here   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: Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling) Nail Your Signature Talk Programme Take the Snackable Story Challenge The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership 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)  

The ‘path of most resistance’ - that is essentially what Catherine Weetman faces as a specialist in the area of regeneration and the circular economy.  She talks to organisations about the need to ditch outdated business models and go beyond current thinking. She also challenges current practices around product life cycles and materials, and shares practical and meaningful strategies and plans for becoming more sustainable in a world with dwindling natural resources.  All of this is so that they are able to survive and prosper in the changing environmental and consumer landscape, and they also contribute to averting the wider peril affecting all of us. Catherine is an Award-winning author, keynote speaker and circular economy strategic advisor, and she is fascinated by the 'sweet spot' where strategy, stakeholder value and sustainability come together. Her award-winning A Circular Economy Handbook, published by Kogan Page, is now in its 2nd edition, and she hosts the popular Circular Economy Podcast, with listeners in over 150 countries. Catherine has been speaking about this topic for over 10 years and has evolved her content and delivery over that time to better connect with her audience where they are, in order to start them on the journey to where they need to be.  If you are looking for a great example of someone who makes the complex and abstract simple, engaging and relatable then you will love this episode. Not only will you broaden your knowledge in the area of the circular economy, but you will pick up some great speaking tips to boot! Enjoy! What you’ll discover: What started Catherine on her circular economy journey. What made her go all in and what happened as a result. What a ‘super wicked problem’ is and why that definition matters. How Catherine communicates the one idea that businesses need to understand in order to shift perspective and start taking action. Why companies should look to lead in the area of sustainability, rather than following the crowd. What the ‘circular economy’ actually means. Identifying and tackling the myths around sustainability. The challenges Catherine has encountered getting people and companies on board. How Catherine has switched up her content and delivery style as a result of facing these challenges. The part that speaking has played in getting her message out there and building her authority and consultancy practice All things Catherine:   Website:  https://www.rethinkglobal.info/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-weetman-9419107/ The Circular Economy Podcast - https://www.rethinkglobal.info/circular-economy-podcast/   Books & Resources*: Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts (2008) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson The Scout Mindset by Julia Galef  Rype Office https://www.rypeoffice.com/ Comedian Mark Steel – on BBC Radio 4 with Mark Steel’s In Town https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rtbk8/episodes/guide   Resources: 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 an issue that really winds me up, but that needed to be presented in a way that was engaging and entertaining. In this show I’m covering: The ‘Rant and Reverse’ comedy technique  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!)   Link to See my Rant and Reverse in Action LinkedIn - Here  Facebook - Here   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: Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling) Nail Your Signature Talk Programme Take the Snackable Story Challenge The Speaking Club ‘Live’ Membership 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.