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  She talks to organisations about the need to ditch outdated business models and go beyond current thinking.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.  

As speakers we are using stories to affect our audience. At the bare minimum a story will entertain. When you begin to infuse the story with emotions, fears and desires that your audience shares then it becomes engaging at the next level.  But if we truly want our audience to shift into action then our stories must show transformation, and this is the type of story that I teach speakers to use in their talks.  When I heard about Manda Scott’s new take on transformational storytelling for writers, I wanted to get her on the show to find out more.  Manda has had an interesting journey from veterinary surgeon, to best-selling novelist, to founder of the ‘Accidental Gods’ movement and podcast, and the Thrutopian genre of writing.  Her own story is fascinating and she shares some experiences she has had that you might find challenging, because they feel so far removed from ‘convention’.  There is so much value and importance in what she shares, and if you want to effect real change as a speaker, then this show is for you.  Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: Why we are not fixed to one path or purpose and how Manda discovered each new chapter of her life.  The concept of ‘accidental gods’ and what this means for each of us What the new ‘Thrutopian’ writing genre is and its power to make change a reality. How speakers can use the ‘Thrutopian’ approach to bring new possibilities into being. The importance of intuition and ways that we can get more in touch with our true self. Why fear is our biggest enemy. How we can connect better with each other and the world around us Manda’s view of the essential elements of a story that gets people into action The secret to writing a best selling book.   All things Manda: Website: https://mandascott.co.uk https://accidentalgods.life https://thrutopia.life https://narrativeark.net   https://mastodon.scot/@Eceni https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandascottauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/manda.scott.756 https://twitter.com/MandaScott   Books*: The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley   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 the question:  Can you teach me comic timing? In this show I’m covering: My definition of comic timing. The ingredients for great comic timing  Re-framing ‘the punchline’ 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: 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.  

A few times people have singled out one interview of mine as a great example of someone using short stories brilliantly. That episode was 107, and it was with Greg Satell. Greg’s work has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Barron’s, Forbes, Inc and Fast Company, and he is considered one of the foremost experts on innovation today. Greg also speaks around the world on these topics and works with leading organisations too. What I wanted to do in this show, was firstly to give you a practical structure you can use yourself, and then to illustrate using examples from this interview with Greg, how you can utilise stories in different ways as a speaker, and indeed a writer to engage and inspire your audience.  I’ve put the link to the full interview with Greg in the show notes, and if you haven’t yet listened to that one, then I highly recommend you check it out next.  Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: A short story structure you can use  How to use a story to engage your audience with  complex and abstract concepts.  How to use a story to illustrate a problem and your solution.  How to use a string of story examples to dismantle a myth and shift perspective.  How to use a story to inspire action  The importance of ‘show’, rather than tell.  Why you need to grip the audience out of the gate   All things Greg: https://thespeakingclub.com/episodes/tsc/107 https://www.GregSatell.com Social media: @DigitalTonto Email: innovate@digitaltonto.com   Books*: Mapping Innovation by Greg Satell Casc ades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change by Greg Satell   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 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)

Great speakers do two things better than other people… They create content that is designed to connect with their audience where they are and engage them in new and compelling possibilities for the future; and They deliver it in a way that builds rapport, entertains and motivates them to take the next step. The truth is that whilst the way they do them might be different, authors must also accomplish these two things in their books.  That’s where my guest today comes in. Anne Janzer is a nonfiction book coach and the author of multiple award-winning books on writing, including The Writer’s Process and Writing to Be Understood.  She is fascinated by human behaviour and cognitive science, and is always looking for clues about how we communicate more effectively.  And she loves talking about the geeky aspects of writing and communicating. In this show, Anne and I will be discussing her transformative ideas for writers and how these concepts also apply in the world of speaking.  Whether you want to become a more powerful writer or speaker, this show is something you won’t want to miss.  Enjoy!   What you’ll discover: The epiphany that led Anne’s work to straddle the worlds of neuro-science and writing. How to better understand the readers’ needs and context so that your message connects. What ‘cognitive load’ is and why non-fiction writers who aspire to be read should care about it. The reader’s curiosity sweet spot and how it applies to talks The number one mistake that business book writers make. Anne’s three biggest tips for turning technical and abstract ideas and information into compelling and memorable content. How to recognise and write for a ‘resistant audience’  ‘Need for Closure’ and ‘Moral Taste Buds’ - Two critical concepts for managing your audience journey. The most powerful writing and speaking tool of all.    All things Anne: Email: Anne@AnneJanzer.com Website: https://www.AnneJanzer.com  Non fiction survey https://www.linkedin.com/in/annehjanzer/ https://www.facebook.com/AnneHJanzer https://www.instagram.com/annejanzer/?hl=en Books*: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Writing to Be Understood, What Works and Why by Anne Janzer   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)  

No matter how far you niche down in terms of your message and services, there will always be competition. How you think about that competition and respond to it will determine the level of success you have and the speed at which you achieve that success.  I know that it can feel scary and all sorts of doubts can surface about what you can offer compared to everyone else. That is normal. Certainly, I’ve been there, and still have lapses that slow me down, but I know now how to move away from those thoughts more quickly these days, and the things I need to do in my space to carve out my unique message to attract my crowd.  In this show I want to share those with you, so that you can become a thought leader in your niche.  Enjoy! What you’ll discover: How to reframe a competitive niche. A new way to share the problem you solve and why it matters Going where others in your niche fail to tread The uniquely you way to bring your audience into your world Next steps 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 153 - 12 Pitching Pitfalls 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)

There are more platforms available for speakers to share their message than ever before. There are also more people speaking than ever before. This means that when the opportunities arise for you to speak, you have to make them count.  To stand out from the hoardes of wannabe speakers you must have three things, value driven content, a presentation style that is engaging and compelling, and a talk that builds a relationship with your audience.  In this show I’ll be focusing on sharing the principles of making that connection with your audience so that your talk gets you the results you want.  Enjoy! What you’ll discover: Why you must build a relationship with your audience when you speak The mistakes to avoid The connection points you need to build into your talk Prerequisites for building rapport as a speaker Next steps   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: 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)

There’s a lot of talk about the benefits of meditation, not only in helping us cope with the challenges we face in modern life, but also the physical benefits that may give us longer lives and better overall health.  That’s why a lot more people are now meditating, and I’m one of them. Until now, I’ve dabbled in it, but one of my goals this year was to go all in on meditation and do it every day. So, I enrolled on a 10-day virtual  meditation retreat, which I’m halfway through at the time of recording. Currently, I’m meditating for two hours a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, which is a challenge. I’m doing this for two key reasons, firstly to improve my focus and secondly to get a stronger connection to my intuition.  But the big question I wanted to explore in this episode is whether introducing meditation into your life could help you become a better speaker?  Enjoy! What you’ll discover: What meditation actually is. The different types of meditation. How meditation can affect fear of speaking. The ways that meditation can help you create your talk content. How you can get stopped from fulfilling your potential and how meditation can prevent that. The extra meditation practice that can supercharge your performance. How meditation can improve your connection with your audience.    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://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/types-of-meditation#spiritual-meditation https://www.vipassanaathome.org   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 https://lemon-squeeze.co.uk/crunch-the-play 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)