Looking back on my own career as a speaker, storyteller, and communicator across projects and mediums, I realize: every time I developed a signature story capable of resonating with others, I went through the same process. It wasn't intentional, but it worked. Today, I want to codify that process into a more conscious process you can follow. I'm calling it Six-Way Stories:

1. Make a messy draft.
2. Find the 4 building blocks of the story.
3. Build up the story from the building blocks.
4. Arrive at an insight using a particular phrase.
5. Tell it again, but shorter.
6. Tell it again, but arriving at a different insight.

The goal isn't to "learn story." The goal is to become a storyteller. This process can help you get to work with clarity and confidence.

***

ABOUT MY WORK:

Don’t market more. Matter more.

When your expertise sounds like everyone else’s, you’re forced to compete on price instead of value. I help established experts transform scattered thinking into a distinctive premise, signature stories, and unforgettable speeches. Stop creating "content." Create IP that makes you the obvious choice. Let’s make your ideas clear, repeatable, powerful, yours.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Move from:

Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea

"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speeches

Constantly chasing attention → Being highly sought

[What you know] matters. But [what you say] + [how you say it] determine whether [they care.]

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

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How to resonate with better clients and buyers—people with experience and taste who hire you for everything that makes you unique. 

This is different than almost everything the owners of search engines, social networks, and AI tools have taught us. So we first need to unlearn a lot of what's popular on the internet today.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:
Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced Pros

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Steve Pratt has spent a lifetime earning attention, from his time working for "the MTV of Canada" (Much Music) and as the co-creator of the most popular podcast in Canada, then as the cofounder of Pacific Content, which created podcasts for DELL, Charles Schwab, Zendesk, Slack, Atlassian and more.

Steve is a past client of mine, as I helped him develop his keynote speech associated with his book, Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers. When he's not traveling the world speaking, Steve is consulting his clients on how to differentiate through their creative bravery.

In this episode, we dissect one of his Steve's signature stories, and we actively workshop it to flow better. It's a rare look inside the craft of how a great story comes together, and all the parts and pieces that make it gripping, surprising, and relevant to a message.

Follow Steve on LinkedIn and visit his website for more.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:
Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced Pros

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

I know a ton of storytellers and creators and entrepreneurs, but I know exactly zero other people who have learned how to do what they do from both legendary news broadcasters and Kermit the Frog.

Meet Andrew Davis. He is a powerhouse business speaker who’s given speeches in 35 different countries, at more than 50 events every year. He speaks to audiences ranging from marketers and entrepreneurs to plumbers and physicians — and there may not be a storyteller who is this craft-driven and obsessed with telling amazing stories in the worlds of business, marketing, and customer experience.

As an entrepreneur, Andrew has built and sold a marketing agency, produced docuseries for brand clients big and small, and authored multiple books about marketing and customer experience.

In this episode, we dissect one of his signature stories. It's been with him for almost ten years, and he can customize it across audiences and projects to arrive at basically any insight he needs to teach. It’s a rare look at how a true master of the craft executes the tiny things that create a big impact both for his audience and his business.

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn

Explore his speaking, books, and other projects.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

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There's a big difference between people hearing your words and understanding you. There's an even bigger gap between understanding and caring. How can we communicate in ways that ensure others care about our ideas, our messages, our businesses?
 
In this solo episode, a look at two moments involving two very different communicators: Roy Kent, the character from Ted Lasso, and author and speaker Seth Godin.

We'll dissect both moments and make sense of what they do differently. It's a stark reminder that communicating in ways that resonate is available to us all, if only we'd meet those moments and make a simple switch compared to our natural tendencies.

I loved putting this episode together for you! Please enjoy.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

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This episode is a total blast and tour de force from one of the world's foremost business communicators, Dorie Clark! Dorie is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, a communication coach and mentor for world-class leaders, and a keynote speaker who has consulted with or spoken for Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Yale University, and the World Bank.

In this episode, you'll hear a signature story Dorie uses in support of her premise and her book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. Together, we dissect what makes the story work, as well as discuss:

• How to source and develop stories for your work
• The formula thinkers like Dorie and Malcolm Gladwell use to turn expertise into powerful ideas
• The 3 components of being recognized for your expertise

...and more.

Dorie is an exceptional communicator who has shared her ideas all over the world. You're in for a treat!

Learn more about Dorie and buy her incredible books at dorieclark.com.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

"Reworking in Realtime." That’s a phrase I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. How often do you get to sit with a peer, a colleague, a mentor, a coach, and go through something to improve in realtime? Why don't we? Athletes do it. Comedians. Musicians. Filmmakers.

We should too, and lately, on my YouTube channel, I've been building a playlist of publicly available coaching calls to put the process on display of developing stronger speeches and stories. Justin Moore was the first to kick things off about a year ago, and I invited him back on a call to check in on his progress and workshop a signature story together.

Justin is the founder of Creator Wizard, which offers sponsorship education and coaching to help creators earn consistent income. He’s is also one of the most trusted voices in the creator economy today.

Recently, Justin published his first book, Sponsor Magnet, and he’s also starting to scale his business, as he’s trying to meet his existing buyer earlier in the buyer’s journey and also expand his market to speak to other types of creators and media company owners who’d benefit from his teachings.

All of that is pointing him towards elevating the impact of his storytelling everywhere he goes, plus pursuing main stage keynotes at events like never before.

Today, we get a raw and refreshing look at the process and rework some things in realtime once again.

***

CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:

You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

The changes my clients experience:

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

Connect with me: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Lessons from 20 years of storytelling through my writing, speaking, podcasting, videos, and most of all, from my Grandma.

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Explore my services: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help you package and communicate your expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

I help my clients turn their expertise into a clear, repeatable message and speeches & stories to inspire action.

Driving real revenue and having a greater impact are NOT mutually exclusive. Instead of peddling in the grimy tactics and sensationalism found online today, I help you dig down to the root of your thinking, articulate your perspective as a Big Idea others remember, then embody your message through your public speaking and thought leadership.

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

[What you know] matters, but [what you say] has to make that clear.

When people make choices, they play favorites. The question is, are you one of them?

Think resonance over reach. Don’t be the best. Be their favorite.

Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

AI and people both run on LLMs. AI has large language models. People have little life moments. But mostly, we don't draw on our LLMs confidently or consistently enough.

Neal Foard does, and that's made him one of the most exceptional (and viral) storytellers in the business world.  

Neal joins me today to lay it all out: we talk about constructing stories, practicing and rehearsal, and how to shape a true story into something entertaining. Together, we hear his famous story of "the best bartender in Chicago" and talk about the little moments that make it work.

Neal is a keynote and TEDx speaker, a former ad agency and brand executive, and a storytelling and personal brand coach. After 25 years in advertising and marketing, working with world-class brands, Neal teaches leaders how to tell more persuasive stories.

The story we dissect: the Best Bartender in Chicago.

The final story you hear in the episode: the Peace Treaty.

Connect with Neal on his website, Instagram, YouTube, or Linkedin.

***

CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:

You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

The changes my clients experience:

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

Connect with me:on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

***

SHOW CREDITS:

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

In this special bonus episode, I take your questions about public speaking. We talk about the craft, but also the way we can better approach our speaking as a marketing strategy and approach, how to think about whether to charge for public speaking (and how much), and a lot more!

Whether you've got a speaking engagement coming up, give tons of talks each year, or you're just thinking about becoming a stronger and more strategic speaker to support your business and message, this episode will help you rethink some important pieces to the puzzle.

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Explore my services: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify