In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Ravinol Chambers. 

Ravinol is a filmmaker, storyteller and founder of Be Inspired Films, a B Corp creative agency helping purpose-driven organisations communicate with clarity and confidence.

A former monk turned moviemaker, he’s spent more than a decade guiding leaders to show up on camera in a way that feels natural, human and compelling.

His work spans TEDxLondon, the NHS, Oxford University and the Cabinet Office, with multiple international awards and six consecutive Drum Recommends wins for Best Video Production Company in the UK.

Ravinol also hosts the Storytelling for Social Impact podcast and leads the Storytelling Clarity Sprint, helping teams cut through noise and tell the story that truly moves their audience.

In this episode we talked about video storytelling for speakers, speaking with confidence on camera, and how organisations can share stories that truly connect.

What You'll Learn:

- How to make sure your stage talks are filmed well

- What setup you need to record professional videos at home

- How to combine sound and visuals to build strong video stories

- How to tell stories that focus on people, not your company 

- How to shape your message so your audience truly cares

In This Episode:

00:00 - Introduction

09:18 - How to Prepare Video Teams Before Your Talk

10:54 - Why Speakers Shouldn’t Look at the Camera

13:33 - What TED Gets Right About Filming Talks

20:20 - The Minimum Setup to Film at Home

24:09 - How to Overcome Nerves on Camera

25:36 - Why Shorter Videos Take More Work

29:45 - Why Extra Energy Works on Camera

33:28 - How to Tell Stories Without Making Yourself the Hero

40:59 - How to Use B-Roll to Bring Stories Alive

We hope you enjoy it! 

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Ravinol Chambers: 

- Website: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/ 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravchambers/ 

- Instagram: @beinspiredrav

- Storytelling for Social Impact podcast: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/podcast 

- Jack’s Story (Neurodiversity & Police project): https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/#jacksstory 

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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES 

- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)

- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  

- Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/   

- Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course  

#IdeasOnStagePodcast #VideoStorytelling #StorytellingForBusiness #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, we share a conversation with Ciaran O’Donnell – originally recorded as part of the Ideas on Stage Academy. We decided to repurpose it as a podcast episode so more people can learn from his inspiring communication journey and practical insights.

Ciaran is a Virtual Finance Director. He launched Virtual FD in 2010 to help growing businesses access Finance Director–level advice before they’re ready for a full-time hire. A qualified accountant since 1998, he spent 12 years at Hutchison Whampoa, Three, and Carphone Warehouse – all with entrepreneurial beginnings. Since then, he has advised more than 100 startups and fast-growth companies, helping them grow, prepare to sell and stay on track. Ciaran was named CFO of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards 2019 and is a Finance Director of the Year finalist in the Accounting Excellence Awards 2023 and 2024.

In this episode, we talked about how Ciaran became a better communicator

What You'll Learn:

- Why improving your communication can transform your career

- How to rehearse and internalise your message to sound natural

- How to use stories that make people care 

- How pauses, breathing and feedback strengthen your delivery

- How better communication can attract clients and grow your business

In This Episode:

00:00 - Introduction

04:15 - Why a CFO Decided to Speak Better

07:57 - How One Imperfect Video Sparked Growth

10:00 - How to Know You’re Improving as a Speaker

17:22 - How Internalising Transforms Your Delivery

21:25 - The “So What” Framework 

38:50 - The Birthday Speech He’ll Never Forget

43:58 - How a Slow Breath Changes Everything

47:55 - The Three Levels of Useful Feedback

52:12 - A Masterclass in Sharing Your Origin Story

55:07 - How Storytelling Drove 90% of His Revenue

We hope you enjoy it! 

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Ciaran O’Donnell:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranodonnell/ 

- Website: https://virtualfd.co/

- Ciaran’s first video: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6648942434724179968/ 

- A story about “It’s all about trust”: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ciaranodonnell_itsallabouttrust-storybridges-ownyournumbers-activity-7344251933672566787-KeWd 

Mentions: 

- Bernadette Jiwa 

- Jimmy Cannon 

- The Moth 

Recommended books: 

- Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa 

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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES 

- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)

- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  

- Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/   

- Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course  

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Kay Korsh.

For over 20 years, Style Strategist Kay Korsh has been behind the scenes – dressing celebrities, consulting for luxury brands, and helping professional speakers dress in a way that aligns with their message. And that leads to more bookings, higher fees, and a whole lot more confidence on stage. 

In this episode we talked about how your style shapes your presence – from common mistakes and myths to practical tips that help you look more like YOU on stage and on camera.

What You'll Learn:

- How to dress in a way that supports your message

- What to avoid when preparing your look for a talk or video

- Why looking like yourself helps you connect with your audience

- How style influences the way people see and remember you

- A small change that can improve how you show up immediately

In This Episode:

00:00 - Introduction

08:49 - Align Your Look With the Venue

15:28 - Stop Dressing Like the Audience

41:36 - How to Instantly Improve Your Look

We hope you enjoy it! 

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Kay Korsh: 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/ 

- Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com/ 

- Colour Quiz for Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest

- How to Work with a Photographer: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/get-the-best-results-from-brand-photoshoot 

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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES 

- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)

- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: ideasonstage.com/score  

- Free Web Class: ideasonstage.com/uk/events/   

- Free Mini-Course: bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course  

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Patricia Ryan Madson. 

Patricia Ryan Madson is a world authority on improvising in everyday life. She is the author of IMPROV WISDOM: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up. Her book has been translated into nine languages. 

Patricia is a professor Emerita from Stanford University where she taught since 1977. In their Drama Department she served as the head of the undergraduate acting program and developed the improvisation program. In 1998 she was the winner of the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Innovation in Undergraduate Education at Stanford. 

She is a frequent speaker for business and educational groups. Her corporate clients have included: IDEO, Google, Gap Inc.’s Executive Leadership Team, The Lucille and David Packard Foundation, the Banff Centre for Leadership, Sun Microsystems Japan Division, Apple Computers, Adobe Systems, and Price Waterhouse. 

In this episode, we talked about how the principles of improvisation can help you become a more engaging presenter, and communicate with greater authenticity and impact.

What You'll Learn:

- How to balance preparation with being fully present

- How improvisation can make you a better speaker – even if you fear public speaking

- Why performance anxiety is really about self-focus – and how shifting your attention can help

- How to handle mistakes during a presentation 

- A simple way to start using improv today to improve your communication skills instantly

We hope you enjoy it! 

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Patricia Ryan Madson:

Book: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up 

Website: www.improvwisdom.com  

Blog: www.improvwisdom.blogspot.com  

Email: [email protected] 

Recommended books: 

Constructive Living by David K. Reynolds

Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone

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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES 

Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)

The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   

Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/masterclass   

Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course