Show Notes: The Power of Liking for Speakers

Welcome back! In this solo episode, John dives into one of Robert Cialdini’s most underrated principles of influence—liking. If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers seem to get booked again and again, or how you can turn your audience into true fans without changing a word of your keynote, this episode is for you.

Introduction: Why Liking Matters

John kicks things off by sharing why understanding the principle of liking is a game-changer for anyone who wants to get booked, rebooked, or simply make a bigger impact as a speaker. It’s not just about what you say on stage—it’s about how you connect with people, both on and off the mic.

The Science Behind Liking

Drawing on Cialdini’s research, John explains that we’re all more likely to say “yes” to people we genuinely like. He shares his own journey, from starting out with a small audience to building a platform and podcast, all by focusing on curiosity, generosity, and authentic relationships.

Real Connections vs. Transactional Interactions

John gets real about the difference between building genuine connections and falling into the trap of being transactional. He shares stories from his own experience—how being easy to work with and showing appreciation opened doors to new opportunities, referrals, and collaborations.

How to Be More Likeable (and Why It Matters)

This chapter is packed with practical advice. John talks about the importance of using audience-relevant language, sharing stories (especially the ones where things didn’t go perfectly), and being open about your own quirks and mistakes. He reminds us that being likeable isn’t about flattery or people-pleasing—it’s about being real, approachable, and easy to work with.

Likability Killers to Avoid

Not everything is sunshine and roses—John also covers the behaviours that can quickly destroy likability. From being overly self-focused or inauthentic, to lacking emotional presence or coming across as rigid, he explains why these habits can hold you back as a speaker.

Authenticity Over Perfection

One of the big takeaways from this episode is that you don’t need to win everyone over. In fact, trying to please everyone is a losing game. Instead, focus on showing up as someone who’s trustworthy, warm, and competent. Likability can’t make up for a bad talk, but it can turn a good one into something unforgettable.

Wrapping Up & What’s Next

John closes the episode by encouraging you to be the speaker people want to work with and invite back. If you found this valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the links in the show notes for free tools to help you build ethical influence. And stay tuned—the next episode will explore another of Cialdini’s heavy hitters: reciprocity.

Thanks for listening! Until next time, stay present, stay likeable, and stay influential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Liking

00:38 Exploring Cialdini's Principle of Liking

01:50 Personal Journey: Building Connections

04:13 Ethical Application of Liking

05:52 Practical Tips for Speakers

07:31 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

10:58 Conclusion: Elevate Your Speaking Game

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

In this episode, we debunk the widely spread myth that only 7% of communication is through words, while the remaining 93% is through tone and facial expressions. The host explains the origins of this misconception from Albert Mehrabian's research on emotional communication. The video clarifies that the 7% figure pertains to how we interpret emotions, not overall communication. Words remain crucial, comprising the majority of communication, while tone and expressions add depth and emotional context. Listeners are encouraged to challenge and help stop the propagation of this myth.

00:00 Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

00:52 Origins of the Myth: Albert Mehrabian's Study

01:43 Understanding Emotional Intent in Communication

02:21 The Role of Words, Tone, and Facial Expressions

03:29 Clarifying the Misconception

04:14 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Words

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

Embracing the Nomadic Mindset: Presence and Connection on Stage

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the nomadic mindset with international speaker and author Kevin Cottam. They explore how ancient nomadic wisdom can enhance modern speakers' adaptability, presence, and connection with their audiences. Through stories from Mongolia to Morocco, Kevin shares insights on the importance of unity, flow, and curiosity for effective communication. This philosophical conversation encourages speakers to transcend traditional methods, fostering deeper and more meaningful engagement with their audiences.

What does a nomadic warrior know about stage presence that most speakers never learn?

In this powerful and philosophical episode, I’m joined by Kevin Cottam, international speaker, former world-class choreographer, and author of The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long.

Together, we explore how ancient nomadic wisdom, drawn from cultures in Mongolia, Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia, can help modern speakers develop deeper presence, authentic connection, and resonant leadership.

💡 Discover how presence is more than just performance; it’s unity with your space, your audience, and yourself.

🔍 Topics we explore:

• The surprising meaning of the word “nomad”

• How speakers can ground themselves through breath, silence, and space

• What stillness, curiosity, and adaptability have to do with your stagecraft

• Why sameness kills growth—and how to rediscover flow

Whether you're a keynote speaker, coach, or creative leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to speak with more depth, awareness, and humanity.

🎁 Free Resource from Kevin:

Join The Nomadic Mindset Awakening – a free 6-part masterclass

📖 Get Kevin’s Book: The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long

🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cottam

00:00 Introduction to Nomadic Mindset

00:15 Meet Kevin Cottam: From Choreographer to Speaker

01:34 Exploring Presence and Unity

02:06 Lessons from Nomadic Cultures

03:39 The Importance of Connection in Speaking

06:55 Adapting and Growing as a Speaker

17:01 Understanding the Nomadic Mindset

25:06 Applying Nomadic Principles to Life

28:39 Practical Steps to Embrace Nomadic Thinking

32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

New PI mid-roll

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

How to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Speaking Career (Without Faking It)

If you've ever felt invisible as a speaker, like you're great on stage but not getting the referrals, rebookings, or conversions you deserve, this episode is for you.

We're diving into Cialdini’s principle of social proof and how it applies specifically to public and professional speakers. You’ll learn how to use testimonials, case studies, audience reactions, and endorsements to build real trust and credibility—without hype or manipulation.

I also share a strange little story about the time I almost got off the wrong bus… even though I knew it wasn’t my stop. Why? Because everyone else did. It’s a perfect real-world example of how powerful social proof is, and how it influences our behaviour, even when we know better.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What social proof is and why it matters for speakers
• How to use testimonials and case studies inside your talks to seed future sales
• Why social proof is one of the most effective tools when selling from the stage
• The right (and ethical) way to ask for testimonials and case study permissions
• How to turn LinkedIn referrals and recommendations into your speaking growth engine
• What fake social proof looks like—and how it damages your credibility

Whether you're selling books, coaching, consulting, or just building your speaking brand, social proof can make or break your next opportunity. Let’s make sure it works for you—not against you.

🔔 Subscribe to the show and never miss an episode in this series on Cialdini’s principles of influence, tailored for ethical, high-impact speakers.

📩 Want tools, scripts, and persuasion resources in your inbox? Join the list at www.presentinfluence.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Social Proof

00:32 Understanding Social Proof

00:49 A Personal Anecdote on Social Proof

02:00 Leveraging Testimonials and Case Studies

04:20 The Power of LinkedIn for Social Proof

05:11 Best Practices for Gathering Testimonials

06:03 The Importance of Third-Party Introductions

07:29 Incorporating Social Proof in Presentations

09:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

New PI mid-roll

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

As speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs, we spend countless hours refining our message and perfecting our delivery—but how often do we invest in the vehicle that delivers it: our health?

In this powerful episode of Present Influence, host John Ball sits down with health and fitness coach Esther Avant to explore the overlooked connection between physical wellness and professional presence. If you've ever struggled with energy, confidence, or consistency, this conversation will show you why your fitness habits may be the missing piece in your performance strategy.

Esther shares nearly two decades of expertise helping busy professionals build sustainable health routines—even when travel, stage work, or jam-packed schedules get in the way.

🎯 Topics covered include:

• Why speakers and coaches must prioritise health (and how it affects first impressions)
• The 3 “Big Rocks” of health: the simplest, most effective habits for better results
• How to reduce friction and decision fatigue through pre-planning
• The mindset shift that makes self-care non-negotiable
• Real talk about sleep, recovery, consistency, and how to build a lifestyle that lasts
• The surprising mental benefits of fitness—including confidence, clarity, and resilience

John also shares his journey of improving his health, the mistakes he made, and the surprising performance benefits he's experienced since getting consistent with exercise, nutrition, and rest.

Whether you're an emerging speaker or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your habits—and empower you to upgrade not just your health, but your entire presence and performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Energy and Health

00:24 Meet Esther Avant: Building Real Energy and Confidence

01:33 The Busy Professional's Health Dilemma

02:34 Creating a Sustainable Healthy Lifestyle

05:07 The Power of Consistency and Self-Belief

12:13 Exercise and Nutrition: The Big Rocks

14:25 Rest and Recovery: Essential for Success

22:38 Planning Ahead: Overcoming Decision Fatigue

24:54 Overcoming Midweek Slumps

25:17 Prepping for Success

26:25 Queued Actions for Smooth Sailing

27:03 Connecting Present and Future Self

28:56 The Importance of Specific Goals

33:14 Behaviour Goals vs. Outcome Goals

33:58 Intermittent Fasting Insights

36:22 Personalising Your Diet

41:21 Tracking Progress Effectively

43:21 Motivation Through Self-Reflection

44:52 Conclusion and Resources

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

New PI mid-roll

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

Mastering Authority: Leveraging Credibility as a Speaker

Summary

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores the principle of authority and how it can impact a speaker's credibility. John delves into Dr. Robert Cialdini's concept of authority and shares personal anecdotes and experiments that highlight its power. He provides actionable insights on how speakers can project authority through appearance, associations, and demonstrated expertise, while also discussing the dark side of authority and its unethical uses. The episode includes tips on building authentic authority and a call to embrace vulnerability for increased relatability. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content and explore resources to improve their speaking strengths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Authority

00:45 Understanding Cialdini's Principle of Authority

02:06 The White Coat Experiment

03:32 Personal Anecdote: The Billionaires Club

05:16 Healthy Scepticism and Authority

06:49 Projecting Authority as a Speaker

10:14 The Dark Side of Authority

12:56 Building Ethical Authority

14:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

New PI mid-roll

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

Unlock the power of effective communication in meetings and presentations with expert facilitator and author Therese Miclot.

In this episode of Professional Speaking, host John Ball and Therese delve into the vital role of facilitation, likening it to a leavening agent that transforms interactions.

Gain insights into cultivating the right mindset, mastering active listening, and storytelling to drive engagement. Learn strategies for managing disruptions, fostering psychological safety, and forming effective group agreements. Therese also shares her experiences and tips for enhancing your facilitation technique.

Explore Therese's website at The Facilitation Advantage for more leadership resources and join our YouTube community for extra content. Enhance your speaking skills with our Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz at presentinfluence.com. Connect with us via email or LinkedIn and don't forget to leave a 5-star review if you enjoyed this episode.

Mentioned in this episode: Transform your speaking engagements with our exclusive September Case Study group 'Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint'. Learn more at presentinfluence.com/kbpb.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Effective Facilitation

01:18 - Welcoming Therese Miclot

01:49 - Defining Facilitation

04:14 - Common Facilitation Challenges

06:43 - The Importance of Mindset

11:28 - Creating Psychological Safety

18:15 - The Power of Storytelling

23:00 - Adding Color to Your Stories

24:27 - The Importance of Preparation in Storytelling

26:19 - Handling Disruptors in Facilitation

31:38 - Creating Effective Group Agreements

34:02 - Dealing with Resistant Participants

36:19 - The Power of Restating and Peer Feedback

39:30 - Memorable Facilitation Experiences

41:06 - The Facilitation Advantage Book

43:48 - Upcoming Episodes and Series

Keywords: facilitation skills, leadership, meetings, presentations, active listening, storytelling, psychological safety, group agreements, communication strategies

#FacilitationSkills #Leadership #EffectiveMeetings #Storytelling #Communication

Check out Therese's website for more information about leadership facilitation: https://www.thefacilitationadvantage.com/

Join us on YouTube for clips and additional content. Link below.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Effective Facilitation

01:18 Welcoming Therese Miclot

01:49 Defining Facilitation

04:14 Common Facilitation Challenges

06:43 The Importance of Mindset

11:28 Creating Psychological Safety

18:15 The Power of Storytelling

23:00 Adding Color to Your Stories

24:27 The Importance of Preparation in Storytelling

26:19 Handling Disruptors in Facilitation

31:38 Creating Effective Group Agreements

34:02 Dealing with Resistant Participants

36:19 The Power of Restating and Peer Feedback

39:30 Memorable Facilitation Experiences

41:06 The Facilitation Advantage Book

43:48 Upcoming Episodes and Series

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

New PI mid-roll

Mastering Scarcity: Unlocking Cialdini's Principles for Speakers

This episode dives into the psychology behind the principle of scarcity from Cialdini's persuasion techniques and its impact on audience behavior. The speaker highlights how scarcity can create urgency and increase value perception, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips for speakers, coaches, and consultants to use this principle ethically. Emphasizing integrity, the episode provides strategies to encourage audience action without compromising trust. Subscribe to follow the series and learn about the next principle, authority.

00:00 Introduction to Persuasion for Speakers

00:11 Overview of Cialdini's Principles

00:45 Deep Dive into Scarcity

04:01 Applying Scarcity Ethically

05:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

New PI mid-roll

Mastering Influence: Dr. Cialdini's Seven Principles for Speakers (part 1)

Summary

This episode introduces Dr. Robert Cialdini's seven key principles of influence and persuasion, which are crucial for anyone looking to enhance their persuasive abilities, especially as public speakers. The principles covered include scarcity, authority, social proof, liking, reciprocity, consistency, and the added principle of unity. The episode specifically focuses on the principle of scarcity, its application, and how to use it effectively and ethically in public speaking scenarios. The host discusses practical examples and warns against the misuse of these principles, emphasising the importance of integrity in maintaining audience trust.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Influence and Persuasion

01:30 Overview of Dr. Cialdini's Seven Principles

06:14 Deep Dive into Scarcity

09:03 Effective Use of Scarcity in Speaking

09:44 Maintaining Integrity with Scarcity

12:03 Practical Tips for Speakers

14:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker and where to focus for growth.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Unlocking Confidence Through Vocal Power with Voice Coach Jimmy Cannon

Summary

In this insightful episode of the Present Influence Podcast, John Ball interviews speaking coach and voice expert Jimmy Cannon. The discussion centres around how improving your voice and vocal style can significantly boost your confidence, enhancing your effectiveness as a professional communicator. Jimmy shares his journey from being a jazz singer to becoming a vocal coach specialising in helping people overcome anxiety and vocal blocks. The conversation delves into the importance of breath control, the physiological and psychological aspects of vocal performance, and practical tips for achieving vocal variety and presence. In addition, the episode touches on techniques to project confidence and authenticity through voice, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

#VocalConfidence #PublicSpeaking #VoiceTraining #JimmyCannon #PodcastInterview

Find out more about Jimmy at https://www.jimmycannon.com/ and take his Voice Mastery Quiz

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Voice Confidence

00:31 Meet Voice Coach Jimmy Cannon

02:10 The Importance of Voice in Professional Settings

02:54 Understanding Vocal Challenges

09:27 The Role of Values in Building Confidence

20:25 Breathing Techniques for Better Voice Control

29:38 Mastering Patrick Stewart's Voice

30:14 Voice Resonance and Placement

31:19 Old School Voice Training

33:24 Understanding Vocal Presence

34:02 Exploring Vocal Circles

36:32 Voice and Social Perception

40:41 Voice Exercises for Range and Volume

44:23 The Importance of Vocal Variety

47:38 Jimmy Cannon's Singing Journey

50:05 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do you want to join the Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint September Case Study group?

This September I'll be working with a group of 5 speakers who are already speaking but not getting the level of bookings and speaker fees that they really want. We'll work on the 3 key areas that will allow your speaking business to flourish. Since it's the founding group, there's an extra special deal on the price for joining that will never be repeated. Go to https://presentinfluence.com/kbpb for full details.

New PI mid-roll