In this quick tip episode, I'm lifting the lid on how a speaking judge thinks and giving you the good, the bad and the ugly based on judging 55 speaker award entries … in one sitting (yes, I needed snacks!)

I was honoured to be a judge for the Speaker Awards again this year, covering Best Storyteller and Best TEDx categories — and I want to share what I saw behind the scenes, to help you sharpen your own speaking game.

This isn't just fluff, it's truth. You're gonna' walk away with tips to help you avoid the mistakes and amplify the magic in your own talks.

In this episode, I cover:

• What made the top entries stand out from the crowd
• The subtle (and not-so-subtle) issues that cost speakers points
• Why "telling" isn't the same as storytelling
• How to avoid the 'audiobook trap'
• The role of character, voice, and relevance in a standout speech
• What infuriated me as a judge - don't do this!

Whether you're entering awards, prepping for a keynote, a TEDx, or just want to up your storytelling game — this episode is packed with golden nuggets.

Enjoy!

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