Speak by Design

Do you freeze when people disagree? Do you shut down when people say, "that won't work". We have to learn how to handle objections to ideas with ease. We need to invite and plan for objections, so we can have more productive conversations.

You want to be a senior leader who can smoothly address objections with the media, the Board, the leadership team, and important customers. Be a model for others on how to do this as well.

Whether you’ve faced outright resistance or subtle pushback — mastering objection-handling techniques helps you come across confident and resilient in higher conflict moments.

In this episode of the Speak by Design podcast, we’ll cover everything you need to know about handling objections to ideas, especially in media interviews and other high-stakes communications.

If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

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Want to earn trust with senior audiences? You have to learn how to handle questions directly.

Being able to address questions head-on makes you seem decisive, transparent, and trustworthy.

Whether you’ve struggled with difficult questions in the past or fear you might stumble under pressure — mastering direct responses can help.

In this lesson of the Speak by Design podcast, we’ll cover everything you need to know about handling questions directly.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Let’s address a myth that in person meetings are better than virtual meetings. Virtual meetings offer unparalleled convenience with the ease of scheduling, ease of recording and screen sharing. They are a fraction of the cost considering the time, effort, and expense of travel. However, not all virtual meetings are created equal. Everyone needs to be on camera, well-lit, and properly positioned to make a meeting great.

We will walk through do's and don'ts for visual impression, facilitation skills, and special considerations for the hybrid meeting.

Ready to elevate your virtual and hybrid meeting game? Tune in to this episode for all the insights and tips you need to make your next meeting a success. Let’s dive in and make every virtual encounter as powerful as an in-person one!

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you been told you need to speak up in meetings or that you could be more assertive? Being asked to be more assertive means you’re valued, and your team wants to see more of your brilliance. Explore how you can take up more space, lead discussions, and show your leadership skills without feeling offended or defensive.

Find the right balance between being confident and not crossing over into aggressive. We’ll talk about mindset shifts that can help you naturally become more assertive from the inside out. From shaking off nerves to not worrying about others’ opinions, we’ve got you covered with practical tips.

Plus, we’ll share strategies for making your voice heard in meetings, whether by kicking off discussions, asking clarifying questions, or summarizing next steps. It’s all about showing your presence and adding value. Listen and learn how to boost your assertiveness and make a bigger impact in your meetings.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It's game-changing when leaders master the 5 Most Important Stories.

If you've ever struggled to make your message stick or felt like your words just weren't making the impact you wanted, then listen in. We’re breaking down the five most important stories every leader should have in their back pocket to elevate their interactions and the impact of their words.

Stories aren't just fluff. They’re powerful tools that prove your expertise and move your audience to action. Think about it: data is forgettable, but wrap that data in a compelling story, and you've got something remarkable - - something that will stick with people.

Learn practical steps for you to identify and craft your own powerful stories. Whether you’re using these in interviews, sales, or the boardroom, these stories will help you communicate with authenticity and impact. Learn how to turn everyday experiences into compelling narratives that resonate and leave a lasting impression.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you help your ideas spread?

We taught you how to craft a powerful 10-minute talk in Lesson 19. Now, it’s time to take that talk and market it to your internal team, customers, and the broader public. In this episode, we dive into the essentials of promoting your message effectively.

Discover what needs to be built to get noticed and how to position yourself to get invited to speak to various groups. Learn strategies to keep your message concise and compelling, making it more appealing to diverse audiences.

All leaders must be able to get audiences excited to listen and learn from their experience and expertise. This is how you pass down thought leadership and create real impact. In the end, it is how you leave a legacy. Tune in to learn the 4 things you need to build and strategies for marketing your talks.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

One of the most important meetings for leaders is the townhall.

Leaders use townhall meetings to articulate a new strategy, reset and improve the company culture, and create an accelerated pace of productivity.

Maybe your strategy keeps shifting.

Maybe it has been too complicated.

Maybe people are struggling to believe it's possible.

It's the leader's responsibility to make sure the message is clear and conveyed in a way that resonates with the full audience. How do you do this?

Listen in to learn about the common pitfalls to avoid and how to structure a message of impact in 5 steps.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do your messages capture attention right from the start and leave a lasting impression? Beginnings and endings are crucial in any form of communication, and mastering them can significantly enhance your impact.

Join us on this week's episode of Speak by Design where we dive into the art of Strong Starts and Closes.

Discover practical techniques to grab your audience's attention from the first word and strategies to ensure you close with a powerful, memorable finish. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, speaking at a conference, or pitching to potential investors, how you open and close can make all the difference.

We'll also share insights from communication experts and real-life examples to illustrate how dynamic openings and strong conclusions are crafted. Transform your speaking style and see immediate results in your audience's engagement. Tune in and start delivering presentations that stand out and stick with your listeners long after you've finished speaking.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Great leaders know how to ask for investment. It's an art.

It's not easy to ask for funding and budget. What if you could approach these conversations with confidence and strategic insight?

In this lesson, we tackle the art of asking for investment by focusing on four crucial areas: Mindset, Style, Structure, and Strategy. Learn actionable ways to shift your mindset from scarcity to opportunity, refine your communication style to engage rather than alienate, structure your requests to clearly articulate value, and strategize to anticipate and counter resistance effectively.

We'll also delve into common limiting beliefs that could be holding you back:

• The fear of being perceived as greedy or aggressive.

• Beliefs that they will ask you hard questions.

• Worries that your request will be seen as unreasonable or that others won’t understand.

Learn how to address these fears and position your requests in a way that not only secures funding but also builds and maintains strong relationships with peers and decision-makers.

Ready to change the way you approach investment requests? Tune in and learn how to ask for what is needed with clarity and confidence.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

Want to bring a group training to your company, email [email protected].

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leaders are responsible for articulating the North Star. When you do this well, you create clarity for your colleagues and renewed commitment.

How do you share a vision and strategy that aligns and excites audiences? Listen to ways to avoid these common problems:

• Too Much Information

• No Context

• Lack of frequency + follow-through

• Inconsistency

• Lack of Delegation

Learn the framework for articulating a vision that drives action and engagement.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.