In this Speak Chat find out why there's comfort in knowing you're not special. No really, conformity breeds reassurance in this case. Likewise, the ticket to speaking success is punched once we allow ourselves to take a back seat. And a 'killer' lyric worth remembering.  

A conversation with pastor and author, Russ Ramsey. Everything is on the table during this discussion. Russ and Eric explore the multitude of ways to grab your audience's attention and not let go. Why Russ compares storytelling to the Trojan Horse, the importance of performing the way you practice and how to acknowledge mistakes when there's nowhere to hide. Plus - insight on 'inner' voices, merciless self-editing and Tom Petty references. 
 
 

Introducing a new format to the SpeakEasy podcast - Speak Chats. In select episodes Eric is offering a series of speaking pointers, quick hits, to be consumed on the go. In this first installment - it's the big day, your presentation or speech is quickly approaching. Listen for the top five tips to making certain you will be in the best position to succeed. This list runs the gamut of beverages to avoid, rehearsing right, to resisting last minute changes. 

We are nothing without it. At the same time, with it, everything is possible. No matter the amount of experience you come to the table with, confidence can be learned. Eric is mapping out practical and applicable steps a speaker of any level can put into practice. Plus, why confidence is the foundation to successful public speaking, and how listeners will learn the keys to consistently creating an air of internal and external confidence. 
BONUS: The SpeakEasy take on the classic Old Fashioned. *Hint - the bourbon matters.

Look good for yourself first and the audience second. You are your strongest visual aid. Appearance cannot be an afterthought, it must be one of the first thoughts. Eric explores the quickest, most economical route to looking your best in front of a crowd, plus a few more ways which may provide the same jolt in positive vibes to execute with confidence.

This message is backed by years of experience on the biggest stages, with critical insight for both the gents and ladies.

Are you a hand-talker?

Send the wrong message and your audience has pre-judged you instantly. Use them to your advantage and you'll be perceived as confident and authoritative.
We SHOULD use our hands in public speaking - most especially when it comes natural! Communicating with our whole bodies is who we are. Eric addresses the question every public speaker is asking. You’ll never need to worry about ✋🤚 again.

Answers to your anxiety. Eric's easy-to-implement list of his top ways to break through that paralyzing feeling. He's been in the same place. It's no fun. But this is what works for him. It can, and will, work for you. From getting accustomed to those awkward silences, to singing yourself into feeling bulletproof, it's all in here.

Eric welcomes Marieke Bianchi to the SpeakEasy podcast. Bianchi is an executive in music brand partnerships at Creative Artists Agency, in Nashville. She represents country music talents Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, among others. We learn how she relates to artists, and what she means by - 'If this doesn't go well, there is no plan B.'  Despite the pressure of the industry, successful speaking still boils down to prep, practice and relationships. And speaking of relationships, this chat includes a reunion, long overdue. 

The audience wants you to do well. Eric covers a range of ways to connect with people, several of which have little to do with speaking. It’s all in the eyes. We're scratching the surface on presentation in terms of body language, much more to come. Plus, speaking lessons can present themselves in a number of settings. Why it's important to stay open to learning at all times.  

Special guest, Samantha Fisher joins. Eric and Sam anchored in Nashville together for years. The two talk handling anxiety, secrets to success when plans unravel and what really happens behind the scenes when recording stops.