The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Have you ever finished speaking and thought...

Or perhaps you've listened to someone else and found yourself wondering:

Rambling might be great if you're out for a Sunday walk...

In this episode, I share the simple three-step structure I use in talks, podcasts, videos, pitches and panel discussions to stop myself wandering off down rabbit holes.

It's helped me become more focused, more engaging and far more intentional about the way I communicate, and I think it'll do the same for you.

Whether you're delivering a keynote, recording content or simply trying to explain an idea more clearly, this framework will help you keep your audience with you from beginning to end.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on YouTube shortly.

Speaking Resources:

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts:

To help the show out:

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Most speakers spend far more time preparing their message than preparing to understand the people they're speaking to.

And that can be an expensive mistake.

In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle Mills-Porter, better known as The People Reader, to explore what it really means to understand human behaviour and why it's one of the most overlooked skills in speaking.

We talk about the difference between communication and behaviour, how to understand audiences before you ever step on stage, why clients often have a very different problem from the one they think they're hiring you to solve, and how becoming a better reader of people can transform the way you connect, influence and build trust.

If you've ever wished you could understand your audience, your clients or your event bookers just a little better... this conversation is a great place to start.

What you'll discover:

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on our YouTube Channel soon.

Guest Information:

Books & Resources*:

Speaking Resources:

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts:

To help the show out:

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

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Great speakers don't just rehearse what they're going to say. They rehearse how they want their audience to experience it.

Yet mention choreography to many speakers and you'll often hear the same concern...

In this episode, I explain why that's one of the biggest myths in public speaking, and how thinking more like an actor or performer can dramatically increase your impact without making you sound scripted.

I'll share the four principles I use with my coaching clients to choreograph talks, show you why every movement either strengthens or weakens your message, and explain how to identify the moments in your talk that deserve intentional delivery.

Whether you're preparing a keynote, TEDx talk or presentation, this episode will help you create a talk that doesn't just sound better... it feels better to your audience.

What you'll discover:

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>

Speaking Resources:

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts:

To help the show out:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let's be honest...

Most of us think moderating a panel is just introducing the speakers, asking a few questions and making sure nobody waffles on for too long.

Turns out... it's a little more complicated than that.

Xenia Wickett has moderated conversations with some of the most influential people in the world, CEOs and senior policymakers including people like Elon Musk and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Xenia has spent her career working at the highest levels of international affairs, advising governments and businesses, and moderating conversations.

In this episode she shares what she's learned about guiding discussions, managing disagreement, reading an audience and asking the kinds of questions that unlock genuinely interesting conversations.

Whether you ever plan to chair a panel or not, you'll come away with ideas that will make you a better speaker, interviewer and communicator.

What you'll discover: • How Xenia found herself moderating some of the world's biggest conversations • Why moderation is far more than asking questions and keeping time • What interviewing CEOs and world leaders taught her about communication • How to challenge influential people without becoming confrontational • The subtle signs a conversation is losing the audience • How to keep discussions productive when opinions collide • The mistake many speakers make that frustrates moderators • Why listening is often a communicator's greatest superpower • Practical advice if you'd like to moderate panels yourself • The communication habits every speaker can borrow from great moderators

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on our YouTube Channel shortly.

Guest Information: Website: www.wickettadvisory.com Xenia's Blog: https://www.wickettadvisory.com/blog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xenia-wickett-2686b0

Books & Resources*: Winnie the Pooh by A.A.Milne

TEDx | 5 Tips for Asking Better Questions, Xenia Wickett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IuyCJUJgDk

You can find Xenia's interview with Elon Musk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWCfqBb0YTE

Blog: How to Moderate Powerful Conversations: https://www.wickettadvisory.com/post/how-to-moderate-powerful-conversations

[Quick Tip] Talk Flow Tips: Create Seamless Transitions Like a Pro, Episode 326

Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many speakers think that the sexiest part of their story for the audience is the before and after.

They're wrong.

The most valuable bit is often missed entirely or not given the space it deserves in your talk.

In this episode, I'm covering what that missing part is, what leaving it out is costing you and why you might feel resistance to including it in your signature story.

If you've ever felt your story isn't quite landing with your audience, or not getting you the results you want when you speak this episode might explain why ... and completely change the way you tell it.

What you'll discover: • The storytelling mistake Sarah spotted happening judging this year's Speaker Awards • What The Odyssey can teach you about telling a memorable signature story • Why audiences care less about your success than you might think • The missing piece of your story that undermines trust • Why sharing your failures can make you more credible, not less • The reason audiences often admire your transformation but don't believe they can achieve it themselves • How expert blindness can sabotage your story • The simple questions that help you uncover the lessons hidden inside your story • How to include the struggle, even if you've only got a short speaking slot • Why the decisions you made matter more than the destination you reached • What caterpillars, butterflies and chicken recipes have to do with great storytelling

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>

Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc

Episode 194, Storytelling. The Long and Short of It: https://thespeakingclub.com/episodes/tsc/194

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most speakers spend years learning strategies.

How to find speaking gigs. How to craft a keynote. How to market themselves. How to build a speaking business.

But what if one of the most important strategies isn't something anyone can teach you?

In this episode, I'm joined by intuition coach Jenny Carrell to explore the role intuition plays in making better decisions, recognising the right opportunities and understanding the beliefs that quietly shape the speaking career you create.

Whether you're naturally sceptical or already curious about intuition and manifestation, this conversation goes beyond the clichés to explore why success isn't always about doing more ... it can start with seeing yourself, your opportunities and your potential differently.

Enjoy!

What you'll discover: • Why Jenny believes intuition is far more practical than most people realise • The life-changing experience that took her from sceptic to intuition coach • How to tell the difference between intuition, fear and wishful thinking • What manifestation really means, and why it's often misunderstood • The manifestation story that even surprised Jenny • Why some speakers seem to attract opportunities while others unknowingly block them • How your self-perception shapes the opportunities that come your way • The subtle difference between pursuing speaking opportunities from scarcity versus alignment • Where intuition should play a role in choosing your message, niche and speaking gigs • Whether it's possible to manifest opportunities before you're truly ready for them • The limiting beliefs that keep many speakers stuck at free or low fee • Whether intuition is something you're born with, or a skill you can develop • Why your external success often starts with internal change • How to know whether your goal is coming from purpose… or ego • Three simple ways you can start attracting your dream speaking gigs

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on my YouTube channel soon...

Guest Information: Website: https://www.theintuitivepath.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_intuitive_path/

Books & Resources*: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Dispenza The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever listened to a speaker share a deeply personal story ... and instead of feeling moved, you felt worried about them, a bit awkward and like the life had been sucked out of you?

On the other side of the coin, you might have been in the room with a speaker who share the most harrowing story and yet when they've finished you feel moved, uplifted and energised.

So what's the difference?

In this episode, I explore what I believe is the secret to sharing emotional stories that create connection rather than discomfort, and why the most moving speakers aren't always the most emotional.

If you've ever worried about sharing a personal story, or wondered why yours don't always land in the way you'd hoped, then this episode is for you.

What you'll discover: • Why some emotional stories move an audience… while others leave them feeling awkward • The biggest mistake speakers make when sharing personal stories • Why speaking isn't acting ... and why that distinction matters • Why audiences don't need you to tell them how you felt • The hidden emotional layers inside every story • The simple questions that uncover the moments your audience will connect with most • Why behaviour is often more powerful than emotion words • How tiny details can create huge emotional impact • The storytelling principle comedians use that speakers can borrow • What an orchestra conductor can teach you about leading an audience's emotions • Why giving your audience space to make the connection themselves creates deeper engagement • Two brilliant examples of speakers who evoke emotion without becoming melodramatic • How to share deeply personal stories without overwhelming yourself, or your audience

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode here>

Links to the Clips mentioned in the podcast episode:

John Peters on CBC News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iBBEANwDSY&feature=youtu.be Andrew Garfield on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u_TswLQ4ws

Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You've spent loads of time and energy landing a gig.

You deliver a fab talk.

You meet a few people and get some compliments.

Then you leave... relying on your talk to land you more opportunities.

Jonathan Dunnett believes that's a huge waste of your time.

With a background in competitive intelligence Jonathan has worked with organisations to leverage data and insight to gain the edge in the market place. Today, utilises his skills and experience working as a Speaker Growth Strategist. He partners with Speakers to help them increase visibility, (especially in AI search), build high value relationships and get booked.

In this episode, Jonathan shares why relying only on your performance is one of the biggest mistakes speakers make.

We explore how to approach speaking engagements more strategically, from identifying the right people before the event begins, to creating meaningful conversations, gathering valuable intelligence and following up in a way that generates genuine opportunities.

If you're using speaking to grow your business, build relationships or generate leads, this episode will help you get far more value from every event you attend.

What you'll discover: • Why Jonathan believes you can't scale serendipity — and what speakers should be doing instead • The hidden part of speaking that most people completely overlook • How one speaker had 500 ideal prospects in the room… and walked away with just eight leads • Why being charismatic and "working the room" isn't enough • Where speakers lose the biggest opportunities after an event • The surprising things businesses do at events that speakers should be copying • The simple mindset shift that can dramatically increase the ROI of every speaking engagement • How to use your position on the programme to create opportunities before you even step on stage • Why the smartest speakers treat events as research projects, not just lead-generation exercises • The valuable intelligence hiding in plain sight at conferences and networking events • A different way to think about networking if the idea of "working the room" makes you cringe • What AI search means for speakers — and why now is the time to pay attention • The first thing every speaker should do when they have an event coming up in the next 30 days • Why some speakers leave events with a handful of contacts while others leave with genuine business opportunities

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on YouTube shortly.

Guest Information: Website: https://jonathandunnett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandunnett/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanDunnett

Books & Resources*: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Speaking Resources:Stagecraft to Showreel, 2-day in-person event: https://livetraining.saraharcher.co.uk/stagecraft

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you're using speaking to grow your business, at some point someone is going to ask for your speaker reel.

And yet… most speaker reels completely miss the point.

Many speakers think a reel is simply a montage of clips stitched together with dramatic music and audience shots.

But event planners aren't just looking at footage.

They're asking themselves:

"Can I picture this person on my stage?"

In this episode, I'm joined by Emmy-winning editor and speaker reel strategist Max Partain to unpack what actually makes a speaker reel work — and why some speakers instantly feel more credible, trustworthy and bookable on camera than others.

We explore the psychology behind booking decisions, the subtle cues that shape perception, and the mistakes speakers make that quietly weaken their positioning before they've even stepped onto the stage.

If you want to get booked more often, position yourself at a higher level, and stop cringing every time someone asks for your reel… this episode is packed with insight.

Enjoy!

What you'll discover: • Why Max calls himself a "speaker reel strategist" — not just an editor • The hidden questions event planners are asking while they watch your reel • Why clarity beats cleverness when it comes to getting booked • What winning an Emmy taught Max about storytelling, attention and trust • The subtle mistakes that make speakers look less credible on camera • Why polished footage alone won't make you feel bookable • The difference between speakers who command attention and those who simply "look professional" • The tiny visual and behavioural cues that make a speaker feel premium • How speaker reels help planners de-risk booking decisions • Why audience reaction shots are more important than most speakers realise • What editing hundreds of speakers taught Max about stage presence and connection • The first thing speakers should improve if they want to shift how they're perceived quickly

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>

Guest Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxpartain/

Books & Resources*: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Speaking Resources: Stagecraft to Showreel, 2-day in-person event: https://livetraining.saraharcher.co.uk/stagecraft

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do so many change initiatives fail to create real buy-in… even when the strategy makes complete sense?

In this episode, I'm unpacking something I call 'The Altitude Gap' — the psychological disconnect that often happens between leaders communicating change and the employees expected to live through it.

Drawing on my experience in HR, leadership communication, direct marketing and storytelling, I explore why logic alone rarely moves people, how organisations accidentally create resistance, and why many change programmes struggle long before implementation even begins.

I'll share:

What you'll discover: • Why some change programmes start dying the moment the PowerPoint deck appears • The hidden communication gap that makes people quietly drag their feet • Why leaders are often talking about "the future"… while employees are worrying about Friday • The mistake most organisations make when trying to get people bought in • Why explaining things more clearly often doesn't solve the problem • What employees are usually thinking during change… but rarely say out loud • Why "we've tried this before" is often a symptom, not the real issue • The reason some change messages land like a wet firework • Why logic alone rarely gets human beings moving • The storytelling sequence that helps people stop resisting and start leaning in • How to create buy-in without sounding manipulative or corporate • Why people need to feel safe before they're willing to move • The difference between communicating the summit… and helping people survive the climb • How strategic storytelling can reduce fear, friction and pushback during change • Why the best leaders don't just communicate strategy — they communicate possibility

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>

Books & Resources: The Altitude Gap Guide: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/altitude

To share your thoughts: · leave a comment below. · Share this show on Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out: · Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

*(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.