Sarah Fox is a lawyer transforming the way people do business. After decades dealing with huge deals in the construction sector, she realised that long, complex and bad contracts were costing time, money, deals and relationships.

Sarah advocates for short, simple contracts starting with just 500 words.

She inspires people across industries to streamline deals and enhance customer relations with contracts that represent their values, embed trust, and keep everyone protected.

In this show Sarah will be sharing how speakers can create simpler contracts that can build bigger speaking businesses.

What you'll discover: • The real cost of bloated contracts (and who they're really protecting) • What actually counts as a "contract" (yes, even that email thread! • How to price and protect your work, your recordings, and your energy • Why your contract should sound like you — not your solicitor's scary cousin • What red flags to watch for in pre-gig conversations • How your contract can actually accelerate your business (yes, really!) • How Sarah's TEDx moment and Happy Fee rule changed how she does business • The 3 C's every speaker contract should cover — and what to say when someone says "That's a bit pricey, isn't it?"

Enjoy!

If you've ever said "I'll just send them a quick email" instead of a proper agreement… this episode is for you.

It's time to simplify, protect, and sound more like you in every part of your speaking business — including the small print.

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

Guest Information: Website: https://500words.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjvfox/

Books & Resources*: Play Big by Tara Mohr Stepping Up as a Motivational Speaker with Joy Marsden - The Speaking Club 055

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 X, 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)

In this quick tip episode, I'm letting you in on one of the most overlooked — but totally game-changing — parts of any talk: the segue.

It's that moment between a killer story and your next point where everything suddenly feels… awkward.

Where the energy drops, the audience blinks, and you find yourself muttering: "Anyway… moving on." 😬

Yeah. That bit.

Whether you're telling a personal story, landing a teaching point, or sliding into your call-to-action — how you move between moments can make or break your talk.

Inside my weekly Skills Lab, my clients have been working this — and in this episode, I'm sharing the best bits to help you turn your transitions from clunky to captivating.

What you'll discover: • Why bad segues make your talk feel like a school play (and how to fix it) • How to stop saying "anyway…" and start sounding like a pro • The "bridge words" that glue your talk together seamlessly • How to move from story to insight (and insight to CTA) without killing the vibe • The CTA mistake that makes you sound like a sales bot — and what to do instead • Real-life lab exercises that helped speakers go from stiff to slick in less than 60 minutes

Whether you're prepping for a keynote, pitching your programme from stage, or just want your talk to flow like Netflix, this episode will give you the tools to speak smoother, sell smarter, and sound like a total pro.

Enjoy — and try not to say "anyway" after this. 😉

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

Books & Resources: Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch: https://standoutpitch.com/ Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker: https://crackingspeechmate.com/

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 X, 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)

Chris Voss was the FBI's lead international hostage negotiator… but these days, he's helping CEOs, speakers, and sales pros negotiate million-pound deals, win high-stakes conversations, and get results — without pushing, pitching, or people-pleasing.

In this episode of The Speaking Club, I'm joined by the author of Never Split the Difference to explore how you can use his real-world-tested negotiation techniques to build trust fast, shift resistant clients into action, and speak with more power and presence.

And yes — I even used one of his own tactics to get him to say "yes" to coming on the show! Whether you're trying to book more speaking gigs, close better clients, or simply influence with integrity — this one's packed with actionable diamonds!

What you'll discover:

• How Chris Voss went from SWAT and undercover ops to suicide hotlines and high-stakes hostage negotiation — and why it made him one of the world's top communication experts.
• What compelled Chris to share his FBI-developed negotiation system with the world instead of retiring into the sunset — and how that decision shaped Never Split the Difference.
• The one negotiation tactic that sounds great on paper… but can actually backfire, and what to do instead.
• Chris's ride-or-die technique — the one negotiation move he'd keep if all others were off the table.
• The common "influence" move that actually kills deals faster than anything — and what to replace it with.
• How Chris would handle a client who's stalling on a deadline or payment — and the exact question he'd use to move them into action.
• The subtle ways Chris reads and influences a room when he's speaking — and how his FBI experience shapes his delivery and timing.
• Why "labelling the room" during a talk can deepen audience connection — and how to read silent resistance and adjust in the moment.
• What the concept of the "Black Swan" means for public speaking — and how spotting the right insight can completely change your impact.
• How to make your audience feel in control (even if you're the one guiding them) — and why that's the secret to ethical influence and increased action.
• Why "Yes is nothing without how" — and how to use this principle in your calls to action so that people actually follow through after your talk.

Enjoy!

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

Guest Information: Website: https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss

Books & Resources*:

Start with No by Jim Camp

The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler

Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

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 X, 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)

I first came across Adele Bates when I was judging the Storytelling category at the Speaker Awards—and her talk really stood out and grabbed my attention.

It was powerful, authentic, challenging and captivating.

She didn't just tell the story. She performed it. Her talk built drama and connected emotionally to the audience, leading you to see a new perspective.

Based on that performance and the fact that she went on to win the award for best storyteller, I knew I had to get her on the show.

Not only did I want her to unpack the craft behind that talk, but I also wanted to dig into the powerful work she's doing at the intersection of education, leadership, and human behaviour.

Adele has over 20 years' experience working in some of the most challenging educational environments—mainstream, special, and alternative provision. Her journey has taken her from classrooms where she's had juice poured over her head and skateboards hurled at her… to research trips across the globe… to keynote stages and international recognition.

She is the author of "Miss, I Don't Give A Sh*t: Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools. And today she and her team also work with organisations and leaders to tackle challenging dynamics in the workplace.

Whether you're a speaker, leader, educator or changemaker, Adele's stories and insights will challenge your thinking, stir your empathy, and give you practical tools for connection and communication.

What You'll Discover:

• What triggered Adele to set off on a quest to discover a different way of approaching dealing with challenging behaviour.
• The key values that guide Adele's work with both students and corporate leaders.
• How to hold high expectations and compassion without burning out.
• The real disconnect between behaviour policies and lived experience in schools.
• The surprise career Adele had before she became a teacher and how she made the transition from educator to paid keynote speaker.
• The big mistake she made with a speaking client that she would never make again.
• Why it doesn't matter if you are introverted or extroverted to be successful as a speaker.
• How she developed the award-winning storytelling section of her talk.
• The single piece of feedback that transformed her speaking presence.

All things Adele:

Website: adelebateseducation.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adele-bates-03b566208/

Books & Resources*:

Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.

• Subscribe on iTunes.

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

Nicola S. Morgan is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and author who helps individuals and organisations transform chaos into calm, and emotional strain into sustainable strength. With a background in education and behavioural change, she specialises in resilience, emotional wellbeing, and effective behaviour strategies—skills she's delivered to thousands of professionals across schools, public services, and corporate teams.

Nicola's powerful storytelling and practical frameworks have earned her accolades, including Best TEDx Talk 2024 at the Speaker Awards, where her talk resonated deeply with audiences navigating stress and uncertainty.

She's not just a speaker—she's walked the talk. From overcoming a fear of deep water to completing a swim across the English Channel, Nicola's own journey fuels her message about courage, mindset, and unfinished business.

Whether she's helping a school leader navigate conflict or guiding a speaker to handle stage pressure with grace, Nicola equips people with the tools to stay calm, connected, and effective—even under stress.

What You'll Discover:

• What drove Nicola to swim the English Channel… despite a fear of deep water
• How "unfinished business" can become a secret weapon for confidence and growth
• The behind-the-scenes story of her award-winning TEDx talk—and whether that captain's comment haunted or inspired her
• The surprising moment she realised she had a message the world needed to hear
• The resilience skill that works just as well in a school staffroom as it does in a high-stakes boardroom
• Why the strongest speakers aren't the toughest—but the most flexible
• The personal 'Nicola-ism' she uses before taking the stage to stay grounded and in control
• The biggest mindset shift she had to make moving from teacher and writer to keynote speaker
• A simple behaviour shift that can instantly boost your speaker presence
• The #1 lie your brain tells you when you're under pressure—and how to shut it down fast

Enjoy!

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

All things Nicola:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://nicolasmorgan.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-s-morgan-479b9032/

Books & Resources*:

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

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.
• Subscribe on iTunes.

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

"Just breathe" is one of the most common pieces of advice given to speakers and performers who feel anxious about stepping onto the stage (be that online or in person) — but what if the way you're breathing is actually making things worse?

Breathing might seem like an automatic function, but the truth is, most of us are doing it wrong… and it's costing us calm, clarity, and confidence.

My guest, Manny Rodriguez, learned this the hard way.

After enlisting in the Army at 28, Manny suffered a back injury that led to years of heavy-duty prescription drugs, a near-death experience, and an 18-year journey to reclaim his health and peace of mind.

His key turning point? Breathing.

Manny's recovery introduced him to tactical breathing — a practice originally used by special forces to stay calm under pressure — and he's now teaching it to first responders, senior citizens, corporate leaders, and speakers who want to master their nervous system and show up with power and presence.

In this episode, Manny shares his extraordinary story, why breathwork is the real foundation of public speaking, and the practical tools he uses to help people go from panicked to present.

If you've ever felt like nerves are running the show when you speak — or you just want to feel more in control of your mind and body — this conversation is a must-listen.

What You'll Discover:

• Why healing his nervous system was the real key to Manny finding his voice
• How trauma affects your breath — and why that matters for speakers
• What 'tactical breathing' is and how it helps you stay calm in chaos
• The surprising reason 'box breathing' might actually backfire, rather than help you and what you can do about it
• Manny's AIRSPEND model to create a breathing foundation that supports speaking, performance, and calm
• How simply breathing through your nose can change your sleep, focus, and energy
• The link between posture, breath, and vocal power
• How reconnecting with your body improves your presence on stage
• The difference between reacting and responding — and how breathwork shifts the balance

Enjoy!

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

All things Manny:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-rodz-tactical-calm/

Books & Resources*:

Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.

• Subscribe on iTunes.

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

"Finding your voice" might sound like a personal development cliché, but for speakers and leaders, it's the secret weapon that too many overlook.

As a speaker your voice is your most important tool and mastering how to use it to its fullest effect is one of the most impactful things you can do.

This isn't just about sounding 'nice', your voice is also a signal to your audience about your confidence, clarity, and credibility (…or lack of!).

My guest, Bailey Massey, is a speech therapist turned voice and dialect coach who's helped everyone from actors to execs find their vocal power — without losing their authenticity.

She's worked with clients who felt like their accent was holding them back, leaders struggling to be taken seriously, and speakers who were unintentionally sabotaging their message with vocal habits they didn't even know they had.

Bailey brings a refreshing, practical approach to voice work, and in this conversation, she breaks down what makes a voice sound trustworthy, what you should do about fixing your accent, and why developing your voice might be the missing link between your expertise and the impact you want to have.

If you want to communicate the best version of yourself — whether on stage, in a meeting, or on video — listen up as there's gems in this episode for you.

What You'll Discover:

• Why all powerful communication starts with the breath
• The biggest myths around having an accent as a speaker
• How your voice affects how trustworthy, approachable, and confident you seem
• How to make the shift from monotone to engaging without sounding forced, or fake.
• Tips for vocal projection that protect your voice and energise your audience
• Why many voices sound flat on Zoom — and the mental trick that can help you overcome this.
• How to build vocal confidence
• Where to start if you would like to develop your voice
• Bailey's favourite success stories from clients who found their voice and changed their life

Enjoy!

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

All things Bailey:

Website: https://baileymasseyglobal.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileymassey/

Books & Resources*:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.
• Subscribe on iTunes.

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

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!

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

Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club

(Take a photo of your review, email it to me at [email protected] and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)

Books:

Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch

Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker

Resources:

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• leave a comment below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

To help the show out:

• Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc – I read and appreciate every single one
• Subscribe on iTunes

The business world is changing fast. AI is reshaping how customers search, buy, and connect — but most companies are still stuck in old habits, missing the human magic that actually builds loyalty.

At the same time, too many businesses are confusing efficiency with excellence. They're chasing five-star reviews that may not mean what they think they do, and ticking boxes while their customers quietly drift away.

My guest today, Steven Van Belleghem, has spent over a decade helping companies level up their customer experience — and he's here to show you how to stay relevant when "good" just doesn't cut it anymore.

Steven is a bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to brands that want to balance tech innovation with human connection.

He's also walked the talk on over 1,000 stages around the world, and has a refreshingly honest take on what it takes to create moments that matter — both in business and on stage.

If you want to future-proof your brand, wow your customers, and connect with audiences in a way that gets remembered and rewarded… this episode is for you.

What you'll discover:

• What's broken in how most companies connect with customers today (and how to fix it)
• What it really means to be "great" in a world where "good" is everywhere
• Why customer experience inflation is giving companies a dangerous false sense of security
• What today's customers want beyond just product and service – and how to give it to them
• Real-world examples of brands balancing digital convenience with human warmth
• How Steven built a global speaking career from a research job (and a Microsoft invite!)
• The surprising key to building lasting audience connection from the stage
• Whether AI, apps, or interactivity belong in live talks (and Steven's refreshingly honest take)
• Why you don't need to be flawless on stage to be unforgettable
• The #1 mindset shift that will help you speak with heart, not just polish

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>

All things Steven:

Website: https://www.stevenvanbelleghem.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenvanbelleghem/

Books & Resources*:

The Offer You Can't Refuse by Steven Van Belleghem

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.
• Subscribe on iTunes.

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

Let's be honest — most speakers spend a lot of time crafting their talk, but when it comes to what they wear on stage? That's often a rushed afterthought… or a full-blown panic. Are you second-guessing whether your outfit actually helps or hinders your message?

Ever watched back your talk and thought, "What was I thinking with that jacket?"

Or maybe you've stuck to the same 'safe' outfit for years, even though it doesn't really feel like you anymore? Well, this episode is for you. Because how you show up visually matters. Not in a "fashion week" kind of way, but in a connection, confidence and credibility kind of way. And to help us nail that balance between comfort, authenticity and speaker presence, I've brought in stylist to the speakers — Kay Korsh. Kay's not your average personal stylist.

She's dressed A-list celebrities, worked with luxury magazines, and now she's on a mission to help speakers look the part, feel amazing, and avoid wardrobe disasters that distract from their message. She's the real deal — equal parts savvy, stylish and strategic.

What you'll discover:

• The #1 thing your outfit might be silently saying about you (and how to fix it)
• Why you 'shouldn't' dress like a model... and who you should model instead
• How to develop a signature style that makes you stand out — without feeling uncomfortable
• A simple way to stop your outfit undermining you on stage
• How to travel without looking like you slept in your suitcase (yes, even in linen)
• Why certain colours can drain you on stage — and how to make them work with your brand
• Plus… how Kay helped one client land her biggest gig just by changing her outfit (it's a cracking story).
• How styling for speakers differs from people in the entertainment industry.
• How speakers get the balance right between sharing their authentic self and personality, whilst still meeting event and audience expectations when it comes to their wardrobe choices.
• Cost-effective ways to elevate your professional appearance, if you're on a budget

So whether you're a keynote pro or just starting to get your message out there, this episode will help you sharpen your image, simplify your wardrobe, and show up with more power on stage — without losing your personality.

Enjoy!

If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>

All things Kay:

Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/

Books & Resources*:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross

Colour Quiz for Professional Speakers: Interactive Calculators & Quizzes

Ultimate step-by-step guide to looking great on stage:

https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/look-great-on-stage-as-a-professional-speaker

Speaking Resources:

Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk

Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on X, 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.
• Subscribe on iTunes.

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