The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

When I met David Van Bennekum on Linked In and he told me he'd written a self-help book on National Security, I thought 'That's a bit unusual, followed by blimey he's got some guts … that's a challenging topic'.

My curiosity was well and truly piqued though, so I had a look at his LinkedIn profile and saw that he was a former United States Marine Corps Infantry and Logistics Officer. He was a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and he'd retired from active service as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Then I saw that besides that, he had a law degree and also a Masters in National Security Law from Georgetown University.

He obviously had the knowledge, but as I messaged him back to find out more, I'm not going to lie … based on previous conversations with some 'experts', I was fully expecting him to bore the pants off me!

But … the opposite happened. When he started sharing about it, he didn't waffle on about facts and stats, no … he made me laugh and even better, gave me a light bulb moment about something truly important.

And that's when I knew I had to get him on the show, because being able to make something complex, technical and difficult, engaging and relatable to an audience, is a key skill for writers and speakers.

If you want to get a different perspective on how to make your subject more entertaining, then sit back and listen 'cause you'll love this show.

What you'll discover:

• Why David decided to write the first self-help book on National Security
• How he decided on the big idea of the book
• Why people are sceptical about it and how he addresses that.
• Why the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game is relevant to National Security
• David's definition of National Security and why he thinks it applies universally.
• What he means by 'true community'
• How he approached making the topic entertaining and relatable, and why this was so critical.
• Some examples of his approach in action.
• Where speaking fits into the picture.

All things David:

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/searching-for-true-community

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvanbennekum/

X: @dvanbennekum

Books & Resources*:

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Resources:

The Hookology Workshop - Making Sure Your Talk is Captivating From the Start

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

Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass

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

Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club 'Live' Membership

Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.

Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here.

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on Twitter, 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)

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

The other day I had a talk planning call with a potential client, and he said:

"I just want to get consistent results. Sometimes I start my talk and I can feel the energy shift, and I know I've engaged them. But other times, I just can't get their attention, and I want to understand how to do this consistently every time I speak."

The truth is that grabbing your audience's attention in the right way, (or 'hooking'' them in, as I call it), is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for a successful talk.

The first 180 seconds of your talk is perhaps the most crucial, and that's because in those two to three minutes you are communicating a lot to your audience without even realising it.

In this show, I'm going to show you how to make the most of that time, and to avoid the bear traps I so often see speakers falling into at the start of their talk.

Enjoy!

What you'll learn:

• The messages you are communicating to your audience before you even start speaking.
• The big mistakes a lot of speakers make with the start of their talk.
• Why you should go for quantity over quality when you are looking for great ideas.
• The questions you should ask yourself before you 'settle' for a talk title, open and close.
• Why you should be provocative and what to do after.
• If you want to be heard stay out of the 'herd'
• The way to make your talk unique.

And more!!

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 RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Episode 103 - How to Discover Your Speaking Persona

Episode 268 - Increase Your Speaking Impact by Creating a Push and Pull Talk

Newspaper article with the Textile Zombie can be read here

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on Twitter, 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.

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

Quick tips to build your speaking confidence, skills, impact, business or engaging talk content. These tips originate from issues that come up for students, and questions from my audience. If you want to get your question answered DM me on Instagram or LinkedIN @Saraharcher15.

This quick talk tip will help you attract people into your world and build a deeper connection with them, so that you will be able to get them engaged and into action.

In this show I'm covering:

• Why your own journey has created obstacles to reaching your audience

• The steps you need to take to connect

• Why you can't talk to your audience about what you think they need.

• The secret to shifting perspectives.

• Why I'm like Mr Myagi

• Where the most profound messages have come from.

Enjoy!

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 RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

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. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

· Subscribe on Apple Podcast

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

Not too long ago I heard one of the gurus in my space say that one of the big factors in his success is that when everyone else 'zigs', he 'zags'. You can see 'zigging' going on all around you, suddenly everyone wants to be a neurodiversity expert, or an AI expert, because that's what's hot, because they are chasing the trend.

But what if you don't do that? What if you go your own way, and stay true to who you are and who you want to help?

That is the path that Becky Benfield-Humberstone has chosen right from the get go. A born entrepreneur, Becky left school at 16 to start her own super niched business, Utterly Horses, which became the largest model horse stockist (yes, it's a thing) in Europe, with a product range of over 2,500 items that retailed to a customer base of over 50,000 people and corporate clients. After successfully exiting that business in 2018, Becky wanted a new challenge.

That's when she created Brand Artisan, and in that business she has been helping business owners bring their visions to life, stand out, and exponentially grow their businesses. She is joining me here to talk about all things branding, storytelling and marketing, and I know you are going to pick up some golden nuggets from her.

What you'll discover:

• How Becky started an international business at 16.
• The problem Becky solves today.
• The difference between brand strategy and marketing strategy.
• Why keynote speakers need a brand.
• The big branding you might be making in business.
• Where stories fit into the work Becky does.
• Why Becky bucks the trend and only works with one client at a time.
• Where speaking fits in.
• Why Becky created the Founders project and how you can get involved.

All things Becky:

www.thebrandartisan.co.uk

www.postcardsfromafounder.com

@beckybenfieldhumberstone

@postcardsfromafounder

Books & Resources*:

The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen

Resources:

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

Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass

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

Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.

Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here.

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

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.

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

Itunes Summary (45 Words):

Quick tips to build your speaking confidence, skills, impact, business or engaging talk content. These tips originate from issues that come up for students, and questions from my audience. If you want to get your question answered DM me on Instagram or LinkedIN @Saraharcher15.

SHOW NOTES

If people believe that you can deliver what they want and need, they will book you to speak, or buy your products or services. But in showing them that you can deliver there's a fine line between confident and cocky, and if you cross that line, it can push people away… and you don't want that.

So … how do you show authority without shoving it in people's faces?

Well that's what I'm going to talk about today. Here's what this show will cover:

• A definition of authority in this context

• The five ingredients for building authority authentically

• Why you need to convince yourself first and how to do it

• The next level of self-awareness that has made all the difference to me

• Why 'it has to be 'you' - 100% of the time

• The real way to show you're an expert

• Tips for breaking down barriers

Enjoy!

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:

Human Design Chart

Increase Your Speaking Impact by Creating a 'Push and Pull' Talk

FREE RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

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. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.

Subscribe on Apple Podcast or wherever you're listening

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

Most of us have experienced sales 'tactics', and likely we've either recoiled against them and scarpered (physically or digitally), or have gone ahead with our needed purchase, even though a little bit of shine has worn off the relationship with the person that used them on us.

Our experiences have made us sceptical of anyone with something to sell, and allergic to feeling 'salesy' ourselves.

But whether we like it or not, we're all in the business of selling something to someone, whether that's ourselves as a speaker, our book to a reader, or our products and services to clients and customers.

So … I guess that means you have to 'suck it up' and jump on the soft and hard sell bandwagon if you want to succeed.

Well no … you don't.

That's because there is another way that will likely yield you more reward in sales and personal satisfaction than anything you've come across before.

And that new approach is called Karmic Selling created by my guest Stan Gwizdak.

Stan Gwizdak is CEO of The Kormac Group, a results-driven management consulting firm that embodies his clean heart and commitment to serving others. As a chief executive and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Stan has spent more than 30 years leading business transformations at General Electric, BAE Systems, Honeywell, Textron, Aurora Capital, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and more.

Stan is here today to talk about Karmic Selling and the successes and failures that helped him design his system and grow his company.

Whether you're a speaker, sales executive, entrepreneur, you'll discover why when you do good, even more good will come your way.

What you'll discover:

• Why Stan believes that the traditional approach to sales needs to change.
• What made Stan leave a company just before he was due to take the top job.
• How he approached getting clients for his company without having a sales background.
• How he took a one man band to a business competing with the big consultancies.
• The problem that Karmic Selling solves for individuals and companies.
• The three biggest mistakes people and companies are making around this problem at the moment.
• The key ingredients of the Karmic Selling System and how it counters those mistakes.
• The first few steps you should take if you want to get started using the karmic Selling philosophy and system.
• How Stan is using speaking in business and to promote his book.

All things Stan:

www.karmicselling.com

www.kormacgroup.com

Books & Resources*:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Resources:

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

Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass

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

Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.

Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here.

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

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.

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

SUMMARY:

Getting a clear understanding of how to properly protect the IP and assets you've created as a speaker can be a struggle. But doing nothing could leave you and your business at risk. Worry no more, that's where my guest Heather Pearce-Campbell comes in.

SHOW NOTES:

Let's face it, trying to navigate how to protect the IP you've created in talks, books and courses, can make you feel like Frodo trying to get the ring safely to Mordor

… confused, scared and worried about people stealing your precious stuff.

The truth is that the legal profession hasn't really moved as fast as today's entrepreneurs have needed it too… and that has left most of us using hope as a strategy when it comes to looking after our assets.

But, I've got you … actually more to the point Heather Pearce-Campbell has got you!

She is a dedicated attorney and legal coach for world-changing entrepreneurs, as well as the founder of Pearce Law PLLC. She is also the creator of The Legal Website Warrior®, an online business that provides legal education and support to information entrepreneurs (coaches, consultants, online educators, speakers & authors) around the U.S. and the world.

Heather has some huge names as clients including Lewis Howes (School of Greatness), Ryder Carroll (The Bullet Journal), and Kyle Cease (NYT Bestselling author & comedian), to name but a few.

On top of all of that she is also the host of the Guts, Grit & Great Business™ podcast, a speaker and a busy Mum!

She's joining me on the speaking club to give you some clarity and confidence when it comes to setting the right legal foundations for your business and planning for success.

What you'll discover:

• How Heather's career might have taken a different trajectory if her Dad had paid for college.

• Why so many entrepreneurs feel scared and intimidated about the legal side of business.

• The biggest legal risks that online entrepreneurs face.

• Why entrepreneurs are so underserved from a legal perspective.

• What speakers specifically need to be mindful of to protect themselves legally.

• The difference between a registered trademark, IP and copyright.

• At what point you should be taking steps to protect what you create.

• A simple framework you can follow to protect yourself and your business legally..

• The most important thing you need to do today to get started.

All things Heather:

www.legalwebsitewarrior.com

www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherPearceCampbell

www.facebook.com/HeatherPearceCampbell

www.twitter.com/_HeatherPearce

www.instagram.com/thelegalwebsitewarrior

https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherPCampbell

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guts-grit-great-business/id151681505

Books:

The Middle Passage By Dr James Hollis

Swamp Lands of the Soul By Dr James Hollis

Speaking Resources:

Turn Your Book into a Profitable Talk ... in just 6 steps Workshop

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

Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.

Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here.

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

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 wherever you're listening.

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

As we leave 2023 behind and start making our plans for 2024, I'd like to offer you some suggestions for tools and techniques which you might want to add into your planning process.

These have worked to help me achieve my goals in the past and have also helped many others to build the future they desire.

Some are a little 'out there', but I've tried them all out myself and I do believe they will give you more purpose, drive and clarity to supercharge this new year.

Whether you want to start speaking, get more results with your speaking, or simply want to tell better stories, I hope this coming year delivers everything you want.

What you'll discover:

• An effective strategy for helping you reach your goals.
• Who you should be chasing for success.
• Why choosing you is better for you and your business.
• The antidote to comparisonitis.
• A new suggestion to add to your 2024 planning process.

Enjoy!

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!)

FREE RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain

(If you want to hear Lavanyaa talk about her experience 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

Other Resources:

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling)

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on Twitter, 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 Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music or Your App

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

I had a similar issue come up with two clients this week, and it's a mistake I see people making regularly, not just with their speaking, but in other critical content too. This mistake can result in people not paying attention to you, lost business opportunities, and normally leads to frustration and the question, "I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong!" What they are doing wrong is not leading with the problem.

That's why in this episode I'm sharing:

• What leading with the problem means.
• Where you should be doing it.
• Why you are likely losing people's attention.
• The simple exercise you can do to avoid the LinkedIn advert issue.
• The important check you need to make about where your audience is.
• Examples to illustrate.

Enjoy!

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

(If you want to hear Lavanyaa talk about her experience you can do that here)

Resources:

FREE RESOURCE - The 5 Levels of Pain

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage

Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling)

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

• Share this show on Twitter, 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.

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

SUMMARY

Is it possible to brag in a way that attracts people to you, rather than turning them off? Lisa Bragg, author of Bragging Rights believes so, and she is here to redefine bragging and share exactly how to do it the right way.

SHOW NOTES

We have been conditioned since childhood to keep quiet about our achievements. We are taught things like, 'nobody likes a show off', 'stay humble' and 'self praise is no praise'. And the majority of us conform, stay quiet, assuming that our good work will be noticed, and we will get our reward in good time.

When we see those people who are shameless self promoters we judge them and 'tut' and assume that they will be smited by the God of Humility… (whilst secretly wishing people knew about the great things we had done).

But then we notice they are not being called out or shamed for being a 'show off', in fact they're getting more attention, and they are the ones getting rewarded with promotions, or new clients.

And then we get frustrated, bitter, and envious, which affects the way we are being and communicating and turns people off. Or … we go out all guns blazing and tell everyone everything we ever done all at once… which also puts people off.

The big question is … why are we told that we should stay quiet and humble when it harms rather than helps? And how can we share our authority, and experience

Well that is what my guest Lisa Bragg is here to answer for us. Lisa has literally written the book on how to talk about success. Her book Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion launched in May.

In addition to being an author, she is a speaker, advisor, professional mentor and founder of MediaFace, a Toronto-based content and consulting firm. She was also a

TV reporter and anchor for 15 years.

I hope this show helps you step out of the shadows and share all the excellent stuff you are up to!

Enjoy

What you'll discover:

• The catalyst for Lisa to embrace 'bragging' and why she had avoided it before.

• Why Lisa believes that modesty is a negative habit?

• The double standards at play in society when it comes to bragging and 'the range of acceptable behaviour'.

• Why you shouldn't market yourself for where you have been and what you should do instead.

• The myths around bragging that could be holding you back.

• Why finding a partner can help you with promotion.

• The three biggest mistakes people making around bragging.

• Three tips for promoting yourself the right way.

• How Lisa uses speaking in her business.

All things Lisa:

https://www.lisabragg.com/listener-love

Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion

https://www.lisabragg.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabragg

https://www.facebook.com/ThatLisaBragg/

https://www.instagram.com/thatlisabragg

Books & Resources*:

Anne of Green Gables

Resources:

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

Get a Powerful Talk Structure - Join the Masterclass

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

Practice your speaking & test your content in a safe space in The Speaking Club 'Live' Membership

Want to create a signature talk that sells, then check out our Nail Your Signature Talk in 60 Days programme.

Want to find out about working with me 121 then book a call here.

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

To share your thoughts:

· Share this show on Twitter, 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.

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