Unfiltered Sessions

Can public speaking be learned, or is it an innate gift? Discover the surprising truth as we unravel the journey from self-doubt to confident oration. Sharing personal transformations and practical insights, we reveal how anyone can master public speaking through theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. From YouTube tutorials to Toastmasters, explore resources to build your skills. Learn the importance of practice, audience feedback, and mastering nuances like eye contact and microphone techniques. Whether you're a novice or refining your skills, this episode offers tips and motivation to elevate your public speaking game. Tune in and start your journey to becoming the speaker you’ve always wanted to be!

NOTABLE QUOTES
"When we learn in theory… and we don't take action…, we can only get so far with that." – Philip
"Yes, you learn [public speaking] in some kind of class, book, digital course, whatever, but once you apply it in real life, that's when it will start to apply and really stick." – Philip

RESOURCES
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Is public speaking more about vanity or genuine service? Marianne Hickman, an international speaker with over 2,000 stage appearances, explores this question. She shares how to transform ego-driven performances into service-oriented missions, emphasizing audience connection and addressing their needs. Inspired by a Tony Robbins event, Marianne highlights the power of understanding human needs.

Learn the art of meaningful connections, the importance of adapting to your audience in real-time, and strategies to overcome stage fright. Marianne's insights will inspire and equip aspiring speakers and content creators to make a lasting impact. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for enhancing your public speaking skills.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"I believe the stage is a sacred place. It's our responsibility to use that stage…, that microphone to move the collective audience and influence for good, rather than just deposit in our own ego." – Marianne
"Quit being selfish, because it's not about you." – Marianne
"I'm hell-bent on finding the best people on the planet, teaching them how to deliver their message and making some good happen." – Marianne
"Your story is significant. You are significant, so stop being selfish.” – Marianne
"I can't tell you how many times I have pivoted and shifted my message… because my audience didn't need what I had prepared, they needed what I was inspired by and I needed to be open and ready to go." – Marianne
"Your significance may not be bringing butts in seats, your significance would then be to create an education and an experience so people can… change their lives." – Philip
“When you're first starting, the very first thing you need to do is understand, hone in, and practice your signature keynote presentation." – Marianne
"Before I say you are a certified speaker…, you have to be able to present with nothing." – Marianne
"Introduce the topic, have a question, get them curious first, and then bring it back to you very quickly with credibility." – Philip
"If you don't have [a call-to-action], don't speak." – Marianne
"People have to know what pulls them to you because if you think you're speaking to everybody, nobody will hear you." – Marianne
"You want to… niche down a little bit because then people can recognize you." – Philip
"If you want something that you don't have, find someone that's got it and saddle up next to them, pay any price, travel any distance to be able to do it. " – Marianne
"It is the energy of the action, more than the action itself, that will drive the result." – Marianne
"Have that desired outcome, know what your goal is, and then find somebody…, and just absorb everything." – Philip

RESOURCES
Marianne
Website: https://mariannehickman.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianne__hickman 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneEHickman 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Marianne_Hickman 

Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Ever wondered how giants like Walmart and Amazon achieved success by mastering a single focus? This episode reveals the essential steps for aspiring speakers to make a powerful entrance into the speaking world. By developing a well-defined topic and understanding your ultimate goals, you can align your speaking journey with your broader life objectives. Learn to craft a coherent strategy that ensures your core message resonates powerfully on stage. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, business owners, and executives aiming to leave a lasting impression. Discover the importance of knowing your audience, aligning your message with their needs, and clarifying your speaking objectives. Join us to transform your stage presence and make a meaningful impact every time you speak.

NOTABLE QUOTES
[01:28] "If you do everything…, you're going to be for nobody." – Philip
[04:45] "You need to have your end goal set up so you can know if you've actually achieved that or not." – Philip
[06:16] "When we are purpose-driven, we are willing to take on more no's. Because, guess what, you're going to get a lot of no's." – Philip

RESOURCES
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Unlock the secrets to captivating your audience with Kris Flegg, a former banking professional turned presentation design expert and certified platinum Prezi expert. Kris shares his journey from an average presenter to a presentation authority, emphasizing the power of authenticity. Whether you're new to presenting or a seasoned pro, Kris's tips on overcoming public speaking jitters and embracing authenticity are both practical and empowering.

Learn the essential elements that make presentations effective and unforgettable. Kris highlights the importance of simplicity, consistency, and creative visualization in slide design, emphasizing the presenter as the primary visual aid. Discover interactive strategies to keep audiences engaged, even with data-heavy content, and how tools like Prezi can create a dynamic, non-linear flow. Kris also shares five power principles for impactful presentations, including modulating energy levels, using humor, and focusing on storytelling. Tune in to elevate your presentation skills and leave a lasting impression.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"Authenticity [is] the genesis of creating a sense of connection and engagement." – Kris
"By being ourselves, we're going to attract certain people [who] resonate with who we are. And of course, we're going to repel other people. But that's okay because you can't be for everybody." – Philip
"When we start designing [presentation], we want to have a brand and feel. So, consistency is really important." – Kris
"When you're designing slides: How is this adding to what I'm saying or is it just repeating what I'm saying?" – Kris
"If you put so much information on that slide deck, what's the purpose of you being there to present it?" – Philip
"People like to be able to choose the information they digest." – Kris
“Interactivity and more of a conversational approach… can create something impactful, rather than that kind of strict slide thinking structure." – Kris
"Planning those moments of modulation, interesting things, transitions, and humor or things that might be confronting or shocking… is a fantastic way to create that level of engagement." – Kris
"Be brave, try it out. If it doesn't work, try something different the next time." – Kris
"Ultimately, presentation is about changing the future." – Kris
"If you've got a passion for helping people and solving problems, it's the start of… something that will create an impact." – Kris
"Looking for feedback at the start of your presentation, not the end of it, is a way of pulling people into that." – Kris

RESOURCES
Kris
Website: https://www.presentationdesign.co/ 
Book: https://a.co/d/0dfKCC8s 
Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-flegg 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presentationdesign.co/ 

Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Can memorizing your speech actually sabotage your connection with your audience? In this episode, we reveal why sticking rigidly to a script might be holding you back and offer a fresh perspective on speech preparation. Learn how focusing on your outline and key stories can transform your delivery, making it more engaging and responsive to your audience. We'll uncover four key reasons why a perfectly memorized speech can hinder your effectiveness and provide practical tips to maintain structure while allowing room for spontaneity. Whether you're speaking to teenagers or executives, discover how to craft speeches that resonate and leave a lasting impact. Tune in to master dynamic and authentic public speaking.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"The memorized portion that I want you to remember… is the outline and the stories within that." – Philip
"If you have a speech completely memorized, now you're stuck doing that exact speech… and therefore you're not able to connect with the audience." – Philip
"When [your speech] is rigid or regimented so much…, there's not the emotion there." – Philip
"Things happen on stage. You can't control everything, but what you can control is having your speech set up in a way that if there's a hiccup…, you can get back on because you have a general outline rather than a very regimented, memorized speech." – Philip

RESOURCES
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Unlock the power of storytelling with Doug Thompson, a tech communicator who turns complex jargon into engaging narratives. Doug shares his transformation from an anxious extroverted introvert to a dynamic speaker, revealing how personal anecdotes can make technical topics accessible and memorable. Learn the secrets of "techsplaining" and how Doug's storytelling bridges the gap between technical information and audience understanding.

Discover how storytelling enhances technical sales and communication skills through Doug's rich experiences, including a unique hiring experience at Microsoft. He emphasizes starting where your listener is, using familiar analogies, and the importance of authenticity. Doug also shares strategies for leveraging your strengths, improving job performance, and communicating effectively with managers. Join us for a conversation filled with insights, inspiration, and practical tips to elevate your communication skills and make technical concepts come to life.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"The brain's wired to not only listen and learn from stories but also tell stories." – Doug
"You have skills that you don't know. You have a lot more knowledge than what you do." – Doug
"Learn how to un-chunk [your expertise] if we're going to teach it, or if we're going to explain it to somebody else." – Doug
"I know I'm not the smartest person in the room. If I am, I'm in the wrong room or I'm by myself." – Doug
"[I] put a little bit of [my] soul into the people that I work with and people that I… talk to, so that they can then learn to go do that as well." – Doug
"That's the thing with stories—you want to do that because you can create some polarization." – Philip
“If you're not making at least one person that disagrees with you…, then you're not being to yourself, which comes across. You're trying to be fake." – Doug
"A lot of people just want to think that they understand enough about technology and make intelligent decisions." – Doug
"Start the story where the listener is. Use words that they're familiar with." – Doug
"Repetition is the best thing for us to be able to learn and grow in any aspect of life." – Philip
"If you can't tell your own story, you know that's the easiest place to start because you know that story so well, right? And then you build confidence." – Doug
"Not everybody has [the] same energy that I have. And that's fine, you don't have to." – Doug
"Get in touch with what you're good at, what gives you life, what takes it away, [and] what takes energy." – Doug
"Most people are not going to get the technical jargon and so you really need to come in with those stories." – Philip

RESOURCES
Doug
Website: https://thedougthompsontx.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedougthompson/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedougthompson/ 
Twitter: https://x.com/thedougthompson 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedougthompson 

Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Unlock the secrets to captivating public speaking! In this episode, learn how to transform your speaking style by mastering vocal variety and dynamic hand gestures. Discover tips to overcome monotone speech through practice, repetition, and using your phone's camera for self-review. By discussing topics you're passionate about, you'll naturally add energy and enthusiasm to your voice. We also delve into the importance of body language, emphasizing the role of hand gestures and eye contact to elevate your presentations. Tune in, practice these strategies, and watch your public speaking skills soar!

NOTABLE QUOTES
"Start recording today and, through repetition, you are naturally going to start talking more and you'll start to see that vocal variety in your voice rather than just being one tone." – Philip
"Start talking about something you're interested in because…you are going to naturally have a less monotone voice." – Philip
"Part of not being monotone is to have a pause in your sentence." – Philip
"As you're practicing—getting those reps in—is find places where you can actually do the emphasis." – Philip
"Using your hands, using your body, will also help break some of that monotony." – Philip

RESOURCES
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Want to transform from a task manager to an inspiring leader? Join us for an insightful conversation with Edward Mosley, a retired Marine combat veteran, as he shares powerful lessons on leadership and communication under pressure. From the demanding environments of the Marine Corps to coaching organizations on leadership, Edward's experiences offer a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone aspiring to lead effectively. This episode promises actionable strategies to elevate your leadership, especially in high-stress situations.

We dive into the critical differences between managing and truly leading. Edward sheds light on common mistakes like promoting based on tenure rather than performance and emphasizes timely leadership development. He passionately discusses the need for transformative and servant leadership styles, particularly for engaging younger generations. Through practical steps like mentorship and early identification of leadership styles, Edward provides a roadmap for transitioning from transactional to transformative leadership, ensuring you empower and inspire your team. Don't miss his invaluable insights on work-life balance and professional development in a post-COVID world, showcasing the benefits of remote work and flexible schedules to boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"If one individual on one fire team is not successful, that entire fire team is not successful and it affects the entire squad." – Edward
"What I see happen a lot is in organizations only one person knows a job, and if that one person leaves or becomes disgruntled, then that entire project is basically paused" – Edward
"We have to accept the fact that there is a difference between a manager and a leader. We have to understand that fact." – Edward
"Leaders should be empowering and inspiring others to be great and do bigger, better things." – Edward
"We have to do better at providing leadership development to those leaders in positions prior to they become leaders in those positions." – Edward
“Get your leaders… to understand that they have to know who they are. Once you get them to see that, that's when the light bulb comes on… and they become better leaders for your organization." – Edward
"If the person doesn't understand leadership, going into a leadership role, how can you expect them to come out the door as a great leader?" – Philip
"I believe that not everybody wants to be in leadership positions." – Edward
"Publicize transparency… of the organization's 100 percent commitment to professional development." – Edward
"What happens if you don't train your people and they stay?" – Philip
"Would you rather have an employee that's productive, engaged, and performing at a high level, or would you rather have them in the seats so you can see them, and not productive and not engaged?" – Edward
"Maybe you're not working full eight hours at home, but are you really even working a full eight hours in the office?" – Philip
"If [organizations] do not become flexible with how they are hiring and they only want people to come in the office, that future employee would never accept that position, they would never apply for the position." – Edward

RESOURCES
Edward
Website: https://edwardemosleyjr.com/ 
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardemosleyjr/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-e-mosley-jr-8b9b67b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwardemosleyjr 
 
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Can mastering the art of articulation elevate your perceived intelligence, credibility, and trustworthiness? Join me in this eye-opening episode as I break down three straightforward steps to enhance your communication skills. Learn the transformative impact of reading self-development books, how reading out loud sharpens your enunciation and the importance of writing down your thoughts for clarity. Discover practical tips for expressing yourself with greater clarity and confidence, making every conversation more impactful.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"The way that you articulate your thoughts and your words is going to determine whether somebody thinks you're intelligent, credible, and trustworthy in a conversation you're having." – Philip
"We pull from the things that we have exposed ourselves to." – Philip
"As you're writing [your thoughts] out, it helps you to think about it…, and now you're able to formulate a sentence and see if that makes sense." – Philip
"You have to be speaking… to get better at speaking." – Philip

RESOURCES
Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

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Discover how to transition from a technical role to leadership with insights from Jordan Dieterle, a seasoned service account manager with over 12 years in automation and electrical systems. Jordan shares his inspiring journey from an electrical technologies student to a leadership role, highlighting his passion for continuous learning and project management. Learn how he bridges communication gaps between management and project teams and cultivates an environment of independence and mutual respect.

This episode delves into essential leadership skills, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and mentoring colleagues. Jordan also discusses the power of social media, particularly LinkedIn, in networking and career development. Get practical advice on improving communication, handling uncertainty, and blending personal and professional relationships to create a supportive work environment. Don’t miss Jordan’s tips for connecting and continuing the conversation about automation and public speaking.

NOTABLE QUOTES
"If you'll show me, I'll do it." – Jordan
"We're not taking people's jobs. We're replacing operator-level jobs with tech-level jobs when we're automating." – Jordan
"When it comes to leading people and teams, you have to start doing that work before you're actually put in that title." – Philip
"I need to make sure that anybody [who] is in automation knows who I am. If they don't know me, then I need to know them." – Jordan
"I'm connecting because I want to get to know you." – Jordan
"At the end of the day, we need to get this done. I don't even care if I have to be there working with you, I will, I'll help you." – Jordan
“Sometimes personalities do collide." – Jordan
"Communication tends to go bad when we only focus on what's right in front of us or if we assume the knowledge that everybody has." – Philip
"I don't know is an answer and it's a good one sometimes." – Jordan
"I'm going to take action… to help who I'm communicating with and trying to grow that and build connections and relationships with." – Jordan

RESOURCES
Jordan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dieterle-4b3034151/ 
Email: [email protected] 

Philip
Digital Course: https://www.speakingsessions.com/digital-course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphilipsessions/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipsessions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-sessions-b2986563/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealphilipsessions

Support the show