“Everyone has something to share in a way that no one else can. That alone makes you a gifted speaker”  In this episode you will learn…why delivering a great speech is achievable for everyone. How to deliver an important speech with little time to prepare. Tips on measuring success delivering an on-line presentations versus in person.  Why knowing how to overcome obstacles is vital…because we ALL have them. How to replace negative thoughts with more accurate, supportive thoughts.

“The voice doesn’t respond well to being manhandled” In this episode you will learn…Vocal techniques for the speaking voice,  how imagery works for storytelling, how to reduce the symptoms of nervousness even when we can’t eliminate them, how to make a presentation fun by connecting to your content and why embracing  your unique voice is a revolutionary act.

“The process informs you but does not define you”  In this episode you will learn: Why accent reduction programs need to be customized to each client.  Why it’s necessary to trust the process will take you through various stages until you get the end result. What the most common misconceptions about the work are. How to shift your mindset from focusing on changes needing to be made to focusing on what you are gaining.  

“I am interested in the way we use language and others receive that language and attribute meanings” Adam Hodges is a linguistic anthropologist with expertise in political discourse. His books include The “War on Terror” Narrative: Discourse and Intertextuality in the Construction and Contestation of Sociopolitical Reality (2011) and Discourses of War & Peace (2013). In this interview, Hodges takes us on a fascinating, in-depth journey into the influence of language games, plausible deniability, gaslighting and literal meaning versus pragmatic meaning…and how we affect listeners with language regardless of good and evil intent.

“No one is persuaded or influenced by someone pretending to be someone else” In this behind-the-scenes interview, John and Lisa explore the mindset that goes into mastering the art of public speaking. You will learn how to make significant changes in a short time by changing your mindset, investing in your content, and delivering with fearless authenticity.

“Most important thing a coach can do is empower the client” In this behind-the-scenes interview John and Lisa explore the training that goes into mastering the art of public speaking coaching. You will learn what knowledge transfer is, how to use it and how to find the right coach for you.

“Being a voice over artist is exciting, unexpected and you are doing something different every day. It’s a really fun career”    In this episode you will learn: What steps you need to take to become a successful voice-over actor. What narration, character and commercial voice-over actors do and who hires them.  What agents look for in your audition and demo reel. How COVID-19 changed the landscape but not the work. The challenges and the vast rewards that come with this career.

“People who know how to express themselves tend to be happier, make more money and have better relationships”    In this episode you will learn….how overcoming the fear of public speaking can change your life.  How to change your mindset from public speaking as a necessary evil  to embracing the opportunities to connect and engage with others.   

“Speeches are an invitation to change the world”    In this episode you’ll hear insights from one of the Tech industry’s most successful speechwriters. Former head of communications for Google, Dex spent several years writing for Eric Schmidt and Larry Page. Dex shares his process as a writer for his own speeches and others. Including how to bring out the most valuable aspects of a speech and how to collaborate under pressure.

“People want to talk about the things they can’t talk about in other parts of their lives”– Anne Devereux Mills”   In this episode, we will explore…the differences between how we communicate in the corporate world versus social interactions. How to create camaraderie. How to find frameworks of conversations that are inclusive. Effective ways to call out uncomfortable behaviors with empathy.   

“Don’t wait for perfection…don’t hold yourself to a standard that will delay your dreams for years”   In this episode, we will explore what it means to tap your own talents, to find your voice not only as literal communication but also as an expression of what you want to say to the world and what ultimate contribution you want to make.

““It all starts with a sense of ease, breath and presence in the body” – Goyder   In this episode you will learn: How to start overcoming self doubt and unravel false or limiting beliefs The danger of trying to work out the world through the brain (leaving the body behind) Neuro Linguistic Programming: when and how to use it for growth What the four speaker archetypes are and how they affect audiences How to start writing your most important speech Which speakers inspire and why LISTEN TO

“I have been buried under years of dust and now I have so much to say.”   Born with nonverbal autism, these were the first words twenty-five-year-old Emily Grodin ever wrote.  In this episode we explore communication techniques to help bridge the gap between verbal and non-verbal speakers, how to listen to non verbal clues and examine our bigotry towards people with disabilities.   

“I can only be responsible for the thing I am responsible for” In this fun and upbeat episode you will learn; how to get the best results as a coach in a high stress, pressure filled situation. How to prioritize what you can control, give up what you can’t and how empathy plays a part in your success as a coach. Jan’s lessons learned from coaching Game of Thrones, Mortal Engines, and 30 years of theatre, film and television work.

“Our culture wants girls and women to be powerful to a point, then there’s a price to pay“ This interview is packed with insightful communication strategies to replace old habits that hold you back. In this illuminating episode you will learn….how to align your use of language with what you want.  What direct versus indirect assertiveness looks like. How to master calling out people who interrupt or talk over you.  

“We cannot accept these systems that treat us as if we are less than human” In her groundbreaking and essential debut The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, Anna celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the three women who raised and shaped some of America’s most pivotal heroes. In this episode e take a deep dive into evaluating these three amazing speakers, their similarities and differences as communicators with specific reference to style, pacing, gravitas and grit.

“It’s all about control, not education, not understanding.” Rick unveils how cult leaders use language, gaslighting and coercion techniques to gain unlimited power over unsuspecting, trusting individuals. As listeners we learn how to reach out to loved ones suffering from the abuse of a malignant narcissist. In this interview, with an abundance of empathy, Rick speaks directly to the victims of cult indoctrination and the victims of abusive romantic relationships.

“They thought because I was Black and fast that I enjoyed having low academic achievement.” Marcus describes his initial successes, failures and what brought him back to success on the field, in academics and as a professional speaker. This interview is chalked full of great public speaking tips for young speakers, athletes and anyone who refuses to accept society’s race and gender expectations.  

“Freedom of speech and freedom of consideration are not mutually exclusive.” Alex gives clear, concise answers on how we can stop the spread of misinformation on social media. What responsibilities the tech giants can use to encourage more informed conversations on social media. And his own journey from behind-the-scenes journalist to on camera CNBC contributor and public speaker.

“I research all the different ways we say what we mean.”  Dr. Tannen has authored 13 books Including You Just Don’t Understand: Men and Women in Conversation, Talking From 9 to 5: Men and Women at Work and The Argument Culture: Americas War of Words. In this interview, she takes us on an in-depth journey into conversational styles, the differences between status and connection, pacing and pausing and how the many different ways we speak affects listeners. This interview sheds light on gender and cultural communication differences and how we can bridge the gap to fully understand and appreciate our