Resources

& Articles

How To Make Your Audience Put Away Their Phones

In this week's article we're going to learn why audiences tune out, take out their phones, or close your video - and how to instantly (and easily) engage them instead.

No matter what kind of presentation you're giving - a keynote speech, workshop, or TED-style talk - there's one constant: if the audience isn't engaged, the presentation will fail.

Distracted, bored audiences don't learn and they definitely don't take action.

If they don't take action, your ideas will not spread.

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Core Messaging, Communication Skills Brian Miller Core Messaging, Communication Skills Brian Miller

What Going Gluten-Free Taught Me About Messaging

In a world filled with endless choices and constant noise, clarity is a gift - to both you and your audience. Just like those gluten-free signs helped me navigate my new dietary restrictions, clear messaging can help your customers navigate their needs quickly so they can confidently make decisions. It's easy to assume that what is obvious to us is obvious to everyone else. But the reality is, our customers are juggling numerous priorities, just like I was juggling my grocery trip with a fussy toddler.

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TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller

Your First Step on the Road to the Red Dot

In this week's article, I break down how Carole distilled decades of expertise on the incredibly complex science of balance into a simple, 9 minute video at TEDxBocaRaton... That has already spread to 130,000 people in just 3 weeks 😲

Continue reading for the breakdown, and to watch her talk as it's going viral in realtime. It might just help you make sure the last years of your life aren't the worst years of your life.

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How the Sales Process Helps You Deliver a Better Speech

Learn how to deliver a better speech by using the sales process to understand your audience's true needs. This article provides practical techniques for asking the right questions, uncovering insights, and creating meaningful connections. Perfect for speakers looking to enhance their impact and engagement.

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Core Messaging, Communication Skills Brian Miller Core Messaging, Communication Skills Brian Miller

What Modern Family's Phil Teaches Us About Powerful Messaging

Explore effective communication techniques through Phil's contrasting strategies with his daughters in "Modern Family." Learn to move your audience by understanding their desires and fears, using real-life examples to master empathetic, audience-focused messaging. Ideal for leaders and communicators aiming to drive meaningful action and engagement.

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Core Messaging, TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller Core Messaging, TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller

Why the Most Powerful Short-Form Speeches Do These 3 Things

Clarity Up founder Brian Miller's top three lessons for delivering impactful TED-style speeches based on extensive experience with Speaker Slam and successful client engagements. Learn how to define a compelling throughline, utilize storytelling effectively, and bring fresh perspectives to common topics to captivate and motivate audiences towards meaningful action.

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How Even the Best Speakers Use Data Wrong

Discover why data alone fails to engage and inspire action, as evidenced by a poignant personal anecdote. Learn how storytelling captivates emotions, leading to meaningful action, backed by research insights. Explore the dynamic interplay between narrative and data for effective communication and driving change.

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Professional Speaking, Marketing Brian Miller Professional Speaking, Marketing Brian Miller

How to Know Exactly What Event Organizers Want

Unlock the secrets to success in the speaking industry with key insights from the AAE Speaking Industry Benchmark Report 2023. Discover the most sought-after topics, optimal pricing strategies, and the importance of keynotes in our comprehensive guide. Enhance audience engagement and secure your spot as a top speaker by understanding event organizers' needs and mastering audience connection.

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TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller TED-Style Speaking Brian Miller

TED-Style Talks Worth Studying in 2024

As the founder and principal consultant of Conquer the Red Dot®, I've helped dozens of experts and leaders book, write, and deliver the talk of their lives on the most prestigious stages. I pay close attention to what kind of talks are getting booked and shared. So, here is my personal list of 6 talks that all aspiring speakers should study in 2024.

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Professional Speaking, Core Messaging Brian Miller Professional Speaking, Core Messaging Brian Miller

5 Unexpected Reasons Why Great Speakers Give Terrible Speeches

This article explores five common mistakes great speakers make that lead to unengaging speeches, including prioritizing story over substance, solutions over understanding the status quo, entertainment over engagement, misordering ideas, and not focusing on audience needs. It offers practical insights for impactful public speaking.

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Professional Speaking, Storytelling Brian Miller Professional Speaking, Storytelling Brian Miller

How to win a speaking competition: Insights from the judging table

Discover key techniques for successful speaking: Learn how to create clear, engaging messages, provide actionable takeaways, and develop a unique hook. This article offers insights from Speaker Slam, demonstrating how to enhance presentations for TED-style and professional events, ensuring they resonate powerfully with audiences.

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Professional Speaking Brian Miller Professional Speaking Brian Miller

I Hated Slides and Now I Love Them: How I Built a Captivating Keynote

We've all suffered through those 20-minute presentations featuring slides brimming with bullet points, inscrutable graphs, and bewildering stats. But are slides themselves the culprits, or is it about how they are used? As speakers we all want to deeply engage our audiences, provide them with actionable takeaways, earn rave testimonials, and over-delight our clients.

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Practical Advice on Clear Communication

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Topics include:

  • How to book, write, and deliver TED-style talks

  • Clear and consistent messaging

  • Professional speaking