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.
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.
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.
Why Professional Speakers Often Fail on the Red Dot
Discover why professional speakers often fail in TED-style talks and learn the key differences between keynote speeches and Red Dot presentations. This article offers practical advice for both polished keynote speakers and experts new to public speaking, ensuring your message is clear, concise, and impactful.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great Speakers Don't Memorize Their Speech, They Internalize It
Discover the transformative journey from memorizing to internalizing speeches in this insightful guide. Learn practical techniques for embodying your talk, enhancing audience connection, and ensuring your message resonates deeply. Perfect for speakers aiming to elevate their presentations from mere recitation to impactful storytelling.
How to Design a Speech That Earns Buy-In, Every Time
Discover the A.C.E. framework (Align, Challenge, Expand) for speech design. Learn to build compelling messages that resonate with your audience's beliefs, encouraging action and change. Perfect for speakers aiming to connect deeply and drive meaningful outcomes, regardless of the presentation's polish.
How to Entertain Audiences, Even If You're Not An Entertainer (Tips for Speakers and Presenters)
Explore effective strategies for leaders and experts to captivate audiences through meaningful engagement in presentations, emphasizing authentic connections over mere entertainment, and offering practical insights for impactful, substance-driven public speaking.
How to Charge Whatever You Want For Speaking Engagements
Explore effective strategies to accurately price and confidently charge for your speaking engagements. Learn to identify your audience, leverage market knowledge, and build self-assurance in your value. Our guide provides actionable insights for professionals aiming to secure fair compensation for their expertise.
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.
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.
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.
19 things I do to make every speaking engagement a success (that have nothing to do with the speech)
Professional speaking engagements are not just about the time you spend on stage. Here are 19 things to consider doing before, during, and after the event to ensure success.
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.
Dreaming of the Red Dot? Focus on these 3 things
Taking the stage at a TED-style conference is, for many, the ultimate dream. It's not just about being under the spotlight; it’s about sharing a truly Big Idea - that could ignite change and inspire action.
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.
The Wallpaper Blunder: How to Leverage Failure as a Thought Leader
Learn why vulnerability is an asset in thought leadership. This article explores how admitting and learning from failures builds trust and fosters engagement. Discover the key principles that turn setbacks into stepping stones for you and your audience. Master the art of relatable, trustworthy leadership.
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