Resources
& Articles
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.
How to network when you just don't care
This article redefines professional networking as a meaningful, inclusive practice. Learn how to grow your network genuinely by focusing on problems, not transactions. Discover how curiosity and authentic engagement can transform your networking experience.
6 Killer Business Books To Close Out 2023 Strong
Discover curated top business books from the inundated market. Brian Miller handpicks transformative reads for professionals and entrepreneurs, blending classics with recent gems. Dive into insightful reviews and make the most of your reading time with these standout publications.
This One Business Card Design Mistake is Costing You Money
Learn how to make your business card unforgettable by incorporating your core message. This article guides you through crafting impactful cards that go beyond just name and contact info, offering tips on design, digital options, and pitfalls to avoid.
How to Write a Talk That Actually Inspires Action
It's hard to imagine a talk being clearer or more efficient than "How to use a paper towel." At Clarity Up we work with experts and leaders to clarify their communication and make a dent in the universe by developing their core messaging.
Is your new idea better or just newer?
We examine the unique intellectual journeys of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and rock star Eddie Van Halen, highlighting the tug of war between evolving ideas and the immediacy bias. Explore how understanding this dynamic can aid thought leaders in balancing past achievements with present growth, and learn practical strategies for maintaining this balance in your own intellectual pursuits.
Is this the story people are telling about you?
Explore the transformative power of storytelling in business branding, drawing inspiration from Pixar's proven narrative structure. This article discusses how stories can captivate audiences, differentiate your brand, and offer unique insights into your core values. Learn to craft your 'minimum viable story,' providing the foundation for engaging, memorable, and retellable narratives about your business journey and mission.
Ditch the Clichés: 3 Remarkable Ways to Open Your Speech
Discover effective strategies for captivating your audience right from the start. In this insightful article, we explore three commonly taught approaches to opening speeches that fall short of expectations. Gain valuable insights and learn alternative methods to grab attention, create curiosity, and make a lasting impact on your audience.
How to Become a Better Thinker in No Time Flat
Explore the surprising connection between clear communication and clear thinking. This blog challenges the common belief that clear thoughts lead to clear communication, arguing instead that the process of communicating refines our thinking. Discover how clarity can be achieved through dialogue, feedback, and the power of language in shaping our thoughts.
How To Make The Most Of Your Opportunity On The Red Dot: The Makings A Viral Talk
Discover the journey of Peder Tellefsdal, whose TEDx talk on seeking forgiveness reached over 1 million views. This article breaks down the 15-month process, from refining the core message to delivering a flawless presentation on the Red Dot stage. Explore the phases of idea development, selling the concept, writing and rehearsing, as well as promoting the talk in a saturated digital landscape. Gain valuable insights and learn how dedication and commitment can help you make your own impact in the world of public speaking.
Want a successful business? Learn from toddlers.
Learn from a toddler's puddle play and explore practical strategies for tackling common business challenges. Get reminded of simple strategies on generating leads, closing sales, and managing customer requests while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
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