Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals

“Ideas are worthless unless you can make them heard.” — Phil Cooke, media consultant and speaker

You were immersed in engineering or scientific matters in your engineering school or school of science. 

You then work in industry or government where you want to practice engineering and science.

Somewhere along the way, hopefully early, you realize you must “sell” your ideas to get ahead. It comes as a shock. You thought all you needed...

“Champions don’t do extraordinary things. They do ordinary things better than everyone else.” – Tony Dungy, former NFL player and coach, best known for leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win

Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, on taking over as head coach of the Packers, said, “I am not going to change anything. We will use the same players, the same plays and the same training sy...

“The worst part of holding the camera up to speak is knowing that no one is really there to nod or smile back at you.” — Unknown

This week, my son Frank returned from a six-month Navy submarine deployment. He is a nuclear officer on the USS Indiana fast-attack submarine. My wife Elaine and I are very proud of him for defending our great country.

I thought about how my son and the other sailors on his boat must feel isolated being u...

“Everybody wants to win. However, there are few people who want to prepare to win.” - Paul “Bear” Bryant, legendary coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team

Today’s professional speakers face several challenges that can impact their effectiveness and career growth. 

Here are three key concerns of today’s professional speakers and how to address them:

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References

• Gallo, C. (2014)...

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant, educator, and author,

As a professional speaker, you must manage various business aspects to build and sustain your career. 

We will examine three key business matters for you as a professional speaker in this podcast episode.

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References

• According to insights in Book More Business, effective br...

“Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were.” – Richard Paul Evans, American author best known for writing The Christmas Box

As a speaker, you may often experience imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which you doubt your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of your competence. 

In this episode, we will examine three key reasons why you may feel like an imposter and what you can...

“Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king.” -- Winston Churchill, British statesman, military officer, and writer who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 (during the Second World War) and again from 1951 to 1955.

In this world of accelerating technological speed, it would be good if we stepped back ...

"The future of public speaking is not about a solitary orator on a stage—it's a dynamic interplay between technology and human connection, where immersive digital experiences bring audiences closer than ever before." – Will Higham, behavioral futurist, author, and speaker known for exploring emerging trends in communication

It is hard to imagine the transformation in speaking in store for us as we speak.

This transfo...

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney, American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur

Self-motivation, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a better leader are crucial for public speakers.

They directly influence your ability to engage audiences, inspire action, and maintain effectiveness over time. 

In this episode, you will discover why each of these areas is vital to you as a spe...

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward, American inspirational writer

In the hit cartoon movie Madagascar, there is a group of talking penguins led by “the Skipper.” One of the penguins asks, “Skipper, don’t you think we should tell them the boat’s out of gas?” The Skipper simply says, “Nah! Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.”

As a speaker, how can you greatly benefit from smiling and waving ...

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin (1809–1882), naturalist, geologist, and biologist

Have you ever considered that adaptability is key to you delivering an excellent presentation? How do you develop the ability to be adaptable “on the fly?”

Seamlessly adaptable speakers can adjust their delivery, content, and engagement strategies ...

“When you walk into a room, own it. Let your presence be felt. Confidence isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you carry yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul and Philanthropist

To own a room effectively, speakers can employ several strategies:

This podcast episode explores three strategies:  exuding confidence, engaging through storytelling, and mastering delivery techniques.



Reference

1.    Magnetic Sp...

"Speed reading is a skill that allows you to process information more efficiently, which is critical for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in today’s fast-paced world."  – Tony Buzan, British author and educational consultant, best known for his work on mind mapping and mental literacy

Have you ever thought how reading at a faster rate can help you become a better speaker? Probably not.

This episode will explore ...

“Your content is your voice. Post consistently, and the right people will hear you.” – Unknown

One of the most common ways to become known as a speaker is to post your content regularly on various electronic platforms.

This episode reviews three platforms you can use to post your speaker content online.


References

• Medium Blog (2023). “Why Blogging Remains a Powerful Content Medium.”
• Patel, N. (2023). “The Ultimate G...

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens

Public speaking has always been a cornerstone of societal change, personal influence, and cultural growth. 

From ancient forums to modern stages, powerful speeches have shaped our world.

In this podcast, you will discover three ways your public speaki...

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.” –- Steve Jobs, American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding the technology company Apple Inc.

Have you ever thought about why you speak to your audience? 

Although the number of topics you can speak on is limitless, there are only a few primary reasons to ...