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June 26, 2025 19 mins

In this quick tip episode, I’m lifting the lid on how a speaking judge thinks and giving you the good, the bad and the ugly based on judging 55 speaker award entries … in one sitting (yes, I needed snacks!)

I was honoured to be a judge for the Speaker Awards again this year, covering Best Storyteller and Best TEDx categories — and I want to share what I saw behind the scenes, to help you sharpen your own speaking game.

This isn’t just fluff, it’s truth. You’re gonna’ walk away with tips to help you avoid the mistakes and amplify the magic in your own talks.

In this episode, I cover:

  • What made the top entries stand out from the crowd
  • The subtle (and not-so-subtle) issues that cost speakers points
  • Why “telling” isn’t the same as storytelling
  • How to avoid the ‘audiobook trap’
  • The role of character, voice, and relevance in a standout speech
  • What infuriated me as a judge - don’t do this!

Whether you’re entering awards, prepping for a keynote, a TEDx, or just want to up your storytelling game — this episode is packed with golden nuggets.

Enjoy!

 

If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:

 

Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club

(Take a photo of your review, email it to me at sarah@saraharcher.co.uk and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)

 

Books:

Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch

Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker

 

Resources:

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage 

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

 

Thanks for listening!

 

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