What happens when a brilliant engineer can’t explain their ideas to decision-makers? In this episode, Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, joins Brandon Laws to share his journey from anxious, sweat-drenched presentations to confidently speaking in front of executives—and how he now helps other technical professionals do the same. If you manage or work alongside STEM professionals, this episode offers a practical look at the communication gaps that stall careers and what leaders can do about it. From filler words to presentation strategy, Neil breaks down how better speaking skills unlock both business outcomes and career growth.
Key Timestamps
Key Timestamp Topics
[00:00] Welcome & episode overview
[01:00] Meet Neil Thompson and the origins of Teach the Geek
[02:00] Early career missteps with technical presentations
[04:30] The wake-up call: poor communication = missed opportunities
[05:30] Joining Toastmasters and practicing communication
[07:00] The real challenge: talking to non-technical audiences
[08:30] Why jargon blocks understanding
[10:00] Body language, nerves, and delivery mistakes
[11:00] The career value of strong communication
[12:00] Visualization as a tool to reduce nerves
[13:00] Why storytelling works—even for technical topics
[14:30] Do organizations train STEM pros in communication?
[16:00] The missed opportunity in L&D
[17:00] Real-world example from a technical conference
[18:00] Reps and practice: building the communication muscle
[19:00] How Neil structures technical speaking training
[20:00] Designing with outcomes and call-to-action in mind
[21:00] Feedback loops and real-time improvement
[22:00] Tracking filler words and reducing them over time
[23:30] Self-advocacy and career advancement through better speaking
[24:30] Who reaches out: HR or individuals?
[25:00] Success stories and guest anecdotes
[26:00] Why silence is better than filler
[27:00] Using feedback surveys to measure speaking progress
[28:00] Advice to HR and leaders on training technical teams
[29:00] Where to learn more about Teach the Geek
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Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
Host: Brandon Laws
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About Xenium HR
Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR.
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