Confident Public Speaking and Selling | For Financial Advisors and Aspiring Speakers

Networking can feel like an anxiety-inducing performance, but what if it didn’t have to? In this episode of Memorable Public Speaking, we dive into a real conversation with a client who struggles with overthinking, self-doubt, and the fear of making a bad impression while networking.

Their words: “I’m usually kind of thinking like, what do I say? What do I say? What do I say?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But what if n...

In this value-packed episode, storytelling expert Colin Ryan pulls back the curtain on 2 powerful techniques that took a real client’s keynote story to new heights. You’ll learn how to craft an irresistible hook that grabs your audience's attention from the very first line. Plus, learn the secret to infusing your narratives with genuine emotional stakes that forge deep connections. Whether you're looking to level up your pu...

Ever been tempted to “wing it” when speaking? Think again. While improvisation can seem natural and authentic, it’s also a risky move that can leave you stumbling, rambling, or losing your audience entirely.

In this episode, Colin explores three major reasons why speaking off-the-cuff can derail your talk—and what to do instead to feel prepared and confident. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, connect with your audience, an...

In this episode, I tackle a question from a listener: How can I share serious stories while keeping my presentation positive and NOT losing the audience? So I tested out an answer: drawing from my personal experiences crafting a powerful story about navigating the American healthcare system around my own health challenges (see what I mean? SERIOUS!), I share three key strategies to create emotional balance in your talks and keep it...

In this episode of "Memorable Public Speaking and Storytelling," Colin shares a personal experience from a recent storytelling event where everything seemed to go wrong—yet the crowd loved it. Drawing lessons from that night, Colin reveals two powerful tips for any speaker: 1) Pay close attention to your environment—it can fuel your connection with the audience. 2) Embrace imperfection—allow yourself to make mistakes. Through a hil...

In this episode we dive into the art of using humor effectively in your presentations. Humor can turn a dry, forgettable talk into something memorable and engaging, but it’s a tool that requires balance. Colin walks you through why humor is such a powerful connection tool, how to craft jokes and funny stories, and—most importantly—how to avoid offending your audience. We’ll cover practical tips on testing humor, steering clear of d...

🎤 **Feeling Nervous About Networking? You're Not Alone!**

At its core, networking is about making that first connection and seeing if there's a vibe, mutual interest, or curiosity. But what if you don't feel confident? What if you're in your head about it? 🤔

Here's a truth: everyone feels awkward sometimes. I've been the confident networker and the one wanting to go home.

Recently I found a ...

You will never more of your audience's attention than you do in the first 30 seconds. There are all kinds of fun and creative things you can do to hook them immediately, keep them engaged, and get them to say Yes. Unfortunately, the real-life tips in this video things are NOT intuitive, NO ONE does them automatically, and they take a little bit of creativity. The great news? They WILL increase your rate of success in pitches, ...

A true story to remind you that we’re all pretending!

Key Ideas:

• What will be your next “15 feet of courage?”
• Public speaking is not about being perfect, it’s about creating a connection with your audience.
• The skill of connection belongs in our work, on our teams, in our relationships and in our relationship with ourselves.
• Next time you speak, don’t focus on getting every word right. Focus on understanding your audienc...

Did you know that MOST people are used to NEVER being listened to. There's a reason for this: most of us never took a class or training on HOW to listen well. Well I took a 2-day listening training, and I'll sum it up for you in a few minutes (saving you a lot of time, you're welcome!)As you become a better listener, your world and your career opens up in a really remarkable ways, you learn a lot more, and you make othe...

For me, doing stand-up comedy 10 years was a great tool to be a better communicator. And it also taught me a trick that's great for you to help boost your confidence.

I call it "open mic-ing." Whether the thing that's intimidating you is public speaking, speaking up in meetings, raising your profile, or recording yourself on video to send with emails, this trick will help you get more comfortable FAST!

This will h...

Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a deep struggle with depression and suicidal tendencies throughout his life? I did not. I want to share this with you, including an amazing clip from his final speech, and share what I've learned about how our mental health challenges make us better leaders and public speakers!

From the episode: "As a leader, in your life there are people who you lead, people who you se...

I've loved movies since I was a kid, and loved recapping them others who haven't seen them yet. It's where I first learned how to be a storyteller!

And how I learned 2 keys to telling good stories: know your audience and pick one scene not the whole thing!

Stories engage your audience because you're being real with them and we all love stories. But stories also engage you in what you're saying because you're...

Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Check out free resources at ⁠⁠https://speaknextweek.com⁠⁠ or get a free recommendation from me on becoming a stronger public speaker. In less time than you think, you can transform public speaking from something you dread into something you love! 🎙️

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I've been a fan of Diana Kander ever since I read All In Startup back in 2014. Her latest book is all about ...

The first 30 seconds of your speech are the only chance you have to truly grab and maintain your audience's attention.

This is based on a concept by Diana Kander and Tucker Trotter's concept "The Golden Window."

Which they write about in the upcoming book Go Big Or Go Home.

I'm always committed to showing you EXACTLY what to say, so I'll give you a perfect example: how we recently made an investor pitch fo...

A Conversation with America's Joy Magnet, seasoned TEDx speaker and Media Appearance Coach... Shari Alyse!

“I got off the stage after my second TED talk, and I beelined it for the ladies restroom. After like 30 seconds of crying, I exhaled, and I literally put my arms around myself and I said, ‘I’m so proud of you. Not only did you do it, but you can show up for any challenge in your life.’ And the learning experience for me th...

You're about to learn one of my favorite $10.00 words/phrases: Choice Architecture.

This is the overlooked key to inspiring, motivating, and influencing your people to take action.

Whether it's your team, an individual, a potential client or partner, this will definitely help you like it's helped me!

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Do you have a speech coming up that you want to do a GREAT job with and leave a lasting impression as a result? (And you...

Think about the bad listeners in your life. Picturing them? **If you can't picture one, it's you ;)

Now think about the good listeners in your life. They have your respect, your appreciation, your trust.

They have influence! They lead through their ability to listen!

Here is a fun way to be one of those influential listeners in someone else's life.

There is no better feeling than when someone takes the time to truly listen to us.

<...

I get it - public speaking is uncomfortable.

But have you ever turned down speaking opportunities you know would be good for you to take?

It might be because you've put that audience on a pedestal.

No matter how impressive or intimidating the people in your audience are, they shouldn't be on a pedestal.

They don't belong there!

Here is: a funny story about a shirt that doesn't fit, and a great exercise to c...