The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

• [Quick Tip] Judging 55 Speakers: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - 320

  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 [email protected] 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!   To share your thoughts:                                                   leave a comment below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc – I read and appreciate every single one Subscribe on iTunes  

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  19:35
• Beyond ‘Good’: Creating Client Experiences That Stick in an AI World with Steven Van Belleghem - 319

  The business world is changing fast. AI is reshaping how customers search, buy, and connect — but most companies are still stuck in old habits, missing the human magic that actually builds loyalty. At the same time, too many businesses are confusing efficiency with excellence. They’re chasing five-star reviews that may not mean what they think they do, and ticking boxes while their customers quietly drift away. My guest today, Steven Van Belleghem, has spent over a decade helping companies level up their customer experience — and he’s here to show you how to stay relevant when "good" just doesn’t cut it anymore. Steven is a bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and trusted advisor to brands that want to balance tech innovation with human connection.  He’s also walked the talk on over 1,000 stages around the world, and has a refreshingly honest take on what it takes to create moments that matter — both in business and on stage. If you want to future-proof your brand, wow your customers, and connect with audiences in a way that gets remembered and rewarded… this episode is for you. What you’ll discover: What’s broken in how most companies connect with customers today (and how to fix it) What it really means to be "great" in a world where "good" is everywhere Why customer experience inflation is giving companies a dangerous false sense of security What today’s customers want beyond just product and service – and how to give it to them Real-world examples of brands balancing digital convenience with human warmth How Steven built a global speaking career from a research job (and a Microsoft invite!) The surprising key to building lasting audience connection from the stage Whether AI, apps, or interactivity belong in live talks (and Steven's refreshingly honest take) Why you don't need to be flawless on stage to be unforgettable The #1 mindset shift that will help you speak with heart, not just polish Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>   All things Steven: Website: https://www.stevenvanbelleghem.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenvanbelleghem/ Books & Resources*: The Offer You Can’t Refuse by Steven Van Belleghem Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)  

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  1:04:20
• Style That Speaks: How to Dress for Impact on Stage with Kay Korsh - 318

  Let’s be honest — most speakers spend a lot of time crafting their talk, but when it comes to what they wear on stage? That’s often a rushed afterthought… or a full-blown panic. Are you second-guessing whether your outfit actually helps or hinders your message? Ever watched back your talk and thought, “What was I thinking with that jacket?” Or maybe you’ve stuck to the same ‘safe’ outfit for years, even though it doesn’t really feel like you anymore? Well, this episode is for you. Because how you show up visually matters. Not in a “fashion week” kind of way, but in a connection, confidence and credibility kind of way. And to help us nail that balance between comfort, authenticity and speaker presence, I’ve brought in stylist to the speakers — Kay Korsh. Kay’s not your average personal stylist. She’s dressed A-list celebrities, worked with luxury magazines, and now she’s on a mission to help speakers look the part, feel amazing, and avoid wardrobe disasters that distract from their message. She's the real deal — equal parts savvy, stylish and strategic. What you’ll discover: The #1 thing your outfit might be silently saying about you (and how to fix it) Why you ‘shouldn’t’ dress like a model... and who you should model instead How to develop a signature style that makes you stand out — without feeling uncomfortable A simple way to stop your outfit undermining you on stage How to travel without looking like you slept in your suitcase (yes, even in linen) Why certain colours can drain you on stage — and how to make them work with your brand Plus… how Kay helped one client land her biggest gig just by changing her outfit (it’s a cracking story). How styling for speakers differs from people in the entertainment industry. How speakers get the balance right between sharing their authentic self and personality, whilst still meeting event and audience expectations when it comes to their wardrobe choices. Cost-effective ways to elevate your professional appearance, if you’re on a budget So whether you’re a keynote pro or just starting to get your message out there, this episode will help you sharpen your image, simplify your wardrobe, and show up with more power on stage — without losing your personality. Enjoy!   If you'd like to watch the interview on YouTube, you can do that here>>   All things Kay: Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/   Books & Resources*: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross Colour Quiz for Professional Speakers: Interactive Calculators & Quizzes Ultimate step-by-step guide to looking great on stage: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/look-great-on-stage-as-a-professional-speaker   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

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  1:02:21
• Quick Tip - The Author to Speaker Struggle is Real - Here’s How to Win - 317

  I see so many business authors and experts set out to use speaking to have more impact, step firmly into the thought leadership space, and monetise their message, only to get frustrated when they struggle to get the results that they want.  Some struggle just getting their talk together, unable to work out which bits of their book ‘baby’ to put in and leave out.  Others manage to create a talk, only for it to fall flat when they share it on stage.  What’s often the cause of these issues - and how do you overcome them? That’s what this episode is all about! In this episode, I cover: Why the page to stage transition is so hard.  The three biggest gaps that make it hard to turn a book into a compelling keynote.  How to close those gaps to craft an authentic message that lands in minutes (not chapters). The ingredients of a profitable talk. What to do next. If you’ve been stuck in indecision, or not getting the results you want then listen up! 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 [email protected] 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: - NEW TRAINING: The Profitable Talk: https://training.saraharcher.co.uk/profitable-talk-tsc  FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage  https://www.saraharcher.co.uk   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   leave a comment below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one.    

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  34:00
• Communicate with More Impact and Elevate Your Screen Presence with Loreta Tarozaite - 316

  Ever feel like your message gets lost in a sea of jargon?  Do you struggle to turn complex ideas into stories that actually land?  Or maybe you’re great in a room full of people, but put a camera in front of you and suddenly you forget how to be yourself?  If any of that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place! In this episode, I’m chatting with Loreta Tarozaite. Loreta is a former TV journalist turned executive presence and video storytelling coach. She’s been behind the camera, on screen, and now spends her time helping leaders articulate their vision with clarity that builds trust and connects.  After moving to Silicon Valley from Lithuania, and navigating the exciting startup landscape, she identified a common challenge among tech executives: the struggle to communicate effectively and humanize their brands. This insight spurred her passion for helping leaders and organizations not just communicate, but connect and relate.  This episode is jam-packed with insights to help you own the stage, the boardroom, and the screen. If you’re serious about showing up powerfully and making an impact, you don’t want to miss it! What you’ll discover: The #1 mistake experts make when explaining what they do (and how to fix it fast!) How to cut through the noise and make your message stick—even if your topic is complex or technical Why great storytelling isn’t just for movies—and how to use it to sell your ideas How to avoid the dreaded “robot presenter” syndrome and actually sound like YOU on stage and screen The key differences between executive presence and confidence (and how to develop both) The biggest mindset shift that will transform how you communicate as a leader Simple tweaks to look and sound great on video (even if you hate being on camera!) The essential ingredient that makes people want to listen to you—and no, it’s not just a strong voice Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here:   All things Loreta: Website: https://www.loreta.today/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretatarozaite/   Books & Resources*: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes.     *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)  

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  1:06:12

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