Key5 Speaker Podcast

Having an engaged audience is every speaker's desire. How do you engage your audience?  In this sixth podcast in Season 3 of the KEY5 Podcast Sarah Jo Crawford and Robert Ferguson unpack interesting options speakers use to emotionally and physically engage their audience. Here is some of what is included: What props are useful and how do they work well? How can the space you've been given best engage the audience? The stage as a visual experience - choreograph your presentation. Technology can engage! Use a "catch box", audience cell-phones, etc. Preparing for engagement before and after the presentation, and more. Plan ahead to engage and to continue the engagement after the presentation! Use some of these ideas to add value with engagement - it will help you win future opportunities. Anton Gunn shares ideas on audience engagement. Anton Gunn is an Author, Leadership Consultant, Speaker, Presidential Advisor, and Diversity Officer. He often does the exact opposite of what people are expecting, and this be

Is a speaker website important? What needs to be included? Robert Ferguson and Sarah Jo Crawford talk about websites for speakers and explore this aspect of the speaking business. They cover naming your website, platforms to use for your website, finding someone to build your site, the important items to have on your website, best and worst practices for your website and more... This episode of the KEY5Podcast answers questions about your website as a speaker - and if you're serious about building a speaker business, you need to continue to regularly refresh your site. Reach out to Sarah Jo if you need more questions answered because this is one of her areas of expertise. And then Robert chats with Grant Baldwin, the creator of The Speaker Lab Podcast. Grant Baldwin - Creator of The Speaker Lab Podcast Grant Baldwin, in addition to being a speaker himself, teaches other speakers how to find and book paid speaking engagements. Robert and Grant continue the discussion on what's needed on a speaker's website.

In this 4th KEY5Podcast in the 3rd season, Sarah Jo Crawford and Robert Ferguson discuss: Will your presentation slides look good on the day you speak?  the best aspect ratio for the slides, fonts that will cause issues and why, animations - what not to use and why, video files - how to be sure you have the video in your slides, best practices for sound and speakers if you have video/audio. Other technology: live polling during the presentation (with suggestions), set up a single slide that will encourage connection via social media, scheduling auto tweets ahead of the presentation to show up to retweet, your "clicker" for slides - not all clickers are made equal, how to use your clicker to make your screen go light or dark, laser pointer or not? Are they outdated? microphones - what can go wrong - how to test and practice, recording your own audio for later use, and add in "redundancy" backups - what are they? At the end of all this discussion, Sarah Jo and Robert feel you need to be able to present with

Robert Ferguson and Sarah Jo Crawford discuss the 8 "P"s of public speaking. Some call them rules and always follow them and others delight in breaking these 8 P's. And then there's the bonus "P". Do you follow the public speaking rules or break them? Robert interviews Alan Hoffler, the author of "Presentation Sin: The Practical Guide to Stop Offending (and Start Impressing) Your Audience ". Robert's copy of the book is dog-eared because he's constantly referring to the ideas. In this 3rd KEY5Podcast in the 3rd season, Alan shares some of his presentation "sins". Robert and Alan talk about what to do if you don't have a great voice as a presenter, Alan shares some of his observations of political candidates, their posture and how it impacts their presentations, and how to avoid predictability and more. Alan Hoffler is the Executive Director and Chief Instructor at MillsWyck Communications. Connect with him on LinkedIn You can find Robert Ferguson and Sarah Jo Crawford on LinkedIn also. Reach out and let them

Sarah Jo Crawford and Robert Ferguson discuss the ideas on how to develop content: mine social media for discussions dig deeper in specific areas use audience "magic moments" solve a problem or pain point trending topics and their impact on your area of expertise On developing content... should you plan all your content ahead of time? What do you think? And then they turn to an expert, Karin Wiberg, to weigh in on content creation. Robert interviews her and they chat about: brainstorming and other tactics how to generate specific content for an area using your own voice to be fresh after research using triggers from daily life reasons why speakers (and others) find it hard to find content creative ways to develop content Karin's ideas on a content calendar and more. Karin Wiberg is a Ghostwriter, Editor, Publisher, and Coach. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Listen to the Podcast to learn all the details and more! Sarah Jo Crawford is a marketer, writer, and professional speaker - connect with her on Twitte

Welcome back to our 3rd season of the KEY5Podcast!  This season we're raising the bar to include the delightful Sarah Jo Crawford as a co-host. The two co-hosts share relevant ideas surrounding the topic of the featured guest interview, and then you'll hear the interview. KEY5Podcast Season 3 will directly address Speakers' questions. In the first KEY5Podcast this season, the interview guest is Graeme Newell, a marketing researcher, author, and speaker. He was also a guest in season 1, and is returning to talk about a topic every speaker needs more information on: how to market yourself as a speaker. Question: How can you market yourself as a speaker? Graeme Newell shares his insights on how to sell yourself as a speaker by designing a system to quickly and easily make contact with people. He tells you how he does it, and how long it takes. Pretty cool. Listen to hear the ideas and details! You're going to hear ideas you've never heard, with specific details that you can translate into your speaking business.

Jay Izso motivates and inspires audiences by speaking on how to apply psychology to enhance both business and personal areas of life. He's known as the "Internet Doctor" and is the author of the book, "Got Social Mediology?: Using Psychology to Master Social Media for Your Business without Spending a Dime". Tips On stories: The demographics and psychographics of the group you're speaking with are important. "What would make the audience say,  "Wow!" is one of the questions Jay asks the organizers. Listen for more information on how Jay crafts his stories. On speaking for free: Jay says even when speaking for "free", always invoice the organization. Jay may speak for free for churches and non-profits, and for groups where a specific opportunity is available, including selling books. More tips: Be well scripted when being asked to speak. He has a few key phrases with which to respond, and Jay shares those phrases on the podcast. Brilliant! He also says that it's important to add new stories and research to be

Meridith Elliott Powell speaks to audiences about how to succeed in business no matter what the economy does. She's the author of three books, the most recent is "Own It: Redefining Responsibility". Tips Create and participate in a community. Community makes the difference in your speaking career and life. She goes on to expand this topic throughout the podcast. On stories:  Have a bank of story options. However, having your audience relate and connect to the story is almost more important than having a great story. On preparation: Interview people who will be in your audience - doing a 3-question survey, for example, is a good way to prepare for an upcoming presentation. On the podcast, Meridith provides some example questions she's used, and how she puts those answers into play. On speaking for free:  Meridith says that each speaking career is unique. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't speak for free, or that you should speak for free. Connect Connect with Meridith Elliott Powell on LinkedIn, on her 

Robert Kennedy III helps leaders communicate more effectively with confidence, clarity, and credibility. He's the author of the book, "7 Ways To Know You Were Meant To Lead". Tips Be Bold.  That's one tip Robert wished he knew when he began speaking in front of audiences. Messing up happens because we're all human, he suggests you turn it into a joke and keep moving on. He uses himself and his own history to find the stories that will relate to the audience. Listen as he explains how he breaks out a story to vary what's needed. People connect at the heart level, so what you use depends on your audience. On speaking for free:  when you're beginning as a speaker,  you have a passion for the audience, or if your career is shifting from one space to another, speaking for free is an option. However, if you have a long history in a niche, with much to share with audiences, then perhaps speaking for a fee is a better choice. The biggest tip Robert says is not a secret: it's to practice. And surround yourself with p

Stephen Monaco is a forward-thinking marketing strategist who speaks on innovation, strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He's an IBM Futurist and author of the book, "Insightful Knowledge: An Enlightened View of Social Media Strategy and Marketing" Tips Stephen continues to edit and tweak the message he's giving until he's able to provide the most value to the audience. He then uses the rest of the time to rehearse his presentation. He has some unique activities he uses to overcome anxiety before speaking. Listen to the podcast to learn his ideas. Not everyone is an extrovert or born for the stage and this might resonate with those who are a bit anxious before speaking. Gaining exposure as a speaker can be a reason to speak without a fee. Stephen feels called to share the wisdom he's gleaned. Instead of a Q an A time after the presentation, Stephen warmly invites the audience to meet with him afterward one-on-one. He says it's important to him to demonstrate he's approachable and accessible. Connect Co

Becky McCrary is a fun and funny motivational keynote speaker and trainer who has been called the Carol Burnett of Conventions, the Energizer Bunny in High-Heeled Shoes, a redhead Amy Poehler and Southern Sass. You'll chuckle all through this podcast! Becky is the author of "Relationship Networking on Purpose." Tips At the beginning of her career Becky McCrary says she wishes she knew that there would be lean years. No matter how well things are going, be sure to save along the way. Developing a key story is done on your feet and out loud, Becky says. Her stories are always true - because it's easier for her to remember the truth. The best stories come from reliving an experience, not just telling a story. She believes in using her quiet time, perhaps while driving, to develop a story. She goes on to explain even further in the podcast and unpacks a wonderful progression. On speaking for free: at the beginning she didn't understand why speaking for free was good, but then she realized that the more you speak

Jimmy F. Blackmon is a combat-experienced leader, speaker, author, and consultant, dedicated to motivating today's millennial generation. He speaks to audiences on how to maximize the leadership potential of individuals in every organization. Tips Transitions are key - make sure your transition from a mesmerizing story to the applicable point works well. It's important for the audience to feel the emotion, but a speaker must find the best transition so they can also understand the takeaway. Options for different groups are important, but his leadership message is the core. He wants the audience to understand that they're all in the "people" business. According to the direction the group wants to take, he will pull out the sound bites applicable for the need. On speaking for free:  early on when beginning your career, speaking for free is a valuable tool, but once you have a pricing model, be careful - do free, or an honorarium - but stay consistent in your fees. Connect Connect with Jimmy Blackmon on LinkedI

Chip Eichelberger is a motivational sales expert who persuades and inspires audiences to take action on priorities in their personal or professional life. He brings a positive energy in highly interactive sessions with audiences. His approach to speaking is different from many speakers and on this podcast, he explains how he plans and executes his talks. Tips As a speaker, Chip suggests following the Jerry Garcia quote,  "You don't want to be the best at what you do, you want to be the only one."  Listen to the podcast to understand exactly what he means when it comes to being a speaker. People will forgive anything except a lack of energy and a passion. Don't just talk to the audience - carry on a series of interesting, connected conversations. Then move with purpose. Look at one person, move toward them with your physiology, plant yourself, then move when you're going to the next thought. Chip uses Tony Robbins as an example of this idea and expands the idea with some of the benefits of this behavior. Pr

Diane Wolfe is a speaker, author and a founder of a publishing company. She speaks on publishing, marketing, websites and blogs, leadership and goal setting. She began speaking when working with a motivational company, and her career on the stage has developed as she's written books and created a business on publishing. Speaking to promote your book. Diane Wolfe, known as "Spunk on a Stick", says your enthusiasm and knowing your content makes all the difference when you're speaking to promote your book. She explains why she's known as "Spunk on a Stick" in the podcast - sometimes your loved ones know you best! While in seminars about publishing and promoting books, she came to realize that having a book on the topics made sense. She's since written for those topics with the book, "How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!"    When Diane speaks to audiences she makes sure she knows exactly where they are in the process to write, publish or promote their books, and then she can use stories as parables to teach

Vincent Ivan Phipps is known as “The Attitude Amplifier” and specializes in presentations and training to improve communication and the motivation to sound more polished. "The best speakers prepare and know how to speak succinctly with a positive message and focus behind what they say." Tips Be genuine and clear and you'll be appreciated. Audiences want you to sound like you - they want authenticity. Speakers need to make the event coordinator look awesome. And they also need to customize the message. Listen to learn Vincent's specific points on how to do that in the Podcast. On Stories Your points need to be relevant. Vincent tells the story of his Uncle who missed the mark in his stories, to make his point. Know the goal of the presentation - be sure your stories meet that goal. What have the audiences heard before - don't just be different, but bring value with new stories. On the podcast, Vincent explains where he mines the stories he uses to make his message unique and how he customizes each story.

"Audiences will respond when you have their best interest at heart." ~ Tim Moore Tim Moore speaks with audiences about generational differences - specifically as it pertains to North America. Tips Tim Moore's podcast was filled with so many relevant and valuable tips. You'll want to take notes - these are just the highlights! Sit with your audience before you speak and engage them in conversation. Once you get up on the stage the audience will pull for your success because you've made a personal connection. Tim talks a little bit about his strategy doing this on the podcast. Also: Don't be afraid to speak about your personal life. It creates a connection. Always wear a lavalier microphone - you want to be able to work the stage. Listen to speakers before you so you can tie a thread from your speech to others. Get in early and stay late. Don't be the person who arrives just in time to speak and heads to the airport directly after. Give more than anyone expects. When does Tim speak for free? He goes into d

Donna Cutting is a Keynote speaker in the area of customer service. She provides insight on how to engage your team members to create a red-carpet experience for customers. She leads a team of customer service experts in her company, Red Carpet Learning, and is the author of "501 Ways to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Your Customers". Donna's speaking career grew from sharing her expertise and then reading Dottie Walter's book "Speak and Grow Rich".  Dottie Walters was a founding member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and founder of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB), so the information was especially useful for Donna Cutting.  Tips One of Donna Cutting's signature stories started from an anecdote about something her mother did - and grew from there. Donna explains more in the Podcast - and also provides her thoughts on what needs to be a part of stories to work best for speakers and how to make them relevant for each audience. She goes into depth explaining how she does researc

Dr. Jack Singer is a Professional Keynote speaker, consultant, trainer and mentor to financial advisors and their organizations.  He's also fun - and you'll be chuckling all through the podcast! He helps people recognize the psychological obstacles everyone encounters that stop them from being successful and then helps them overcome those obstacles. He's the author of five books, and a Professional Sports Psychologist. Learning As a speaker, Dr. Jack Singer says he wishes he knew not try to do it all yourself at the beginning. Get help. His experience joining a speaker's association was the best way to begin as a professional speaker. He goes on to give more ideas for those working on their speaking business on the Podcast On Stories He says they need to be yours, and they need to be true. They also need a point that fits into what he's teaching. The message is core, but it's customized for the audience. On Speaking for Free When you're first beginning to speak, it's good to speak for free. But Dr. Jack Sing

Karl Sakas speaks on agency management to those who lead, and as a consultant, helps digital agency owners and managers make their work fun and profitable. His parents got him on the track to being a speaker. Listen to the KEY5Podcast to learn where it went from there! Using Improv Using his improv comedy training on stage, Karl Sakas invites audience members to introduce the situational challenges they've encountered with agency clients. With two decades of experiences with clients in the agency world, Karl has encountered almost every problem imagined, and he leads what happens on stage with improv as the catalyst to engage the audience. You'll hear his view on how improv works on stage as a speaker, even if it could appear a bit risky. And Karl even covers what he has done when the experience ran off the tracks. Tips Even with the best slides, and the best stories, what do you do when the technology lets you down? Listen as Karl talks about how speakers need to have technology back-ups at hand. Connect Co

Dr. Ann Kulze has the uncanny ability break down down the science behind healthy living into an easily-digestible message. She is a physician but doesn't have a practice - rather, she's on a mission to inspire people to use diet and lifestyle to totally transform their health, happiness, and quality of life. Her speaking career grew from a calling to promote wellness. On the podcast, Dr. Ann shares her journey from a lucrative primary care practice to finding her personal flow on the stage. Process and Preparation Dr. Ann feels her process of and toward speaking has been organic. She says she wouldn't change how she came to be an international keynote speaker, but she definitely knows a lot more today than when she began. She comes to the stage with a desire to teach, and sprinkles in stories to make each talk relevant and inspiring to each unique audience. Though you need a polished message as a speaker, she suggests a speaker needs to have a personal and in-depth conversation with the person bringing you i