Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.
Most speakers aren't struggling with speaking. They're struggling with being seen, chosen, and paid what they're worth. Professional Speaking: Known, Booked & Paid is the podcast for speakers who are serious about building a commercially viable speaking business — not just getting better at speaking. Each week, host and speaker coach John Ball cuts through the noise on what actually drives bookings, referrals, and higher fees. Solo episodes tackle positioning, pricing strategy, and the commercial mistakes keeping good speakers underpaid. Guest episodes bring in working speakers, bureau insiders, and industry experts with candid insight.
Episodes
The Authenticity Gap: Why Containing Your True Self Is Costing You on Stage
Most speakers talk about authenticity. Fewer actually practise it. There is a version of you that turns up on stage and a version of you that exists everywhere else, and for many speakers, those two people are further apart than they would like to admit.This episode is a Pride Month episode, but the argument is not seasonal. The LGBTQ+ experience of navigating identity in public life contains less
Speaker Demo Reels: What They Are Actually For (and Why Most Get It Wrong)
Bernadette Marciniak is a video producer who works specifically with speakers and event organisers, giving her a rare dual perspective on what actually gets speakers booked. She has captured footage at live events, produced demo reels for speakers at various stages of their careers, and uses speaking engagements herself as a visibility lever for her business.What you'll take away from this episode
Why Speakers Give Up Too Soon: The Results Lag
There comes a point for almost every speaker and coach where the doubt becomes hard to ignore. You are doing the work, following good advice, showing up consistently — and nothing seems to be moving. The bookings are not coming. The calendar is open. Other people seem to be on calls constantly, and yours is, well, available.Or maybe some things are trickling through, but not enough for it to feel
Are You Killing Your Speaking Career with "How-To" Content? | David Newman
David Newman is a speaker, consultant, and author of four books, including Do It Speaking and Market Eminence. He's spent decades helping experts, consultants, and professional speakers build what he calls market eminence -- the combination of visibility, credibility, and brand preference that makes you the obvious choice in your field.In this conversation, David makes the case that the era of how
Your Speaker Positioning Is Not Your Topic: Why Good Speakers Stay Invisible
If you're a good speaker who isn't getting booked at the rate or fee you think you deserve, this episode is going to be uncomfortable in the right way.The problem, in most cases, isn't your speaking. It's your positioning. And more specifically, it's the fact that most speakers build their positioning around what they want to say rather than what the market actually needs to hear.In this episode,
Stop Trying to Be Funny: Beth Sherman on What Actually Gets Audiences to Listen
Beth Sherman is a multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy writer who spent 30 years writing for Letterman, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, and multiple major awards shows, including the Oscars. She now works as a keynote speaker and executive presentation coach, helping leaders and professional speakers build rapid rapport using the same principles comedians use to convert a room full of strangers.In this epis
What Speaker Bookers Actually Want in 2026 – Elliot Kay, Speaker Awards Founder
Elliot Kay is the founder of The Speaker Awards, a seven-time author, and one of the most connected people in the UK speaking industry. In this conversation, John and Elliot dig into what's actually changing in how professional speakers get hired, and why most speakers are still playing by rules that no longer apply.Heads up: entries for The Speaker Awards 2026 close 30 April. If you're a fee-paid
Why Confident Speakers Still Don't Get Rebooked
Taki Moore recently wrote that conviction is a shortcut to charisma. It's a clever line. It's also only half right, and the other half is quietly costing speakers bookings.In this episode, John unpacks why confident, polished speakers still fail to convert rooms into clients, referrals, or rebookings. The issue isn't delivery. It's the gap between creating a feeling of value and creating actual ch
When It All Goes Wrong On Stage: What Bombing Taught Me About Preparing To Speak
Last week I bombed on stage at a standup comedy gig. Not catastrophically -- more in the way where you know before you walk onstage that you're not ready, and then it shows.I want to talk about it, not for the catharsis, but because the cascade that led to that bad night is exactly the same cascade that leads to underprepared keynotes, flat training sessions, and presentations that don't land the
The Referral Script That Landed a £10k Speaking Gig: Clinton Young on What Actually Gets Speakers Booked
Most speakers are working on the wrong problem.They're polishing their delivery, tweaking their slides, and hunting for better techniques. Meanwhile the gap between where they are and a well-paid, regularly booked speaking career has almost nothing to do with any of that.Clinton Young is a keynote speaker and coach who has learned -- sometimes expensively -- what actually moves the needle. In this
Why Nice Feedback Is Killing Your Speaking Growth and How to Fix It
Most speakers say they want feedback. What they actually want is validation.There's a significant difference -- and confusing the two is one of the most common reasons capable speakers plateau and stop growing. In this solo episode John Ball breaks down why most feedback fails, why the human brain is wired to turn critique into personal attack, and how to build a feedback loop that genuinely accel
From Invisible to Influential: Brand Clarity for Speakers with Sapna Pieroux
What makes a speaker visible, memorable, and trusted in a crowded marketplace? It's rarely about being louder, stranger, or more active on social media. It's about being clearer, more consistent, and more intentional about how you show up.Sapna Pieroux is a personal and business brand consultant, author of Let's Get Visible, and speaker who has spent her career helping entrepreneurs and business l
Why Smart Speakers Get Stuck and How to Break the Loop
The smarter you are, the easier it is to get stuck. Not because you lack ability, but because intelligence can quietly build a wall between you and the reality that would actually move you forward.In this solo episode John Ball explores one of the most common and least talked about reasons experienced speakers plateau. It's not a skill gap. It's a distance-from-reality problem.Drawing on 15 years
Speechwriting Secrets from the Political World with Rob Noel
What separates a forgettable speech from one people remember years later?Rob Noel has written speeches for some of the most high-profile political figures in the US, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo. He understands better than almost anyone what makes a speech land -- and what makes it disappear the moment the speaker leaves the stage.Some of his insight
How to Get Corporate Speaking Gigs: A Live Coaching Session with Jackson Ogunyemi
Jackson Ogunyemi has 25 years of speaking experience in the education sector. He has the experience, the message, and the stage presence. What he's missing is the business engine that consistently generates corporate bookings.In this live coaching session John Ball works with Jackson to unpack some uncomfortable realities about the speaking industry -- and build a practical strategy for breaking i
Self-Awareness and Mindset for Speakers: Fix the Internal Problems First with Michael Delisser
Most presentation problems are not technical. They're internal.Speakers obsess over slides, structure, and delivery mechanics while the real issues -- self-awareness, mindset, and genuine focus on the audience -- go unaddressed. Fix those, and the technical problems often resolve themselves.Michael Delisser is an executive communication coach who has spent his career helping leaders and speakers i
Should You Start a Podcast? What Speakers Need to Know Before They Hit Record
Should you start a podcast? If you're a speaker, coach, or expert it can feel like the obvious next step. Visibility. Authority. Credibility. Influence.But is it actually the smartest move right now?In this solo episode John Ball takes a balanced, honest look at podcast hosting -- the real advantages, the hidden costs most people underestimate, and why sequencing matters more than following trends
How Listening Makes You a Better Speaker with Julian Treasure
Julian Treasure has given five TED talks, with a combined audience of hundreds of millions of views. His message is simple and counterintuitive: the most important skill for speakers is not speaking. It's listening.Audiences don't hear your message as delivered. They hear it through filters -- culture, mood, expectations, the speaker before you, the acoustics of the room, even the time of day. If
How Great Speakers Use Rhetoric, Metaphor and Emotional Language with Simon Lancaster
Rhetoric is one of the oldest and most powerful communication tools in existence. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Most speakers think it's something politicians do. Simon Lancaster knows it's something every effective communicator does -- whether they realise it or not.Simon Lancaster is a political speechwriter with over 20 years of experience writing for heads of state, CEOs, and some
Where Personal Development Ends and Professional Speaking Should Begin
The professional speaking world and the personal development industry have been intertwined for decades. That overlap has created energy, inspiration, and genuine transformation. It has also created hype, pseudoscience, and borrowed authority.In this solo episode John Ball explores where persuasive speaking becomes manipulation, why anecdotes are powerful but weak evidence, and how emotional inten
How Professional Speakers Get Hired: The Bookability Formula with Maria Franzoni
Being a good speaker and being a bookable speaker are not the same thing. Most speakers confuse the two -- and it costs them.Maria Franzoni is a former speaker bureau owner and author of The Bookability Formula. She has spent her career on the other side of the table -- deciding which speakers get hired and which get passed over -- and her view of what actually drives bookings in the UK and Europe
Why Most Speakers Stay Stuck: The Overthinking Trap That Kills Speaking Careers
Why do so many capable speakers never gain momentum or consistent bookings?It's not talent. It's not confidence. It's not credibility. It's the habit of overthinking and under-acting.In this sharp solo episode John Ball breaks down the single biggest block that stops speakers from becoming successful professionals -- and why the planning that feels productive is often procrastination in disguise.
Hot Market, Cold Inbox: Why Your Speaking Calendar Isn't Matching Your Credibility
A hot market does not guarantee hot bookings.In this live coaching session John Ball works with tech and emerging-tech speaker Cortney Harding to diagnose the real reasons her calendar isn't matching her credibility. They unpack why prestige signals and busy content don't automatically create demand, how to position around an expensive problem, and why simplifying outreach beats post-and-pray when
Mastering Virtual Presentations: How to Present Online with Confidence and Impact
Virtual presentations are not going away. Job interviews, client meetings, and hybrid work all mean your first impression is increasingly happening through a webcam -- and most people are still presenting like it's 2020.Jelmer Smits is a virtual presentation specialist who argues that most organisations are stuck in survival mode: poor setups, flat delivery, and zero audience care. The result isn'
How Leaders Navigate Conflict Without Losing Authority with Julie Holunga
Most leaders avoid conflict. Not because they are weak, but because they want to be liked, respected, and seen as reasonable.The problem is that conflict aversion quietly erodes the very authority, credibility, and influence they are trying to protect.Julie Holunga is a leadership expert who works with leaders and professional speakers on the communication skills that matter most in high-stakes si
LinkedIn Strategy for Speakers and Coaches: How to Stand Out with Michelle J Raymond
LinkedIn is getting noisier, more automated, and harder to trust. AI-generated content, engagement pods, and pressure to chase viral trends are homogenising the platform at exactly the moment when standing out matters most.Michelle J Raymond is a LinkedIn strategist and educator who has spent years helping professionals build genuine authority and real relationships on the platform. In this conver
Personal Branding Secrets for Speakers with Mark Schaefer
Most personal brands fail. Not because the person lacks talent or expertise, but because they're chasing visibility instead of building trust -- and copying what works for others instead of finding what's uniquely true about themselves.Mark Schaefer is a branding strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Known and Audacious. He has spent his career helping experts, speakers, and busin
This Is What the Show Is Actually About
If you're already speaking professionally — or serious about starting — this is the show for you.Most speaking advice focuses on delivery: structure, storytelling, stagecraft. And this show covers that too. But delivery isn't why good speakers stay underpaid.The real problem is usually one of three things: positioning that's too vague to attract the right clients, a pipeline that depends on hoping
You Don’t Hate Sales – You Hate Bad Sales: How Speakers and Coaches Sell High-Ticket Offers Without the Sleaze (Katie Nelson)
SUMMARYMany speakers, coaches, and consultants say they hate sales. In reality, what they hate is manipulative, impersonal, high-pressure selling that feels out of alignment with who they are.In this episode of Present Influence, sales expert Katie Nelson dismantles the myth that selling high-ticket offers has to feel sleazy. We explore why sales is fundamentally human, not transactional, and why
The Professional Speaking Shift: The Process My Clients Use To Get Unstuck & Grow
SUMMARYIn this conversation, John Ball discusses the importance of treating speaking as a business rather than just a performance. He emphasises that many speakers struggle not due to a lack of skill but because they fail to position themselves effectively in the market. The discussion highlights the need for speakers to shift from hoping for opportunities to actively creating strategies that lead
Remote Work Productivity: How to Focus, Avoid Distractions, and Get More Done (with Steven Puri)
How to Beat Digital Distraction and Do Deep Work From HomeSummaryIn this conversation, John Ball and Steven Puri explore the challenges of remote work, emphasising the importance of focus, intention, and managing distractions. They discuss how digital distractions are engineered to capture attention and the significance of establishing rituals and habits to enhance productivity. Puri shares insigh
Why Great Speakers Are Often Broke
Why Great Speakers Stay Broke SUMMARYIn this episode, John addresses the challenges faced by speakers and coaches in gaining visibility and securing bookings. He emphasises the importance of marketing and the need for professionals in these fields to shift their identity from being just a performer to becoming a business owner. By focusing on marketing, networking, and consistent visibility, speak
Sell First, Speak Later! Why Professional Speakers Need To Master Sales Skills Before Their Speaking Skills | with Merit Khan
Unlocking the Power of Stagecraft with Merit Khan: From Keynotes to ComedySUMMARYIn this episode of Present Influence, join John as he converses with Merit Khan, a dynamic speaker and performer, about the art of landing paid speaking engagements and refining your stagecraft. Merit shares insights from her journey, emphasising the importance of mastering sales skills to sell your talks before perfe
Is Podcast Guesting Still Worth It For Speakers?
Strategic Podcast Guesting: Boost Your Professional ImpactSUMMARYIn this episode, John delves into the nuanced value of podcast guesting for professional speakers and coaches. The discussion explores whether incorporating podcast guesting into your promotional strategies is worth it and emphasises the importance of strategic planning over mere volume. Key insights include the potential benefits of
You Don't Need To Become An Overachiever To Be Successful
Rejecting Overachievement: Embrace the Low-Pressure Success MethodSUMMARYIn this episode, John reflects on the pervasive culture of overachievement and hustle culture, discussing its detrimental effects on personal well-being and productivity. He shares his experiences and insights from coaching individuals who have faced burnout and highlights how this toxic mindset can lead to long-term damage.
Simplifying Success: One Stage At A Time
Finding Clarity: Narrowing Focus for Greater SuccessSUMMARYIn this episode, the host talks about the importance of clarity and shares personal insights on overcoming mental fog and distractions. The host discusses the challenges of juggling multiple goals and projects, emphasising the need to focus on what truly matters. The episode highlights the decision to narrow focus on speaking engagements a
How To Be Credible When Everyone's Faking It
Authenticity and Connection: Transforming Public Speaking with Marianne HickmanSUMMARYIn this episode of Present Influence, host John welcomes Marianne Hickman to discuss the importance of authenticity, connection, and ethical speaking in public presentations. They explore issues such as trauma dumping, the power of telling stories from scars, and why confidence without competence can be detriment
Open Mic Nights: The Art of Getting Up and Falling Hard
The Importance of Humour and My Journey into Stand-Up ComedySUMMARYIn this bonus episode, the host shares updates about the show and discusses the vital role of humour in professional speaking. He talks about his personal journey into stand-up comedy, highlighting the challenges and rewards of performing at open-mic nights. The episode includes a recording of one of his recent comedy sets, where h
The Trust Deficit in Speaking & Personal Development: Are We Part Of The Problem?
Addressing the Trust Deficit in the Personal and Professional Development IndustrySUMMARYIn this episode, the host discusses the growing trust deficit within the speaking, coaching, and personal development industries. Highlighting issues such as overpromised transformation, shallow certifications, and unethical practices, the host shares thoughts on how to identify and avoid contributing to the p
Crafting a Richer Listener Experience For You
Present Influence: A New Direction for Deeper, More Valuable ConversationsSUMMARYIn this pivotal episode, the host addresses long-time listeners and newcomers with a sincere update about the future of 'Present Influence.' Recognising that previous episodes had sometimes lacked depth and value, the host announces a shift towards higher-quality content. Moving forward, there will be fewer, but more
What Fear Is Costing You As A Speaker
Navigating Fear and Anxiety: Practical Steps for Growth and ResilienceSUMMARYThere are many fears that can hold people back in their journey to becoming amazing speakers and communicators. In this episode, John and coaching colleague James discuss how fear can be used as useful feedback rather than a stop sign. They explore lingering pandemic-related anxieties, physical manifestations of stress, a
Influencing the Irrational: Lessons from a Former Hostage Negotiator
Mastering Negotiation: From Hostage Tactics to Everyday Deals with Susan IbitzSUMMARYIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Susan Ibitz, an expert in international hostage negotiation, interrogation, and behavioural analysis, about applying real hostage negotiation strategies to everyday situations. Susan shares practical tactics for establishing instant rapport, navigatin
Build Trust From The Stage Without Being Sleazy
Building Genuine Credibility: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Manufactured StatusSUMMARYIn this episode of 'Present Influence,' host John Ball discusses the difference between genuine credibility and manufactured status for speakers, coaches, and expert business owners. He warns against the allure of fake status symbols like rented Lamborghinis and pay-to-play magazine features, emphasising the importanc
How to Make Boring Talks Engaging (and Why It Matters) with Joel Benge
Mastering Technical Talks: Joel Benge's Guide to Message TherapySUMMARYIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball speaks with Joel Benge, author of 'Be A Nerd that Talks Good,' and creator of the Message Therapy framework. Joel shares his technique for transforming technical presentations into memorable and impactful stories. Drawing from experiences at Nickelodeon, NASA, and the Departm
Before You Speak: The Pre-Game Rituals That Actually Work
Most speakers sabotage themselves before they even get on stage.Some wing it. Others over-hype themselves. Many cling to lucky charms or last-minute cramming. The result? Nerves, shaky delivery, and lost connection with the audience.In this solo episode, John shares a practical pre-game system you can actually use to get stage-ready without superstition or overthinking.You’ll learn how to:Reset yo
Stop Performing, Start Connecting | Rebecca Williams on Presenting That Moves People
Most presenters polish slides and still feel the room slip away. In this conversation with Rebecca Williams, co-author of Presenting Presenting: The Art of Public Speaking and How to Do It Better, we delve into why performance blocks connection and how to address it quickly. You’ll learn Rebecca’s First Five Formula to open any talk, how to reframe nerves into excitement, and why yo
Start Standing Out: Normal Is Boring.
SUMMARYMost of us spend our lives trying to blend in; at work, in friendships, even on stage. But the harder we chase acceptance, the more invisible we become.In this episode, I share my own story of being pushed out of the very communities I once belonged to, and how that rejection became the catalyst for finding my voice. You’ll learn why “not fitting in” is often the beginning of true influence
The 3 Rules of Communication Every Leader Needs | Lucille Ossai
Leaders don’t fail because they lack ideas — they fail because they can’t communicate them.In this episode, I sit down with Lucille Ossai, award-winning communications trainer and author of Influence and Thrive. From Lagos Business School to global boardrooms, Lucille has helped leaders transform how they connect, persuade, and inspire.We unpack her 3 rules of effective communication and why maste
How to Stop Feeling Ignored: Practical Strategies for Being Heard at Work and in Life
Feeling ignored is one of the most quietly painful experiences a person can have -- whether it's happening at work, in relationships, or when you're putting yourself out there online and hearing nothing back.In this episode John is joined by coaching colleague James for an honest, personal conversation about what it actually feels like to be ignored, why it cuts so deep, and what you can do about
Trust & First Impressions - Ex-Secret Service Agent Brad Beeler
Mastering Human Interaction: Insights from a Former US Secret Service Agent with Brad BeelerSUMMARYIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball welcomes Brad Beeler, a former US Secret Service agent. Brad shares profound insights from his experiences in high-stakes environments to help decode human behaviour, build trust, and improve communication. Key topics discussed include the effectiv
Charisma Killers: Stop Sabotaging Your Stage Presence
Identifying and Overcoming Common Charisma Killers in Your PresentationsSummaryIn this episode, presentation coach John discusses why some presentations fail to connect despite clear, confident, and sometimes even humorous delivery. He introduces three common 'charisma killers'—overexplaining, incongruent energy, and lack of curiosity. John shares real client stories to illustrate these points and
How to Be Funny on Purpose: Joel Morris on the Craft of Comedy
Unlocking the Secrets of Comedy with Joel MorrisSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball delves into the intricacies of comedy with Joel Morris, the prolific comedy writer behind beloved characters like Paddington Bear and Philomena Cunk. Joel discusses his book, 'Be Funny or Die,' shedding light on the rhythm of humour, the similarities between jokes and music, and the universa
Podcast Guesting For Professional Speakers, Coaches & Experts
Mastering Podcast Guesting: Strategies for Speakers, Coaches, and ExpertsSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball, an award-winning keynote and presentation skills coach, reveals the secrets of being a strategic podcast guest. He discusses the pitfalls of relying on agencies, the importance of finding the right shows, and the essential practices for turning podcast appearances i
Unity: A Speaker's Gift for Ethical Influence
Harnessing Unity for Impactful Public Speaking: Insights from Robert CialdiniIn this episode, the concept of 'unity' as an influential principle from Robert Cialdini's revised book 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion' is explored. The host discusses the emotional power of unity in connecting with audiences and emphasizes that unity is about finding shared values and experiences rather than pr
Email Marketing Essentials for Speakers: From Audience To Inbox With Kennedy
Mastering Email Marketing with Kennedy: Turn Followers into Clients & CashSummary:In this episode of Present Influence, we're joined by Kennedy, a renowned name in the world of email marketing. If you're a coach, speaker, or entrepreneur tired of chasing social media trends and ready to build a high-converting email list, this conversation is for you. Kennedy delves into the psychology behind
Commitment & Consistency: High Value Strategies for Speakers
Harnessing Commitment and Consistency: Ethical Influence for SpeakersSummaryThis episode delves into the power of commitment and consistency from Dr. Robert Cialdini's Influence Framework, specifically for public speakers. The discussion covers how small 'yeses' can lead to bigger outcomes and why people stick to their decisions. The episode offers practical tips for speakers to ethically apply th
From Timid to Authority: Transforming Technical Experts into Confident Speakers with Mark Robinson
Unlocking Presentation Mastery with Mark Robinson: From Technical Expert to Influential SpeakerSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball chats with speaking coach and presentation skills expert Mark Robinson about transforming technical experts into compelling speakers. Mark offers insights on avoiding detail overload, the power of storytelling, and the significance of stage pres
Leveraging Reciprocity: Ethical Influence for Speakers
Mastering Reciprocity: Elevate Your Speaking Career EthicallySummaryIn this episode, the speaker delves into the psychology of reciprocity, one of Robert Cialdini's key principles of influence, and how it can be leveraged ethically by speakers to gain more gigs, referrals, and rebookings without rewriting presentations or begging for business. The discussion includes practical strategies like main
Look the Part, Lead with Presence – Speaker Style with Kay Korsh
What does your outfit say about your authority before you even speak?In this insightful and practical episode of Present Influence, I sit down with Kay Korsh, an international speaker and style advisor who helps professional speakers elevate their credibility, presence, and personal brand through their wardrobe choices.Whether you're speaking in front of 5,000 or just hopping on a Zoom workshop, y
Being Likeable Gets You Booked More
Show Notes: The Power of Liking for SpeakersWelcome back! In this solo episode, John dives into one of Robert Cialdini’s most underrated principles of influence—liking. If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers seem to get booked again and again, or how you can turn your audience into true fans without changing a word of your keynote, this episode is for you.Introduction: Why Liking MattersJohn ki
The 7% Myth Busted: What Words, Tone, and Facial Expressions Convey
Debunking the 7% Communication MythIn this episode, we debunk the widely spread myth that only 7% of communication is through words, while the remaining 93% is through tone and facial expressions. The host explains the origins of this misconception from Albert Mehrabian's research on emotional communication. The video clarifies that the 7% figure pertains to how we interpret emotions, not overall
The Nomadic Speaker: Transforming Stage Presence into Shared Experience
Embracing the Nomadic Mindset: Presence and Connection on StageIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the nomadic mindset with international speaker and author Kevin Cottam. They explore how ancient nomadic wisdom can enhance modern speakers' adaptability, presence, and connection with their audiences. Through stories from Mongolia to Morocco, Kevin shares insights on the i
Social Proof Strategies for Speakers: Amplify Your Authority
How to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Speaking Career (Without Faking It)If you've ever felt invisible as a speaker, like you're great on stage but not getting the referrals, rebookings, or conversions you deserve, this episode is for you.We're diving into Cialdini’s principle of social proof and how it applies specifically to public and professional speakers. You’ll learn how to use testimonials,
The Fit Speaker: How Better Health Supercharges Your Stage Presence with Esther Avant
As speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs, we spend countless hours refining our message and perfecting our delivery—but how often do we invest in the vehicle that delivers it: our health?In this powerful episode of Present Influence, host John Ball sits down with health and fitness coach Esther Avant to explore the overlooked connection between physical wellness and professional presence. If you've
The Power of Authority: How Appearances Create Status
Mastering Authority: Leveraging Credibility as a SpeakerSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores the principle of authority and how it can impact a speaker's credibility. John delves into Dr. Robert Cialdini's concept of authority and shares personal anecdotes and experiments that highlight its power. He provides actionable insights on how speakers can project authority
Facilitation Skills for Leaders: Transform Your Meetings and Presentations
Mastering the Art of Facilitation with Therese MiclotSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball welcomes expert facilitator and author Therese Miclot to discuss the crucial role of facilitation in meetings and presentations. Therese compares facilitation to the leavening agent in baking, emphasising its often overlooked but essential impact. They explore key elements such as minds
Scarcity: The Speaker’s Secret to Urgency & Bookings
Mastering Scarcity: Unlocking Cialdini's Principles for SpeakersThis episode dives into the psychology behind the principle of scarcity from Cialdini's persuasion techniques and its impact on audience behavior. The speaker highlights how scarcity can create urgency and increase value perception, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips for speakers, coaches, and consultants to use this princi
Give Your Voice Gravitas - Jimmy Cannon (Vocal Expert)
Unlocking Confidence Through Vocal Power with Voice Coach Jimmy CannonSummaryIn this insightful episode of the Present Influence Podcast, John Ball interviews speaking coach and voice expert Jimmy Cannon. The discussion centres around how improving your voice and vocal style can significantly boost your confidence, enhancing your effectiveness as a professional communicator. Jimmy shares his journ
What Happens When Professionalism Holds You Back? Explained inside and how to fix it.
The Hidden Cost of Professionalism: Embracing Authenticity as a Professional SpeakerSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, John Ball explores how some concepts of professionalism can hinder the effectiveness of professional speakers. He delves into the importance of authenticity and individuality, explaining how holding back personal stories and characteristics can limit one's impact. Drawin
How To Tell Stories That Connect With Audiences | with guest Danny Brassell
Unlock the Power of Storytelling with Danny BrassellSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball welcomes storytelling expert and professional speaker Danny Brassell. Danny shares insights into the significance of storytelling as a tool for connecting with audiences and increasing sales. He discusses his journey from journalism to teaching and eventually becoming a highly successful
En Route Storytelling Event - John's Story & a breakdown of how it was created
John's storytelling contest entry: "No happy endings"SummaryThis episode offers a unique twist as host John Ball shares a personal and vulnerable story he delivered in a storytelling competition. John discusses the challenges of storytelling, including balancing humour with emotion and ensuring the story's core message shines through. The episode concludes with John's triumph in the storytelling c
Mind Magic: Mentalism Secrets For Influence & Engagement with Keith Kong
Mastering Influence From The Stage: Insights from Professional Mentalist Keith KongSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews professional mentalist Keith Kong about the psychology of influence and mentalism. Keith shares insights on how to engage audiences, the planning process for his shows, and the subtle techniques he uses to gauge and influence his audience. He als
Speaker Coaching: How To Position Yourself And Your Talk Correctly
Exploring Outdoor Education and Mental Health through Public SpeakingSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, John is introducing a new coaching session segment with Julia Packwood, Who was brave enough to raise her hand when I made the offer on LinkedIn.Julia is an emerging professional speaker focused on outdoor education and child development. Julia shares elements from her teaching backgro
Ethical Persuasion: The Human Element - Dr. Thomas Trautmann
Harnessing Ethical Persuasion and Influence with Dr. Thomas TrautmannSummaryThis episode of 'Present Influence' features John Ball's conversation with Dr. Thomas Trautmann, an expert in AI, neuroscience, and neuro-marketing.They delve into the significance of ethical persuasion and influence in sales and marketing, differentiating it from manipulation.Dr. Trautmann explains how ethical persuasion
Essential AI Tools For Speakers & Coaches
Essential AI Tools for Speakers and Coaches: Enhance Your Content CreationSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores various AI tools that can significantly benefit speakers, coaches, and consultants. He discusses tools such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, Grammarly, Canva, Descript, Riverside, and Adobe Enhance, sharing his experiences and recommendations on how these
How Digital Overload Affects Professional Speakers - Craig Mattson
Managing Digital Overwhelm in the Workplace with Craig MattsonSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Craig Mattson about his research on digital overwhelm and work culture. The conversation then delves into the digital overload experienced due to rapid technological advancements and how it impacts professionals. Craig shares his findings on how people, particularly
More Clarity, Less Clutter: welcome to word dieting | Oreet Kaufman
Mastering Visual Storytelling: PowerPoint Tips from Oreet KaufmanSummary:In this episode of 'Present Influence', host John Ball is joined by Oreet Kaufman, an expert in presentation design, to discuss the importance of clear and visually appealing presentations. They talk about the concept of 'word dieting' to eliminate clutter and improve communication effectiveness. Oreet shares practical tips o
How Comfort Zones Can Keep Speakers Small
Embracing Challenges: The Power of Stage Time and Scary StuffSummaryIn this episode host John Ball discusses the importance of embracing challenging experiences to grow as a speaker and communicator.He shares insights from his recent stage time experiences, including participating in an open mic comedy night and a storytelling event.Inspired by a conversation with Judy Carter, a professional comed
Enhance Your Speaking and Presentation Skills With The Power of Focus - Greg Bennick
Mastering Focus and Rehearsal with Keynote Speaker Greg BennickSummaryIn this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the importance of focus and consistency for speakers with professional keynote speaker and TEDx coach Greg Bennick.Greg shares his extensive experience speaking since age 13 and underscores how crucial rehearsal and preparation are for effective communication.He prov
A Speaker's Guide to Growth: Scary Things and Stage Time
Confronting Professional Fears to Enhance Communication SkillsSummaryIn this episode of 'Present Influence,' host John Ball explores the concept of tackling fears to grow professionally as speakers and communicators. Reflecting on a conversation with Judy Carter, John discusses the importance of doing the things that scare us, such as participating in open mic nights and storytelling events, to im
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