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
Why You're Not Getting Booked To Speak
You’ve prepared a talk and told people you’re available. Why is the diary still quiet?In this solo episode of Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid., John Ball walks through the questions that help you identify where your speaking business needs attention before investing in another fix.Follow an organiser trying to work out whether your talk fits their event. Then examine the enquiry that go
How to Write a Business Book That Builds Authority | Ginny Carter
Do speakers need a book to get booked? No. Can a relevant book be a powerful authority asset, often called your best business card and a useful tool when negotiating speaking engagements? Hell yes.In this bonus episode from the archives, John Ball speaks with ghostwriter and book coach Ginny Carter, author of Your Business, Your Book. Recorded in early 2022, the conversation is still useful for sp
Confidence Isn’t Competence: Lorne Kelton on AI, Evidence and Speaking
Lorne Kelton asked AI to find research supporting an argument. It returned what seemed like a cited study. When he checked it, the study and researcher didn’t exist.That experience opens a conversation about the responsibility speakers carry when they use evidence on stage. Lorne and John discuss why confidence can be mistaken for competence, how “fake it till you make it” advice can lead speakers
Speaking Industry Scams Exposed
A man paid $6,000 to a speaker agency that promised him multiple $10,000 bookings. Six months later, he had nothing but excuses. John, your host, has been in the coaching industry for years and has either seen or personally walked into most of what he covers in this solo episode: six distinct ways new professional speakers get sold something that looks like opportunity and isn't.Some of these are
The Professional Speaking Show Is Changing (Here's Why)
This isn't a normal episode. It's an announcement about where The Professional Speaking Show goes from here.John explains the decision behind moving the podcast from weekly to fortnightly, why the numbers that once looked promising dropped off a cliff earlier this year, and why he's stopped trying to force a recovery that isn't coming.He talks honestly about what it means to admit a show isn't fin
Memorable Expertise Through Visual Frameworks | Susanna Reay
Most speakers are told to be visible: post more, show up more, build a personal brand. Susanna Reay thinks that's backwards. In this episode, framework thinking expert and author Susanna Reay makes the case for framework first, visibility second: the idea that without a clear, ownable structure behind your ideas, all that visibility just evaporates the moment you leave the room.Susanna walks throu
What AI Can't Write For You: Stories and Structure (Part 2)
Part two of the AI and keynotes series. Last episode covered the tells that give away a keynote written too much with AI. This one goes underneath that, to the parts of a keynote that were never AI's to write in the first place, even for speakers who've already cleaned up the obvious tells.John draws the line between a personal story and a personalised one: a personal story is something that happe
How to Get Booked as a Speaker: Pitch Mistakes to Avoid.
Mike Verret last joined the show in 2021, back when it was still finding its way under a different name. He's back with a sharper, more focused message: the reason most pitches, whether for a speaking gig, a podcast guest slot, or a networking room, fall flat isn't the words. It's that the person pitching is thinking like a business when the person listening is thinking like a human.Mike spent fou
How to Spot the Signs of an AI-Written Keynote
Most speakers think the problem with their keynote is the content. It's rarely the content. In this episode John breaks down why writing your keynote with AI is a bad idea, even as the tools keep improving, starting with a story about a speaker he coached at TSL whose entirely AI-written talk was, in John's words, drivel.John walks through the planning-stage traps that happen before a word gets wr
Charisma Isn't Innate, It's Built: Owen Fitzpatrick on the Psychology of Influence
Most speakers assume their audience is persuadable by good evidence. Psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick, who trained under NLP co-creator Richard Bandler and has travelled to over a hundred countries, including North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran, studying how belief actually forms, argues that's backwards. People believe what feels right, fits their identity, and keeps them inside their tribe. Evidence
Why Getting Booked Is So Hard When You Have Real Experience and Expertise
You spent decades becoming the best in your field. You assumed that would be enough to get you booked as a speaker. It isn't, and in this episode John explains why: the gap between being qualified and being booked comes down to one distinction almost nobody gets right the first time, whether your talk is informational or transformational.John breaks down the three things speakers try when they're
How Speaker Bureaus Work: Insights from Dominic Eldred-Earl of London Speaker Bureau
Uncover the true role of speaker bureaus with Dominic Eldred-Earl from the London Speaker Bureau. Many speakers mistakenly see joining a bureau as the ultimate goal, but Dominic reveals why this is just the beginning.Learn the crucial differences between speaker agents and bureaus, and understand the strategies needed to effectively leverage a bureau to boost your speaking engagements.Dominic shar
Is Keynote Speaking Dying? Why a Human Voice Still Matters
Most speakers assume the flood of AI-generated content is bad news for them. In this solo episode, John Ball argues the opposite: as content gets cheaper and more abundant, a real human voice saying something only they could say becomes harder to ignore, not easier to overlook.John traces why speaking has held power for centuries, from Cicero to Churchill to Martin Luther King, and pulls in a call
Building a $360K Speaking Business: From Overdose to Success with Ryan Botner
Discover how Ryan Botner transformed his life and business after a near-fatal overdose to create a $360,000 speaking empire. In an industry filled with eloquent speakers, Ryan stands out with his ability to sell and market himself effectively. Drawing from twenty years of sales experience, he reveals how power hours, unyielding outreach, and personal visits fill a speaking calendar.In this episode
Stop Waiting to Be Discovered: How Speakers Build Businesses That Don't Depend on Luck
Unlock the secrets to building a successful speaking business that doesn't just rely on luck. In this insightful solo episode, John Ball uncovers the real reason why hard-working speakers aren't seeing the inquiries they expect.Discover the strategies to focus your efforts in the right direction, leverage your unique strengths, and transform your speaking engagements into consistent business growt
What Makes a Keynote Work: The Buzz Is the Business With Brian Miller
Magician-turned-keynote-speaker Brian Miller built a speaking career on the back of a TEDx talk that went viral in 2015, then watched that career dry up within eighteen months because charisma and entertainment weren't enough to make anyone act on what he'd said. In this episode, Brian and John dig into the real argument underneath most speaker training: is a keynote about how you deliver it, or w
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 Before the Bookings Arrive
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
How to Build a Speaking Career Beyond How-To Talks | David Newman
Unlock the secrets to establishing a thriving speaking career with David Newman, a renowned speaker, consultant, and author known for his work in building market eminence. Join us as David reveals why over-reliance on 'How-To' content could be hindering your professional growth. Learn how to cultivate a balance of visibility, credibility, and brand preference that truly sets you apart.Discover act
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
How Professional Speakers Get Hired in 2026 | Elliot Kay
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.You'll have to wait till next year for the return of the Speaker Awards. Details h
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
Overcoming On-Stage Mistakes: Lessons for Effective Public Speaking
Discover the painful but valuable lessons learned from a recent on-stage failure during a standup comedy gig. This episode dives into the critical importance of preparation and how it can make or break your performance, whether you're speaking on a comedy stage or delivering a keynote at a conference. Learn why unexpected mishaps can reveal much more about your readiness than your talent and the e
How Clinton Young's Referral Script Landed a £10k Speaking Gig
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 Speakers Need Honest Feedback to Improve
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
Brand Clarity for Speakers: From Invisible to Influential with Sapna Pieroux
Unlock the secrets to becoming a trusted and memorable speaker in this insightful episode featuring Sapna Pieroux, a renowned personal and business brand consultant. Discover why clarity is more powerful than volume in making your voice heard, and learn practical strategies to enhance your presence as a professional speaker. Sapna, the author of 'Let's Get Visible,' delves into the essence of bran
Why Experienced Speakers Get Stuck (and How to Move Forward)
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
Unlock the full potential of your speaking skills by addressing the true barriers: self-awareness and mindset. In this empowering episode, executive communication coach Michael Delisser reveals why the real obstacles to effective presentation aren't the technical aspects, but the internal challenges every speaker faces. Discover actionable strategies to enhance your communication impact by looking
Should You Start a Podcast? What Speakers Need to Know Before They Hit Record
Thinking of starting a podcast as a speaker or expert? Discover the true pros and cons of podcasting before you hit record. In this episode, John Ball explores how podcasting can boost your visibility, authority, and influence. Learn about the real advantages and hidden costs, the importance of sequencing over trends, and why clarity is crucial. Podcasting offers a powerful platform for business g
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
Elevate Your Speaking: Balancing Personal Development with Professional Integrity
Explore the fine line between inspiring audiences and manipulating them in today's speaking industry. In this solo episode, John Ball delves into the intersection of personal development and professional speaking. Discover how persuasive speaking can inadvertently turn into manipulation and the dangers of relying on pseudoscience. Learn why emotional intensity can cloud judgment and lower critical
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 | Jelmer Smits
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
Master the Business of Speaking: Elevate Your Fees and Bookings
Unlock the full potential of your professional speaking career with John Ball, speaker, business coach and keynote speaker. In this insightful podcast, discover the secrets to getting known, booked, and paid what you're worth. Most speaking advice focuses solely on delivery, but this show dives deep into the commercial side, helping you refine your positioning, streamline your pipeline, and adjust
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
How to Build a Professional Speaking Business: The Process My Clients Use
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 Stay Broke: The Business Skills They're Missing
Why Great Speakers Stay BrokeSUMMARYIn 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, speake
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 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.
How to Set Clear Professional Goals and Focus on What Matters
Unlock the power of clarity in achieving your professional goals. In this insightful episode, the host delves into the significance of narrowing focus to eliminate mental fog and tackle life's distractions. By sharing personal experiences, they highlight how juggling multiple ambitions can hinder success and stress the importance of prioritising what truly matters. Discover how the host has chosen
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
Explore the vital role of humour in public speaking and embark on a journey through the world of stand-up comedy. This bonus episode reveals personal insights from the host, including his experiences and challenges at open mic nights. Discover how to overcome the fear of performing, the joy of making people laugh, and the importance of mental resilience against criticism. Listen to a live performa
The Trust Deficit in Public Speaking and Personal Development
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
How Fear Holds Speakers Back (and What to Do About It)
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
Unlock the secrets to transforming technical presentations into captivating narratives in this episode of Professional Speaking. Join host John Ball as he delves into the innovative Message Therapy framework with its creator, Joel Benge. Author of 'Be A Nerd that Talks Good', Joel has honed his technique through experiences with leading organisations like Nickelodeon, NASA, and the Department of H
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
How to Build Trust and Make a Strong First Impression | 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
