Podcast

#494: Speaking Secrets to Dramatically Increase the Impact of Your Stories

One of the most rewarding periods in my career was when I was a Professor of Storytelling in Arizona State University’s Executive Masters for Sustainability Leadership Program.

For five years, I taught storytelling to executives worldwide in iconic brands that included American Express, Philips Electronics, and Cummins.

My promise to each student was to help them own any room with their stories: from the boardroom to the break room to the chat room to the living room.

But I cautioned them that storytelling isn’t enough. That story loses its importance if you deliver it with a boring, resting business face.

To connect, you want to tell your stories with the kinetic energy of oral pacing, non-verbal cues, and using your environment like a stage, even if you’re stuck on ZOOM.

Communication and speaking coaching, Laurie Schloff, co-author of Smart Speaking: 60-Second Strategies for More Than 100 Speaking Problems and Fears, shows you her speaking tips and techniques to help you own any room.

Even Oprah tapped Laurie for a guest appearance to teach her audience how to use their whole being to become an impactful leader and speaker.

Whether it’s pacing, presence, or the power of storytelling, Laurie knows that mastering your communication is a game changer. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack her proven techniques that elevate both vocal delivery and nonverbal communication so you engage with your audiences and make sure your message sticks.

What’s In It For You:

Vocal variety can significantly enhance the impact of communication.
Nonverbal communication often supersedes verbal cues in importance.
Body language plays a vital role in how messages are received.
It’s important to focus on connection rather than just content.
Transforming communication styles can lead to greater success in presentations.
Key mistakes include over-relying on audience feedback and neglecting delivery.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background
04:48 The Journey into Communication Coaching
12:16 Coaching Techniques for Effective Delivery
15:37 The Importance of Vocal Variety
16:04 Nonverbal Communication and Body Language
20:54 Adapting Coaching for Virtual vs. In-Person Communication
21:45 Mastering Audience Engagement
24:19 The Art of Connection in Speaking
27:01 The Importance of Speech Pace
30:56 Authenticity in Storytelling
34:33 Transforming Communication Styles
37:43 Key Mistakes and Tips for Speakers

Links:

Popular Related Episodes You’ll Love:

#310: How to Speak Up Without Freaking Out with Stanford professor, Matt Abrahams
#359: How Body Language and Voice Skills Make Your Stories Sing with Richard Newman
#447: The Formula for an Influential Story with Ty Bennett

Your Storytelling Resources:

Connect with me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkhowell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusinessOfStory

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ssjBuBiQjG9PHRgq4Fu6A

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkHowell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkhowell/

Website: https://businessofstory.com/abt/

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