Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.

John Ball
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Professional Speaking is for experts who are good on stage but not yet widely known and consistently in demand. You deliver. You care about your craft. You have something worth saying. But you are not yet the speaker they ask for by name. If your calendar feels too open, your fees have plateaued, you're not able to go full-time yet or your talks are not creating the traction you expected, this show is for you. Each week we explore how to turn speaking into real authority and commercial momentum. Positioning that makes you visible. Talks that build trust. Influence without manipulation. Clear thinking in a noisy market. This is not about exposure. It is about building a reputation that travels ahead of you Stop speaking to rooms. Start shaping markets. Known. Booked. Paid. Become the speaker people ask for by name.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How to Write Speeches That People Will Remember (Speechwriting Secrets from Political Speechwriter Rob Noel)

    Speechwriting Secrets from the Political WorldWith Rob NoelSUMMARY What separates a forgettable speech from one people remember years later? In this episode of Professional Speaking, John speaks with political speechwriter Rob Noel, who has written speeches for major figures including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Rob shares how professional speechwriters think about structure, storytelling, rhetoric and audience psychology. And some of the insights might surprise you. For example: One of Rob’s most contrarian views is that sometimes the best speeches are never written at all. Many of the world’s best speakers perform better when speaking naturally rather than reading from a script. But that does not mean preparation is optional. It simply means preparation has to support authentic delivery. The “Thread of Steel”One of the most important ideas Rob introduces is something he calls the thread of steel. This is the central organising idea that runs through the entire speech. Great speeches are not collections of ideas. They are one idea expressed in multiple ways. Often, this thread can be summarised in a single phrase. Famous examples include: “I Have a Dream”“Yes We Can”“Ask not what your country can do for you…” The thread gives the speech structure and coherence. Without it, even talented speakers drift into disconnected points that audiences quickly forget. Why Stories Beat StatisticsAnother powerful takeaway from the conversation is the role of storytelling. Audiences rarely remember policy points, data or statistics. But they remember stories. Rob shares an example from a speech he worked on where Marco Rubio described hearing his father’s keys jingling at the door late at night after work. Years later, people still remembered that small sensory detail. Why? Because vivid language activates imagination and emotion. Stories make ideas human and relatable. Rhetoric Still MattersAlthough modern speaking has evolved, many ancient rhetorical tools still work. Rob highlights one classic technique: ChiasmusThis is a mirrored sentence structure that creates memorable lines. Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” These structures feel profound and rhythmic to audiences, even when they are actually simple to construct. The Hidden Skill of SpeechwritingPerhaps the most surprising insight is that speechwriting is not just about writing. It is about capturing someone else’s voice. Speechwriters must understand: how a person thinksthe cadence of their speechthe words they naturally usetheir personality and worldview The goal is not to sound clever. The goal is to make the speaker sound authentically themselves. Key Takeaways from the EpisodeGreat speeches have one clear organising ideaStorytelling is more powerful than statisticsMemorable lines often follow rhetorical patternsAuthentic delivery matters more than perfectly written scriptsThe best speeches balance preparation with natural speaking CHAPTERS 00:00 Make Speeches Memorable 01:14 Never Write It All 02:53 Politics Versus Business 04:58 What Makes Great Speakers 07:57 Thread of Steel 09:57 Edutainment And Attention 13:49 Callbacks And Catchphrases 16:00 Inside Political Speechwriting 18:31 Capturing Someone’s Voice 23:09 Rhetoric That Sticks 25:24 Chiasmus For Memorable Lines 26:48 Metaphor Without Cliches 30:03 Speechwriting Cliches To Avoid 31:24 TEDx Brand And Formula 33:10 Hidden Influence And Manipulation 35:45 Love Bombing And The Word Because 38:12 Bright Side Of Influence 39:35 Stories Beat Statistics 44:44 Story Spine And Callbacks 47:23 Future Of Speechwriters 48:41 Wrap Up And Where To Connect 49:30 Final Takeaways And Next Episodes Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.

    51 min

  2. 6 MAR

    Speaker Coaching: From £1K School Talks to £10K Corporate Keynotes (Plus The System for Booking Corporate Speaking Gigs)

    Episode SummaryIn this coaching session, John Ball works with speaker Jackson Ogunyemi, who has spent 25 years speaking in the education sector and now wants to transition into higher-paying corporate speaking opportunities. Jackson has the experience, the message, and the stage presence. What he’s missing is the business engine that consistently generates bookings. Together they unpack some uncomfortable realities about the speaking industry: why conferences rarely pay new speakers well, why speaker bureaus don’t create demand, and why many talented speakers stay stuck at low fees. From there, they build a practical strategy: identify a hunting niche, use LinkedIn to find prospects, send simple outreach messages, and create a consistent follow-up system. If you want to turn speaking into a real business rather than hoping to be discovered, this episode will show you where to start. Want to join John's 'Serious About Speaking' newsletter? Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6882642444815519744 In This EpisodeWhy many speakers rely on the wrong growth strategiesThe reality of speaker bureaus and conferencesWhy visibility alone doesn’t generate bookingsHow to identify a profitable speaking nicheWhy sales teams could be a powerful market for speakersHow LinkedIn can become a speaker prospecting toolThe outreach message that gets responsesWhy persistence matters more than perfectionHow to build a simple speaking sales engine Key InsightMost speakers try to build an audience before they build a business. The real order is: Build a sales engineGet booked and paidThen grow your visibility on top of that momentum Practical Steps From This EpisodeIf you want to start building your speaking pipeline: Choose a clear hunting nicheBuild a list of companies in that nicheContact them on LinkedIn with a simple questionTrack your outreach in a CRMFollow up consistently Even 30–60 minutes a day of prospecting can start generating conversations and opportunities. CHAPTERS 00:00 Offended But Hooked 01:29 Meet Jackson's Pivot 02:34 Education Fees Reality 06:16 Corporate Audience Fit 08:34 Why Bureaus Wont Help 10:05 Pick A Hunting Niche 12:59 Outreach That Gets Replies 15:14 CRM And Follow Up Rhythm 16:23 Daily Prospecting Engine 19:29 Persistence Mindset Shift 22:24 Add Workshops And Examples 24:49 Wrap Up And Next Steps 25:40 Final Takeaways And CTA Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating. Mentioned in this episode: SPGFS - Hiro.fm Becoming known will always make it easier to get booked and podcast guesting is one of the easiest ways to make that happen, when you have the right strategy. This program will teach you everything you need to know about podcast guesting, from the tech stack to making an impact. You'll get all the tools to stand out as an amazing podcast guest and get booked on great shows. The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    30 min

  3. 4 MAR

    How to Improve Executive Presence Through Self-Awareness with Michael Delisser

    Self-Awareness, Mindset, and Audience Focus: Michael Delisswe John chats with executive communication coach Michael Delissa about self-awareness, feedback, and mindset in presentations, arguing that most presentation problems are internal rather than technical. Dea shares a humiliating early experience when a professor publicly flagged his filler words, and explains how he now builds self-awareness by recording speakers and letting them see distractions for themselves. They discuss avoiding perfectionism, reducing distracting habits without sounding robotic, and focusing on outcomes and audience needs rather than what the presenter wants to say. Dea highlights common issues such as covering too much, weak flow, lack of customisation, and insufficient emotional connection to the audience’s pain points. He frames effective persuasion around trust, logic, and emotional connection, ties improvement to leveraging strengths and minimising “fatal flaws,” and promotes continual feedback, daily practice, and his book Leadership Accelerators on emotional intelligence, communication habits, and personality. CHAPTERS 00:00 Nightmare of Humiliation 00:27 Meet Michael Dea 01:40 Filler Words Disaster 03:33 Recording Builds Awareness 05:13 Ditch Perfectionism 07:12 Authentic Not Scripted 09:18 Strengths and Fatal Flaws 12:41 Start With Outcomes 14:26 Common Presentation Pitfalls 16:47 Engagement and Customisation 18:54 Coaching Goals and Mindset 24:26 Trust Logic Emotion Framework 27:57 Pain Before Solutions 31:29 Slide Purpose Coaching 32:53 Personality-Based Speaking 37:22 Outcomes Over Learning Styles 39:48 Mindset And Audience Focus 42:20 Communication In The AI Era 46:27 Book Leadership Accelerators 48:45 Feedback And Self Awareness 52:27 Episode Wrap And Challenge Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algorithm recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating. Mentioned in this episode: SPGFS - Hiro.fm Becoming known will always make it easier to get booked and podcast guesting is one of the easiest ways to make that happen, when you have the right strategy. This program will teach you everything you need to know about podcast guesting, from the tech stack to making an impact. You'll get all the tools to stand out as an amazing podcast guest and get booked on great shows. The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    56 min

  4. 27 FEB

    Should I Start A Podcast?

    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 episode, John takes a balanced look at podcast hosting and why sequencing matters more than trends. Podcasting can absolutely become a powerful business asset. It can sharpen your thinking, strengthen your authority, expand your network, and generate enquiries. Done well, it becomes a content engine and a long-term brand builder. But it also demands time, focus, energy, and consistency. And if your positioning isn’t clear, a podcast won’t fix that. It will simply amplify whatever is already there. In this episode, you’ll discover: The real advantages of hosting a podcastThe hidden time cost most people underestimateWhy most niche podcasts don’t monetise directlyWhen hosting makes strategic senseWhy guesting often builds authority faster than hostingHow guesting strengthens clarity and confidenceThe difference between building a content library and building a reputationWhy sequencing matters more than momentum If your business foundation is strong, a podcast can amplify your impact. If it isn’t, guesting may be the smarter first move. Clarity first. Platform second. Mentioned in this episodeStrategic Podcast Guesting for Speakers (first three lessons free) presentinfluence.com/podcastguestEpisode with Julian Treasure on listening and communication Want to go deeper?If you’re considering podcast guesting as part of your visibility strategy, check out John’s audio programme: Strategic Podcast Guesting for Speakers Designed to help speakers, coaches and experts become more known, more confident, and more commercially aligned through podcast appearances. CHAPTERS 00:00 Should You Start 00:55 Why Podcasting Appeals 02:20 The Hidden Costs 03:59 Hosting Versus Guesting 04:58 Guesting Builds Clarity 09:25 Sequencing And Foundations 12:18 Avoid Guru Traps 14:28 Strategic Guesting Program 15:54 Hook Listeners Fast 17:54 Wrap Up And Next Steps Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algorithm recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating. Mentioned in this episode: SPGFS - Hiro.fm Becoming known will always make it easier to get booked and podcast guesting is one of the easiest ways to make that happen, when you have the right strategy. This program will teach you everything you need to know about podcast guesting, from the tech stack to making an impact. You'll get all the tools to stand out as an amazing podcast guest and get booked on great shows.

    20 min
  5. How Listening Transforms Speaking: A Deep Dive with TED's Julian Treasure

    25 FEB

    How Listening Transforms Speaking: A Deep Dive with TED's Julian Treasure

    Julian Treasure is one of the most-watched TED speakers in the world, but his message is simple: the most important skill for speakers is listening. In this episode, Julian explains why audiences don’t hear your message “as delivered.” They hear it through filters: culture, mood, expectations, time of day, the speaker before you, and even the acoustics of the room. We talk about how to “listen to their listening” in real time, how to recover when the energy is off, and how to make your voice land with more impact, without turning into a motivational foghorn. What you’ll learnWhy speaking and listening form a circle, not a straight lineThe listening filters that shape how audiences receive your messageHow to handle the “graveyard slot” and other attention dipsWhat to do when the speaker before you has poisoned the roomThe “gift” visualisation to instantly improve your on-stage presenceWhy sound affects physiology, focus, behaviour, and buying decisionsPractical advice on mics, acoustics, and why lavaliers can betray youThe role of silence and humility in real listeningJulian’s Listening Society and his speaking and listening assessments Links mentionedJulian’s Listening Society (free resources and membership) https://www.thelisteningsociety.community/sign_up?request_host=www.thelisteningsociety.communityhttps://www.juliantreasure.com/Julian’s speaking and listening assessments (individual and organisational scorecards) https://juliantreasure.floot.app/ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro: Julian Treasure and why listening beats speaking02:00 Julian’s contrarian stance: listening is the base of the pyramid04:00 Listening to their listening: the filters audiences use06:00 Graveyard slots, room mood, and the speaker before you08:00 How to recover when the audience is off12:00 The “gift” visualisation for stage presence16:00 The three intentions: you, the audience, and their intention for themselves19:00 Why listening has been sidelined in modern life21:00 Sound’s effects: physiology, psychology, behaviour, cognition24:00 TED curation and making every word a “diamond”26:00 Being heard: mics, AV crews, and room acoustics30:00 Silence, humility, and listening as a leadership skill35:00 Julian’s TED history and the talk that went ballistic40:00 Coaching, leadership, listening, and organisational disengagement42:00 Listening Society and assessments45:00 Outro: key takeaways and what’s next Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algorithm recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating. Mentioned in this episode: SPGFS - Hiro.fm Becoming known will always make it easier to get booked and podcast guesting is one of the easiest ways to make that happen, when you have the right strategy. This program will teach you everything you need to know about podcast guesting, from the tech stack to making an impact. You'll get all the tools to stand out as an amazing podcast guest and get booked on great shows. The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    49 min

  6. 20 FEB

    Leadership Communication: How Great Speakers Use Rhetoric, Metaphor and Emotion (Simon Lancaster) [Re-edited & Republished]

    Summary: Political speechwriter and author Simon Lancaster breaks down how leaders and speakers win minds using rhetoric, metaphor and emotional language. We explore why corporate jargon kills trust, how metaphors shape beliefs, and simple persuasion tools speakers can use without sounding manipulative. In this episode, you’ll learn: What rhetoric is and why it matters for modern speakersWhy emotion often persuades more than logicHow metaphor shapes perception, behaviour and beliefWhy corporate language dehumanises and disengages audiencesPractical ways to become “metaphor aware” and communicate more humanlyThe responsibility leaders have when using persuasive language Memorable ideas and quotes: “Leadership is an emotional contract.”“Metaphor speaks to the subconscious.”The “company as car” metaphor and why it backfires“Rhetoric is morally neutral. Like a pen, it can be used for good or bad.” Resources mentioned: Simon Lancaster, Winning MindsSimon Lancaster, The Expert’s Guide to SpeechwritingSimon Lancaster, You Are Not HumanBook recommendation: The Queen of Bloody Everything by Joanna Nadin Connect with Simon: Website: BespokeSpeeches.comWatch Simon's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/bGBamfWasNQ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome Back: Why This Classic Episode Still Matters 01:14 Meet Simon Lancaster: 20 Years in Political Speechwriting 02:31 From Songwriting to Speeches: Emotion, Metaphor & Simplicity 04:34 What Is Rhetoric? Ancient Persuasion Tools (Rule of Three & More) 07:43 Why Rhetoric Isn’t Taught (and Why That’s Dangerous) 09:15 Rhetoric in Modern Politics: Boris Johnson, Virtues & Moral Neutrality 11:17 What Makes a Bad Speaker? A Critique of Keir Starmer’s Delivery 13:04 Leadership Is a Feeling: Creating Tribe, Trust & Momentum 15:42 Inside a Speechwriter’s World: Process, Voice-Decoding & Client Sessions 19:04 Winning the Instinctive Mind: Making People Feel Safe (Obama vs Trump) 22:01 Different Styles, Same Impact: Barack vs Michelle + Biden & Harris 24:52 Metaphor as the Ultimate Persuasion Tool 25:42 Why Companies Talk Like Cars (and Why It Dehumanises Staff) 27:04 Switching to Human Metaphors: Family, Journeys & Belonging at Work 27:31 Politics as Metaphor: Brexit ‘Family’ vs ‘Prison’ Frames 28:36 COVID Framing Wars: Enemy vs House-on-Fire Metaphors 29:59 Becoming Metaphor-Aware: Listening, Responsibility & Leadership Language 32:32 Trump, ‘Fight’ Rhetoric & the Double Standards of Partisan Interpretation 37:36 Hyperbole, Media Incentives & Rebuilding Connection Through Emotion 39:18 Leadership as an Emotional Contract: Meeting Needs for Hope, Certainty, Belonging 40:59 Inside the Speechwriting Craft: Coaching, Workshops & Real-World Dilemmas 44:31 Books & Dehumanisation: ‘You Are Not Human’ and the Cost of Toxic Metaphors 46:58 Wrap-Up Takeaways: Your Audience Absorbs Metaphors (Plus Subscribe & Next Episode) Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.

    49 min

  7. 19 FEB

    Has Personal Development Undermined Professional Speaking?

    SummaryThe professional speaking world and the personal development industry have been intertwined for decades. That overlap has created energy, inspiration, and transformation. It has also created hype, pseudoscience, and borrowed authority. In this solo episode, John explores where influence crosses into manipulation, why anecdotes are powerful but weak evidence, and how emotional intensity can lower scrutiny in a room. This is not an attack on personal development. It is a call for healthier boundaries, intellectual humility, and higher standards. If you are building a serious speaking business and care about long-term credibility, this episode is for you. In This EpisodeWhy persuasive speaking is inherently powerful and inherently vulnerable to abuseHow pseudoscience and “science-sounding” language spread on stagesThe role of TEDx in transferring perceived authorityWhy anecdotes move audiences but do not prove causationHow high emotion lowers scepticismThe difference between confidence and competenceWhat intellectual humility looks like in a keynoteHow integrity protects both your reputation and the profession Key IdeaCertainty sells. Nuance builds careers. If you want short-term applause, oversimplify. If you want long-term authority, raise your standards. CitationsCarl Sagan – “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”Edward de Bono – 'How to Have a Beautiful Mind'Elizabeth Loftus – Research on memory distortion DiscussionIs the industry doing enough to distinguish between influence and manipulation? Where should speakers draw the line? What responsibility comes with the stage? Share your thoughts. Professional speaking does not need a hostile divorce from personal development. It needs healthier boundaries.CHAPTERS 00:00 Influence With Integrity: Why This Episode Matters 00:50 When Persuasion Meets Emotion: The Stage’s Power (and Risk) 01:13 Pseudoscience on Stage: ‘Quantum’ Claims & Debunked Myths 02:26 Anecdotes, Arousal & Bias: How Audiences Lower Their Guard 03:56 Borrowed Credibility: TED/TEDx, Branding, and Authority Transfer 04:45 The Industry Cost of Hype: Buyers Sceptical, Experts Exit 05:46 Raising the Standard: Stories + Energy, But Check Your Sources 06:48 Humility vs Certainty: Building Trust for the Long Game 07:23 Closing: Question Everything + What’s Next on the Show Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.

    11 min
  8. How The Speaking Industry Really Works (Maria Franzoni's Bookability Reality Check)

    13 FEB

    How The Speaking Industry Really Works (Maria Franzoni's Bookability Reality Check)

    Maria Franzoni is a former speaker bureau owner and author of The Bookability Formula. She shares a blunt, practical view of what makes a speaker bookable in the UK and European markets, and why “being good” is not the same as “getting hired”. This show is unmissable if you're serious about speaking. What we coverWhy “follow your passion” is often terrible business adviceThe UK/Europe market reality vs the US speaking marketWhy relevance to a paying market comes before polishing a keynoteWhat really builds credibility (and what screams “fake”)The networking mistake almost everyone makesWhy speakers overrun and how it hurts the event (and other speakers)The real reason top-paid speakers get bookedWhat makes organisers and bureaus reject someone instantlyDemo videos: why bad video is worse than no videoWhether your full keynote should be public or privatePlagiarism in the speaking industry and why it happensPodcast guesting as visibility and as training for concise communication Key takeawaysRelevance is the filter. If the market doesn’t care, your passion won’t save you.Proof beats claims. Testimonials, outcomes and case studies do the heavy lifting.Bookability is business. Relationships, follow-up and sales habits matter more than most speakers want to admit.Assets signal quality. A weak demo video can quietly kill deals before you’re even considered.Great speakers are often not the highest paid. The most bookable speakers usually run the best business. GuestMaria Franzoni LinkedIn: Maria FranzoniWebsite: mariafranzoni.meBook: The Bookability Formula (Great read) Links and resources mentionedSpeaker bureau newsletters and topic forecasts (example: Chartwell)The Dip (Seth Godin), referenced by John in the wider show contextJudy Carter (comedy writing advice mentioned), The New Comedy Bible, and see previous guest appearance. Chapters00:00 The bookability reality check: talent vs getting hired 01:10 “Follow your passion” is bad advice (and what to do instead) 03:20 UK/Europe vs US markets, and why relevance matters more here 06:05 Credibility: why “I can speak on anything” is a red flag 09:10 Proof and positioning: testimonials, outcomes, and avoiding fake signals 11:10 Relationship-first marketing: why “pitch slapping” backfires 16:20 Professionalism on stage: time overruns, preparation, and rehearsal 29:05 Finding a bookable topic: test before you build 32:40 Networking that works: depth over volume, and why it’s a business 38:30 Bookability signals: style, language, demo videos, and full-talk access 49:10 Plagiarism and protecting your IP 52:10 Podcasting for speakers: visibility plus training (and wrap) If you enjoyed thisRate the show 5* on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps the algorithm do its thing, so more speakers find the show without you having to become a street evangelist. Visit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz. Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form https://forms.gle/mo4xYkEiCjqtz9yP6, and if we think your challenge could help others, we'll invite you on. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence Thanks for listening. Rating the show 5* on Spotify helps their algo recommend the show, so please take a moment to follow the show and leave us a rating there.

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Professional Speaking is for experts who are good on stage but not yet widely known and consistently in demand. You deliver. You care about your craft. You have something worth saying. But you are not yet the speaker they ask for by name. If your calendar feels too open, your fees have plateaued, you're not able to go full-time yet or your talks are not creating the traction you expected, this show is for you. Each week we explore how to turn speaking into real authority and commercial momentum. Positioning that makes you visible. Talks that build trust. Influence without manipulation. Clear thinking in a noisy market. This is not about exposure. It is about building a reputation that travels ahead of you Stop speaking to rooms. Start shaping markets. Known. Booked. Paid. Become the speaker people ask for by name.

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