Speaking Podcast

Roy Coughlan
  • 5.0 (148)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life. Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life. No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on. Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish) Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Thank you to my listeners :)

  1. 3d ago

    #358 Strategic Words: 7 Categories to Command Authority and Build Trust with David Goldberg (Part 2)

    Did you know that your audience decides whether to trust you, like you, or do business with you in just a quarter of a second? In Part 2 of our exclusive 5-part series with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "Strategic Words" that define your professional presence. David reveals the seven critical categories of wording that can either elevate your authority or quietly sabotage your message. From the psychological trap of "hedge words" to the simple shift from "but" to "and," this episode is a masterclass in intentional communication. Whether you are a podcaster, a business leader, or a public speaker, David’s insights will help you ensure that your first impression isn't just good—it's unforgettable.     ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   1:26 The Power of the First Impression: Why a quarter of a second matters   3:15 The Science of Swift Decisions: From grocery aisles to podcasting   4:50 Introducing the 7 Categories of Strategic Wording   7:56 Category 1: Being Interactive — The right and wrong way to ask questions   9:22 The "Show-Off" Trap: Why you shouldn't ask questions your audience can't answer   12:41 Visual Presence: Camera angles, hand positions, and the "fingertip" mistake   14:35 Category 2: Avoiding Hedge Words — "Probably," "Maybe," and "I think"   16:13 Strengthening Your Message: Replacing "I think" with "I believe" or "I know"   25:57 Category 3: Avoiding the Word "But" — How it negates everything you said before   27:11 The "And" Solution: Maintaining positive momentum in conversation   29:03 Category 4: Positive First Word Responses — Using "Exactly," "Absolutely," and "Yes"   30:14 Category 5: Avoiding Interrupting Yourself — Staying on track and finishing your thoughts   36:31 Category 6: Avoiding Filler Words — The "Um," "Ah," and "Like" habit   43:26 Category 7: Organizing Your Content — The importance of a clear roadmap   55:56 The "Fine" Example: How prosody (tone) changes the meaning of words   68:48 How to Connect with David: EdgeStudio.com and the "Roy's Shows Rock" subject line   69:22 Looking Ahead: Preview of Session 3   69:51 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Mention "Roy's shows rock" in the subject line for a responsive reply!) •Location: Times Square, NYC 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-strategic-words-part-2/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/     #Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #StrategicWords #FirstImpressions #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #AudioQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCommunication #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #ContentCreation #VoiceoverTraining #BusinessCommunication

    1h 10m

  2. 6d ago

    #357 Part 1: The Foundation of Sound Quality & First Impressions

    Podcast Show Notes: David Goldberg - The Masterclass on Sound and Speaking (5-Part Series) 🎙️ Series Overview In this exclusive 5-part mini-series on the Podfather Podcast, we sit down with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio in New York City. David has worked with over 10,000 speakers, including CEOs, politicians, and celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Michael J. Fox. This series is a deep dive into the technical and psychological elements that make a podcast sound professional, build trust, and keep listeners engaged.     📝 Part 1: The Foundation of Sound Quality Intro: Why does sound quality matter more than content in the first three seconds? David Goldberg shares his journey from a musician and drug-free studio owner to a voiceover industry leader. We explore the "Low Budget Ad" analogy and why your first impression is decided in a fraction of a second. Timestamps:   0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   2:44 David's Musical Roots: From piano prodigy to off-Broadway   4:32 The 4-Track Cassette: How David started recording and overdubbing   7:12 The Transition to Voiceover: Why a drug-free studio changed everything   9:38 The Importance of Sound Quality: Why listeners tune out in 3 seconds   10:54 The Low Budget Ad Analogy: How production value impacts credibility   12:24 The Fraction of a Second: How first impressions build trust   15:21 Choosing the Right Microphone: The car analogy for audio gear   18:06 David's Home Setup: Recording in a cement basement with foam   20:00 The AT2020: Why a $100 mic can sound like $3,000 in the right room     📝 Part 2: Acoustics and Environment Intro: You can have a $5,000 microphone, but if your room sounds like a bathroom, you've wasted your money. David explains the critical role of acoustics, how to "de-echo" a room on a budget, and why your guest's environment is just as important as yours. Timestamps:   22:15 The Room vs. The Mic: Why acoustics are 80% of the battle   24:30 Dealing with Echo: Using blankets, foam, and "cushy chairs"   26:45 The Guest's Setup: How to train your guests to sound professional   29:36 Adobe Enhance & AI: Can technology really fix a "crappy laptop" recording?   32:00 Lapel Microphones: The pros and cons of clip-on mics for guests   34:28 The "Mouth Click" Problem: Why voice recording is less forgiving than music     📝 Part 3: Visual Presence and Lighting Intro: If you're on video, you are being judged by more than just your voice. David breaks down the "Triangle of Lighting," the importance of camera angles (no more looking up noses!), and why a cluttered background erodes your professional image. Timestamps:   35:13 Video Quality: Why looking good is as important as sounding good   36:12 Camera Angles: The "Eyebrow Height" rule for lenses   37:08 Background Clutter: How your environment impacts your perceived organization   38:42 Managing Light: Dealing with windows, glares, and black felt hacks   40:26 The Ring Light Setup: Creating the perfect triangle of light   41:48 The Glasses Glare: Is there a real solution for reflections?     📝 Part 4: The Art of Speaking for Podcasts Intro: Speaking on a podcast is different from speaking on a stage. David discusses the "Intimacy of the Ear," managing filler words, and how to use pacing and spacing to keep your audience hanging on every word. Timestamps:   44:34 The Intimacy of the Ear: Why you're talking directly into someone's head   46:12 Filler Words: How to minimize "um" and "uh" without sounding robotic   48:22 Pacing and Spacing: Using silence as a tool for engagement   50:45 Intonation: Avoiding the "monotone trap" in long-form interviews   52:30 Body Language on Camera: Conveying confidence through visual presence     📝 Part 5: Setting Up Your Guests for Success Intro: Your podcast is only as strong as your weakest guest. In the series finale, David shares his secrets for "training" guests, ensuring they don't ruin your audio, and how to make sure they enhance your show rather than weaken it. Timestamps:   55:09 The "Weak Guest" Risk: How a bad guest can sink your episode   57:22 Pre-Interview Coaching: Setting expectations for sound and behavior   59:15 The "Gift" Strategy: Shipping inexpensive mics to high-value guests   61:42 Final Advice: Why there's no excuse for not doing it right   65:43 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and the "Daily Stand"   66:32 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Reference this podcast for a responsive reply!) •Location: Times Square, NYC 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-series/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #SoundQuality #Voiceover #PodcastTips #AudioEngineering #PublicSpeaking #FirstImpressions #DigitalMarketing #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #SpeakingSkills #ContentCreation #Entrepreneurship

    1h 22m

  3. Jun 6

    #356 The Art of Legacy Communication: Dan Beech on Archively and Protecting Your Digital Voice

    In the world of effective communication, clarity and permanence are paramount. On this episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Dan Beech, a seasoned wealth manager and founder of Archively, who brings a unique perspective on how to ensure your most critical messages—your legacy—are not only heard but also immutably preserved. Dan introduces us to his patent-pending platform that leverages dual-blockchain technology and NFT hashing to safeguard essential documents, making them encrypted, unalterable, and instantly accessible. We delve into the art of communicating complex financial and personal wishes, the importance of secure documentation, and how Archively empowers individuals to speak their truth with confidence, knowing their voice will echo through generations. Discover how to master the message of your life and ensure your legacy is communicated with unparalleled precision.   Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Dan Beech 0:47 Dan's Career: From Real Estate to Wealth Management 1:35 The 2008 Crash: Losing a business and starting over 2:33 Transitioning to Wealth Management in Beverly Hills 3:03 "Simple Wealth": Insider secrets for high net worth investors 3:35 Introducing Archively: Solving the emergency document crisis 4:44 The 2007 Tech Trap: Why estate planning is stuck in the past 5:18 Blockchain vs. Evil Cousin Sally: Preventing document tampering 6:50 Secure 3 Technology: Encryption, Blockchain, and NFTs 8:50 Shamir's Secret Sharing: The "Secure 9" triple layer security 9:24 Real-World Applications: Medical directives and hospital emergencies 11:04 Emergency Access: How loved ones get access in a crisis 12:21 0% Downtime: The Blockchain mirror vs. AWS/Microsoft failures 14:37 16 Attorneys & 2 Years of Research: Building a trusted system 15:12 Sovereignty & Censorship: Why you can't trust Big Tech with your data 17:03 The Process: How to get your documents onto Archively 18:06 The Passport Story: Why digital backups are critical for travelers 20:00 Video & Audio Farewells: Solving the "grief" problem 37:35 Prepaying for the Future: Endowment funds and 30-year longevity 41:10 The "Geeky" Stuff: Cryptographic security and Shamir's sharing 45:14 Built by Feedback: Talking to 50 people to solve real problems 47:07 Where to Find Dan: Archively.com (Code: PODFATHER3) 47:37 Outro & Contact Details   🔗 Where to Find Dan Beech Website: Archively.com Special Offer: Use code PODFATHER3 for an early trial discount. Book: Simple Wealth: Insider Secrets for a High Net Worth Wealth Management Firm 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/dan-beech-archively/ (Example link, please replace with actual episode link) Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network Website: RoyCoughlan.com Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. Virtual Assistants: VA.world Communities: BrainGym.fitness Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/   #SpeakingPodcast #Communication #LegacyPlanning #Archively #DanBeech #Blockchain #EstatePlanning #DigitalDocuments #WealthManagement #PublicSpeaking #EffectiveCommunication #Trust #Clarity #RoyCoughlan #PODFATHER3 #TechInnovation #BusinessCommunicationSkills

    48 min

  4. Jun 2

    #355 The Prolific Author: Aaron Ryan on Writing 43 Books and the Art of Indie Publishing

    What does it take to write and publish 43 books? In this inspiring episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Ryan, a prolific author and voiceover artist who has mastered the art of indie publishing. From his early "calling" in second grade to his latest epic sci-fi releases, Aaron shares the secrets behind his incredible productivity and creative process. We dive deep into the advantages of being an indie author—retaining rights, commanding higher royalties, and maintaining total creative control. Aaron also reveals his unique approach to marketing: stop "selling" and start being an enthusiast. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fan of epic sagas like Dissonance and The Talisman, or simply looking for a masterclass in following your passion, this conversation is packed with heart, humor, and actionable advice.     Timestamps Timestamp Topic Description 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Aaron Ryan 0:47 The 43rd Book Launch: A prolific journey in writing 1:35 The Origin Story: Writing "The Electric Boy" in second grade 2:41 A Mother's Gift: Reclaiming childhood memories and early work 3:31 Creative Inspiration: J.R.R. Tolkien and the legacy of Lord of the Rings 4:34 Cinematic Roots: How movies like "I Am Legend" spark book ideas 5:21 The Structure of Creativity: Riding the wave of inspiration 6:12 The Reactive Career: Balancing authorship with voiceover work 6:43 The Art of the Book Cover: Subjectivity and designing your own brand 8:16 The Growing Library: Managing a massive catalog of work 9:17 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Why creative control is king 11:37 The Enthusiast's Marketing Strategy: Stop selling, start sharing 12:54 Box Sets and All-in-Ones: Meeting readers where they are 14:35 Formatting for Legibility: Trial and error in book design 16:13 The Emotional Toll of Writing: Therapeutic work and the 9/11 connection 25:57 Dealing with Reviews: Developing structural integrity against the "haters" 31:19 Trajectory vs. Endorsement: Why the mission comes before the feedback 33:05 The 51-Hour Audiobook: Bringing stories to life as a voice actor 34:40 The Talisman Finale: Navigating the multiverse and interstellar names 36:31 The Heart of the Work: Why "The End" saga and "Forecast" are personal favorites 42:52 Where to Find Aaron: AuthorAaronRyan.com and exclusive groups 43:44 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network       🔗 Where to Find Aaron Ryan •Website: AuthorAaronRyan.com •Facebook Group: AuthorAaronRyanGroup.com (Private and exclusive giveaways) •Books: Available on Amazon and major retailers. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/aaron-ryan-the-prolific-author/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #SpeakingPodcast #AaronRyan #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #SciFiBooks #DissonanceSaga #BookMarketing #CreativeProcess #VoiceoverArtist #TolkienFan #ProlificWriter #RoyCoughlan #IndiePublishingSuccess

    44 min

  5. May 31

    #354 The Zone of Genius: Blaz Marolt on Operational Systems for High-Growth Entrepreneurs

    Are you a business owner feeling like the biggest bottleneck in your own company? Do you dream of financial freedom but find yourself buried in 20−an−hourtasks?InthisinsightfulepisodeoftheSpeakingPodcast,wesitdownwithBlazMarolt,anex−militaryofficerandWestPointgraduatewhohastransitionedhishigh−stakesleadershipexperienceintoamissionforbusinesssystematization.Blazhelpsentrepreneursscalingpastthe20-an-hour tasks? In this insightful episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Blaz Marolt, an ex-military officer and West Point graduate who has transitioned his high-stakes leadership experience into a mission for business systematization. Blaz helps entrepreneurs scaling past the 20−an−hourtasks?InthisinsightfulepisodeoftheSpeakingPodcast,wesitdownwithBlazMarolt,anex−militaryofficerandWestPointgraduatewhohastransitionedhishigh−stakesleadershipexperienceintoamissionforbusinesssystematization.Blazhelpsentrepreneursscalingpastthe500k mark to build robust operational infrastructures, allowing them to stay in their "zone of genius." We discuss the "two-week vacation test," the 80/20 rule of profitability, and why even the most successful companies often operate in a state of hidden chaos. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a team of 20, Blaz provides actionable strategies to fix your systems, empower your team, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.     Timestamps Timestamp Topic Description 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Blaz Marolt 0:45 Blaz's Mission: Helping business owners stay in their zone of genius 1:56 The Bottleneck Founder: Why things break down after $500k 2:43 Military Roots: Graduating from West Point and the Slovenian Military 3:42 Transitioning to Business: Boosting production by 50% in electronics 4:34 The IT Leap: Getting hired with only Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills 5:21 Scaling a Food Delivery Giant: Growing 59x in the Balkans 6:22 The Chief of Staff Role: Doubling revenue for a US coaching company 7:03 The Young Founder Challenge: Overcoming perceptions in leadership 8:16 Military vs. Business Organization: The shocking reality of corporate chaos 9:53 The 80/20 Rule in Sales: Identifying loss-makers vs. profit-makers 11:37 Minimum Order Quantities: Why selling 100 components can be a disaster 12:54 Educating the Sales Team: Making them suffer through the production process 14:13 The Key Person Risk: Why your business shouldn't depend on one individual 15:52 The Soviet Machine Analogy: Planning for capacity and quality 31:19 The 250-Page SOP Trap: Why simple, one-page processes win 33:05 AI in Business: Using it as an assistant, not a replacement for thinking 35:01 The Amazon AI Mistake: Why quality assessment still requires humans 38:42 The 90-Day Operational Audit: What to expect in the first three months 40:53 Educating Employees: Why change management takes longer than system setup 42:52 The 20-Time Rule: Why you have to repeat instructions to be heard 60:42 Blaz's Final Advice: Defining your goals as a founder 61:16 Where to Find Blaz: LinkedIn and networking conversations 61:42 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network       🔗 Where to Find Blaz Marolt •LinkedIn: Blaz Marolt (Connect and mention Roy's podcast) •Services: Operational audits, system implementation, and fractional Chief of Staff roles. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/blaz-marolt-systematizing-success/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #SpeakingPodcast #BlazMarolt #BusinessSystems #OperationalExcellence #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryLeadership #Productivity #SOPs #BusinessGrowth #RoyCoughlan #ZoneOfGenius #TimeFreedom #ManagementConsulting

    1h 2m

  6. Apr 17

    #353 6,000 Studies vs. Billionaire Lies: The Truth About Plastics with Dr. Chris De Armitt

    What if the "eco-friendly" choice you're making is actually 200x worse for the environment? Dr. Chris De Armitt—materials scientist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and author of The Plastics Paradox—joins us after reviewing over 6,000 peer-reviewed studies. His mission? Replace environmental mythology with actual science. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Chris reveals why plastic bags are the greenest option, why your reusable cotton tote is an environmental disaster, and why billionaires like Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates are funding studies that say the exact opposite of the scientific consensus. Whether you're a speaker who needs to fact-check your material or someone tired of being guilt-tripped at the grocery store, this episode will change how you think about "sustainability."   Guest: Dr. Chris De Armitt All Episodes: https://www.awakeningpodcast.org Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants: https://roycoughlan.com/ Bio of Dr. Chris De Armitt Dr. Chris De Armitt (PhD, FRSC, FIMMM, CChem) is one of the world's leading independent experts on plastics, microplastics, and the environment. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, he has worked at the forefront of polymer science with companies including BASF, HP, Apple, and Disney. He is the founder of Phantom Plastics and the Plastics Research Council, a network of professors and toxicologists dedicated to sharing scientific truth. After reviewing over 6,000 peer-reviewed studies, he authored The Plastics Paradox and Shattering the Plastics Illusion, both available for free. His work has been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, BBC, Sky News, and The Washington Post. He has advised governments and policymakers worldwide and has never been funded by the plastics industry.   What we discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 How his daughter's homework sparked a global mission 02:10 Expert witness AGAINST plastic — vaginal mesh case & 9,000 settlements 03:35 Peer Reviewed Vs Paid Reviewed 05:30 The Plastic Protestors 06:20 What would make a difference to the Environment 06:50 The Plastic Straw Myth 07:50 The lie of the Plastic in our Bodies 08:20 Why it Does Not take 1,000 yrs to break down 09:45 How long to Degrade a Plastic bag 11:19 Everylife bags 12:35 Tyre materials have toxic Rubber 14:20 How your body reacts to plastics 16:40 Does Plastics leak into your body from Water bottles 18:00 How Poor Countries sterilize their water 19:05 Testing the Plastic on rats should put you at ease 19:40 People get ill from the Worry of Plastics in your body 20:30 Fed 25% of Teflon to Rats 22:30 Do any Governments pay attention to his studies 24:30 Why taxing plastic bags did not help 25:50 What happens to our Plastic to be Recycled 27:50 Poland new bottle tax 30:35 No Correlation between Recycling and Litter 31:45 The Ocean Plastic Lie 36:20 Is the 8 Billion Population another Lie 37:20 The attacks on Social Media 41:25 His 2 Books on Plastic 42:50 Why are Billionaires lying about the Plastics 46:24 Be Skeptical of Headlines 47:30 Where to find Dr. Chris De Armitt   🔗 CONTACT DR. CHRIS DE ARMITT Website & Free Books: https://www.plasticsresearchcouncil.com Speaker & Consulting: https://www.phantomplastics.com The Plastics Paradox (Free): https://www.plasticsparadox.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdearmitt 🤝 CONNECT WITH ROY COUGHLAN Website: https://www.awakeningpodcast.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakingpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roycoughlanpodcaster   #PlasticsParadox #MicroplasticsMyth #AwakeningPodcast #ChrisDeArmitt #PlasticTruth #EnvironmentalMyths #WakeUpToScience #PlasticsResearchCouncil #ScienceVsMedia #GreenWashing #OceanPlasticMyth #RecyclingTruth #PFAS #MicroplasticsFacts #PeerReviewedScience #BigEnvironment #PlasticLies #AwakeningToTruth #ConsciousConsumer #RoyCoughlan #EnvironmentalScience #TruthSeekers #MediaManipulation #FactsOverFear #PodcastAwakening #FollowTheScience #PlasticRecycling

    48 min

  7. Mar 19

    #352 From Stage Fright to Spotlight: The Science of Speaking Under Pressure

    Guest: Dr Alexander McWilliam All Episodes can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podpage.com/speaking-podcast/⁠⁠⁠ All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bio of Alex McWilliam Dr Alexander McWilliam is founder and managing director of Improv4Business. It provides presentation and speaking training, including executive coaching, team sessions and bespoke programmes. It works primarily with B2B clients, from start-ups to multi-billion-pound organisations. These have included ITV, The Entertainer, Kenwood and Computacenter. Dr McWilliam has a background in professional acting and improvisation, and is the only UK PhD graduate in “public-speaking anxiety and performing under pressure”. What we Discussed: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 The Only UK PhD in Public Speaking Anxiety 02:37 Why Friends' Fear of Presenting Sparked His Research 04:22 The 3.5 Year Doctorate Journey 05:48 Brain Freeze: When Practice Meets Reality 07:15 The "Blank" Moment We All Experience 08:33 Being Selectively Shy 10:05 From Shy Kid to Door-to-Door Sales 11:42 How Stories We Tell Ourselves Hold Us Back 13:08 Why the Audience Isn't Your Enemy 14:35 Reading Faces Wrong: Crossed Arms Don't Mean Boredom 16:02 You Are Your Own Worst Critic 17:29 Why Audiences Want You to Succeed 19:03 The Power of Watching Yourself Back 20:38 Audiences Forgive Mistakes, Not Panic 22:04 Recovery Is What People Remember 23:41 When Speakers Freeze and Start Over 25:07 No One Has Your Script 26:34 Adapting When Time Gets Cut 28:01 Pressure Testing Your Presentations 29:38 Making Failure Fun in Safe Environments 31:05 The "Die" Exercise 32:42 Building Resilience Through Improv 34:09 Table Topics and Playfulness 35:46 Impromptu Speaking Builds Real Confidence 37:13 The Science of Self-Efficacy 38:40 Daily Impromptu Practice 40:07 Why Comedy Is Unforgiving 41:34 Group Failure Exercises 43:11 Surviving the Worst Case Scenario 44:38 Social Anxiety vs. Performance Anxiety 46:05 When Shyness Shows Up Selectively 47:32 Teenage Years and Peer Judgment 48:59 How School Experiences Shape Adult Fear 50:26 Domain-Specific Anxiety 51:53 The Public Speaking Threat Inventory 53:20 27 Items Across Three Domains 54:47 Finding Your Focus Area for Growth How to Contact Alex McWilliam https://www.improv4business.co.uk/ All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🤝 Join our Speaking Podcast Community ✦ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.podpage.com/speaking-podcast/⁠⁠⁠ ✦ YouTube: / ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlan⁠⁠⁠ ✦ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakingpodcast/⁠⁠⁠ ✦ Facebook: / ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakingpodcast⁠⁠⁠ ✦ TikTok: / ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@roycoughlanpodcaster⁠⁠⁠ #PublicSpeaking #StageFright #PresentationSkills #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpeakingAnxiety #PerformanceAnxiety #ExecutiveCoaching #ImprovForBusiness #PresentationTraining #OvercomeFearOfPublicSpeaking #SpeakWithConfidence #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceAnxiety #SpeakingPodcast #InterviewPodcast #PersonalDevelopmentPodcast

    52 min

  8. Mar 16

    #351 Why Every Speaker Needs a Website That Actually Books Gigs

    Discover the hidden strategies behind websites that turn casual browsers into loyal customers without expensive ads or complicated funnels.   This Episode is a Promotional Episode for the Website services that we offer at ⁠va.world⁠   What we Discussed:   00:00 Why we Recorded this Episode   00:47 Why do you want a Website?   01:36 How to Make Sure a Website Converts   02:55 The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make when Creating a Website   04:30 How Important is Brand Clarify with your Website   05:10 What questions to ask Clients before building their Website   06:34 Allow Disability access for your Website   07:30 Align a Website with the Companies Long Term Goals   08:40 We have worked over 5 years together and have not had an argument.   09:40 What makes a Website Stand Out   10:54 How to approach User experience on your Website   11:53 How Annoying Pop Up's are on Websites   12:35 Design Psychology for Improving your Website   13:44 Ensure you can see the Text on the Website   14:03 Speed & Performance for Website Success   15:22 How to Ensure a Website works across different Devices   16:22 How the Wesbite helped a client with ongoing Upgrades   18:20 How our Design improved Conversions on the Website   19:20 Feedback from Clients after Creating their Websites   20:54 Do not be to Pushy with Sales on the Website   21:35 How the Cookies Help with Sales on your Websites   22:30 Tracking on all Prts of your Website   23:11 Website are like Podcasts that have a lot of things to make it Successful   24:28 How to be be Safe adding Payment Options on your Website   26:15 Maintaining Your Website with our VA   27:32 Do not Managing your own Website if you want to grow your business   29:04 We Create Packages with a breakdown of costs   29:48 Staying ahead of website trends like Ai   30:53 What Website Platforms do we Specialise in   32:38 How do you Future Proof a Website   33:09 We Help Create Skool Groups   33:22 Difference between a Template Site and a Strategically Built Website   34:50 Some Templates Require Plugins   36:00 Amature Websites V's Professionally Designed Ones   37:00 The Problem getting the Wrong Website Template   37:32 How Important is Messaging compared to Visuals on the Website   38:47 How Long should a homepage be on your Website   39:57 The Process from Concept to Launch of your Website   40:57 Having Your Socials connected on your Website   41:37 Do you need a New Website   42:15 How to Connect with us for a New Website   44:35 My 6 Podcasts got 110K downloads last week   Find our Website ⁠va.world⁠ Book a Free Call ⁠https://va.world/contact/⁠   #WebsiteDesign #ConversionOptimization #OnlineBusiness #DigitalMarketing #VAservices #BusinessGrowth

    45 min
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About

The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life. Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life. No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on. Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish) Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Thank you to my listeners :)

Information

  • Creator
    Roy Coughlan
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    358
  • Rating
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