Professional Speaking: Strategic Speaking for Authority and Demand

John Ball
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Professional Speaking is for expert speakers who want authority and demand, not just applause and compromise. If you are good on stage but not consistently in demand, this show is for you. If you have a mission and a message to share, or a problem you help people solve, but your calendar is way too open, and your fees are more capped than climbing, this show is for you. Each week, we explore strategic speaking through four lenses: Craft: The mechanics of presence, storytelling and human connection. Business: Positioning, pricing, referrals and talks that create commercial momentum. Ethics: Intellectual honesty and the conscience behind influence. The Future: Media shifts, AI and what the next decade demands of serious speakers. This is not about exposure. It is about building a reputation that travels ahead of you. Stop speaking to rooms. Start shaping markets.

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

    5D AGO

    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...

    1 hr

  2. FEB 11

    Why Most Speakers Stay Stuck (And How the Successful Ones Break Through)

    Episode SummaryWhy do so many capable speakers never gain momentum or consistent bookings? In this short solo episode, John Ball breaks down the single biggest block that stops speakers from becoming successful professionals. It is not talent, confidence, or credibility. It is the habit of overthinking and under-acting. Drawing on years of coaching speakers and working inside the speaking industry, John explains how planning becomes a comfort zone, why “being ready” is often procrastination in disguise, and how real progress only starts when action meets reality. If you want to treat speaking like a business rather than a hobby, this episode will give you a sharp reset. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:09 The Main Obstacle for Speakers 03:05 The Importance of Taking Action 06:30 Navigating Challenges and Imperfections 11:30 Building a Speaking Business 17:54 Conclusion and Call to Action 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: The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    20 min
  3. Why You’re Not Getting Booked as a Speaker Even in a High-Demand Hot Topic (Real Coaching Session)

    FEB 6

    Why You’re Not Getting Booked as a Speaker Even in a High-Demand Hot Topic (Real Coaching Session)

    A hot market does not guarantee hot bookings. In this coaching session, John works with tech and emerging-tech speaker Cortney Harding to diagnose the real reasons her calendar is not matching her credibility. They unpack why prestige signals and “busy content” do not automatically create demand, how to position around an expensive problem, and why simplifying outreach beats “post and pray” when you want reliable bookings. You will also hear a strong warning for speakers who chase whatever topic is trending. It looks strategic until you realise you are rebuilding your positioning every six months and still not becoming the obvious choice. What you will learnWhy high-demand topics can still leave you with a cold inboxThe difference between credibility signals and buyer demandHow to turn a framework into a clear “we need this” messageWhy your prospecting should start with a simple response-getting questionWhat to prioritise if you feel permanently stuck in launch modeWhy social media is often a nice-to-have, not the main lever for bookingsHow to reframe sales as relationships so it stops feeling grim Who this is forProfessional speakers who want more paid bookings, clearer positioning, and a simpler plan that does not rely on going viral. Chapters00:00 Hot market, cold inbox 00:52 Why chasing hot topics is a terrible long-term strategy 01:35 What this coaching session will help you fix 01:57 Cortney’s goal: speaking as real revenue, not “biz dev” 03:05 Fee goals and gig targets 04:05 The “last mile” problem: credibility without a flywheel 05:00 The crowded hot-topic trap and the pivot to differentiation 07:00 The key diagnostic: what expensive problem do you solve? 07:30 Tech last, problem first: Cortney’s framework 09:05 Why this matters: wasted spend, weak ROI, failed projects 10:05 Sharpening the one-sentence positioning 12:55 Why the “how” matters less than the “what” at first 13:20 Content output vs conversion, and the danger of mimicry 14:10 Permanently in launch mode and “throwing Italy at the wall” 16:00 What is actually driving bookings right now? 16:25 Strategic pitching and why it is not converting 17:05 Simplifying outreach to one question that gets responses 18:00 Why conferences rarely pay non-celebrity speakers 19:05 The CRM follow-up game: not one-and-done 21:55 The numbers game and finding a different hunting niche 23:35 Calling people who respond: become a voice, not an email 24:55 Targeting the right company bracket and event reality 26:20 Book orders as a fee lever 27:15 The Power Hour strategy: prospecting over busywork 28:05 Do prestige names matter? Less than you think 29:05 Big idea vs problem solving and what buyers actually purchase 30:20 The Brene Brown example and becoming known for one thing 32:40 Networking and feedback loops to improve the “buzz” 37:05 Social media as a slower, less reliable path to bookings 38:05 The relief of simplification: one hour a day 39:10 Hope is not a business strategy 40:05 Sales is relationships 41:05 Spotify rating, free coaching application, and the audit quiz 42:00 Closing line Links and resourcesspan class="ql-ui"...

    43 min
  4. Virtual Presenting for Professional Speakers (What Most Get Wrong) with Jelmer Smits

    FEB 4

    Virtual Presenting for Professional Speakers (What Most Get Wrong) with Jelmer Smits

    Mastering Virtual Presentations: Tips and Techniques SUMMARY: Virtual presentations are not going away. Job interviews, client meetings, and hybrid work all mean your first impression is increasingly happening through a webcam. In this episode, Jelmer Smits argues most organisations are still presenting like it’s 2020, stuck in survival mode with poor setups, flat delivery, and zero audience care. The result is not professionalism. It is the awkward middle ground where competence and warmth both collapse. We unpack a simple charisma lens, competence plus warmth, and why virtual delivery often drains both. Jelmer explains why “Zoom fatigue” is frequently a boredom problem, not a platform problem, and how speakers can create energy and engagement without becoming an over-caffeinated game show host. The key is variation and audience comfort: helping people feel safe, heard, and understood, especially when they are joining from home and juggling distractions. You will hear practical fixes that go beyond “be more engaging.” Jelmer shares how micro breaks reset attention, why you should ask more questions (including chat prompts, polls, and rhetorical questions), and how to baseline participation early so the session becomes interactive by default. We also talk about slide mistakes, including the difference between presentation slides and handout slides, and why “less slides, more face” usually wins online. We get into the details most speakers ignore, camera angle, lighting, sound, and background choices, including why messy real backgrounds and glitchy fake ones both damage trust. Jelmer also makes the case for practising with feedback rather than alone, plus the underrated skill that saves you when tech fails: improv. Not “be funny” improv, but the ability to shift attention, buy time, and keep the session moving when something breaks. Finally, Jelmer shares what he is building next, including a potential world championship for online presenting and a practice-based learning platform designed to give speakers real rehearsal time, not passive “course consumption.” Links mentioned: Jelmer’s work at completepresenter.com, his LinkedIn and his offer of a virtual presenting cheat sheet for listeners and workbook. If you can't open the links, just message me (details below) CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Evolution of Virtual Presentations 01:15 Engagement Strategies for Online Meetings 03:39 The Importance of First Impressions 06:31 Creating a Fun and Engaging Environment 09:08 Recognising Audience Comfort and Engagement 11:44 Practical Tips for Effective Online Presentations 14:46 The Role of Interaction in Presentations 17:22 Avoiding Common Presentation Pitfalls 20:18 The Impact of Visuals and Backgrounds 23:58 The Impact of Virtual Backgrounds 26:53 Engaging Your Audience in Webinars 29:17 The Importance of Energy in Presentations 34:37 The Role of Practice and Improvisation 42:03 Innovations in Online Public Speaking 48:16 Closing thoughts Are you a speaker who's having some challenges in your business? Get coached for free on the show: https://forms.gle/vkEcZJSqfFPnENNN7 Visit a href="https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    53 min
  5. Conflict Avoidance: How Avoiding Tension Undermines Your Authority - With Leadership & Culture Expert Julie Holunga

    JAN 28

    Conflict Avoidance: How Avoiding Tension Undermines Your Authority - With Leadership & Culture Expert Julie Holunga

    Most leaders avoid conflict. Not because they are weak, but because they want to be liked, respected and seen as reasonable. In this episode of The Professional Speaking Show, John Ball and leadership expert Julie Holunga unpack how conflict aversion quietly erodes authority, credibility and influence — especially for leaders and professional speakers who rely on trust and presence to lead. Julie introduces the idea of “lazy leadership” and explains why avoiding hard conversations feels easier in the moment, but costs leaders status, clarity and effectiveness over time. The conversation explores how language, tone and timing shape authority, and how leaders can address tension without becoming aggressive, performative or fake. This episode is for leaders and professional speakers who want to lead with clarity, credibility and confidence — not just keep the peace. Find out more about Julie's work at JulieHolunga.com or connect with her on LinkedIn CHAPTERS 00:00 Lazy Leadership: A New Perspective 02:24 Empowering Women in Conflict Resolution 05:28 The Importance of Language and Tone 08:02 Navigating Male-Dominated Environments 10:48 Constructive Conflict: A Path Forward 13:43 The Spectrum of Conflict Engagement 16:19 Authenticity in Communication 19:07 The Three C's of Conflict Competence 21:54 Building Trust Through Effective Communication 24:48 Practical Applications in Everyday Life 42:11 Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways Credibility in leadership is crucial for effective communication. Lazy leadership occurs when leaders avoid difficult conversations. Effort and preparation are necessary for addressing conflict. Language and tone significantly impact conflict resolution. Women often face challenges in asserting themselves in male-dominated environments. Constructive conflict can lead to better outcomes and relationships. Clarity, choice, and communication are key components of conflict competence. The Titanium Rule emphasises speaking to others as they need to be spoken to. Authenticity in communication fosters trust and collaboration. Being deliberate in our interactions can lead to more positive outcomes. Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient. 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, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it. Mentioned in this episode: The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    44 min
  6. How to Win on LinkedIn Without Selling Your Soul (Speakers + Coaches) with LinkedIn expert Michelle J Raymond

    JAN 21

    How to Win on LinkedIn Without Selling Your Soul (Speakers + Coaches) with LinkedIn expert Michelle J Raymond

    Stand Out on LinkedIn: Strategies for Speakers and Coaches SUMMARY In this episode of the Professional Speaking Show, host John Ball engages with LinkedIn expert Michelle J Raymond to discuss the evolving landscape of LinkedIn and how speakers and coaches can navigate its complexities. They explore the challenges posed by AI-generated content, engagement pods, and the pressure to conform to viral trends, emphasising the importance of authenticity and genuine engagement. Michelle shares her insights on how to stand out in a crowded space by building real relationships and creating meaningful content that resonates with audiences. The conversation also touches on the necessity of maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and the strategic use of various content formats to enhance visibility and engagement. Connect with Michelle and sign up for her LinkedIn Newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond/ and check out Michelle's podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-media-for-b2b-growth-linkedin-strategy-for-b2b/id1603908569 TAKEAWAYS LinkedIn is becoming noisier and harder to trust, but authenticity can help you stand out. Building real relationships is more valuable than chasing viral trends. Your LinkedIn profile should be treated like your homepage; keep it updated and engaging. Engagement pods may provide short-term visibility but can undermine long-term credibility. Consistency in posting and genuine interaction are key to leveraging LinkedIn effectively. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Expertise 02:16 Current State of LinkedIn 05:29 Authenticity vs. Automation 09:40 The Impact of AI on Content 11:40 Standing Out in a Homogenised Space 15:37 The Importance of Building Relationships 19:04 The Temptation of Quick Fixes 24:25 Integrity in Online Presence 26:24 Building a Community on LinkedIn 27:29 The Challenge of Engagement Pods 29:39 Navigating LinkedIn's Algorithm Changes 31:12 The Importance of Reciprocity on LinkedIn 34:31 Strategic Commenting for Engagement 36:54 Creating Effective Content on LinkedIn 44:46 Maximising Your LinkedIn Profile 52:30 Final thoughts Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient. 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, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it. Mentioned in this episode: The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    55 min
  7. How to Become Known (Without Being a Marketing Clone) – Mark Schaefer on Personal Brand, Speaking & Authority

    JAN 14

    How to Become Known (Without Being a Marketing Clone) – Mark Schaefer on Personal Brand, Speaking & Authority

    Secrets of Personal Branding SUMMARY In this episode of Present Influence, John is joined by branding expert and bestselling author Mark Schaefer to explore what it truly means to become known in a noisy, copy-and-paste marketing world. They explore why most personal brands fail, how guru-led thinking is killing originality, and why authority is built through relevance, consistency, and usefulness rather than visibility or hype. Mark shares practical insights from his books Known and Audacious, including how speakers and experts can clarify what they want to be known for, choose the right content strategy, and avoid the trap of chasing platforms instead of building trust. This conversation is essential listening for speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to build real credibility, stand out without selling out, and turn visibility into lasting influence. Find out more about Mark and his books at https://businessesgrow.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Mark Schaefer 02:44 Contrarian Views in Marketing 06:02 The Importance of Personal Branding 08:51 The Role of Speaking in Business 11:49 Advice for Aspiring Speakers 15:00 Finding Your Unique Voice 17:59 Leveraging Social Media for Branding 20:51 Creating Content that Resonates 23:53 Opportunities in the Speaking Industry 26:39 Navigating AI in Marketing 29:59 The Need vs. Nice to Have in Speaking 33:01 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 35:52 Conclusion and Resources Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient. 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, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it. Mentioned in this episode: The Strategic Speaking Business Audit Take this quick quiz to find out where and why your speaking business is leaking opportunities.

    46 min

  8. JAN 8

    Welcome To Professional Speaking (formerly Present Influence)

    Welcome to Professional Speaking, the podcast for keynote speakers, subject matter experts, and coaches who are ready to stop being "well-kept secrets" and start building a scalable, high-impact career. Most speaking advice is either too "soft" (focusing only on stage presence) or too "sleazy" (focusing on aggressive, outdated sales tactics). We believe there is a third way: The Path of Professional Influence. Each week, we dive deep into the three pillars of a sustainable speaking career: Master the Stage: Advanced communication, storytelling, and delivery techniques that ensure you leave a lasting legacy.Book More Gigs: Strategic marketing, high-ticket sales frameworks, and the business systems required to fill your calendar without losing your soul.Grow Your Impact with Integrity: How to increase your reach and revenue while staying true to your values and ethical standards. Whether you are looking to pivot from breakout sessions to the mainstage, increase your keynote fees, or build a business that scales beyond your time on the lectern, this show provides the tactical roadmap to get you there. Stop "giving talks" and start building a brand that commands attention. Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient. 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, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

    1 min
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Professional Speaking is for expert speakers who want authority and demand, not just applause and compromise. If you are good on stage but not consistently in demand, this show is for you. If you have a mission and a message to share, or a problem you help people solve, but your calendar is way too open, and your fees are more capped than climbing, this show is for you. Each week, we explore strategic speaking through four lenses: Craft: The mechanics of presence, storytelling and human connection. Business: Positioning, pricing, referrals and talks that create commercial momentum. Ethics: Intellectual honesty and the conscience behind influence. The Future: Media shifts, AI and what the next decade demands of serious speakers. This is not about exposure. It is about building a reputation that travels ahead of you. Stop speaking to rooms. Start shaping markets.

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