179 episodes

Speaking on great stages, writing your book, or just sharing your best ideas in conversation - you know you are meant to make an impact with your storytelling and expertise. You want your message and your voice to feel true and honest. But it's not just about work for you - it's about full freedom expression in every area of your life. You are not here to play small anymore. Your host Michelle Barry Franco is executive speaking coach to some of the most respected CEOs and thought leaders in our world today. Her clients deliver standing ovation keynote speeches and TEDx talks all over the world. In this podcast, she shares the best of what she's learned coaching brilliant leaders so you can make a big impact when you speak and feel the freedom and pleasure of full expression in your life and work.

Speak Up. Show Up‪.‬ Michelle Barry Franco

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 35 Ratings

Speaking on great stages, writing your book, or just sharing your best ideas in conversation - you know you are meant to make an impact with your storytelling and expertise. You want your message and your voice to feel true and honest. But it's not just about work for you - it's about full freedom expression in every area of your life. You are not here to play small anymore. Your host Michelle Barry Franco is executive speaking coach to some of the most respected CEOs and thought leaders in our world today. Her clients deliver standing ovation keynote speeches and TEDx talks all over the world. In this podcast, she shares the best of what she's learned coaching brilliant leaders so you can make a big impact when you speak and feel the freedom and pleasure of full expression in your life and work.

    Ep #177: Trust & Sabbatical

    Ep #177: Trust & Sabbatical

    Showing up and sharing your voice can be scary. It takes courage and trust.
     
    I’ve been researching the ways and layers of trust and have found it to be really helpful to see all the ways trust serves - and lack of trust can hurt - our impact and leadership.
     
    In this episode, I explore three layers of trust and how they have been a part of my own journey of leadership. From trusting myself, to trusting others, to seeing that there is something much bigger than me that is infinitely trustworthy - these insights have been profound for my own growth.
     
    You’ll also hear about a decision that trusting myself has inspired me to make - and why I’m doing it right now.
     
    Specifically, you’ll hear about:
    How I know the difference between when I’m trusting myself and when I’m not The time I transferred all of my trust to others, in a way that doesn’t really work, and what I learned from that What my daughter learning to drive has to do with trust - and why it can help you see where you are already trusting beautifully Where trusting others to do what they promise allows us to do more powerful work in the world (and when to not trust others because it gets in the way of our best work) Why being a pilot or co-pilot of your life may not be the only, or even the best, options How trust serves me in making decisions about taking breaks and recalibrating in my business  
    I hope this episode serves you in releasing and letting go so you can have the spaciousness, confidence and support to do your very best work in our world. 
     
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

    • 25 min
    Ep #176: How to Make Boring Content Interesting

    Ep #176: How to Make Boring Content Interesting

    In the presentation skills training I facilitate, I’m often asked the question: What do I do if my content is just boring?
     
    The truth is, your content can’t be boring or no one will pay attention - it’s just the facts.
     
    The good news is - there is no inherently boring content! There is only content that hasn’t been crafted in a way that engages that particular audience.
     
    This applies to presentations as well as emails, conversations with clients, business partners and your kids or parents as well.
     
    I created this episode to help you take any content and make it way more interesting.
     
    Specifically, you’ll learn:
    The first and most important thing you must do to craft content that will engage any audience (it’s magical, really) What working in the insurance industry taught me about creating engaging content Why stories are important, no matter what your topic - and how to choose ones that work How to approach your content with the right intention so the audience or person walks away with their needs met Ways to narrow and focus your content to meet the needs of the audience or the person you are speaking with  
    I hope this episode helps you brighten up and focus your content in a way that lights up your audience, whether that’s one person or a whole auditorium full of people.
     
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook

    • 23 min
    Ep #175: Are you Meant for TED? Part 2

    Ep #175: Are you Meant for TED? Part 2

    In the second episode of this two-part series, we cover tips on how to find the RIGHT kind of TEDx event for your goals.
     
    I also share essential differences between a TEDx talk and a keynote speech or other kinds of presentation. From how to craft a compelling Big Idea to specific guidance on brainstorming, this episode will be an excellent companion as you craft your TED talk - as well as help you get on the TED or TEDx stage.
     
    Building on last week’s episode dedicated to helping you set yourself and your application up for a more likely Hell Yes, this second episode rounds out the TEDx preparation.
     
    Specifically, you’ll learn:
    The best way to find TEDx events that are still happening live, especially after the pandemic What to look for in a TEDx event to make sure you have a video you are excited to share everywhere Why every TEDx event is NOT created equal and how to match the opportunity with your personal goals for speaking An excellent starting formula for crafting your Big Idea - even as it will likely evolve as you go through the prep process How to reveal and choose the best content for your TEDx application and, eventually, talk content What I mean by the Magic Mix of Content and why it’s so important as you craft your TED talk  
    Listen to this episode along with part 1 and be completely prepared from searching for your event all the way through crafting your TEDx talk once you get your Hell Yes!
     
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook
     
    SHOW NOTES:
    Ep 174 Are You Meant for TED? Part 1
    How to Craft a Talk That Attracts Awesome Clients

    • 28 min
    Ep #174: Are You Meant for TED?

    Ep #174: Are You Meant for TED?

    There are many awesome ways to share your ideas on stage. That said, there is something special about speaking on a TED or TEDx stage - especially for people who are on a mission to change the world with their message.
    It makes sense. TED events tend to offer beautiful stage experience and production, and it’s pretty cool to be a part of an event with strong ethical guidelines that is designed to ignite ideas and engagement with the audience.
    The mystery comes in when aspiring speakers try to figure out how to get on a TEDx stage. It feels daunting and it’s hard to know where to start.
    I love sharing what I’ve learned working with many TEDx speakers to help remove the barriers to you getting on a TEDx stage if that’s your dream.
    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    How you can start setting yourself up now to get onto a TEDx stage, even if you aren’t quite ready yet The importance of your own goals for speaking on a TEDx stage as you decide how to approach your application What it means to create an “Idea worth Spreading” - and how it often differs from an idea for a keynote Specific qualifications that TEDx curation teams are looking for in TEDx speakers Some of the red flags TEDx event organizers are watching for - they might surprise you! Why you don’t have to be an amazing speaker to get a TEDx talk opportunity The importance of applying to more than one event Why being qualified isn’t a guarantee you’ll be invited to speak  
    Here’s the thing: you are meant for a TED talk, if you feel called to do one. Whether you are ready right now or you want to use this episode to continue to establish your credibility, you can absolutely find an event that will fit your goals and big idea.
     
    I hope this episode is helpful for you on the path!
     
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook
     
    SHOW NOTES:
    Chris Messina TEDx Talk: The Technology of Better Humans
    Susan Hyatt TEDx Talk: If We Want a Better World, We’ve Got to Kill Diet Culture
    Here’s where to connect with me about supporting you in your TEDx vision
     
     
     

    • 24 min
    Ep #173: How to Choose the Right Story

    Ep #173: How to Choose the Right Story

    Story is magic for creating connection. When you tell a story that shows the people you want to serve that you get what they are experiencing, have been there yourself (or helped another person go through it), and come out the other side, you are a beacon light for them.
     
    This is why I call your Story of Transformation your Beacon Light Story.
     
    The truth is, though, you’ve been through a lot of transformations. Any time you go from one place to another, weathering the difficulties along the way, growing and learning - you transform through the process.
     
    Knowing how to choose the story that will serve your audience best is important.
     
    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    Examples of powerful stories of transformation from my own life, and my clients. Why story is so powerful as part of your thought leadership The basis of choosing your story of transformation, and how it all ties together Where story fits in your overall messaging The reason your story isn’t really about you when you use it to serve  
    I hope this episode helps you focus in on the story you want to share as you step into bigger leadership with your message.
     
    NOTE: Made for This collective membership is opening up again at the end of January! We’ve made some changes that I think make it an even more awesome decision. I hope you decide to join us! Keep listening for more.
     
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook
     
    SHOW NOTES:
    Chris Messina TEDx Talk: The Technology of Better Humans
    Dr. Sweta Chawla podcast episode
    How to Tell Your Founder Story
    How to Be Strategic in Storytelling with Marsha Shandur

    • 20 min
    Ep #172: 5 ESSENTIALS of High-Impact Leadership

    Ep #172: 5 ESSENTIALS of High-Impact Leadership

    Why do some people get out in the world big and powerful with their message, and others hold back? In my 15 years working with leaders of businesses, I know for sure that it’s not their credentials, expertise or experience.
     
    In fact, I know way too many brilliant, highly educated, remarkably experienced people who have not made the impact they could make in the world. Even with the best message and tons of support, something gets in the way.
     
    10 years ago, on a walk in the woods with my two dogs, I was asking myself these questions. That’s when the 5 Cs came to me. I’ve spent 10 years testing this model and it holds strong and true. When these five essentials are strong and emboldened, leaders thrive and serve in a much bigger way.
     
    The cool thing is, you can use this as an easy assessment for where you can create a stronger connection in your thought leadership.
     
    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    Why clarity is absolutely essential, but it’s not enough to make the biggest impact What gets in the way commitment and how you can create more resolve in your work The two elements of confidence and why knowing these will help you tap into your confidence much easier How caring for your people might change over time and what to do when this happens What burnout has to do with your heart-connection to your work Ways to see your own natural charisma, regardless of your style - and why it matters  
    I hope this helps you think through your own leadership and ways you might shine even brighter this year.
     
    Here are those links I shared:
    Meant for TED is coming up January 18th and you have one last chance to join us LIVE! Go to MichelleBarryFranco.com/MeantforTED Create Your Awesome Online Course Quickly is available for a short time 1/9 - 1/11 before live support sessions begin on 1/12. Go to MichelleBarryFranco.com/AwesomeCourseLive Made for This collective membership is opening up again at the end of January! We’ve made some changes that I think make it an even more awesome decision. I hope you decide to join us! Keep listening for more.  
    Want a copy of Michelle Book, Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference Through Transformational Speaking? Go here: MichelleBarryFranco.com/FreeBook
     
    SHOW NOTES:
    The Power of Resolve
    The Ocean Wave + Your Vision 2023

    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
35 Ratings

35 Ratings

Mihaela Akers ,

Inspiring and packed with useful information!

Great podcast, with tons of useful information and inspiration! Michelle is very generous not only with the content she shares, but also with the way she cares for her listeners. She is warm, heart-centered and intelligent.

Risa from Wisconsin ,

Brilliant! Helpful!!

I look forward to this podcast every week! Michelle is so generous in sharing her brilliance. She makes everything so simple and relatable. Each week I get filled up with confidence and motivated to share my own message big, bold and proud! This podcast will take your message to the next level!

laurencirkot ,

Packed with great info

Michelle’s podcast covers so many great topics and I love having it in as a resource for my business and for my life. The topics she covers in each episode are things that can be applied to all areas of life. I’m glad to be a subscriber.

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