What if the thing you once struggled with became the foundation of your success? In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with bestselling author, communication coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Uplevel Communication, Mike Acker, to explore how powerful communication can transform your career, business, and influence. Mike's journey is anything but ordinary. After struggling with a childhood speech impediment, he went on to become a professional speaker, bestselling author, and sought-after communication coach. His story offers a powerful reminder that confidence isn't something you're simply born with. It can be developed, practiced, and turned into a competitive advantage. Ann and Mike also explore what it really takes to build a successful speaking career, why great speakers need a clear and focused message, and how books and speaking opportunities can create new doors for entrepreneurs and experts. Key Moments: How Mike transformed a speech impediment into confident communication The skills that can help you become a more effective public speaker Why having one signature talk can help speakers stand out How speaking can create opportunities for career and business growth Why books can become powerful tools for building authority How to develop a message that people remember What aspiring keynote speakers need to know about building their speaking career How communication skills can increase your influence and open unexpected doors Key Moments: 05:59 Struggles with language and insecurity 07:44 Learning Public Speaking Skills 11:01 Basics of Soccer Communication 14:31 Managing energy and mirroring others 16:38 First writing and overcoming fear 21:33 Evolving business strategies and content 25:39 Standing out in communication coaching 29:10 Boosting discoverability with SEO 30:23 Establishing an Austin event hub 35:03 Building business through public speaking 38:15 Praising Mike's business success Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, consultant, coach, or aspiring keynote speaker, this episode offers practical strategies for becoming a more confident communicator and using your voice to create greater influence and opportunity. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how mastering communication can become one of your greatest business and career advantages. About the guest : Mike Acker is a bestselling author, executive communication coach, speaker, and founder of Uplevel Communication. After overcoming a speech impediment and fear of speaking, he dedicated his career to helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals communicate with confidence, clarity, and influence. Mike is the author of Speak With No Fear, Speak With Confidence, Lead With No Fear, and Connect Through Emotional Intelligence. His work has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Business Insider, and he has spoken at TEDx events and on numerous podcasts. Today, he helps individuals and organizations strengthen executive presence, tell compelling stories, and communicate in ways that create opportunities, build trust, and drive results. How to connect MIke: Company Website https://uplevelcommunication.com/ LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeackerdotcom Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/mikeackerdotcom About the host: Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries. Why Choose Ann Carden? With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era. Work with Ann Carden If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach
