The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Sarah Archer: Speaker, Comedian, Author, Playwright and Coach
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If you want to have a laugh whilst learning how to increase your confidence and public speaking skills, for personal or business growth, then you have come to the right place. Discover tips, tricks and strategies on how to speak and pitch using humour and performance. Find out how to better connect with people's pain points in a way that they will want to talk about and share, and get the low down on powering up your mind set. Sarah Archer, is a stand-up comedian, playwright, speaker and business woman. She is also author of 'Cracking Speech Mate! – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker', and 'Straight to the Top – How to create and deliver a killer elevator pitch'. Communicating with authenticity and power, influencing through copy, spoken word and body language, managing negative thoughts and anxiety, building authority and trust, story-telling and comedy secrets...oh and we'll also cover focus and time management 'cause Sarah has a mind like a butterfly! Join her for fun and aha moments.

  1. 4D AGO

    [Quick Tip] Want more Engagement? Stop being so obvious

    Most speakers start their talks by explaining what they're going to say. Unfortunately, that's exactly why audiences stop listening. In this quick tip episode of The Speaking Club, Sarah Archer shares why the obvious opening weakens your talk and how creating curiosity from the first sentence can dramatically increase audience engagement. You'll learn why unanswered questions create attention, how to avoid the most common opening mistake, and how a small shift in your first line can make audiences lean in rather than switch off. If you want stronger engagement, better audience connection, and a more compelling start to your talks — this episode is for you. What you'll discover: • Why explaining your topic at the start can weaken your talk • The difference between hype and genuine curiosity • What actually makes an audience lean forward and listen • Why unanswered questions are more powerful than explanations • How to challenge what your audience thinks they already know • Why highlighting the cost of staying the same can capture attention • The power of dropping your audience straight into a moment • Why restraint is often the secret ingredient in a strong opening Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that on my YouTube Channel here>> Speaking Resources: Strategic Storytelling Training: https://training.saraharcher.co.uk/storytelling-tsc  Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    13 min

  2. MAR 4

    The Founder's Mindset Every Speaker Needs with Carlo Mahfouz

    Navigating a world where change is happening at break neck speed and uncertainty is the new norm, finding clarity, calm and purpose in the chaos can seem like a daunting task. But my guest, Carlo Mahfouz, is here to guide us through that landscape with his insights from his book, "Reality Check."  As an engineer turned thought leader, Carlo's journey highlights the powerful combination of analytical thinking and emotional awareness. We discuss how his own relationship with ambiguity shifted, leading him to explore the deeper questions that can drive meaningful change within ourselves (and our wider society!)  In this episode, we explore how to embrace uncertainty and ambiguity, the importance of asking the right questions, and how Carlo is sharing this message on the stage. If you're curious to discover how to reclaim your agency and power whilst being buffeted by the economic, political and technological head winds so that you can create more meaningful impact in your personal and professional life, then this episode is for you. Whether you're a founder, speaker or just someone looking to navigate life's complexities, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. What you'll discover: • What triggered Carlo's "Reality Check" moment? • Why "the technology is evolving and we're not" — and what that means for founders, leaders and anyone navigating uncertainty • The three traits that define a true founder: ambiguity, absurdity and aliveness • Why ambiguity isn't a weakness • The ambiguity paradox and how if affects focus • Why founders who stop being "absurd" stop innovating • Why collaboration isn't about agreement and what it really requires • What Carlo means by "be so present that you disappear" • Why flow isn't something you enter… • The three internal forces that sabotage founders • Why trying to "ignore" difficult circumstances actually gives them more power • Why most founders are fighting themselves — not the market • What Carlo learned the hard way about speaking • The mistake Carlo initially made with his speaking and what he does differently now • The simple but profound wisdom he learned from his grandfather — a shepherd who saw life with startling clarity Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>> Guest Information: Website: https://www.thefounderstruth.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlomahfouz/  Books & Resources*: Alchemy: The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-Numbing Conformity by Rory Sutherland Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge   To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    1h 20m

  3. FEB 16

    Quick Tip: The Big Problem With Speaker Archetypes (and What to Focus on Instead)

    In this Quick Tip episode, I'm exploring something that can either elevate your speaking game or trip you up - speaker archetypes.  Here's some of the ones you might have come across... Storyteller. Teacher. Provocateur. Authority. But if you've ever found yourself feeling slightly "off" on stage, even when your content is good, this episode might explain why. In this episode, I'm exploring the pressure, (often at the heart of some speaking coaching systems), to pick and swap styles as you move through your talk. We'll look at why that way of thinking can subtly mask your personality, why some performance advice creates more confusion than clarity, and why the way actors approach a script might be a more useful lens for speakers. This episode isn't about giving you another label. It's about helping you notice what stays consistent, even when everything else in a talk changes. What you'll discover:  The hidden pitfalls of rigid speaker archetypes and how they can negatively impact your performance. The subtle way "presenter mode" can creep in without you noticing     A question most speakers never ask about how they show up on stage A perspective borrowed from acting that might shift how you think about speaking     The difference between changing tone and changing who you are Why some talks feel technically solid but emotionally flat Why this conversation matters before you ever think about humour Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>> Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    14 min

  4. JAN 16

    Why Writing a Book Could be the Best Way to Build Your Speaking Career

    Sue is an award-winning non-fiction publisher and founder of The Right Book Company. She is a passionate advocate for helping business professionals transform their ideas into impactful books.  For business speakers who create a book, doors open wider, their platform expands and their light shines more brightly than they could ever have dreamed.  As a speaker herself, Sue has spent the last 20 years sharing her knowledge with the business community and beyond. Sue is also a Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association. In this episode, Sue shares insights from her journey into publishing and the essential role books can play for entrepreneurs and thought leaders. She emphasises that creating a well-crafted book is not just about putting words on paper, but a significant step toward establishing authority and respect in one's field. What you'll discover: What drew Sue into the world of business books (and why she's still obsessed) The unexpected success story that changed her perspective on publishing The real reason a business book still matters — even when "everyone's writing one" What separates a book that changes lives from one that just takes up shelf space The truth about self-publishing vs. traditional deals (and what most people miss) Why speakers need books — and authors need stages Practical tips for aspiring authors on how to publish "well" and build their credibility The #1 mistake most aspiring author-speakers make when they start writing Her 3-step "start here" plan for overwhelmed speakers with a book idea The editing question that turns a book from "pretty good" to powerful If you've ever thought about writing a book to enhance your business or establish your expertise, this episode is a must-listen! Sue's insights will empower you to take actionable steps toward publishing a book that not only showcases your knowledge but also resonates with your audience. Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>> Books & Resources*: Purple Cow by Seth Rodin Right Book Direct: https://www.therightbookcompany.com/right-book-direct  Accelerator Programme: https://www.therightbookcompany.com/accelerator-go  Impact Community: https://the-impact-network.mn.co/landing  Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    1h 7m

  5. 12/11/2025

    Create Contracts that Reflect Your Values and Close Deals Faster with Sarah Fox - 327

    Sarah Fox is a lawyer transforming the way people do business. After decades dealing with huge deals in the construction sector, she realised that long, complex and bad contracts were costing time, money, deals and relationships.  Sarah advocates for short, simple contracts starting with just 500 words.  She inspires people across industries to streamline deals and enhance customer relations with contracts that represent their values, embed trust, and keep everyone protected. In this show Sarah will be sharing how speakers can create simpler contracts that can build bigger speaking businesses. What you'll discover: • The real cost of bloated contracts (and who they're really protecting) • What actually counts as a "contract" (yes, even that email thread! • How to price and protect your work, your recordings, and your energy • Why your contract should sound like you — not your solicitor's scary cousin • What red flags to watch for in pre-gig conversations • How your contract can actually accelerate your business (yes, really!) • How Sarah's TEDx moment and Happy Fee rule changed how she does business • The 3 C's every speaker contract should cover — and what to say when someone says "That's a bit pricey, isn't it?" Enjoy! If you've ever said "I'll just send them a quick email" instead of a proper agreement… this episode is for you. It's time to simplify, protect, and sound more like you in every part of your speaking business — including the small print.   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>   Guest Information: Website: https://500words.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjvfox/  Books & Resources*: Play Big by Tara Mohr Stepping Up as a Motivational Speaker with Joy Marsden - The Speaking Club 055 Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    1h 1m

  6. 12/05/2025

    [Quick Tip] Talk Flow Tips: Create Seamless Transitions Like a Pro

    In this quick tip episode, I'm letting you in on one of the most overlooked — but totally game-changing — parts of any talk: the segue. It's that moment between a killer story and your next point where everything suddenly feels… awkward. Where the energy drops, the audience blinks, and you find yourself muttering: "Anyway… moving on." 😬 Yeah. That bit. Whether you're telling a personal story, landing a teaching point, or sliding into your call-to-action — how you move between moments can make or break your talk. Inside my weekly Skills Lab, my clients have been working this — and in this episode, I'm sharing the best bits to help you turn your transitions from clunky to captivating. What you'll discover: • Why bad segues make your talk feel like a school play (and how to fix it) • How to stop saying "anyway…" and start sounding like a pro • The "bridge words" that glue your talk together seamlessly • How to move from story to insight (and insight to CTA) without killing the vibe • The CTA mistake that makes you sound like a sales bot — and what to do instead • Real-life lab exercises that helped speakers go from stiff to slick in less than 60 minutes Whether you're prepping for a keynote, pitching your programme from stage, or just want your talk to flow like Netflix, this episode will give you the tools to speak smoother, sell smarter, and sound like a total pro. Enjoy — and try not to say "anyway" after this. 😉   If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>>   Books & Resources: Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch: https://standoutpitch.com/  Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker: https://crackingspeechmate.com/  Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge  To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn.   To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    14 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    What Speakers Can Learn from FBI Negotiators – A Masterclass with Chris Voss

    Chris Voss was the FBI's lead international hostage negotiator… but these days, he's helping CEOs, speakers, and sales pros negotiate million-pound deals, win high-stakes conversations, and get results — without pushing, pitching, or people-pleasing. In this episode of The Speaking Club, I'm joined by the author of Never Split the Difference to explore how you can use his real-world-tested negotiation techniques to build trust fast, shift resistant clients into action, and speak with more power and presence. And yes — I even used one of his own tactics to get him to say "yes" to coming on the show! Whether you're trying to book more speaking gigs, close better clients, or simply influence with integrity — this one's packed with actionable diamonds! What you'll discover: How Chris Voss went from SWAT and undercover ops to suicide hotlines and high-stakes hostage negotiation — and why it made him one of the world's top communication experts. What compelled Chris to share his FBI-developed negotiation system with the world instead of retiring into the sunset — and how that decision shaped Never Split the Difference. The one negotiation tactic that sounds great on paper… but can actually backfire, and what to do instead. Chris's ride-or-die technique — the one negotiation move he'd keep if all others were off the table. The common "influence" move that actually kills deals faster than anything — and what to replace it with. How Chris would handle a client who's stalling on a deadline or payment — and the exact question he'd use to move them into action. The subtle ways Chris reads and influences a room when he's speaking — and how his FBI experience shapes his delivery and timing. Why "labelling the room" during a talk can deepen audience connection — and how to read silent resistance and adjust in the moment. What the concept of the "Black Swan" means for public speaking — and how spotting the right insight can completely change your impact. How to make your audience feel in control (even if you're the one guiding them) — and why that's the secret to ethical influence and increased action. Why "Yes is nothing without how" — and how to use this principle in your calls to action so that people actually follow through after your talk. Enjoy! If you'd like to watch the video of the episode, you can do that here>> Guest Information: Website: https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss    Books & Resources*: Start with No by Jim Camp The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle   Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk: https://saraharcher.co.uk/newguide-tsc  Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge: https://www.saraharcher.co.uk/challenge    To share your thoughts:                                                   ·   leave a comment below. ·   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: ·   Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc. Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    1h 8m

  8. 10/11/2025

    What it Takes to Win Hearts, Minds, and Speaking Awards with Adele Bates

    I first came across Adele Bates when I was judging the Storytelling category at the Speaker Awards—and her talk really stood out and grabbed my attention. It was powerful, authentic, challenging and captivating.  She didn't just tell the story. She performed it. Her talk built drama and connected emotionally to the audience, leading you to see a new perspective.  Based on that performance and the fact that she went on to win the award for best storyteller, I knew I had to get her on the show.  Not only did I want her to unpack the craft behind that talk, but I also wanted to dig into the powerful work she's doing at the intersection of education, leadership, and human behaviour. Adele has over 20 years' experience working in some of the most challenging educational environments—mainstream, special, and alternative provision. Her journey has taken her from classrooms where she's had juice poured over her head and skateboards hurled at her… to research trips across the globe… to keynote stages and international recognition. She is the author of "Miss, I Don't Give A Sh*t: Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools. And today she and her team also work with organisations and leaders to tackle challenging dynamics in the workplace.  Whether you're a speaker, leader, educator or changemaker, Adele's stories and insights will challenge your thinking, stir your empathy, and give you practical tools for connection and communication. What You'll Discover: What triggered Adele to set off on a quest to discover a different way of approaching dealing with challenging behaviour. The key values that guide Adele's work with both students and corporate leaders. How to hold high expectations and compassion without burning out. The real disconnect between behaviour policies and lived experience in schools. The surprise career Adele had before she became a teacher and how she made the transition from educator to paid keynote speaker. The big mistake she made with a speaking client that she would never make again. Why it doesn't matter if you are introverted or extroverted to be successful as a speaker. How she developed the award-winning storytelling section of her talk. The single piece of feedback that transformed her speaking presence. All things Adele: Website: adelebateseducation.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adele-bates-03b566208/  Books & Resources*: Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer  Speaking Resources: Grab Your From Blank Page to Stage Guide and Nail the Topic for a Client Winning Talk Want to get better at finding and sharing your stories then check out our FREE Five Day Snackable Story Challenge   Thanks for listening!   To share your thoughts:                                                   Share this show on X, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review at https://www.ratethispodcast.com/tsc Your ratings and reviews really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)

    1h 17m
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About

If you want to have a laugh whilst learning how to increase your confidence and public speaking skills, for personal or business growth, then you have come to the right place. Discover tips, tricks and strategies on how to speak and pitch using humour and performance. Find out how to better connect with people's pain points in a way that they will want to talk about and share, and get the low down on powering up your mind set. Sarah Archer, is a stand-up comedian, playwright, speaker and business woman. She is also author of 'Cracking Speech Mate! – How to use humour to make you an amazing speaker', and 'Straight to the Top – How to create and deliver a killer elevator pitch'. Communicating with authenticity and power, influencing through copy, spoken word and body language, managing negative thoughts and anxiety, building authority and trust, story-telling and comedy secrets...oh and we'll also cover focus and time management 'cause Sarah has a mind like a butterfly! Join her for fun and aha moments.

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