Speaker Dynamics | Leadership, Communication & Public Speaking

Karin Reed | Communication Expert for Leaders
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Speaker Dynamics is a podcast about public speaking, leadership communication, and executive presence in the moments that matter most. It’s for leaders, founders, and professionals who want to communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence—whether they’re speaking in a boardroom, on a virtual stage, or on camera. Hosted by Karin Reed, an Emmy award-winning communication expert, the show explores how strong public speaking skills are developed - it’s not something you are born with! Each episode examines the real mechanics behind effective communication, including how to structure a message, speak with confidence, project executive presence, and communicate authentically without losing authority. Speaker Dynamics is designed for people who know their ideas are strong but want their communication to reflect that strength, so when they speak, their message lands, their presence is felt, and their influence grows. Listeners are invited into conversations about: Public speaking for leaders leadership communication,  powerful presentations, virtual communication, speaking on camera, pitching ideas to investors or senior leaders, memorable messaging, effective communication for women, and navigating authenticity versus authority in high-stakes environments. You’ll also hear conversations about modern communication challenges, from leading virtual teams to using tools like GenAI to support presentations while maintaining a human voice. Popular guests include: Matt Abrahams Dorie Clark Guy Kawasaki JD Schramm Lisa McLeod More about Karin: Karin M. Reed is an Emmy award-winning journalist turned leadership communications expert.  A four-time author, she has been quoted as a thought leader by a plethora of media outlets, including Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, CNN and Business Insider and was named an “Author Who Inspires Us” by McKinsey and Company. Karin and her team have been the chosen training partner for some of the world’s most recognized companies – from Lenovo to Eli Lilly. She regularly teaches at Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Graduate School of Business at Stanford.

  1. FEB 10

    EP49: AI Tools For Speakers - How Leaders Use GenAI To Improve Communication

    What if ChatGPT could help you think more clearly before you speak instead of just helping you sound polished? Karin Reed sits down with Michael Shehane, founder of InStride Leadership, to explore how leaders are using ai tools for speakers like ChatGPT or Claude to sharpen clarity, strengthen judgment, and communicate with more intention under pressure. Drawing from his work with AI leaders in Silicon Valley, Michael explains why traditional preparation habits no longer match the pace of modern leadership and what actually helps now. This episode explains that when we use AI tools for speakers, we should consider them a thinking partner rather than a replacement for human judgment. It shows how AI tools for speakers like ChatGPT or Claude can support better decisions, more confident communication, and more honest self-reflection without stripping away presence or authenticity. For leaders who want to communicate authentically at work, this conversation offers a practical and timely perspective on modern communication skills for leaders.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Leadership Communication and GenAI Explained 04:20 Why Traditional Presentation Preparation Is Failing Leaders 06:40 Using ChatGPT to Prepare and Clarify Your Message 16:05 Using ChatGPT During Meetings to Improve Communication 20:00 How Leaders Use AI to Review and Improve Communication 26:45 What AI Cannot Replace in Leadership Communication 29:20 Key Takeaway for Leaders Using ChatGPT   Connect with Michael Shehane: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn  Visit the InStride Leadership website  Follow InStride Leadership on Instagram    Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    35 min

  2. JAN 27

    EP48: Eliminating Filler Words When... uh... Speaking | Speaker Tip Spotlight

    If you are serious about eliminating filler words, you have to notice them before your audience does. When listeners start counting your “um’s” and “like’s” instead of tracking your ideas, your executive presence and leadership communication both suffer. This solo episode launches Speaker Tip Spotlight, a short-form series focused on practical strategies for speaking with confidence and communicating with influence. The first topic tackles eliminating filler words and why they show up so often in high-stakes moments, especially in public speaking for leaders. Karin Reed explains what filler words actually signal, when they become a distraction, and how eliminating filler words at key transitions can instantly strengthen your delivery. Polished presentation skills and effective presentations are not about talking more. They are about control. You will learn how eliminating filler words improves business storytelling, sharpens memorable messaging, and supports stronger communication for leaders. With simple tools like self-recording and visual cues, eliminating filler words becomes less about self-criticism and more about awareness and intention. When you focus on eliminating filler words, you create space for clarity, authority, and confident communication to lead the way.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Eliminating Filler Words Strengthens Your Impact 02:15 Why Short, Focused Speaking Tips Work 04:05 What Filler Words Really Are And Why We Use Them 06:10 When Filler Words Pull Focus From Your Message 07:45 Why Eliminating Filler Words In Their Entirety Is The Wrong Goal 09:10 How To Replace Filler Words With Intentional Pauses 11:05 Using Awareness To Reduce Filler Words Naturally 13:20 Learning Communication Skills Through Speaker Dynamics University   Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    14 min

  3. JAN 13

    EP47: Effective Communication for Women - Influence Without Sacrificing Likeability with Dr. Kate Mason

    Do you really have to choose between being liked and being influential, or has that belief been quietly shaping how you speak and lead? In this conversation on effective communication for women, Karin Reed examines the hidden tradeoffs women are taught to make and how those habits affect executive presence. Karin talks with Dr. Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likeable, about the tension at the center of leadership communication for women: the pressure to soften authority to stay well liked. Challenging the myth that warmth and power sit on opposite ends, Dr. Mason explains how women and executive presence can coexist without compromise. This is effective communication for women that strengthens influence when speaking while preserving authenticity. The episode unpacks why women often minimize expertise, overexplain decisions, or hesitate to ask for time and resources. Dr. Mason introduces “imposing syndrome” and offers practical shifts that build confident communication and stronger communication for leaders. What changes when you state your recommendation first? How does being influential and well liked become less of a balancing act and more of a strategic choice? At its core, this is a conversation about effective communication for women who want to lead with clarity, conviction, and real influence when speaking.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Being Liked vs Being Influential in Women Communication 02:08 Why Power and Likeability Are Not Opposites for Women Leaders 05:06 How Women Minimize Expertise in Professional Communication 08:49 How to Lead With the Recommendation in Women Communication 12:29 Imposing Syndrome and Asking for What You Need at Work 16:13 Rethinking Confidence in Women Communication 18:12 Why Visibility Matters in Virtual Communication 24:00 Authority Without Changing Your Voice or Identity 32:21 One Practice to Strengthen Women Communication and Influence Connect with Dr. Kate Mason: Connect with Dr. Kate on LinkedIn Subscribe to Dr. Kate’s Substack Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    35 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    EP46: Be Remarkable in 2026 with Guy Kawasaki

    Being remarkable is not a title you claim but the result of choosing to make a difference every single day. In this episode, Karin Reed revisits a favorite conversation with Guy Kawasaki to explore what actually makes someone remarkable. Drawing from his book Think Remarkable and decades of experience in technology and leadership, Guy challenges the idea that remarkableness comes from visibility, personal branding, or self-promotion. Instead, it grows out of meaningful work, service, and a commitment to improving something beyond yourself.   The conversation touches on communication, decision-making, and action. Guy shares why clarity and concision matter, why waiting for the perfect plan often stalls progress, and how his “turn and burn” philosophy encourages people to act and adjust rather than overthink. He also reframes common concerns around authenticity and modern tools like AI, pointing out that intent matters more than the tools themselves.   Guy shares stories and advice, especially for younger professionals, about showing up, doing the work others avoid, and letting impact speak louder than image. Being remarkable comes from growth, grit, grace, and the choices you make to genuinely make a difference.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What It Really Means To Be Remarkable 05:57 Using AI And LLMs Without Losing Authenticity 09:46 The Philosophy Behind Think Remarkable 14:27 Growth, Grit, And Grace As A Framework For Impact 18:13 Why Making A Difference Comes Before Recognition 26:28 “Turn And Burn” Decision Making And Taking Action 33:41 The True Measure Of Success: Making A Difference 34:33 Career Advice: How To Become Indispensable Connect with Guy Kawasaki: Get Guy’s book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference Learn more about Guy’s book, Think Remarkable Tune in to Guy’s Remarkable People Podcast Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    38 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    EP45: Business Storytelling That Wins Funding - How to Pitch So People Lean In With Ben Wiener

    Business storytelling is the difference between a pitch that gets polite nods and one that gets funded. In this episode, we break down how business storytelling transforms a standard startup presentation into a compelling narrative that investors actually respond to. If you care about leadership communication, speaking with confidence, and learning how to communicate with influence, this conversation will change how you think about pitching. Karen sits down with venture capitalist and author Ben Wiener to discuss his novel Fever Pitch, a story that doubles as a masterclass in business storytelling. Instead of relying on slides crammed with data, Ben argues that founders need structure, stakes, and emotional clarity. His HEART framework reframes how leaders approach presentation skills, structuring a presentation, and even overcoming the fear of public speaking. You’ll hear: Why most pitch decks fail before the second slide How to use business storytelling to create executive presence in high-stakes rooms The five psychological pressure points investors subconsciously look for Why radical differentiation matters more than incremental improvement How founders can develop confident communication without feeling salesy This episode goes beyond startup tactics. It’s about communication for leaders who want to own the room, whether they’re pitching investors, leading a team, or delivering effective presentations. If you want sharper meeting facilitation skills, stronger memorable messaging, and more persuasive leadership communication, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing “Fever Pitch” and Startup Storytelling 00:58 Ben Wiener’s Journey from VC to Author 03:02 Why Fiction Can Teach Startup Strategy 06:27 Storytelling as the Foundation of a Strong Pitch 07:34 Guy Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule and Pitch Lessons 12:01 Why Most Startup Pitch Decks Fail 14:03 The HEART Framework Explained 19:51 What Investors Really Want to Hear First 26:18 Reframing Pitching as Partnership, Not Persuasion 32:07 The Business Power of Paying It Forward 33:38 Closing and Bonus Content Invitation   Connect with Ben Wiener: Learn more about Ben Wiener’s book: Fever Pitch Visit Ben Wiener’s website   Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    35 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    EP44: Job Search 101: Executive Branding with the Briefcase Coach

    Discover how to articulate your professional value with clarity and confidence so your next career move feels intentional and fully aligned with your strengths.   Karin Reed and Briefcase Coach founder Sarah Johnston discuss why even the most accomplished professionals struggle to explain what they bring to the table. If you’ve ever stared at your résumé and wondered why it doesn’t feel like “you,” or questioned how to tell your story without sounding inflated or vague, this episode gives you a clearer path forward. Sarah offers a grounded look at what hiring teams actually pay attention to, why so many leaders lose sight of their own impact, and how a shift in perspective can change the way you show up on paper and in interviews. What would happen if you paused before updating your résumé and asked who you want to reach and what they need to see? How might your story change if you focused on real outcomes rather than a list of responsibilities?   Karin and Sarah also explore how LinkedIn shapes first impressions and why keywords, updated visuals, and a thoughtful About section matter more than most people realize. They close with a simple but meaningful challenge: set aside quiet time to build a value proposition statement that reflects your strengths and the direction you want to go. If you want a clearer sense of how to communicate your worth and make your next career move with intention, this episode will help you rethink how you present your work, your impact, and your voice.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing Sarah Johnston And The Importance Of Articulating Your Value 02:38 Identifying Your Target Role And Understanding What Employers Really Want 06:02 Why It’s Hard To See Your Own Strengths: “Inside The Jar” Insight 09:59 The RAS Formula: How To Lead With Impact On Your Resume 14:01 LinkedIn Strategy: Keywords, Storytelling, And Controlling Your Online Narrative 22:20 Quick LinkedIn Wins: Headline, Headshot, And Strategic Networking 25:56 Owning Your Achievements Without Feeling Like You’re Bragging 28:40 Your One Next Step: Creating A Powerful Value Proposition Statement Connect with Sarah Johnston: Visit Briefcase Coach Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    31 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    EP43: Tips for Making Small Talk & Enjoying Confident Communication with Matt Abrahams

    Most of what we say isn’t planned, and communication expert Matt Abrahams wants us to stop fearing those moments and enjoy confident communication. Karin Reed talks with Matt, a Stanford lecturer and author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter, about how to stay grounded when you’re put on the spot. Why do we freeze when asked an unexpected question or stumble through small talk? What if the key to confident communication isn’t perfection, but presence?   Matt shares how letting go of the pressure to sound brilliant (what he calls “maximizing mediocrity”) creates space for real connection. He also offers his “next play” mindset for moving past mistakes and explains why confident communication starts with active listening and clear focus. His mother’s advice sums it up perfectly: “Tell the time, don’t build the clock.”   By the end, you’ll see that spontaneous speaking is a skill you can practice. With a little preparation and curiosity, those unscripted moments can become chances for being influential and well liked, speaking with confidence, and eliminating your fear of public speaking and networking.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Spontaneous Speaking 02:31 Understanding Spontaneous Speaking 05:02 Overcoming Anxiety in Speaking 08:03 Maximizing Mediocrity for Confident Communication 10:25 The Importance of Listening 12:57 The Role of Body Language When Presenting 15:21 The F Word: Focus in Spontaneous Speaking 17:49 Mastering Small Talk 21:05 Key Takeaways and Conclusion Connect with Matt Abrahams: Subscribe to Think Fast, Talk Smart on YouTube Follow Think Fast, Talk Smart on X Follow Think Fast, Talk Smart on Instagram Connect with Matt on LinkedIn   Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    23 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    EP42: Talk to TikTok with Bill Harper

    Bill Harper, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of BrandBossHQ, talks about what really happens when you stop hiding behind perfection and start showing up as yourself on camera. How do you get past the fear of putting your face out there? What shifts when you stop worrying about being polished and start focusing on being real?   Joining Karin Reed in this episode, Bill shares how one reluctant step onto TikTok reshaped his business and sparked a whole new connection with his audience. He explains how a single comment from a viewer erased his hesitation, how authenticity can outshine production value, and why people crave genuine presence more than scripted marketing.   Together, Karin and Bill dig into what makes video such a powerful bridge for trust and why today’s leaders can’t afford to separate their personal voice from their brand. The episode leaves you thinking less about how to perform on camera and more about how to show up in a way that actually connects.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From Camera Shyness to TikTok Success 02:09 How BrandBoss HQ Was Born During COVID 03:48 The Surprising Power of TikTok for Business Growth 06:58 Overcoming the Fear of Speaking on Camera 10:16 Shifting Your Mindset to Connect Authentically on Video 14:04 TikTok as a Platform for Learning and Mentorship 19:05 The Blending of Personal and Business Branding 20:03 Building Trust Through Authentic Content 26:01 One Positive Comment That Changed Everything 29:05 Bonus: Free Brand Audit Offer   Connect with Bill Harper: Visit the BrandBossHQ website 60-day Brand Transformation Course   Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    30 min
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About

Speaker Dynamics is a podcast about public speaking, leadership communication, and executive presence in the moments that matter most. It’s for leaders, founders, and professionals who want to communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence—whether they’re speaking in a boardroom, on a virtual stage, or on camera. Hosted by Karin Reed, an Emmy award-winning communication expert, the show explores how strong public speaking skills are developed - it’s not something you are born with! Each episode examines the real mechanics behind effective communication, including how to structure a message, speak with confidence, project executive presence, and communicate authentically without losing authority. Speaker Dynamics is designed for people who know their ideas are strong but want their communication to reflect that strength, so when they speak, their message lands, their presence is felt, and their influence grows. Listeners are invited into conversations about: Public speaking for leaders leadership communication,  powerful presentations, virtual communication, speaking on camera, pitching ideas to investors or senior leaders, memorable messaging, effective communication for women, and navigating authenticity versus authority in high-stakes environments. You’ll also hear conversations about modern communication challenges, from leading virtual teams to using tools like GenAI to support presentations while maintaining a human voice. Popular guests include: Matt Abrahams Dorie Clark Guy Kawasaki JD Schramm Lisa McLeod More about Karin: Karin M. Reed is an Emmy award-winning journalist turned leadership communications expert.  A four-time author, she has been quoted as a thought leader by a plethora of media outlets, including Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, CNN and Business Insider and was named an “Author Who Inspires Us” by McKinsey and Company. Karin and her team have been the chosen training partner for some of the world’s most recognized companies – from Lenovo to Eli Lilly. She regularly teaches at Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Graduate School of Business at Stanford.

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