Author: angelalussier

There are a lot of different types of stories. Which one are you telling? Stephanie Feger is a passionate communicator who believes that a shift in perspective can help people live truly fulfilling lives. Her blog, Color Today Pretty, has inspired many to shift their mindsets and has spawned her new book Color Today Pretty: An Inspirational … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 102: Why Perspective Matters with Stephanie Feger

Time to register for Speaking School! Speaking School for Women is back and it starts this Monday, October 1st. I've been getting lots of questions from women who are interested in taking the course and I thought I'd address them here, in case you're asking yourself the same things. Speaking School is a live, 6-week … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 101: Top Five Questions I Get About Professional Speaking

When you hear the word "diversity," what do you think of? Race? Religion? Age? Gender? On today's episode, we're framing diversity as those special ingredients that make you who you are. It's those ingredients that also help you to connect with others in various environments and groups and make you a dynamic speaker. My guest today is … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 99: Summer Break + Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage with Amy Waninger

You've heard "normal is boring." On today's episode, find out why that's not actually the case! A must-hear for all public speakers of any level. Speakers often mistake their “norm” as a commonality that they share with many other speakers. In reality, your “norm” is actually your unique DNA. Every speaker has their own unique … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 98: Be Normal, Not Common with Travis Thomas

Thinking differently about where you go for support can expand your mind and your outcomes. When you're looking for support in accomplishing your goals, where do you turn? Do you value diversity of thought and experience unlike your own when seeking advice and direction? To offer her insight on this topic, I interview Julie Kratz, a … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 97: The Value of Male Allies with Julie Kratz

SEO, blogging, websites, and more! You've likely heard of SEO (search engine optimization), blogging, and websites, but have you ever used these tools yourself? If you are interested in being a paid public speaker, a big part of booking your next gig comes from event organizers finding you! If you don't have a website yet, … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 96: Using Internet Marketing (Website/Blogs, Social Media & Email Marketing) for Best Exposure as a Speaker with Kristen Wilson Day

Your voice can save your life. How comfortable are you with being assertive? Did you know that it can save your life? On today's episode, I interview Lauren Roselle, one of the world’s experts on the topics of interpersonal communication, assertiveness, harassment prevention, and self-defense. She is also the founder and President of Esteem, a communication … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 95: Using the Power of Your Voice with Lauren Roselle

Afraid of sounding like a sales person? Follow Michelle's advice! Being a persuasive speaker is a work of art. It requires thinking through some key elements of your message, knowing your call to action, and keeping things simple. On today's episode, you'll hear from Dr. Michelle Mazur, a speaking strategist and founder of Communication Rebel … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 93: Using the Power of Persuasion for Good with Dr. Michelle Mazur

Understand the brain science to gain more confidence! Do you struggle with feeling confident when presenting yourself in front of others? Join the club! Feeling discomfort when speaking in public is a normal reaction. So how do you curb that natural response? On today's episode, you'll hear from Alyssa Dver, chief confidence officer and co-founder of … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 81: Own Your Brain to Claim the Stage: Neuro-Confidence Speaking Strategies & Secrets with Alyssa Dver

Is your content all over the place? Relax. We got you. If you're an expert on a subject or feel like you have something to prove, you may feel the need to share everything you know in one presentation. While that may make you feel like you've covered all your bases, it will likely leave … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 80: Finding the Heart of Your Message with Suzannah Baum

You can craft a talk, but can you make a point? In today's episode, I interview Joel Schwartzberg, a professional communications trainer and author of the just-released “Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter." We cover the problems speakers run into when they're building their message, early warning signs that your talk … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 79: How to Make a Point That Sticks with Joel Schwartzberg

Listeners submitted questions and I answered them! I love hearing from you! I grabbed some of the questions you've been asking over the last few months and answered them in today's episode. Have you ever wondered about the following?  How do you go from speaking for free to getting paid? What’s the best way to … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 78: Q&A Extravaganza!

I'm often asked how I put myself out there and make myself so visible in the world. The question usually sounds like this: "How do you just go out and do it?" The short answer is, it requires a lot of focus and discipline. I actually don't just "go out and do it." On today's … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 77: 4 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way and Put Yourself Out There with Jodi Flynn

Inspiration and advice for 2018! I'll be the first to say 2017 was full of mistakes, successes, and lessons. In today's solo episode, I share three reflections, four resolutions for 2018, and one revolution! I hand selected these topics for your benefit and to invite you to play a bigger game this year. I share … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 76: 3 Reflections, 4 Resolutions, 1 Revolution

Think you're not an expert? Think again! Transitioning from full-time employment to a less traditional role like entrepreneurship, consulting, or public speaking can be a time of uncertainty and insecurity. If you’re wondering how your experience and skills translate outside of a corporate environment, look no further! On today’s episode, I interview Shannon O'Brien, founder … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 75: From Full-Time Job to Public Speaker with Shannon O’Brien

Unsure of what to wear? Look no further! Makeup, hair, accessories, clothes, and shoes. How do you decide what to wear when delivering a speech on stage? Every decision you make reflects your style, brand, and credibility. As your audience is deciding if you’re someone they should trust, part of what they are evaluating is … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 74: Look Your Best On Stage with Elizabeth Jones

Want to make it to the TED stage? Tips to make it happen. We've all seen a TED talk we really love. Maybe it changed your life in some way, made you laugh, made you cry, or made you think differently about your own future. As a speaker, it has probably crossed your mind that … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 73: Craft A Stage-Ready TED Talk with Julia Mines

Feel like hiding in the shadows? It's time to come out! If you've been worried about how you might sound, what it might look like to say the wrong thing, or what might happen if you speak up, you will love this episode. My guest is Alexandra Franzen, a writer based in Portland, Oregon. Her next … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 72: Coming Out of Your Shell with Alexandra Franzen

Stop wondering if you are "good enough." Is your biggest source of pain knowing you are meant for greatness but you don’t know how to achieve it? Do you worry if you will ever reach your goals, or secretly wonder if you are even good enough? My guest today is Mia Hewett. Mia is an international … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 71: Four Powerful Steps to go from Surviving to Thriving on Stage with Mia Hewett

It doesn't have to be hard. Nancy Werteen and Kim Howie know a thing or two about how to add joy to any experience, including public speaking. As co-founders of The Wisdom Coalition and co-authors of the book, The Power Of A Pivot: How changing your mindset can bring you more joy in every aspect … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 70: Dread Public Speaking Less + Add More Joy with Nancy Werteen and Kim Howie

Make your talk irresistible to your target audience! A big part of being a successful speaker is getting people to show up for your talk. But how do you create interest in your presentation if you're unknown in your field or new to speaking? It's easy - write a compelling title and intriguing summary to … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 69: Titles That Rule + Awesome Summaries

Many speakers want to be seen as credible, memorable, moving, and entertaining. But what if you could bump it up a notch and be feisty, fearless, focused, and also have fun on stage? On today's episode, I interview Pegine, a feisty, fearless, focused female leader, entrepreneur, author, speaker and coach. Pegine tells the story of … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 68: How to Be Feisty, Fearless, and Focused with Pegine

You’ve created your “signature talk.” You’ve practiced it until you’re blue in the face, but every time you give it, you walk away empty handed—even though everyone said they loved you and your content. You’ve heard from all the marketing gurus that speaking to a group is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to get more … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 66: How to Craft an Offer Your Audience Can’t Resist with Jan Maresh

Think you have nothing to say about your life? Think again! "Who cares about my story? My life isn’t that interesting." If you've ever found yourself saying this to yourself, today's episode is for you. We're going deep into the power of storytelling, and not just any stories—your own personal stories. My guest today is Eva … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 65: The Power of Your Personal Story with Eva Tenuto of TMI Project

Making minor tweaks to your mindset can make a huge impact on your results. The way we think informs what we do (or don't do). What that tells us is that if we change the way we think about something, we can change our behavior and therefore change the outcome. In today's episode, I teach … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 64: The Power of Reframing

It's not what you think! As speakers, there's one tool we must nurture, understand, and use correctly if we want excellent results. What is it? Our voice! And I'm not talking about the words coming out of our mouth, I'm talking about our actual vocal cords and the sounds we're making with them. This tool … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 63: Are You Paying Attention To Your Most Important Tool? with Elissa Weinzimmer

Let's go behind the scenes! What happens behind the doors of the Speaking School for Women? Funny you should ask! On today's episode, you get an insider's peek into what it's like to take part in this course. I interview three women who graduated from the speaking school and you'll find out their major takeaways, … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 62: More Stories from Speaking School

If you have gotten off track or tend to lose sight of your goal, listen up! Get overwhelmed easily by your own goals? If you're constantly setting goals and then getting off track, losing sleep over everything you haven't done yet, or completely forgetting why you set the goal in the first place, you'll love … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 61: How to Use Small Steps to Accomplish Big Goals with Ashley Lucas

Do you dream of a million dollar speaking business? Look no further. Trying your hardest to build a speaking business, but still scraping by with small fees and gigs for "exposure?" If you're ready to ramp up your speaking business in a big way, today's guest will show you how. I welcome Breanne Dyck, founder … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 60: The Million Dollar Speaker with Breanne Dyck

If you have a platform, use it! Controversial and upsetting events are happening around us all the time. What are you doing as a public speaker to address these events and open the conversation? Deciding not to talk about something because you don't know how or don't want to "go there" isn't helping your audience … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 59: When It’s Time To Tell A New Story with Hari Stephen Kumar

I hope you're ready to take action. I had two frustrating conversations with two female friends last week that stuck with me. Feeling annoyed when I woke up Saturday morning, I decided to write this essay to get my feelings out on paper. Five pages later, I felt better, but also felt I needed to … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 58: Stop Trying to Smash Fear. An Essay.

Before you can be a great speaker, make sure you've worked on the fundamentals. Crafting a great story, persuading your audience to action, and bringing a crowd to tears are all signs of a great speaker. But in order to achieve these feats, the fundamentals of speaking must be mastered. In today's episode, you'll hear five … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 57: Q&A Episode: Back to Basics

What is the inner critic and do we need it? The Inner Critic: friend or foe? What is it there for and how do we work with it to stay sane and enjoy our public speaking experience? In today’s episode, I interview Pam Erb-Melville, the President of PEM Communications, a highly sought-after international speaker, Executive … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 56: Moving the Inner Critic to Speak from the Heart

What would you choose? I often hear speakers assign harsh and brutal judgments about their own behavior, thoughts, and feelings before, during, and after a speech. I’m guilty of doing it too— so I know a lot about it. Ever stood in front of an audience and said to yourself, “They look bored. They don’t … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 55: Curiosity Over Perfection

Do you feel awkward when it comes to promoting yourself? What about when you have to put together a professional bio? What are you telling yourself about what to say and what not to say? If you are in a constant battle with sounding credible but not audacious, or experienced but not gloating, you will … Continue reading Podcast Ep 54: How to Own + Leverage Your Experience with Karen Catlin

Is your creative soul dying in corporate America? Or, are you afraid of showing your creativity in your own business or on stage? If you answered yes to either of those questions, this episode is for you. On today's show, I interview Colleen Hindsley, a woman who spent more than 20 years as an advertising … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 53: The Path of the Creative Soul with Colleen Hindsley

Compelling stories are all around us, but how do you find them? When you need to put together a speech or presentation that sells, negotiates, or persuades, telling stories will make a deep impact on your audience. In today's episode, you'll not only learn how to find topics and stories in your everyday life, but … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 52: Easily Find Topics + Stories in Everyday Life with Karen Friedman

Do you use the words "like," "so," and "um" more often than you'd like? If so, this episode will teach you how to avoid using these words so you can speak with more confidence and impact. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming presentation, interview, or speech, you'll learn strategies to avoid the use of filler words … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 49.5: Speak Confidently, Articulately, and Without Filler Words with Audrey Mann Cronin

Alex Bynum teaches us how to remove the personality mask while on stage and in life. She asks us: Who are you when you're on stage? Who are you when meeting someone new? What about when you're alone? If you ever feel like you might be wearing a "personality mask" to get through certain situations, … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 49: Removing the Personality Mask with Alex Bynum

Who's negotiating for you? Get tips and strategies to ask for the salary or speaking fees you want.

As speakers, we are content creators. But are we doing it effectively? Writing a speech, putting together a social media or a blog post, assembling a book, creating a course, and recording a podcast all fall under the umbrella of content creation. If you're speaking, you're likely thinking about content constantly and wondering how to repurpose … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 47: Easily Build + Repurpose Content

Public speaking isn't just about what you say, it's also about what you think. In today's episode, I interview Linda Ugelow, a public speaking and performing coach who helps entrepreneurs and professionals overcome their self-consciousness and nerves so they can be freely expressive in meetings, on video, or on stage. She has a Master's in Expressive … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 46: Master Your Inner Game with Linda Ugelow

Do you wish you could decode people? Do you want a formula for charisma? Do you want to know exactly what to say to your boss, your date, or your networking partner? You need to know how people work. My guest today is Vanessa Van Edwards, a human behavior investigator. She studies the hidden forces that drive … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 45: Captivate with Vanessa Van Edwards

Chris Landry has been telling stories professionally for 15+ years. When he worked as a fundraiser in non-profits, he found out that if he told a story about who the money was helping, it increased donor interest. He took his knack for storytelling and started Landry Communications, a firm that helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 44: Adventures in Storytelling with Christopher Landry

Howdy, friends! I'm back this week with another installment of Q&A. This is my third episode like this (see episode 10 + 25 for the others) and I'm answering YOUR questions! Today I answer a question about how to deal with negative feedback and go deep into all types of feedback and what to do … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 43: The Q&A Episode Again

In today’s episode, you’ll get to hear a unique approach to interviewing – the double interview! You’ll hear from Pam Victor, professional improviser and founder of Happier Valley Comedy School in western Massachusetts, as she interviews me for her podcast, Conversations with Funny Feminists, and I interview her for this podcast. It’s a 2-for-1 special … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 42: The 2-for-1 Episode on Public Speaking and Improv with Angela Lussier and Pam Victor

Kit Pang says if he wrote a book, it would be called From Introvert to Extrovert. He generously shares his story of going from shy teenager to curious and determined entrepreneur in the field of public speaking. Just last year, he decided to refocus his career to help public speakers build their skills on stage … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 41: Pro Marketing Tips for New Speakers with Kit Pang

Podcasting is an amazing way for speakers to share their advice, but is it the best content marketing tool for you? Since starting my podcast in June of last year, I've learned a lot. I'm celebrating my 40th episode by sharing my podcasting journey, the five main areas you need to consider before starting your … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 40: What I’ve Learned About Podcasting

Have you ever noticed yourself getting excited while listening to someone tell a story, even if the story wasn’t that good? What do you think happened? Chances are, the storyteller was using other elements of communication to gain your attention. She may have been using her body, her breath, her energy, or her tone to keep you interested. … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 38: Your Body Tells the Story with Berit Elizabeth

“No matter where you’re from, how old you are, or what your background is, we’re a lot more alike than we think. Our strength comes from sharing experiences and being together and when you’re down, someone else will lift you up. It’s something we know is so special and so important when we build our … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 37: Discover Your Voice Via Adventure

Fear. It's one of the things that stops us from getting on stage, stops us from saying what's true for us, and stops us from asking for what we want. In today's episode, you'll learn how to reframe fear so it not only helps you, but walks alongside you like a good friend. My guest, … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 36: What if Fear Was Your Best Friend? with Christina Stathopoulos

Last week, I brought you a couple of interviews with the women of my speaking school. Today, I'm bringing you conversations with three more women who have graduated from my signature course, the Speaking School for Women. You'll hear from Sandra Costello, a photographer who experienced a life changing moment that made her reevaluate everything. … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 35: Tales from Speaking School, Part 2

My signature program, the Speaking School for Women, is back February 21st. The school only opens twice a year and I'm often asked what the experience is like. In today's episode, I talk with a couple of the women who participated in it and ask them about their time in the school, what has happened since then, and their best advice for aspiring speakers and students.

After last week's episode about the STAGE System, I received a lot of questions about what it actually looks like to take the steps I outline in my method of speech craft. The questions weren't all simple -- many of them had an undertone of anxiety and fear that made me realize I needed to … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 33: The Power of Patience

Hey, friends! Welcome to my first episode of 2017. I'm back! Rather than make another boring slide show or endlessly rattle through tons of data, what if you could learn an approach that teaches you to build a presentation that showcases your personality, highlights your unique experiences, and allows you to deliver your stories and … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 32: Present Like a Pro Using the STAGE System

Are you aware of how often you use weak language? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Phyllis Mindell, a pioneer and expert on professional communication, walks us through the many mistakes women make when it comes to sharing our opinions, giving feedback, presenting our work, and asking for what we want. She tells us: The one word … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 31: The Secret of All Good Communication with Dr. Phyllis Mindell

Kara Martin Snyder has made a career of turning around chaotic, painful situations ranging from bankruptcy cases to constipation. Her wide ranging skills came from making a huge shift in her 20's after she realized her job was killing her. What she has done for herself and others since then is inspiring and a great example of … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 30: Frazzled, Type A Women Unite with Kara Martin Snyder

"Speaking is a great way to demonstrate thought leadership, expose your brand, and get business. Speaking is a business development effort.” --Steve Markman Today's guest is Steve Markman, president of Markman Speaker Management, a speaker placement firm. Steve helps speakers get both paid and unpaid speaking engagements by using his 30 years of event and … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 28: Get the Gig! with Steve Markman

When Stacey Shipman was in 6th grade, she won the "Quietest Girl" award and now she is a brave communication expert who helps people do things they think they can't do. This episode is all about the art of the interaction and how to create a genuine connection with your audience through engagement. She teaches … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 27: The Art of Interaction with Stacey Shipman

What is "embodiment" and why will it make you a better, less fearful speaker? My guest Donna Brooks says, “Embodiment is living the fullness of your incarnated experience. It’s that moment when you feel rich and full of life in yourself. Without that, it doesn’t give our audience the fullness of what we can offer … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 26: Embodiment: The Key to Less Fear and More Fun On Stage with Donna Brooks

How do I book my first gig? What if I'm not an expert? How do I know what my value is? In this special episode, instead of me asking the questions, you're the guest interviewer! I took your questions from social media and email and compiled a list of the top six. If you're interested … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 25: The Q&A Episode

Lara Hogan’s first public speaking experience was horrifying to say the least. Not only did she live to tell about it, she also continued speaking and has become an authority on the subject. Besides presenting on stage, Lara is also the author of the new book, Demystifying Public Speaking and an Engineering Director at Etsy. In this episode, you’ll … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 24: Demystifying Public Speaking with Lara Hogan

We often hear that being our "authentic self" is the best way to connect with our audience and build a strong personal brand. But how do you show up on stage as yourself if you're new to speaking, scared of doing it wrong, and worried about where to put your arms? In this episode, speaker … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 23: Hairy Authenticity with Sally Zimney

Do you ever wonder if you're doing everything you can to be seen as a strong presenter with a confident voice? In this episode, public speaking expert Laurie Schloff teaches us how to create an effective message, how to deliver a speech like a boss, and how to get over fear and nervousness on stage. … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 22: Success Secrets from a Public Speaking Expert with Laurie Schloff

Hiking, bears, blisters, oh my! A few months ago, my friend and I set out on a seven day, 75 mile hike of the Appalachian Trail in Northern central Maine. Being an inexperienced hiker who is also Type A and goal oriented, you'll hear all the highlights (and low points) of what this hike held … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 21: Are You Up for an Adventure?

Sarah Feingold was the first lawyer and 17th employee at Etsy. Now, she's General Counsel at Vroom.com, a public speaker, and a jewelry maker. In this episode, we talk (and laugh) about the legal basics for aspiring professional speakers. This includes how to act like a lawyer when creating and reading contracts, how to be … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 20: Fun Legal Basics for Speakers with Sarah Feingold

As speakers, we know marketing ourselves is important. But how do you create a strong platform for yourself that adds to your credibility, social proof, and builds your brand? What about using content marketing to land you a publishing deal and subsequent paid speaking gigs? In this episode, Dorie dissects her key moves that took … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 19: Build Your Platform with Dorie Clark

Val Nelson is an introvert and former wallflower who absolutely cringed at the idea of speaking in front of a room. She now actually likes public speaking, in small doses. She has faced her fear of self-employment and speaking up, and now enjoys having a thriving, soulful business as a life coach. Her specialty is … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 17: Can Introverts Be Pro Speakers? with Val Nelson

Ever wondered what it would be like to have the abilities of a motivational speaker in your pocket? In this episode, I interview Thando Zono, a motivational speaker, author, All-American athlete, and my intern! You'll learn about how Thando wrote a book while also attending grad school, hear some of her advice for speakers, and … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 16: Pep Talks + the Pursuit of Excellence with Thando Zono

One day in the 1980s, Martha Johnson was concluding a three-day training of sales professionals when she asked the pivotal question that would forever change the direction of her work. She made the bold move to ask her audience if they were planning to implement what she had just taught them. Not a single person … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 14: Are You Unwilling? with Martha Johnson