Claim the Stage Podcast

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

Ready for more? Three speeches coming right up! In last week's episode, we celebrated a year of podcasting by going behind the scenes of the Speaker Sisterhood, a network of public speaking clubs for women that I founded last year. Today we're going to continue that adventure by listening to speeches given by three members … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 51: A Look Inside the Mysterious World of the Speaker Sisterhood Part 2

Curious about what goes on in Speaker Sisterhood meetings? Here's your special glimpse.

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

Alison Podworski knew at the age of 9 that she wanted to be a television news reporter. After years on TV, she transitioned to work in PR and opened her own agency to assist small business owners, speakers, authors, and other types of clients with their PR needs. In today's episode, Alison shares her #1 … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 29: Public Relations Tricks, Secrets + Myths for Speakers with Alison Podworski

"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

In-demand professional speakers become well known because they have perfected one very important part of their message. It’s the one major thing that sets them apart from the unknowns and you will learn it in this special live, interactive podcast I recorded on September 7th, 2016. In this class, you’ll learn the two most important … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 18: Create Your Speaker Brand 101

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

If being memorable is something you care about as a speaker, this episode is for you. Jim and Jenn Poage are the authors of the book FLAIR: Design Your Daily Work, Products, and Services to Energize Customers, Colleagues, and Audiences. FLAIR shows how to add meaning and joy to your offerings and communications to create … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 15: We Need to Talk About Your Flair with Jim and Jenn Poage

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

I’m often asked if being funny on stage is a prerequisite for “making it” in the speaking business. In this informative and entertaining interview with Cathy McNally, master of all things humor, you’ll find out whether or not tickling your audience’s funny bone is as important as you think. Cathy also teaches me two improv … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 13: Do I Have to be Funny? with Cathy McNally

If this interview was a breakfast cereal, it would be called “Ultimate Supreme 500 Ingredient Mashup.” We took this show in many different directions as I learned about my guest, Heathere Evans-Keenan, and her background, unexpected medical diagnosis, personal philosophy about sickness, and how her entire life (and work) changed. In this episode, we discuss: The 70,000 thoughts we have … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 12: Are You in the 14%? with Heathere Evans-Keenan

Kelly Coffey is a personal trainer who used to weigh over 300 pounds. She is the voice behind the blog at strongcoffey.com where she helps women who struggle with their weight and their choices to get happily grounded in healthier habits. Her work gets down to the root of why we sabotage ourselves and the tools she teaches are just as … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 11: Tips on Slaying Self-Sabotage with Kelly Coffey

I'm so excited to announce my 10th episode! This felt like a major milestone, so I went all out and created a really fun mystery episode for you. Since the contents of this episode are a secret, I'll just say that you might hear about a sushi burrito, wild ponies, a 6 foot tall top … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 10: Mystery Episode!

Amber Dugger is a money geek, knitter, avid cyclist, wine lover, yogi, and lover of all things green.  She escaped her cubicle in July of 2015 after 15 years in soul-sucking corporate finance. Amber now combines holistic health coach training with her extensive financial background to guide fellow entrepreneurs in gaining clarity on their money … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 9: Secrets for Changing Your Money Mindset with Amber Dugger

Ken Lizotte is author of The Expert’s Edge: Become the Go-To Authority that People Turn to Every Time (McGraw-Hill), the The Speaker’s Edge: The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Locating and Landing Lots of Speaking Gigs (Maven House Press) and five other books. Ken has also authored over 600 published articles including a weekly column for the … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 8: How to be a Thought Leader with Ken Lizotte

In episode 7, I talk to Diane Goodman, founder and president of Goodman Speakers Bureau in Windsor, Connecticut since 1979. Diane works closely with meeting planners to secure professional speakers, entertainers, thought leaders, business leaders, authors, celebrities, and sports figures. In this episode, Diane answers all of the most common questions she receives about speakers bureaus. You’ll … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 7: Curious About Speakers Bureaus? with Diane Goodman

Leslie Karen Hammond is a speaker, author, and Confident Speaking Expert. Her new book, Keep It Real: Why We’re Afraid to Speak Up and What to do About it, is the subject of this week's podcast. I loved this book and Leslie had so many surprising answers when I asked her about specific tips and … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 6: Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Speak Up with Leslie Karen Hammond

Katy Tynan is a bestselling author, internationally recognized expert on how work is evolving, and was voted one of the best motivational speakers in Boston. Katy is the author of Survive Your Promotion! The 90 Day Success Plan for New Managers, and her most recent book is Free Agent: The Independent Professional's Roadmap to Self-Employment … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 5: Reassuring Wisdom from Katy Tynan

Ji Eun (Jamie) Lee is a professional speaker and negotiation trainer who lives in New York City. She specializes in hands-on negotiation workshops for ambitious women. She says, "Negotiation is a conversation with the intention of reaching an agreement where everyone has the right to say no." She believes that when women own their negotiation … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 4: From Pop Star to Master Negotiator with Ji Eun (Jamie) Lee

Suzanne Bates is the CEO of Bates, a firm with a mission to help leaders shape the world. As a coach to some of the world’s top executives, Suzanne’s passion is helping leaders align, engage, and move people to drive results for their organizations and the world around them. Her latest book, All the Leader … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 3: Do You Know Your Audience’s Agenda? with Suzanne Bates

Episode 2 features my interview with Amy Oestreicher. Amy is a professional speaker, PTSD peer-to-peer specialist, artist, author, writer for The Huffington Post, speaker for TEDx and RAINN, health advocate, survivor, award-winning actress, and playwright. Amy eagerly shares the lessons learned from trauma through her writing, mixed media art, performance and inspirational speaking. A few … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 2: Life Advice from The Detourist with Amy Oestreicher

Here it is! My first podcast episode. I've been thinking about starting a podcast since 2009 and thought it was time to roll one out, as imperfect as it may be. I decided to jump right in even though I don't have every single question answered yet and I'm still learning about the world of … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 1: Just Gonna Do This