Speaking Business Archives - Speakipedia https://speakipedia.com/category/speaking-business/ The Presentation & Storytelling Encyclopedia by Dave Bricker Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:58:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://speakipedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-puzzle-globe-60x60.jpg Speaking Business Archives - Speakipedia https://speakipedia.com/category/speaking-business/ 32 32 Rock Your Talk – Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 – 11AM https://speakipedia.com/rock-your-talk/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:43:07 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=617409 Master The Art of the Short Talk Craft Your Winning Pitch Dominate Toastmasters Contests Leap From the Page to the Stage   Dave Bricker, Rosemary Ravinal, and the City of Doral invite you to join an intimate group of creative … More ☛

The post Rock Your Talk – Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 – 11AM appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> How to Negotiate with a Speaker https://speakipedia.com/negotiate-with-a-speaker/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:00:23 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4778   Professional keynote speakers are an investment. I’m not saying they’re not a good investment—they are—but it’s true … speakers aren’t cheap. How do you negotiate with a speaker? What if you find just the right speaker for your conference … More ☛

The post How to Negotiate with a Speaker appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Blogging to Build a Speaker or Author Platform https://speakipedia.com/author-platform/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:05 +0000 http://theworldsgreatestbook.com/?p=2818 How can speakers, indie writers, and self-publishers use a blog to build a platform? This article explains how to publish online content to build community around your books. Build a Platform: Set up Your Blog A blog (short for web … More ☛

The post Blogging to Build a Speaker or Author Platform appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Publishing a Book: Beware of Vanity Publishers https://speakipedia.com/publishing-a-book-beware-of-vanity-publishers/ Thu, 16 May 2024 18:34:03 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=8628 Here’s a useful definition. Think of a publisher as an individual or entity that assumes the financial risk for a book. A publishing house buys your manuscript, pays you a small advance against hope for royalties, and earns a profit … More ☛

The post Publishing a Book: Beware of Vanity Publishers appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Autism and Speaking https://speakipedia.com/autism-and-speaking/ Mon, 13 May 2024 16:22:21 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=8530 I was already in my fifties when a PhD Psychologist friend confirmed that I was “slightly autistic.” That diagnosis—informal as it was—helped me understand a number of things about myself: Why I had so much trouble relating to other kids … More ☛

The post Autism and Speaking appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> How to Structure a Speech Part 4: Final Details. https://speakipedia.com/how-to-structure-a-speech-part-4/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:29:45 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=8095 In part one, you define the outcome, the transformation. In part two, you mapped out the road to get there. In part three, you crafted opening lines that inspired your audience to pay attention to you and your message. What’s … More ☛

The post How to Structure a Speech Part 4: Final Details. appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Storytelling Mistakes: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It https://speakipedia.com/storytelling-mistakes-if-i-can-do-it-you-can-do-it/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:38:27 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=8034 We’ve all heard that speaker, the one with a particular type of poor me story that can actually be dangerous. I had a wonderful career doing what I loved and making lots of money. I lived in a beautiful house … More ☛

The post Storytelling Mistakes: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Speaking is the Art of Fourth-Wall Theater. https://speakipedia.com/speaking-is-the-art-of-fourth-wall-theater/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:31:54 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=7948 Imagine a stage where there’s a wall behind the actors and one more wall on each side of the stage. The fourth wall is invisible. That’s the one the audience observes the actors through. When an actor looks at the … More ☛

The post Speaking is the Art of Fourth-Wall Theater. appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> M&Ms, Rock Stars, and Divas https://speakipedia.com/rock-stars-and-divas/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:01:02 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4770   What of M&Ms, rock stars, and divas? The rock band Van Halen had an infamous clause in their contract saying there could be no brown M&Ms backstage, or the promoter would forfeit the entire show at full price. It … More ☛

The post M&Ms, Rock Stars, and Divas appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Should I Pay to Speak at an Event? https://speakipedia.com/should-i-pay-to-speak-at-an-event/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:04:09 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=7519 Should I pay to speak at an event? Would a professional doctor pay for the privilege of treating your illness? Would a professional plumber pay to unclog your toilet? Would a professional soccer player pay to be in the big … More ☛

The post Should I Pay to Speak at an Event? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Using Other People’s Content: Fair Use https://speakipedia.com/fair-use/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:55:04 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=7308 When can you use someone else’s intellectual property? With the property-holder’s permission, you can do what you want. That’s the safest way to use anyone else’s anything. Otherwise, the “gray area” is governed by the doctrine of fair use and … More ☛

The post Using Other People’s Content: Fair Use appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Protect Your Ideas: Trademarks https://speakipedia.com/protect-your-ideas-trademarks/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:39:37 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=7297 Trademarks are registered for names and logos associated with specific purposes. For example, my StorySailing® name is trademarked and the corresponding logo has a separate trademark. Because I registered a trademark for StorySailing, nobody else can legally use that name—unless … More ☛

The post Protect Your Ideas: Trademarks appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Protect Your Ideas: Copyright https://speakipedia.com/copyright/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:26:44 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=7290 Ideas are “intellectual property.” I.P. includes print-based material like books and articles and scripts, music and video, and also logos and names. As authors, speakers, and thought leaders, we make our living from our intellectual property, and we rely on … More ☛

The post Protect Your Ideas: Copyright appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Twenty Most Popular Speaking Topics https://speakipedia.com/speaking-topic-trends/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:12:37 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=6862 Here are speaking topic trends observed in conferences, and media as of April, 2023. Speaking topic trends can change quickly. For example, “AI” would not have appeared on the list a few years ago. It seems reasonable to imagine that … More ☛

The post Twenty Most Popular Speaking Topics appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> “Speaking” Means More Than Keynoting https://speakipedia.com/speaking-business-models/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:18:21 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=6541 Many people think of “speakers” as people who perform on big stages, but keynote speaking is only part of what professional speaking is about. Choose the best speaking business model for you. Keynote speakers have a “one-and-done” business. No matter … More ☛

The post “Speaking” Means More Than Keynoting appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> You’re Always On-stage; Walk the Walk! https://speakipedia.com/youre-always-on-stage-walk-the-walk/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:08:53 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5762 We all get so disappointed when our favorite movie gets embroiled in some tasteless scandal. We love them so much on stage and then, in real life, they turn out to be so horrible! How will your audiences feel about … More ☛

The post You’re Always On-stage; Walk the Walk! appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> You Never Know Who’s in the Audience https://speakipedia.com/you-never-know-whos-in-the-audience/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:00:08 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5603 Always, always, always give your pest performance! It doesn’t matter of there are only three people in the whole auditorium. You never know who’s in the audience. One of them might be a decision-maker who will hire you when they … More ☛

The post You Never Know Who’s in the Audience appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Speakers Bureaus https://speakipedia.com/speakers-bureaus/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:49:54 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5502 What about Speakers Bureaus? Can we rely on them to find us paying engagements? I do know a speaker who works exclusively with bureaus. They find him high-paying gigs, take their cut, and he’s happy not to have to spend … More ☛

The post Speakers Bureaus appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Should I Share My Slides? https://speakipedia.com/should-i-share-my-slides/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:19:44 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5483 Should you share your slides? Not if they’re good—and here’s why: If your slides are well-designed, their purpose is to accompany you. When you disconnect your slides from your talk you end up with: Bullet points that lack explanations And … More ☛

The post Should I Share My Slides? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Blog is Short for Backlog https://speakipedia.com/blog-is-short-for-backlog/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:08:24 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5415 One of my colleagues has written a blog post every week for the past 17 years. If you’re that disciplined and you enjoy the challenge, go for it. But why add the extra pressure? At the time I’m writing this, … More ☛

The post Blog is Short for Backlog appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> After the Performance: The Meeting Debrief https://speakipedia.com/after-the-performance-the-meeting-debrief/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:42:20 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5410 The number one way to get more bookings is to turn each performance into more performances. The post-performance debrief is a useful strategy for accomplishing this. When you schedule your performance, also schedule a meeting or call during the following … More ☛

The post After the Performance: The Meeting Debrief appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> AV Rider https://speakipedia.com/av-rider/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:46:31 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=5367 A rider is a document that addresses additional details, conditions, or terms of a contract. Copy and adapt this “AV Rider” to suit your performance lighting, audio, and technology requirements. Mention it during your pre-conference planning session to ensure it’s … More ☛

The post AV Rider appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Murphy Was an Optimist! Prepare for Disaster https://speakipedia.com/prepare-for-disaster/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:24:25 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3795 My friend Kelly Swanson fell off the stage! She picked herself up, looked at the audience, and said, “I will now take questions from the floor!” Standing ovation! Why is it that we waste so much energy hoping and praying … More ☛

The post Murphy Was an Optimist! Prepare for Disaster appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> The Speaker’s Real Job https://speakipedia.com/speakers-real-job/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:30:18 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4790   What is the speaker’s real job? We’ve seen it too many times: A dynamic, charismatic speaker gets the audience on their feet, makes them dance, gets them to shout, “Oh Yeah!”—and works the room like a Baptist preacher in … More ☛

The post The Speaker’s Real Job appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Why Do Speakers Charge So Much? https://speakipedia.com/why-do-speakers-charge-so-much/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:58:44 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4850 Celebrities can charge enormous fees because people will pay to be in the same room with them, and when an organization brings in a celebrity speaker, they look well-connected and influential. But what about business speakers who routinely charge 5-figure … More ☛

The post Why Do Speakers Charge So Much? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> What is Servant Leadership? https://speakipedia.com/what-is-servant-leadership/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:53:37 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4838 Servant Leadership is a term we’ve been hearing a lot lately. What does it mean? Servant leadership is particularly relevant to speakers. We have two jobs to do: When we’re in front of an audience, we have to establish ourselves … More ☛

The post What is Servant Leadership? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Publish a Book as a Business Card https://speakipedia.com/publish-a-book-as-a-business-card/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:43:38 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4820 I’ve written and published 14 books… And as far as book sales go, that’s made me tens of dollars. Two million books are published every year. And getting your book noticed in the crowd is even more difficult than appearing … More ☛

The post Publish a Book as a Business Card appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> If You Want to Speak More, Speak More! https://speakipedia.com/if-you-want-to-speak-more-speak-more/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:23:27 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4788 How do you get more bookings? Here’s an answer from NSA Hall of Fame Speaker, Bruce Turkel: If you want to speak more, speak more! So what does that mean? It means that email, social media, and the like are … More ☛

The post If You Want to Speak More, Speak More! appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> If You Want Money, Ask for Advice https://speakipedia.com/if-you-want-money-ask-for-advice/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:18:56 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4781 If you want money, ask for advice. If you want advice, ask for money! This is a longstanding fundraising mantra and it works. If you’re looking for money, ask for it. You’ll receive an avalanche of ideas, recommendations, and advice … More ☛

The post If You Want Money, Ask for Advice appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> How to Sell from the Stage? https://speakipedia.com/how-to-sell-from-the-stage/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:10:39 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4760 Selling makes many of us uncomfortable. We receive thousands of BMS (Buy My Stuff) emails, and the last thing we want is to be part of a captive audience, forced to listen as a speaker closes their program with a … More ☛

The post How to Sell from the Stage? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> How to Negotiate with a Speaker? https://speakipedia.com/how-to-negotiate-with-a-speaker/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:04:41 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4748 How do you negotiate with a speaker? What if you find just the right speaker for your conference and then discover there’s a gap between your budget and their fee? Here are a few ways to close the price—value gap. … More ☛

The post How to Negotiate with a Speaker? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> How Long Does it Take to Build a Speaking Business? https://speakipedia.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-speaking-business/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:33:40 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4743 How long does it take to build any business? Celebrities and rock stars may find it easy to launch an enterprise based on name recognition. A few speakers are able to build a practice quickly when they retire as industry … More ☛

The post How Long Does it Take to Build a Speaking Business? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Get to the Gig … and Have a Backup Plan! https://speakipedia.com/get-to-the-gig-and-have-a-backup/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:26:15 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4729 True story: Gayle’s connecting flight from Atlanta was canceled and she had to be on the stage at a conference the next morning in New York City — 850 miles away. Not only was her five-figure speaking fee on the … More ☛

The post Get to the Gig … and Have a Backup Plan! appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Collaboration vs. Competition https://speakipedia.com/collaboration-vs-competition/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:14:31 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4718 In many businesses, the competition is cutthroat. That’s much less so in the speaking business. Whatever your speaking topic may be, chances are good that you won’t be the only person in your lane. I speak about business storytelling and … More ☛

The post Collaboration vs. Competition appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Beware of Overnight Success Programs https://speakipedia.com/beware-of-overnight-success-programs/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:00:09 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4701 Become a seven-figure speaker in seven weeks! Buy this $20,000 speaking course and earn the money back on your first engagement. Yeah, right! If it was that easy, we’d all just pony up the money and start raking in the … More ☛

The post Beware of Overnight Success Programs appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> What Problem Do You Solve? https://speakipedia.com/what-problem-do-you-solve/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:53:40 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4390 So many speakers are subject matter experts …  and of course, we have to be. But if you tell people you speak about leadership, branding, corporate culture, or some other topic, you’ve missed the point. What problem do you solve? … More ☛

The post What Problem Do You Solve? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Use Your Emcee to Set Up Your Speech https://speakipedia.com/use-your-emcee-to-set-up-your-speech/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:45:52 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4375 Agendas are boring. “Today we’re going to talk about A, B, and C” is not an engaging way to begin a speech. Here’s another presentation killer: “Before we begin, I need to tell you about x.” There is no before. … More ☛

The post Use Your Emcee to Set Up Your Speech appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> There Are No “Levels” https://speakipedia.com/there-are-no-levels/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:39:41 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4360 Are you stuck? How will you ever get to the next level? The concept of levels is a direct assault on our self-esteem. It’s like being rich. Is there a specific amount of currency that distinguishes the rich from the … More ☛

The post There Are No “Levels” appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> The Imaginary Law of Perfection https://speakipedia.com/the-imaginary-law-of-perfection/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:27:11 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4337 You imagine that you have to get through your speech without forgetting a word. You imagine that you’ll bomb if the technology fails. You imagine that you can’t use notes. You imagine that being on stage holds you to the … More ☛

The post The Imaginary Law of Perfection appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Consulting https://speakipedia.com/consulting-2/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:50:42 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=4073 Preparing for a presentation? Ask about support with contest speeches, TEDx talks, and the big pitch. Rock your talk with a full gamut of services from writing to delivery coaching to follow-up strategy. Inquire:

The post Consulting appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Sex, Politics, and Religion on Stage https://speakipedia.com/sex-politics-and-religion-on-stage/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 22:46:13 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3914 Unless you’re specifically hired to talk about sex, politics, or religion, don’t. As the leader up on the stage, do what you can to unify people. You may not think sex is controversial but some people do. You may be … More ☛

The post Sex, Politics, and Religion on Stage appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Running Overtime is a Rookie Mistake https://speakipedia.com/running-overtime-is-a-rookie-mistake/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 22:31:19 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3909 No big deal if you run over, right? That’s just more value the audience will get for the same fee. Wrong. Think again. Running overtime is a big rookie mistake. Let’s say the conference you’re speaking at hired a $100,000 … More ☛

The post Running Overtime is a Rookie Mistake appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Respect Other People’s Intellectual Property https://speakipedia.com/respect-other-peoples-intellectual-property/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 22:18:33 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3903 It’s so easy to grab a photo off the Internet It’s so easy to use your favorite song as background music while you run up on the stage. It’s so easy to share that inspiring story you heard. But it’s … More ☛

The post Respect Other People’s Intellectual Property appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Join Toastmasters, Even if You’re a Pro https://speakipedia.com/join-toastmasters-even-if-youre-a-pro/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 21:00:43 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3654 Toastmasters is a global organization dedicated to the art of public speaking. With over 270,000 members in 148 countries, chances are good that there’s at least one Toastmasters club near you. Though the quality of individual clubs varies, Toastmasters offers … More ☛

The post Join Toastmasters, Even if You’re a Pro appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Don’t Be a Prima Donna: A Lesson From Hank Jones https://speakipedia.com/dont-be-a-prima-donna/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:09:17 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3424 Back in my college days, I scraped together the money to hear the legendary jazz pianist Hank Jones play at an expensive local restaurant. Jones had played with jazz greats like Lester Young, Milt Jackson, Cannonball Adderley, and Wes Montgomery. … More ☛

The post Don’t Be a Prima Donna: A Lesson From Hank Jones appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Don’t Dis Anyone On Stage https://speakipedia.com/dont-dis-anyone-on-stage/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:26:57 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3413 Blame-free problem-solving is a good practice for speakers. One of my clients was ready to speak but the AV person never set up the equipment. His slides weren’t going to be part of his presentation, and this was going to … More ☛

The post Don’t Dis Anyone On Stage appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Choose the Right Speaking Business Model for You https://speakipedia.com/choose-the-right-speaking-business-model-for-you/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:31:49 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3385 Keynoting: Many people associate “speaking” with standing on a stage in front of an auditorium full of people, but there are many other ways to earn income as a speaker. Keynote work pays well, but it’s difficult to compete for, … More ☛

The post Choose the Right Speaking Business Model for You appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Bombing on Stage is a Rite of Passage! https://speakipedia.com/bombing-on-stage/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:22:06 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3371 As a sailor, I ran aground more than once. I even spent a few uncomfortable nights with my keel stuck on a sandbar, waiting for the next high tide to float me off. Whenever a fellow mariner bragged that they’d … More ☛

The post Bombing on Stage is a Rite of Passage! appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Get Over Your Fear of Selling https://speakipedia.com/get-over-your-fear-of-selling/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:02:46 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3461 We’re all fed up with being sold to by irritating “click my BUY button” marketers, and this leads many of us to associate sales with sleaze. But if we want to get hired, we have to sell our services. Don’t … More ☛

The post Get Over Your Fear of Selling appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Are You a Professional Speaker? https://speakipedia.com/are-you-a-professional-speaker/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:57:04 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3359 I was a university instructor for 15 years, and during that time, nobody ever tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hey! You’re a professional speaker.” We tend to think of speakers as keynoters who perform on big stages in … More ☛

The post Are You a Professional Speaker? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Are You a Lecturer or a Speaker? https://speakipedia.com/are-you-a-lecturer-or-a-speaker/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:52:18 +0000 https://speakipedia.com/?page_id=3354 What’s the difference between a lecturer and a speaker? A lecturer delivers information. A speaker delivers transformation. Remember all those teachers you had who were passionate enough about their subjects to have earned advanced degrees in them? And then they … More ☛

The post Are You a Lecturer or a Speaker? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> They Don’t Have a Clue!  https://speakipedia.com/they-dont-have-a-clue/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:00:52 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4795   They don’t have a clue! In 1991, I sailed a wooden boat 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.  During my 38 days at sea, I battled seasickness, faced storms and calms, adjusted the sails, and minded the compass. Do … More ☛

The post They Don’t Have a Clue!  appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Survive and Thrive in the Land of Clocks & Calendars https://speakipedia.com/calendar/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:00:29 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4516 Is your digital calendar robbing you of the time you need to be productive? Maybe the problem isn’t your calendar. Back in my carefree boat bum days, my course was governed by the world’s natural rhythms. I rose and retired … More ☛

The post Survive and Thrive in the Land of Clocks & Calendars appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Punch Up Your Pitch With Storytelling https://speakipedia.com/punch-up-your-pitch-with-storytelling/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:01:41 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4369 You’ve been asked to pitch a big project. You and your teammates Shelly and Barbara sit at your conference table discussing next week’s big presentation. “It’s impossible to know how the competition is going to position themselves,” says Shelly. “We … More ☛

The post Punch Up Your Pitch With Storytelling appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> If You Think SALES is a Dirty Word… https://speakipedia.com/sales/ Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:00:15 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4309 Do you think sales is a dirty word? Many of us think that way … and given all the tacky messages we have to sort through and delete every day, it’s no wonder. For some, the word “sales” conjures up … More ☛

The post If You Think SALES is a Dirty Word… appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Change Your Pricing Story https://speakipedia.com/change-your-pricing-story/ https://speakipedia.com/change-your-pricing-story/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:00:11 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=4006   Should you charge $20 for your new book or $19.97?  Will dropping your price by three cents help you sell more books? What about smart consumers who are educated about sales and marketing? Will they think you’re being manipulative? … More ☛

The post Change Your Pricing Story appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> https://speakipedia.com/change-your-pricing-story/feed/ 1 You Can Keep Your Business Cards https://speakipedia.com/business-cards/ https://speakipedia.com/business-cards/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:00:19 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=861 I was talking with a friend at a business networking event when a man came plowing through the crowd doling out business cards as if he were handing out candy on Halloween. After the most cursory of introductions, he put … More ☛

The post You Can Keep Your Business Cards appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> https://speakipedia.com/business-cards/feed/ 2 Put a Price on Your Passion https://speakipedia.com/put-a-price-on-your-passion/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:00:26 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=3468 How do you put a price on your passion? How can you charge a fair-but-high price for your services?   You’ve got a fantastic prospect on the line. The conversation is engaging. The relationship develops instantly. Your hopefully-soon-to-be client is … More ☛

The post Put a Price on Your Passion appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Inspire Prospects to ASK You to Sell! https://speakipedia.com/inspire-prospects-to-ask-you-to-sell/ Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:27:34 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=3440 Inspire prospects to ask you to sell to them. Many years ago I was out sailing on Biscayne Bay with an old sailor friend. The conversation drifted from how to adjust the sails to light talk about our personal lives, … More ☛

The post Inspire Prospects to ASK You to Sell! appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Conflict: Sailing the Storms of Life and Business https://speakipedia.com/conflict/ Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:00:23 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=870 In storms of life and business, it requires immense energy to sustain conflict. Dangerous and destructive forces require attention and—at the appropriate times—resistance, but often the best strategy is to park and wait for the tempest to subside. A retail … More ☛

The post Conflict: Sailing the Storms of Life and Business appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Sell Outcomes, Not Products https://speakipedia.com/sell-outcomes/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:00:40 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=853 Sell outcomes. The products or services you exchange at the transaction stage of a business relationship might not be the most meaningful basis for describing what you offer. Before you print your next batch of business cards, think like a … More ☛

The post Sell Outcomes, Not Products appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Your Unique Value Story https://speakipedia.com/your-unique-value-story/ Wed, 18 May 2022 15:00:13 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=984 Imagine an event where each attendee is given a puzzle piece and directed to connect one-at-a-time with others in the room to see whether their pieces fit together. Though such a laborious process sounds absurd, it describes exactly how most … More ☛

The post Your Unique Value Story appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Storytelling and Your Mission Statement https://speakipedia.com/storytelling-mission-statement/ Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:00:54 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=3323 Anyone who questions the relationship between business and storytelling need look no farther than the humble corporate mission statement.   The goal of this article is to teach the value of storytelling so you can develop engaging mission statements that … More ☛

The post Storytelling and Your Mission Statement appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Another Customer Service Horror Story https://speakipedia.com/customer-service-horror-story/ Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:00:33 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=1247 Do you have a customer service horror story to share? What stories are you telling about yourself before you even show up to do business? A Customer Service Horror Story A friend of mine sailed his boat up on some … More ☛

The post Another Customer Service Horror Story appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> My Club Got a One-Star Review https://speakipedia.com/one-star-review/ Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:00:32 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=1002 How do you handle a one-star review? Capable leaders are adept at untangling the many stories that compete for attention when problems need solving and egos need soothing. I monitor a FaceBook page for a local chapter of a national … More ☛

The post My Club Got a One-Star Review appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Phil Woods: Is Your Work Beneath You? https://speakipedia.com/phil-woods/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:00:41 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=845 I was frustrated the other day, thinking about how I need a better computer. Some of my software is out of date and my machine just doesn’t have the speed and the memory to support some of the the new … More ☛

The post Phil Woods: Is Your Work Beneath You? appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Another Boring Speaker! The Problem and How to Fix It. https://speakipedia.com/boring-speaker/ Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:00:30 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=1393 “This should be a great presentation,” said Jess as we walked into the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and grabbed a table near the platform. The speaker made a gazillion dollars taking startups public. He’s the CEO of…” “Why does everyone … More ☛

The post Another Boring Speaker! The Problem and How to Fix It. appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Selling the Story: Storytelling for Skeptics https://speakipedia.com/selling/ Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:00:53 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=1385 “Storytelling…? I don’t know.” A troubled look flashed across Sally’s face. “You’ll have a hard time selling me on your topic. Last year’s speaker was a dud. I need to deliver some wow-factor this year or I might not be … More ☛

The post Selling the Story: Storytelling for Skeptics appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Problem-Solving & Storytelling: Understand Their Story https://speakipedia.com/problem-solving-understand-their-story/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:00:42 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=1104 Use storytelling for problem-solving. Think about the various stories involved in a conflict and plot a course for resolution. Seen through the StorySailing™ spyglass, a story is analogous to the voyage of a sailboat across the rocky, stormy seas of … More ☛

The post Problem-Solving & Storytelling: Understand <i>Their</i> Story appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Pitch Trolls in the NidekniL Marketplace https://speakipedia.com/pitch-trolls/ Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:00:51 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=2313 Nideknil Marketplace was all hustle and bustle. Colorful signs above the merchant stalls proclaimed the advantages of endless products and services. Businesspeople crowded the aisles, picking up samples and literature and talking to the vendors. The pitch-trolls were out in … More ☛

The post Pitch Trolls in the NidekniL Marketplace appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]> Public Speaking Tip: Speaking is a Service Industry https://speakipedia.com/speaking-service/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 15:00:15 +0000 https://storysailing.com/?p=2087 Speakers are commonly asked, “What’s your topic?” or “What’s your message?” Such questions may sound intuitively reasonable but they lead would-be speakers astray before the first word is written. Questions about “your topic” or “your message” imply that your speech … More ☛

The post Public Speaking Tip: Speaking is a Service Industry appeared first on Speakipedia.

]]>