We’re officially about one month away from the launch of The Motivated Speaker, and the excitement is building! One of the best parts of promoting this book is getting to have deep, meaningful conversations about the power of communication—and I couldn’t be more thrilled that our very first podcast discussion about the book is here.
I recently joined my co-authors, Acacia Duncan and Blythe Coons, on The Secret Art of Business podcast, hosted by the incredible Catherine Lange-Cline. We had an energizing conversation about what it truly means to be a motivated speaker, how six key principles can shape great communicators, and why this book is different from anything else out there.
If you’re looking for actionable insights on how to sharpen your speaking, storytelling, and overall communication, this episode is packed with ideas you can put into practice right away.
10 Highlights from the Episode
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The Purpose of Communication Training (00:19)
I share how our coaching helps individuals develop their voices, refine their storytelling, and ultimately create opportunities for themselves and others. -
The Start of a Partnership (01:29)
Acacia and Blythe talk about how our unique backgrounds in theater, coaching, and communication brought us together to form an unstoppable team. -
Who are Motivated Speakers? (04:22)
We discuss the diverse range of people we coach—from high-stakes business leaders to nonprofit executives—and how we tailor our approach for each. -
Turning Curiosity into a Book (07:00)
What started as a workshop at Miami University turned into The Motivated Speaker, a book fueled by our curiosity and deep desire to help others communicate better. -
Defining the Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential (08:01)
We introduce the idea of “threshold concepts”—six key, transformative principles that help communicators move from good to great. -
The Journey from Blog Posts to Book (09:56)
We never set out to write a book—but consistent blogging and writing led us to realize we had something truly valuable to share. (We call it an “accidental writing process.”) -
What Makes This Book Unique (12:31)
Unlike many communication books that focus solely on content, The Motivated Speaker is about the individual communicator—who they are, how they show up, and what they bring to every interaction. -
The Importance of Storytelling (17:05)
We explore how personal stories not only make concepts relatable but also help protect the identities of those we’ve worked with. -
Practical Advice for Speakers (14:13)
Instead of overwhelming readers with tips, The Motivated Speaker encourages identifying one key area for growth—unlocking real transformation. -
Pre-order and Release Details (39:24)
Get all the details on our official release date—May 6! (And yes, you can pre-order now!)
Watch the Full Episode
This conversation was just the beginning of what we hope will be many more discussions about the ideas in The Motivated Speaker. Watch the full episode, and let us know what resonates with you!