The Speaker Lab With Grant Baldwin // Public Speaking / Motivational Speaking / Entrepreneurship

Whether or not you have considered writing a book it is a powerful tool I highly recommend all speakers have in their toolbox. But how do you know if your idea is the right one, if it will land with your target audience and will help you grow the speaking business you're working on?Our guest has those answers! Mr. Rob Kosberg of Best Seller Publishing offers done-for-you services for coaches, entrepreneurs, consultants and speakers. As a best-selling author himself he knows firsthand the importance of publishing, promoting and ultimately profiting from your book.On episode 22 of The Speaker Lab he shares what he's learned from becoming a published best-selling author in his own right, how he leveraged his first book and how that success led to the creation of Best Selling Books, a company that has helped countless experts become authors. You'll hear all of that and more on today's show!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy is a book so effective at landing speaking gigs?The extra bit of credibility a book gives y

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, we've got another great Q&A show. This is the show where I answer your most burning questions about speaking!And we've got a variety of topics to discuss: everything from how to follow up (without being annoying or obnoxious!) and what you need to be asking clients. We'll also get into how long to wait before sending a client more than one email and the tools I use to help me run every aspect of my speaking business.Plus you’ll hear all about Speaker Lab Live: something new I’ve got for you on May 21st. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow to avoid being annoying to clients.How can you be short and sweet in your communication with clients?The importance of asking clients the right questions and how to do it.Why it's important to note the times you're emailing clients.How much time is appropriate to send a reminder email?When is it okay to call clients?What is the "ball in your court" email

If you already have a business can speaking help you expand your audience? If so, how? Today we're joined by a man with the answers to those questions and more: Mr. Chris Brogan.Chris is an author, speaker and all-around great guy who is here to share how speaking has helped his business flourish. He also shares how his introverted nature has positively impacted his speaking, and how to remain the same person on stage as you are in real life.And finally he offers his guidance on how to overcome the inner critic within yourself and how to prepare effectively for a speaking job. Listen in for all of that and more on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy did Chris turn down a TED talk?Can you be introverted and also be a speaker?The importance of quieting your inner critic - and how to do so.How did Chris gain the world's attention at the right time?How to use a speaker bureau to increase your speaking jobs.How should you negotiate your prices for speaking gigs?Which speakers inspire

One of the most intimidating aspects of speaking is humor. If you're like other speakers you may find it daunting to incorporate jokes into your talk.The biggest risk with jokes or humorous stories is the lack of guarantees the audience will enjoy it. However, when used appropriately humor can magnify a talk and convey your message perfectly!Today, I'll be showing you how to utilize humor the best way for you and your speaking style. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy is your audience a reflection of you as the speaker?What is self-depreciating humor and how can you use it correctly?The importance of using pictures and videos to enhance humor.How can you "have your radar up" for humorous material?What are the most effective strategies for incorporating humor?How to avoid using "you had to be there" stories, and why they don't work.How to move on gracefully from a failed joke.And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Top Speak

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, I'm sitting down with accomplished author and speaker Dan Miller to talk about his personal business model and his other endeavors, and of course his speaking career.Dan offers his sage-like advice on how to decide which audience will respond your message the best, and also how he made the transition from speaking as an "extra" in his business to speaking professionally.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow you can find your core message.How can you decide where to go to speak?Dan's journey to becoming a professional speaker.Can speaking for free help you?How can you use resources to your advantage?Which should come first- the products or the speaking?The importance of having stories in your speaking.Dan's "it can't be worse than this" stories!And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESDan Miller's websiteDan Miller on TwitterDan Miller on How Did You Get Into That?Dan's gift to you!Get Free Speaker

One thing all great speakers do, whatever their topic or their audience, is practice. They practice, practice and practice more. They rehearse their speech from start to finish many times, they never just wing it on stage. What often makes a great speaker so great is their commitment to practice.And that's why I'm spending this entire show to talk about practice and rehearsal. I'll be covering how much to practice, how to properly rehearse and what sort of process to use when as you are practicing for your next speaking engagement.Listen in for those topics and much more on episode 17 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy doing this one thing can help calm your nerves.What athletes can teach us about the necessity of practice.Should you manuscript your entire talk?Why you shouldn't memorize your speech.Why recording yourself is an effective tactic to create a great speech.How many times should you go through your talk? Should you stop if you make a mistake while rehearsing?How to choo

 If there’s one thing every speaker faces before a speaking gig it is the possibility of nerves, and how to deal with those nerves. Ask any seasoned veteran of the public speaking world and they’ll tell you they have received all sorts of advice, some of it good and some of it not as good.Because there’s so much misinformation out there about how to deal with nerves I’m devoting today’s episode to that very topic.On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, we’ll be covering that and much more!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat is the most common misconception about speakers getting nervous?How can the same talk be different each time?What you can do to focus your fear.Does nervousness ever go away?How practicing your content can calm your nerves.Why it's important to put yourself in real situations.How to relax and enjoy yourself!Why does the audience imitate you?And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Top Speakers' Tips PDFGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking Fee

When you're thinking of what subject to speak on remember that topic will change over time. In the course of your career your topic will even change a few times, it will evolve as you evolve as a professional speaker.A great reminder of this is Chris Ducker, our guest on this episode. If you don't know him Chris is a best-selling author, multi-successful entrepreneur and in-demand speaker who has given presentations and keynotes around the globe.Chris started speaking almost by accident (a story he shares today), and over the years he has evolved his speaking gigs to reflect his entrepreneurial journey. Today he shares why he's pivoted along the way, and how he's done it. You'll hear all of that and much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWDoes Chris still get nervous before his gigs?The one trick he uses before going on stage to be calm and collected.How did Hong Kong cinema lead to Chris' first speaking gig?When did his speaking career truly take off?Who was in the audience

Once you've decided you want to speak and you have an idea of what you want to speak about, how do you actually create your talk?And what makes a talk good versus another talk? I'm answering all of those questions on this show. I'll walk you through the process I use to create a great talk from idea to completion. I'll also explain why each step in the process is important and why it can help you when creating your next (or your first!) speech.We cover all of that and much more on episode 14 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWThere are two key questions your audience is asking: what are they?Why having a single idea makes your preparation easier and your talk better.What are the types of structures you can use to organize your content?When to create an outline and why it's useful.Why I recommend never "winging it" with your talk.When and why you should manuscript your entire speech.What is the rhythm I follow in my speeches, and how can you follow it?And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Top

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, I'm breaking down the top speaking tips from some of the most influential speakers in the business. You'll hear tactics and tools from such greats as Michael Port, Matthew Kimberley, Dorie Clark and John Lee Dumas to name a few.There's so much valuable content in this show I created a special PDF of all the tips so you have a visual aid to remember all of them!After listening to the episode be sure to download the PDF from the Resources section below. But first sit back and enjoy episode 13 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy should you begin with the end in mind?How to keep your speeches focused on your audience.How can you utilize modules in your speaking?How can listening to your talk help you rehearse?The insider strategies and tips for being confident as a speaker.What you can do to make your stories stick.How can you effectively interact with your audience?What you need to know before and during an event about time management.And much, much more!EP

For many of us the first thing we think of when giving a speech is giving a keynote. But there are plenty of other speaking formats that are in demand and are lucrative ways to create a successful speaking career.Brian Walter is a shining example of this. He is someone who is highly in-demand for his non-traditional approach to speaking, and he's here to talk about it.Today he shares the origins and progression of his speaking career, how his Extreme Meetings business began and how you can learn from his experiences. It’s all here on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow being his fraternity's secretary at UCLA led to his speaking career.What are platform skills?What is the "I" disease?How to use humor in a speech, and reduce the risks associated with it.His three year journey to find his expertise, and why it's important to you.Why did he get involved with the National Speakers Association?What are the differences between the NSA and speaking bureaus?What are the two reasons most

Whether you're starting out as a speaker or want to gain more traction or simply grow to the next level of your speaking career you are in the right place!The Speaker Lab is a show dedicated to helping your speaking career become whatever you want it to be. And today's edition is one of my favorite types of shows to bring you: the Q&A.Listen in to hear my recommendations on fully tapping into the Internet and social media to land more speaking gigs on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat's a not-so-effective way to get a speaking engagement?The three foundational questions: what are they and why are they important to your career?Your audience vs. the decision-maker: are they the same? What to do if they are not.What's one of the ways I recommend using social media to land speaking gigs?What information is imperative to have in your social media profiles?What are the advantages of doing paid advertising online?What is PPC and how do you use it to advance your speaking career?H

Welcome to another edition of The Speaker Lab. Today I'm talking with Hugh Culver; he is a dear friend from Canada who is an accomplished speaker and a speaking coach. He knows the world of speaking and he's here to give us the goods!On this episode we talk about how to make your name known in the speaking world, how he became a speaker and how you can niche down to make your business bigger - plus so much more.It’s all here on this episode of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWThe importance of being communicative with fellow speakers.How to stop chasing gigs and why doing so will help you become successful.What do you need to do to become a well-known and reputable speaker?The four things you need to become a great speaker.What is recognizable language and how can you use it?How to help people understand what it is you do.What to look forward to in our upcoming webinar!And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESBOSS websiteHugh Culver's websiteHugh Culver on TwitterWebinar registrationTake part in the

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, I'm sitting down with my friend Mike Pacchione. Mike works for Duarte, a company that gives presentations about how to create meaningful and moving presentations like the creation of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth.On today's episode Mike shares his journey to his current position with Duarte, how to know whether your talking ideas are good or not and the most effective ways of structuring your presentation.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow to find the best speaking points for your talk.The "Excel" method of outlining your presentation.What do you need to change for your different audiences?The structure that all the best presenters use in their talks, and why they do.How can you use your stories and humor most effectively?How to use slides to support your presentation.What "little things" can help you sell your talk.And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESDuarte's websiteMike Pacchione on Twi

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, the focus is on choice: making choices in terms of the content and main ideas of your talks, speeches and presentations. In essence we’re looking at how to decide exactly what it is you want to speak about.I offer several bits of advice on the decisions you will have to make about your topics, including the five ways that will help you decide what you want to talk about during your speaking career.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow your experiences can help shape your topics.What components of your life can make you an interesting speaker?How you may actually be an expert in your interests.The importance of why you want to speak and how it affects your topic.What are niche and unique topics and which ones work best for you?How to get a sense of what works and what doesn't in speaking.What research should you do to prepare yourself for a speaking career?And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESTh

Welcome back to The Speaker Lab. On today's show I'm sitting down with my friend Michael Port for a special dual interview show. On this special episode, not only do I interview Michael, but he interviews me as well!Today on episode seven, our talk runs the gamut. From Friends trivia to transitioning from one career to a speaking career to the three questions every beginning speakers needs to ask him/herself, we dive into it all. It's well worth a listen so check it out on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow do you find the balance between improvising and preparing?How can you build an identity and persona in your speaking career?Narrowing down your target audience: Michael shares how he did it and you can too.Michael's techniques and tips for a flawless performance.What adjustments can be made during a talk?The surprising connections between acting and speaking.And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESSteal The Show, Michael Port's podcastMichael Port's websiteMichael Port on Twitte

Welcome back to The Speaker Lab! On today's show I'm here with another special Q&A episode, this time with a focus on one great question: speaking contracts.Today on The Speaker Lab our focus is on contracts in the speaking world, and all the details that go along with them. Everything from the actual details of speaking contracts to contract etiquette as well as rules to follow when communicating with potential employers.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW Once a job is booked, what kind of contract is exchanged?How do you leave a reliable paper trail?What is a "speaking agreement" and is it different than a contract?What should be included in your contract and how much should you charge?The different types of clauses to include in your contract.How do you handle deposits and travel costs?What to do in case of a cancellation or emergency.And much, much more!EPISODE RESOURCESTake part in the contestGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook

On this episode of The Speaker Lab, world-renowned speaker Clay Hebert joins the show to talk about starting your speaking career.Clay specializes in speaking to corporations, associations and conferences for entrepreneurs. He began his career speaking for free at conferences, and eventually made his way into speaking at bigger engagements and paid bookings.Today on The Speaker Lab, Clay talks about who does and who doesn't pay for speakers, how having a relationship with a fellow speaker jump-started his career, and how to get your best talk across every time. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhy you need to do some unpaid speaking jobs.How relationships can change the course of your career.Why mistakes are nothing to be afraid of.When can customizing your talk actually hurt you?What themes or talking topics are people willing to pay for?How can you determine which audiences are right for your talk?The speaker who helped Clay's ca

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, we are answering your burning questions. That's right, today's episode is another Q&A session with me, and it is all about you! Remember, your questions can be featured on future episodes of The Speaker Lab, so make sure to submit your questions at the link below.Today on The Speaker Lab, Grant answers viewer's questions about very different and exciting topics. Today's question topics range from organizational skills to speaking preparation to actual speaking subjects.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow can you organize your thoughts into a talk?What is a "brain dump", and how can it help you be organized?The power of just one line or phrase, and how you can find yours.How can you create your "skeleton outline"?The importance of the "so what" and the "now what".How can you understand and define your audience?Which audiences are broad, and which are specific?And much, much more!EPISODE RE

If you are considering speaking as a career, you have probably asked yourself this question: why do you want to speak? If you've been pondering this question and wondering how your speaking goals can motivate you, then this episode is tailored for you!Today on this episode of The Speaker Lab, I discuss the importance of having a direction in your speaking career and offer guidance on how to find and stay motivated, and how to begin your speaking career.Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWThe 9 big reasons to start public speaking.Why do you need to gain credibility and grow an audience?How speaking can help you sell your product.How and where can you travel as a result of your speaking career?The importance of networking in speaking.How to shape your career around your primary speaking goal/Which reasons are going to propel your speaking into a long-lasting career?And much, much more! EPISODE RESOURCESTake part in the contestGet Free