Show Notes: The Power of Liking for Speakers

Welcome back! In this solo episode, John dives into one of Robert Cialdini’s most underrated principles of influence—liking. If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers seem to get booked again and again, or how you can turn your audience into true fans without changing a word of your keynote, this episode is for you.

Introduction: Why Liking Matters

John kicks things off by sharing why understanding the principle of liking is a game-changer for anyone who wants to get booked, rebooked, or simply make a bigger impact as a speaker. It’s not just about what you say on stage—it’s about how you connect with people, both on and off the mic.

The Science Behind Liking

Drawing on Cialdini’s research, John explains that we’re all more likely to say “yes” to people we genuinely like. He shares his own journey, from starting out with a small audience to building a platform and podcast, all by focusing on curiosity, generosity, and authentic relationships.

Real Connections vs. Transactional Interactions

John gets real about the difference between building genuine connections and falling into the trap of being transactional. He shares stories from his own experience—how being easy to work with and showing appreciation opened doors to new opportunities, referrals, and collaborations.

How to Be More Likeable (and Why It Matters)

This chapter is packed with practical advice. John talks about the importance of using audience-relevant language, sharing stories (especially the ones where things didn’t go perfectly), and being open about your own quirks and mistakes. He reminds us that being likeable isn’t about flattery or people-pleasing—it’s about being real, approachable, and easy to work with.

Likability Killers to Avoid

Not everything is sunshine and roses—John also covers the behaviours that can quickly destroy likability. From being overly self-focused or inauthentic, to lacking emotional presence or coming across as rigid, he explains why these habits can hold you back as a speaker.

Authenticity Over Perfection

One of the big takeaways from this episode is that you don’t need to win everyone over. In fact, trying to please everyone is a losing game. Instead, focus on showing up as someone who’s trustworthy, warm, and competent. Likability can’t make up for a bad talk, but it can turn a good one into something unforgettable.

Wrapping Up & What’s Next

John closes the episode by encouraging you to be the speaker people want to work with and invite back. If you found this valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the links in the show notes for free tools to help you build ethical influence. And stay tuned—the next episode will explore another of Cialdini’s heavy hitters: reciprocity.

Thanks for listening! Until next time, stay present, stay likeable, and stay influential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Liking

00:38 Exploring Cialdini's Principle of Liking

01:50 Personal Journey: Building Connections

04:13 Ethical Application of Liking

05:52 Practical Tips for Speakers

07:31 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

10:58 Conclusion: Elevate Your Speaking Game

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email

Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

In this episode, we debunk the widely spread myth that only 7% of communication is through words, while the remaining 93% is through tone and facial expressions. The host explains the origins of this misconception from Albert Mehrabian's research on emotional communication. The video clarifies that the 7% figure pertains to how we interpret emotions, not overall communication. Words remain crucial, comprising the majority of communication, while tone and expressions add depth and emotional context. Listeners are encouraged to challenge and help stop the propagation of this myth.

00:00 Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

00:52 Origins of the Myth: Albert Mehrabian's Study

01:43 Understanding Emotional Intent in Communication

02:21 The Role of Words, Tone, and Facial Expressions

03:29 Clarifying the Misconception

04:14 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Words

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mentioned in this episode:

New PI mid-roll

Embracing the Nomadic Mindset: Presence and Connection on Stage

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the nomadic mindset with international speaker and author Kevin Cottam. They explore how ancient nomadic wisdom can enhance modern speakers' adaptability, presence, and connection with their audiences. Through stories from Mongolia to Morocco, Kevin shares insights on the importance of unity, flow, and curiosity for effective communication. This philosophical conversation encourages speakers to transcend traditional methods, fostering deeper and more meaningful engagement with their audiences.

What does a nomadic warrior know about stage presence that most speakers never learn?

In this powerful and philosophical episode, I’m joined by Kevin Cottam, international speaker, former world-class choreographer, and author of The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long.

Together, we explore how ancient nomadic wisdom, drawn from cultures in Mongolia, Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia, can help modern speakers develop deeper presence, authentic connection, and resonant leadership.

💡 Discover how presence is more than just performance; it’s unity with your space, your audience, and yourself.

🔍 Topics we explore:

• The surprising meaning of the word “nomad”

• How speakers can ground themselves through breath, silence, and space

• What stillness, curiosity, and adaptability have to do with your stagecraft

• Why sameness kills growth—and how to rediscover flow

Whether you're a keynote speaker, coach, or creative leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to speak with more depth, awareness, and humanity.

🎁 Free Resource from Kevin:

Join The Nomadic Mindset Awakening – a free 6-part masterclass

📖 Get Kevin’s Book: The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long

🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cottam

00:00 Introduction to Nomadic Mindset

00:15 Meet Kevin Cottam: From Choreographer to Speaker

01:34 Exploring Presence and Unity

02:06 Lessons from Nomadic Cultures

03:39 The Importance of Connection in Speaking

06:55 Adapting and Growing as a Speaker

17:01 Understanding the Nomadic Mindset

25:06 Applying Nomadic Principles to Life

28:39 Practical Steps to Embrace Nomadic Thinking

32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.