Finding Clarity: Narrowing Focus for Greater Success

SUMMARY

In this episode, the host talks about the importance of clarity and shares personal insights on overcoming mental fog and distractions. The host discusses the challenges of juggling multiple goals and projects, emphasising the need to focus on what truly matters. The episode highlights the decision to narrow focus on speaking engagements and corporate comedy, leaving other pursuits on hold. A more intimate, heart-to-heart discussion is presented, aiming to provide listeners with valuable takeaways on simplifying their professional endeavours. The host also invites listeners to reach out for support and clarity, sharing details about future podcast plans and upcoming interviews.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 Struggles with Mental Fog and Clarity

00:53 The Challenge of Chasing Too Many Goals

02:13 The Importance of Simplifying and Focusing

04:48 Decisions About the Podcast and Future Plans

06:02 Realisations from Performance and Speaking

09:35 The Need for Focus and Letting Go

11:50 Commitment to Stage Domination

19:29 Support and Encouragement

21:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Authenticity and Connection: Transforming Public Speaking with Marianne Hickman

SUMMARY

In this episode of Present Influence, host John welcomes Marianne Hickman to discuss the importance of authenticity, connection, and ethical speaking in public presentations. They explore issues such as trauma dumping, the power of telling stories from scars, and why confidence without competence can be detrimental. Marianne emphasises the sacredness of the microphone and shares insights on the 'Utah bro' archetype and the Dunning-Kruger effect. The conversation also delves into how humour, open mics, and even onstage mishaps can enhance teaching and engagement. They advocate for continuous learning and maintaining a 'white belt' mentality as they navigate public speaking and personal growth.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Cutting Through Stage Fakery: Real Influence You Can Trust

00:55 Welcome to Present Influence: Live with Marianne Hickman

02:13 The Sacredness of the Microphone: Stories from Scars, Not Wounds

04:46 The Utah Bro Archetype and the Dangers of Manipulation

10:20 The Power of Humour and Authenticity in Public Speaking

11:45 Embracing Comedy: Lessons from Mr Rogers and Robin Williams

20:39 The Yes, And Principle: Turning Mishaps into Moments

28:32 Taking the Pressure Off: Embracing Imperfection

29:55 Facing High-Stakes Situations with Confidence

32:48 Finding Your People: The Importance of Authenticity

38:26 The Role of Confidence in Influence

41:46 The Lifelong Student: Embracing Humility

49:14 The Power of Confidence: A Personal Story

52:16 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

The Importance of Humour and My Journey into Stand-Up Comedy

SUMMARY

In this bonus episode, the host shares updates about the show and discusses the vital role of humour in professional speaking. He talks about his personal journey into stand-up comedy, highlighting the challenges and rewards of performing at open-mic nights. The episode includes a recording of one of his recent comedy sets, where he reminisces about school experiences, the challenges of PE, and the humour he found in those moments. Additionally, the host emphasises the need for mental resilience in the face of criticism and encourages the audience to pursue their comedic endeavours.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Bonus Episode

00:28 The Importance of Humour in Public Speaking

01:25 Overcoming the Fear of Open Mic Nights

02:32 My Experience with Open Mic Comedy

03:32 The Joy and Challenges of Making People Laugh

07:06 Dealing with Online Criticism

09:36 Transition to the Comedy Set

10:11 Stand-Up Comedy Performance

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Addressing the Trust Deficit in the Personal and Professional Development Industry

SUMMARY

In this episode, the host discusses the growing trust deficit within the speaking, coaching, and personal development industries. Highlighting issues such as overpromised transformation, shallow certifications, and unethical practices, the host shares thoughts on how to identify and avoid contributing to the problem. They offer practical steps for rebuilding trust, emphasising the importance of ethics, integrity, and realistic promises. The episode also serves as a precursor to an interview with Marianne Hickman, a fellow expert in communication skills, set to release later in the week.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:14 The Trust Deficit in Personal Development

02:01 Personal Scepticism and Industry Critique

04:05 The Problem with the Coaching Industry

06:16 Rebuilding Credibility and Ethical Practices

10:12 Guidelines for Ethical Coaching

12:03 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Present Influence: A New Direction for Deeper, More Valuable Conversations

SUMMARY

In this pivotal episode, the host addresses long-time listeners and newcomers with a sincere update about the future of 'Present Influence.' Recognising that previous episodes had sometimes lacked depth and value, the host announces a shift towards higher-quality content. Moving forward, there will be fewer, but more substantial interviews, with a focus on deep, practical conversations. Additionally, the host aims to infuse solo episodes with valuable insights, coaching sessions, and even some comedy. This episode sets the stage for a leaner, more impactful 'Present Influence,' designed to enhance listeners' growth as communicators and people of influence.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:22 Realisation and Reset

01:33 Challenges and Reflections

04:32 Decisions for Improvement

07:18 Future Plans and Engagement

08:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Navigating Fear and Anxiety: Practical Steps for Growth and Resilience

SUMMARY

There are many fears that can hold people back in their journey to becoming amazing speakers and communicators. In this episode, John and coaching colleague James discuss how fear can be used as useful feedback rather than a stop sign. They explore lingering pandemic-related anxieties, physical manifestations of stress, and common fears such as failure or societal pressures. Together, they offer practical techniques for reframing fear into usable energy and taking small, safe steps towards a supportive environment. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of action, even small ones, to overcome fear and progress in personal growth and self-actualisation. They also touch on the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and environments. Both coaches share their personal experiences and offer support for listeners dealing with similar fears, providing valuable insights into how to transform fear into a force for personal development and success.

You can reach out to John from the info below, and if you would like to connect with James, you can email him at jameskilgarriff@gmail.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Fear as Feedback

00:07 Navigating Pandemic-Induced Fears

01:53 Personal Experiences with Fear and Anxiety

05:46 The Evolutionary Perspective on Fear

11:57 Reframing Fear: From Nerves to Excitement

16:07 The Importance of Embracing Change

21:36 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

22:21 Overcoming Failure and Self-Doubt

23:50 The Importance of Feedback

26:18 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People

30:52 Managing Fear and Stress

32:01 Taking Action to Overcome Fear

36:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Mastering Negotiation: From Hostage Tactics to Everyday Deals with Susan Ibitz

SUMMARY

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Susan Ibitz, an expert in international hostage negotiation, interrogation, and behavioural analysis, about applying real hostage negotiation strategies to everyday situations. Susan shares practical tactics for establishing instant rapport, navigating irrational behaviour, and negotiating without scripts. She discusses the balance of warmth and assertiveness in communication and the importance of understanding both your own and others' irrational behaviours. The episode also highlights the value of strategic negotiation in various contexts, from personal relationships to high-stakes business deals, and encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves to find their true tribe.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Hostage Negotiation Techniques

01:51 Meet Susan Ibitz: Hostage Negotiator and Behavioural Analyst

02:24 The Importance of Authenticity and Finding Your Tribe

03:25 Susan's Journey: From Personal Struggles to Professional Success

08:53 Communication Techniques for Building Rapport

13:21 Understanding and Managing Irrational Behaviour

32:46 Reflecting on Fashion Choices

34:01 The Challenges of Public Speaking

35:07 Introverts vs. Extroverts in Public Speaking

40:57 Finding Your Happy Place

42:46 The Importance of Negotiation

52:48 Overcoming Obstacles for Personal Growth

01:01:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.

Building Genuine Credibility: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Manufactured Status

SUMMARY

In this episode of 'Present Influence,' host John Ball discusses the difference between genuine credibility and manufactured status for speakers, coaches, and expert business owners. He warns against the allure of fake status symbols like rented Lamborghinis and pay-to-play magazine features, emphasising the importance of authenticity and ethical authority. John shares a three-point credibility test to help listeners audit their own credibility signals, ensuring they are earned, relevant, and verifiable. He also highlights the role of passion, honesty, and real-life testimonials in building sustainable influence. The episode ends with a challenge to audit and share a credibility marker you're proud of.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: The Real Threat to Your Credibility

01:10 Understanding Credibility: Ethos and Authority

02:08 The Pitfalls of Manufactured Status

03:00 Ethics and Manipulation in Influence

06:19 The Power of Authentic Stories

08:26 The Three-Point Credibility Test

11:59 Building Genuine Credibility

17:56 Conclusion: Your Challenge for the Week

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

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.