Start a Speech like a Pro. Killer Intros that work. Nail your Speech with these pro Intros. You've got about 7 seconds before your audience decides whether you're worth listening to. How to craft a killer introduction that grabs attention, builds authority, and sets the stage for an unforgettable speech? Most speakers open with housekeeping, an agenda, or an apology, and lose the room before they've said anything that matters. In this video I break down the 5 habits killing your openings, then give you 6 proven ways to start a speech so that the audience leans in instead of checking out. TAKEAWAYS: ✅ The Top 5 mistakes most speakers make at the start ✅ How to hook your audience in seconds ✅ Simple yet powerful opening techniques used by professionals Whether you're speaking at a conference, pitching in a boardroom, or just trying to hold a room's attention on Zoom, these are the techniques I use with my own coaching clients to help them command a room from word one.

How to Start a Podcast That Actually Grows Your Business🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡Thinking about starting a podcast for your business, but still waiting for the perfect idea, equipment or moment to begin?In this episode of Speak & Serve, I’m joined by podcasting expert Mike Roberts from Making Digital Real to explore how you can start a podcast, build trust with your audience and use the power of your voice to grow your business.And here’s the important bit: you don’t need thousands of listeners.Mike shares how one listener to a niche podcast went on to become one of the host’s biggest clients. Because successful business podcasting isn’t necessarily about going viral. It’s about being heard by the right people.We discuss:• How to start a podcast without expensive equipment• Why voice is so powerful for building trust• The simplest podcast setup for beginners• How to find podcast topics your audience will care about• The ideal length and frequency for a business podcast• How podcasting creates evergreen content• Using AI for podcast ideas without allowing AI to replace your personality• Podcast SEO and getting your show found• Why downloads and views aren’t the only measures of success• How podcasting can support your sales and personal brand• How private podcasts can become lead magnets, audio courses and even new revenue opportunitiesIf starting a podcast has been sitting on your to-do list for months, Mike’s message is refreshingly simple: stop chasing perfection and start recording.You don’t need to be Steven Bartlett. You don’t need a £500 microphone. You don’t need thousands of listeners. You just need to start.Find out more about Mike Roberts and Making Digital Real:www.makingdigitalreal.co.ukIf you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to Speak & Serve and tell me in the comments: what’s stopping you from starting your podcast?

✅Simple Habit That Rewires Your Mindset for Confidence🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷We all have a default setting. The same route, the same routine, the same replies. In this episode, I share one small habit shift (as simple as turning left instead of right on an evening walk) that opened up a completely new way of thinking about confidence, curiosity, and communication.🔷I also break down a real coaching example: why picking up the phone beats another follow-up email, and how one direct question can get you the answer you've been chasing for weeks.🔷What you'll learn in this video:🔷The simple habit that breaks you out of autopilot thinking🔷Why curiosity and not confidence is often the real starting point🔷How repeating the same patterns quietly limits your growth🔷A real client example: turning silence into a decision with one phone call🔷Why "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take" applies to your next conversation, pitch, or stage🔷If this resonated, subscribe for more on public speaking, confident communication, and mindset for leaders, founders, and sales teams.🔷More from Speak & Serve:🔷Website: www.speaktoserveandsell.co.uk 🔷LinkedIn: 👉 / chris--wilson 🔷Work with me: cbris@speaktoserveandsell.co.uk

How to WIN at Public Speaking | UK & Ireland Toastmasters Champion Aaron Day. What does it take to win a national public speaking competition, and then prepare for the world stage?In this episode, Chris sits down with Aaron Day, UK & Ireland Toastmasters International Public Speaking Champion, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and audience-first philosophy that took him from being heckled by a teenager in a school assembly to delivering one of the most emotionally powerful speeches on the national circuit.Aaron shares the deeply personal story behind his winning speech The Cushion. Thus was written to honour his mum Brenda's breast cancer diagnosis and the remarkable community that rallied around her. It's a masterclass in why the best speeches don't come from ego, they come from service.In this conversation you'll discover:• Why words are fragile but intentions are solid and how to use that when nerves strike• The "know your audience" lesson Aaron learned the hard way in front of 250 teenagers• How to find stories worth telling (even if your life feels ordinary)• What imposter syndrome really sounds like, and how to silence it• Why public speaking is a gift economy, not a performanceWhether you're preparing for your first talk or your hundredth, this episode will shift how you think about the moment before you open your mouth.🔗 Find Aaron at aaronday.co.uk🔗 Toastmasters International: toastmasters.org🔗 Jess Ekstrom's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/MT2q1YKZQPE?si=dB9PWzlkt8G84jFE________________________________________#PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Toastmasters #SpeakAndServe #Storytelling #OvercomingFear #AuthenticSpeaking #LeadershipCommunication

✅How to Reduce Anxiety Fast: 5 Science-Backed Methods🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷5 Proven ways to Reduce Anxiety. This episode explores five effective tactics to reduce anxiety, emphasizing practical, free methods like social connection, sleep, meditation, exercise, and therapy. You will get actionable tips and personal insights to help manage anxiety and improve mental well-being.🔷These are practical tactics pulled from psychology research, neuroscience conversations, therapy principles, and real-world experience coaching people in communication and confidence.🔷Inside the video:🔷 Why social connection matters more than most people realise🔷 The hidden relationship between sleep and anxiety🔷 A simple approach to meditation that actually feels achievable🔷 Why exercise changes your mental state faster than motivation🔷When therapy becomes the right next step🔷 The uncomfortable truth about alcohol and anxiety🔷How your internal language shapes confidence and emotional response🔷If you want to communicate more confidently, think more clearly under pressure, and stop feeling controlled by anxious thinking, this video will help.🔷Subscribe for weekly content on:Communication skillsPublic speakingConfidenceMindsetLeadershipInfluencePersonal growth🔷Chapters00:00: Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact02:22: Top Strategies for Reducing Anxiety04:46: The Role of Sleep in Anxiety Management07:00: Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques08:18: The Importance of Exercise🔷Links:• Zoe Podcast on Sleep 👉https://open.spotify.com/episode/5V3t23sxtcZFDtbYPUAsBP?si=dc070603f3a343b0• Toastmasters International 👉https://toastmasters.org/find-a-club

How to make Stage Fright your Superpower. In this engaging interview with Suzi Payton, she shares her journey as a neurodiversity advocate, her techniques for confident speaking, and how improv can enhance communication skills.

Suzi Payton is a speaker, author, comedian, and confidence coach on a mission to improve the world for neurodivergent folks.

She uses her passion, comedy skills, and lived experience as an AuDHDer to challenge outdated perceptions of neurodivergence and spark real change.

Suzi also lives with Tourette’s and OCD, and brings all of that into her work with honesty, humour, and heart.Discover practical tips for inclusive leadership, managing stage fright, and embracing neurodivergent strengths.

Sound Bites

"Be mindful of idioms and language.""

Small steps lead to big change."

"Joy is the purpose of life."

Chapters

02:45: Embracing Neurodiversity: Suzi's Mission

05:38: The Impact of Diagnosis on Self-Understanding

08:16: Transforming Challenges into Strengths

10:52: The Art of Speaking: Techniques and Tips

16:08: Finding Humour in Everyday Life

33:23: Improv Techniques for Presence and Engagement

45:23: The Three Golden Rules of Improv

48:52: Common Speaking Pitfalls to Avoid

52:53: Habits for a Healthy and Joyful Life

Her approach is playful, empowering, and rooted in the belief that confidence isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about trusting who you are.

Suzi has created and regularly hosts an inclusive event called ADHD The Experience, which is by and for neurodivergent folks. This event seamlessly blends comedy with educational talks, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that has been well-received by the neurodivergent community.

Suzi has recently co-authored a book: Lost & Now Found: A guide to understanding and accepting yourself for late-discovered autistic adults with Kate Laine-Toner, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

Links:

www.suzipayton.comhttps://

www.linkedin.com/in/suzi-payton-a9b68b25/https://

www.youtube.com/@suzipaytonhttps://

www.instagram.com/suzipayton_audhdspeaker.comedy/

🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷This session dives into the world of improv comedy, where handling pressure is key to a successful improv show. We explore how quick decision making and adaptability contribute to personal development, much like in a motivational video. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing spontaneity, whether on stage or in life. What are your thoughts on navigating pressure?

How to create an AI friendly website for your Personal Brand. In this episode for communication and speaking with Jude Wharton, we answer a question many speakers, coaches, and business owners are asking right now.👉 I want to know how to build my personal brand, this is for you👉 You want more speaking gigs, leads, or clients, this is for you…👉 Or if you’ve been “meaning to sort your website out” for months…this conversation will challenge your thinking.🔍 What You’ll Learn:• Why a website is still critical for your personal brand in 2026 • The biggest mistakes people make (and how they cost you leads) • Why AI-built websites often fail to convert • The 3 must-haves every high-performing website needs • The real role of your website in a world of LinkedIn & AI search • How speakers should structure their site to get booked more often • Simple ways to turn your website into a lead-generating machine 🎤 For Speakers & Personal Brands:If your goal is to:• Get booked for speaking gigs • Build authority in your space • Turn attention into opportunity Your website isn’t just a “nice to have”… it’s your conversion engine.🔗 Resources Mentioned:• Ready Steady Websites: https://readysteadywebsites.com • Speaker Website Checklist https://readysteadywebsites.com/speakerchecklist/• The 11 Point Website Checklist: https://readysteadywebsites.com/websitechecklist/Sound Bites 🎤"Your website is never finished, it’s always evolving.""Don’t just tell your story, show what you do.""Content is king, but consistency is queen."Chapters00:00:The Relevance of Websites in 202606:17: Common Mistakes in Website Creation09:15: The Impact of AI on Website Design12:51: Essential Elements of a Successful Website16:59: Call to Action for Speakers18:27: Website Checklists for Improvement21:18: Providing Value Through Content22:58: Overcoming Perfectionism in Website Launches24:52: 2026 Marketing Strategies: Building Presence and Authority29:23: Content Creation: Efficiency and Repurposing Strategies32:36: The Debate: Outsourcing vs. Personal Branding35:40: Search Everywhere Optimization: Adapting to AI Trends40:03: DIY vs. Professional Websites: Making the Right Choice42:12: Upcoming Speaker Summit: Empowering Speakers46:25: Website Maintenance: Keeping Your Online Presence Fresh49:09: Life Balance: Key Takeaways for Well-being💬 Final Thought:You don’t need a perfect website.But you do need one that works.If this helped, subscribe for more on communication, influence, and building a personal brand that converts and join the Speak and Serve Community https://www.skool.com/speakandserve/about#PersonalBrand #PublicSpeaking #WebsiteDesign #LeadGeneration #CommunicationSkills #SpeakAndServe

Find Joy from Chaos, the late April fool!

🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷Find Joy from Chaos🔷Someone got the April Fool memo a day late...🔷There's a phrase, when Life Gives you Lemons, make Lemonade.🔷And this was true yesterday, on my morning run route.🔷Normally, dodging cars as they rush up to the forest to walk their dogs.🔷But yesterday, calm, serene, solitude.🔷And boy, did I take advantage. 🏃‍♂️💨🔷There's been a lot going on in the last few weeks, and still some 💩 storms ahead.🔷This Easter, I hope you get an opportunity to make Lemonade.🔷Me, the plan is to walk the Gritstone Trail.🔷What's on your agenda?