Mic Drop Mindset

Faith Based versus Secular Speaking: How to Choose your Best Audience Host Jennspingo coaches speaker and burnout strategist Michelle Von Ruden on how to navigate speaking in both Christian and secular contexts without limiting opportunities.  Michelle worries meeting planners may avoid her if they see faith-based content, especially as she rebrands her website and grows her faith-focused podcast,...

Speaking Business Models: Pay-to-Play, Keynotes, Visibility, Competitions, Corporate Training, and Hosting Events, oh my! The episode of Mic Drop Mindset breaks down major speaking business models and how to choose a fit. Jenn Espinosa-Goswami reflects on early, unprofitable experiences relying on Facebook groups and virtual summits, then explains 6 different speaking business models to consider o...

Worst Public Speaking Advice Ever (And What to Do Instead) The episode reviews the worst public speaking advice that Jenn has heard and offers alternatives: don’t wait to perfect a fully written, filmed speech before seeking gigs because events book 6–8 months out and perfectionism can stall opportunities; avoid opening with a joke or forced audience-energy questions like “How are you today?”; rej...

How to Answer “What’s Your Speaking Fee?” and Get Paid What You’re Worth The episode explains how speakers can confidently answer “What’s your speaking fee?” and avoid blurting out an unaligned number by using three approaches: replacement cost, honorarium/starter fee, and the “budge or barter” method to avoid.  For replacement cost, speakers (especially coaches/consultants) can base fees on their...

How to Know You’re Speaker Bureau Ready: Fees, Materials, Reputation, and Consistency The episode explains why speakers shouldn’t approach a speakers bureau until they’re “bureau ready,” noting bureaus typically want speakers already booking plenty of work and consistently earning about $7,500–$12,500 per talk, and that some speakers sign with bureaus yet book nothing.  Jenn outlines key readiness...

Find Your Authentic Speaking Style: From Formal to Facilitator This episode explores how a speaker’s authenticity is connected to their unique speaking style and how to identify it. It suggests starting with outward cues like stage wardrobe (formal vs. informal) and aligning dress with language and delivery to avoid disconnects.  Jenn outlines four core speaker personas—informative (data-driven),...

How to Get Useful Speaking Feedback: From Worst to Best Sources Jenn explains why speakers should actively solicit feedback to iterate on their talks, improve performance, and earn rebookings and referrals. She contrasts helpful feedback with a negative experience watching a competitor’s webinar where a volunteer speaker was repeatedly interrupted and bluntly criticized in front of hundreds, advoc...

How to Write an Expert Speaker Biography (Without Imposter Syndrome) Jenn explains how to develop an expert speaker biography by first giving yourself permission to be an expert, even if you work adjacent to a credentialed industry and feel imposter syndrome.  She recommends reviewing and editing existing bios (website About Me page or social profiles) to ensure they clearly state who you are, wha...

Finding a Call to Action That Feels Authentic for Keynote Speakers On Mic Drop Mindset, Jenn coaches keynote speaker and bestselling author Steve Fredlund, a former actuary, on how to include a call to action without feeling like he’s “selling from the stage” or shifting the spotlight onto himself.  Steve shares discomfort with QR codes, newsletters, and book pitches, partly driven by sensitivity...

Write a Signature Talk Outline without Memorizing the Whole Thing! In this episode of Mic Drop Mindset, Jenn challenges listeners to write a business speech in 15 minutes by using a practical framework rather than traditional school speech rules.  She defines a business presentation as any talk that leads to a program or service and says the framework works for formats from short breakouts to half...

In this Mic Drop Mindset episode on presentation skills, speaking coach Jenn coaches client Jamie Ryan. Jamie shares her signature talk, “Swag to Swagger” (SWAG: Scientific Wild Ass Guess), using a Toyota Supra break-in metaphor and a COVID test company example to show how founders can overfocus on “cool tech” without proving differentiation and value. She advises doing competitor landscape analys...

Rehearse Like a $10,000 Speaker: The 7-Step Process for Confident, Professional Talks The episode explains how to rehearse like a “$10,000 speaker,” emphasizing that rehearsal effort should be consistent whether a talk is paid or free because every stage builds reputation, from small unpaid events and podcasts to larger engagements.  Jenn discusses speaking fees as an ideal number and notes advice...

Mic Drop Mindset introduces a new episode format featuring live, on-camera coaching, welcoming Dr. Theresa B. Skaar (Dr. T), a social psychologist and mindfulness-based workplace facilitator who helps high-stress, helping professionals reduce burnout and improve communication.  Dr. T delivers a brief talk on mindful listening, defining mindfulness as paying attention on purpose in the present mome...

In this interactive episode of Mic Drop Mindset , host Jenn Espinosa-Goswami welcomes a special guest into the studio for a live mini coaching session. Joined by virtual mindset decluttering coach Michelle Hoff, listeners get an inside look at how to refine a speaking message for both impact and business growth. Michelle shares her unique A.L.I.G.N. Method™ and introduces her “team decluttering” a...

In this episode, Jenn shares some of the lessons she learned in the beginning of her speaking business, before she knew the myths and realities of the industry. The difference between a signature speech and a program, and why this makes the biggest difference between being a motivational speaker and a professional who gets paid. Different types of speaking format- from keynote to fireside chat, an...

How do you know if you're a good speaker? In this episode, Jenn shares how to become a better professional speaker using the 3 E's. Most speakers are strong in one of these, and neglect the other 2.  She also shares a free guide to self-assess how well you include all of the 3 E's. Which E are you strongest in as a speaker, and which E would you like to improve upon? Great speakers...

How do you choose your signature speech? If you listen to Episode 2, you heard how Jenn started with her signature story. Today, let's talk about why it's important to stop telling stories and start delivering speeches that matter. First, you look at your speaking topic(s).  Then, you determine the relevance of your speech through the lens of UVP. Mindset tip: you may be asking the wrong...

In this episode, Jenn shares why she decided to host a podcast after years of podcast guesting and speaking on stages. She also shares the importance of Mic Drop Moments, what mindset means to her when it comes to speaking, and the first and last Mic Drop Moments (MDM) she's experienced while on stage. Want to share your own MDM? Comment on this episode. Have a question or suggestion for a fu...

The number one question people ask me is, "Jenn, how did you start speaking?" Today's episode is gonna be about how my speaking journey began. My hope is that you'll hear some insights there that will help you begin your own speaking journey.  From being bullied at school To emergency surgery one week before junior prom To losing a family member who showed me how to be a strong...

Welcome to Mic Drop Mindset, hosted by Jenn Espinosa-Goswami (jennspingo). This podcast is for entrepreneurs and professional speakers who want to turn their message into a movement. Listen in for biweekly episodes on mindset and mechanics to grow your speaking brand. This show is especially for those who aren't your typical keynote speakers, this includes multiracial women, BIPOC friends, th...