Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.

Mastering Influence From The Stage: Insights from Professional Mentalist Keith Kong Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews professional mentalist Keith Kong about the psychology of influence and mentalism. Keith shares insights on how to engage audiences, the planning process for his shows, and the subtle techniques he uses to gauge and influence his audience. He a...

Exploring Outdoor Education and Mental Health through Public Speaking Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John is introducing a new coaching session segment with Julia Packwood, Who was brave enough to raise her hand when I made the offer on LinkedIn. Julia is an emerging professional speaker focused on outdoor education and child development. Julia shares elements from her teaching back...

Harnessing Ethical Persuasion and Influence with Dr. Thomas Trautmann Summary This episode of 'Present Influence' features John Ball's conversation with Dr. Thomas Trautmann, an expert in AI, neuroscience, and neuro-marketing. They delve into the significance of ethical persuasion and influence in sales and marketing, differentiating it from manipulation. Dr. Trautmann explains how ethical persuas...

Essential AI Tools for Speakers and Coaches: Enhance Your Content Creation Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores various AI tools that can significantly benefit speakers, coaches, and consultants. He discusses tools such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, Grammarly, Canva, Descript, Riverside, and Adobe Enhance, sharing his experiences and recommendations on how the...

Managing Digital Overwhelm in the Workplace with Craig Mattson Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Craig Mattson about his research on digital overwhelm and work culture. The conversation then delves into the digital overload experienced due to rapid technological advancements and how it impacts professionals. Craig shares his findings on how people, particularl...

Mastering Visual Storytelling: PowerPoint Tips from Oreet Kaufman Summary: In this episode of 'Present Influence', host John Ball is joined by Oreet Kaufman, an expert in presentation design, to discuss the importance of clear and visually appealing presentations. They talk about the concept of 'word dieting' to eliminate clutter and improve communication effectiveness. Oreet shares practical tips...

Embracing Challenges: The Power of Stage Time and Scary Stuff Summary In this episode host John Ball discusses the importance of embracing challenging experiences to grow as a speaker and communicator. He shares insights from his recent stage time experiences, including participating in an open mic comedy night and a storytelling event. Inspired by a conversation with Judy Carter, a professional c...

Mastering Focus and Rehearsal with Keynote Speaker Greg Bennick Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the importance of focus and consistency for speakers with professional keynote speaker and TEDx coach Greg Bennick. Greg shares his extensive experience speaking since age 13 and underscores how crucial rehearsal and preparation are for effective communication. He...

Confronting Professional Fears to Enhance Communication Skills Summary In this episode of 'Present Influence,' host John Ball explores the concept of tackling fears to grow professionally as speakers and communicators. Reflecting on a conversation with Judy Carter, John discusses the importance of doing the things that scare us, such as participating in open mic nights and storytelling events, to...

Becoming an Authoritative Coach and Speaker with Chris Marr Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John interviews Chris Marr, author of the book Become An Authoritative Coach, to discuss the importance of owning authority in coaching and public speaking. They explore themes like the struggle with people-pleasing, developing a unique brand, and the distinction between confidence and ar...

Embracing Humour and Preparing for Standup: The Journey to Episode 200 Summary Host John Ball is excited about the upcoming 200th episode, which will feature an interview with Chris Marr. He also gives an update about his recent solo venture, which was inspired by a previous episode with Judy Carter. John discusses the importance of humour in presentations and his leap into stand-up comedy, includ...

Unlocking the Secrets to Being Funny: A Conversation with Comedy Coach Judy Carter Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball interviews Judy Carter, renowned comedy coach and author of 'The New Comedy Bible' and 'The Message of You'. They discuss the possibility of learning to be funny, the importance of humour for professional speakers, and Judy's journey in comedy. As Judy sha...

Competitors or Collaborators? A Mindset Shift for Greater Professional Success Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores the often daunting topic of competitors within the industry. He shares his personal mindset shift from viewing peers strictly as competitors to seeing them as potential collaborators. John recounts his experiences from podcasting, both as a host and g...

Mastering Visual Storytelling for Your Brand with John Demato Summary In this episode of 'Present Influence,' John delves into the art of visual storytelling with expert photographer John Demato. They discuss how images and photos on websites and social channels contribute to brand identity, moving beyond superficial appearances. John Demato provides valuable insights on creating strategic, intent...

Turning Insecurities into Presentation Superpowers Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John Ball, a keynote coach and professional speaker, addresses common insecurities that many speakers, coaches, and communicators face. He discusses how these insecurities, whether related to appearance, voice, or personal history, can impact professional delivery. John emphasizes the importance of own...

Mastering Visual Storytelling with PowerPoint: Tips from Emily Schneider Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John is joined by Emily Schneider, a visual storyteller specializing in PowerPoint design. Emily shares insights into creating high-quality presentations that enhance professional credibility. She discusses the importance of visual storytelling, and common pitfalls in PowerPoint u...

The Power of Rituals for Optimal Performance Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball explores the impact of rituals on presentation performance, inspired by David Robson's book, The Expectation Effect. John delves into the significance of setting positive expectations through rituals to achieve better outcomes. He shares his own pre-speaking routine and emphasizes the psycholo...

High-Stakes Performance and Resilience with Brian Hite Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John Ball interviews Brian Hite, an expert in high-stakes performance and resilience. Brian shares strategies that have helped him and others, including working with the U.S. Army and performing professional stunts. The discussion covers how to stay motivated and in flow, dealing with uncertainty,...

Overcoming Obstacles to Success: Avoiding Common Pitfalls for Coaches and Speakers Summary In this solo episode of Present Influence, John, despite battling the flu, shares insights and personal experiences on overcoming common obstacles to success. He emphasises issues such as taking on too many unimportant tasks, the fallacy of busywork, and the importance of niching down as a coach or speaker....

Summary First, a quick apology that this week's episode is later than usual. I've been under the weather this week but I was so excited to talk with Cam Beaudoin that I've pushed through to share it with you. Cam is a professional speaker and demo reel specialist. We dove deep into why a demo reel is absolutely essential for any speaker looking to make a real impact and make money. I know how cruc...

Mastering the Art of Negotiating High Speaking Fees Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John discusses the journey from low speaking fees to commanding $10,000 or more per event. He shares a firsthand account of a client's successful negotiation, insights on building confidence, and tips on perfecting keynotes to justify higher fees. John emphasises the importance of flawless delivery, a...

Harnessing Humor in Marketing: An Interview with Adam Hunt of White Label Comedy Summary In this episode of 'Present Influence,' host John Ball is joined by Adam Hunt from White Label Comedy to discuss the power of humour in marketing. Adam shares how humour can serve as a unique tool to help brands stand out amidst the clutter of social media. They delve into the inception of Adam's company, the...

The Courage to Break Through: Insights on Influence and Overcoming Self-Doubt Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John reflects on his recent interview with Lida Citroen and delves deeper into the theme of courage. He underscores the importance of courage in breaking through self-doubt and achieving success and emphasizes how overthinking and lack of action often hold individuals back. J...

The New Rules of Influence with Lida Citroen Summary In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball sits down with Lida Citroen, author of 'The New Rules of Influence, How to Authentically Build Trust, Drive Change, and Make an Impact.' They discuss the 10 essential elements to truly becoming influential, without the need for executive presence or gravitas. Lida emphasizes the importance of...

Building Trust and Influence in Speaking & Coaching: The Power of Podcasting Summary In this episode of Present Influence, John delves into the importance of trust for coaches, speakers, and communication professionals. He discusses how to become a trusted voice and guide for audiences, emphasizing the significant role podcasting plays in establishing trust in a low-trust economy. John shares...