The Speaker Lab With Grant Baldwin // Public Speaking / Motivational Speaking / Entrepreneurship

"How can I speak to the military?" is a question I am asked on a regular basis, and you will uncover the answer on today's episode!Our guest is Mike Domitrz, international speaker and founder of the Date Safe Project. In his role as founder and leader, Mike travels the world working with universities, military installations, corporations and organizations to create a culture of consent and respect.On episode 177, Mike tells us how his sister's experience led him to become a speaker which in turn led him to found the Date Safe Project. He also goes into detail on how to speak to the military, what you need to know about this unique niche, and also how he has kept his topic fresh and relevant both for himself and his audience for over 25 years! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why was timing a critical factor when he first started speaking?What is the key to finding the ideal conferences for your topic?What kept him going when times were really tough?How do you know you have a good business?What

Ever wonder how to speak to the education market? Are you interested in making a career out of touching the lives of students, teachers and the parents of students? If so you are in the right place!Joining us for this show is my friend, Scott Backovich, one of the leading speakers in the youth market. Scott may look young but he has plenty of experience and wisdom on this topic, and he shares it all with us today.On episode 176, we talk about about how he finds and books school assemblies and school leadership conferences, and who to contact at schools depending on the region of the school. He also explains how to transition from free speaking gigs to getting paid, and more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did he network and find other speakers to learn from early on in his career?Is being great on stage the best marketing strategy?Why isn't constant communication from a speaker a good thing?Where do you start if you want to speak to school audien

One of the most important things you can for your speaking career is to find out how to position yourself as an expert. And I could think of no one better to describe and demonstrate this topic than my good friend Chris Ducker.Chris is an internationally-recognized expert on all things personal branding. He's also a best-selling author, globe-trotting speaker, and successful business mentor. He knows more than a thing or two about standing out as an expert!On today's show, we're talking about his latest book, Rise of the Youpreneur as well as the origins of Chris's speaking career and his personal brand. He also explains why you should want to become someone's favorite and how to grow your personal brand beyond the stage. Listen to those great topics and more with me and Chris Ducker today on episode 175 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do you figure out who you serve and what problem you are solving?What is the Youpreneur self-awareness test?Why being different is better than

Should you ever speak for free or accept a lower fee? Today my co-host Melanie Deziel and I are answering both of those questions for you.We specifically talk about why money isn't the only reason to speak, and what the other benefits and non-monetary perks are which you can negotiate as a speaker.We'll also cover how to build your business beyond the stage, speak to build your credibility and your visibility, and give examples of when we've both been willing to speak for a reduced fee or even for free.Join us for those topics and more. And when you're done let us know if you like this co-host format on episode 174 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to know if the audience you're speaking to has the potential for spin-off business.What is pay to play and why should you watch out for it?How can you sell from the stage without being pushy?What travel perks can you negotiate?What should you do if an organization doesn't have a budget or cannot pay your fees?A free tool to fin

Inevitably you'll run into some issue before, during or right after you give a talk. Do you know how to prepare for when things go wrong as a speaker? Both my co-host and I do and that's what we're talking about on today's show.Our co-host Melanie Deziel is back for her 3rd segment: the blooper reel. On episode 173 we talk about how to respond to any number of potential scenarios and pitfalls as a speaker.You'll find out what to do if you are running late or having travel issues or if you are feeling sick. we'll discuss how to handle tech issues, if your time is cut short or if you have a difficult audience member.Today we'll pull open up the curtain to share our best and worst stories, buckle up and join us because there's plenty to learn on episode 173 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why to avoid traveling the day of your speaking engagement.How to think two steps ahead and always have a Plan B in place.How do you know if you should go on stage when you're sick?Why k

Once you've given your speech the next step often becomes how to get the most referrals and testimonials after you've given a speech. Today we're going to walk you through the best ways to do this.On episode 172 of The Speaker Lab, I'm joined by my co-host Melanie Deziel again. In case you missed our introduction of Melanie last week she's a successful speaker who came over from the corporate world after discovering her love of public speaking.Today she speaks and consults full-time and is also a coach for students in The Speaker Lab programs. As a former TSL alum she is the perfect person to help other budding speakers gain their chops.On this edition of the show we're covering what to do after your speech, how to request feedback, how to ask for testimonials, referrals, videos, pictures and other marketing materials you can use to promote yourself. Join us for insights on all of these topics and more today on The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What's the first thing you have to

One of the common questions I get asked is what you need to know before signing a contract. To answer this question we are joined by Melanie Deziel today. But unlike our usual format Melanie isn't a guest today, she's our first co-host!Melanie was a student who has gone through our training programs and has become one of our coaches. Before branching out on her own in the speaking world, Melanie worked in a corporate environment. She helped brands think more like journalists and tell better stories.She shifted into speaking when she realized how much she enjoyed the speaking gigs she was doing to represent her team. She took a course with The Speaker Lab and for the last two years she's been speaking and consulting full-time.To keep things interesting and extra fun, I invited Melanie to join me as a co-host for the next four weeks. Today we're talking about a common question we get at the speaker lab: what do I need to know before signing a contract? We'll dig into that answer today on this edition of The Spe

Because there is a right way and a wrong way to sell yourself, our guest is here to explain how to sell yourself with digital persuasion. Erin Gargan is a multi-entrepreneur who currently owns and operates an agency that specializes in social media for trade shows, conferences and events.One day a client of hers was in a panic: they were a week away from the opening of their event and one of their social media speakers had canceled. Erin offered to help her client by filling in. Her speech went so well several audience members approached her about speaking for them, and asked for her fee. And so began her journey into public speaking.Today on The Speaker Lab, Erin tells us who she primarily speaks to today, how to be different by focusing on others (rather than ourselves), and how to use the art of digital persuasion to create higher quality connections that serve others while also growing our own careers. Erin holds nothing back on this episode so be sure to join us and catch it all! THE FINER DETAILS O

To be comfortable with your imperfections may not be a speaking goal you've set for yourself but our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab shares how doing so has made an impact on his career and an even bigger impact on his audience.John Michael Morgan is a world-class coach, best-selling author and keynote speaker who has found just how powerful it is to be raw, vulnerable and real with his audiences. On this episode of The Speaker Lab he shares how he came to this discovery and how doing so helped him branch out from speaking on branding and marketing to also speaking about the power of mindset.You'll also hear John's story of what he learned from interrupting Seth Godin at breakfast and how to create a distinct speaking brand even if you have a common name. This is a fun and illuminating learning session on the 169th edition of The Speaker Lab with John Michael Morgan! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  If you have a common name how can you create a distinctive personal brand?How did he

If the true hallmark of a great speech is how many referrals it generates, how can you create the most referrals from your speeches? Our guest, Andrew Davis, knows exactly how to do it and he tells us on this episode of The Speaker Lab.In the process of becoming an international keynote speaker, Andrew has discovered how to consistently generate a high number of referrals every time he speaks to an audience.On episode 168 he explains how he does it, which industries and which events he focuses on and why and whether or not bigger events are the better events. Join us to hear that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How does he know he has given a great keynote speech?Does he ever recommend doing industry gigs for free?What is a kingpin conference?How can content production help you speak at national conferences?What is the audience influence pyramid?Is everyone facing similar problems, regardless of their niche?The three ways he evaluates new verticals,

Social media is part of our everyday lives, and it can be an effective business tool. But do you know how to use social media to land more gigs, while still being the real you? Our guest, Jon Acuff, does and he'll explain how in episode 167 of The Speaker Lab.When Jon isn't speaking or writing best-selling books, including his latest book Finish, he is actively sharing his work and his life on social media.Today we talk about how his social media platform and his online content have helped his business grow, plus the various strategies for each of his platforms. We also talk about how and why he learns about speaking from comedians, as well as the hows and whys of goal-setting for speakers. Join Jon and I as we explore these topics and more on the latest edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What's the fastest way to get feedback?How does he avoid becoming complacent with his success?How did he use soft pitches to land more gigs and work with a speakers bureau?W

Whether it's the start of a new year or not, it's your job to stay healthy. Your health should be a top priority for you as a speaker. Which begs the question: how to stay healthy when speaking on the road? It can be challenging and here to offer some practical solutions is Shawn Stevenson.Shawn knows all about speaking and staying healthy, he may be the healthiest person I know! I'm excited to share our conversation with you, we talk about his travel tips for eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting good, quality sleep.Today we also talk about the origins of his online business and how he transitioned into it from a brick and mortar location. You'll hear that story plus many fascinating insights into how the human body works and what keeps us healthy! Join us for episode 166 of The Speaker Lab with Shawn Stevenson.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do many of his speaking clients find him?How does he plan ahead so he can eat healthy meals while on the road?Does your metabolism slow

Do you know why and how to diversify your revenue streams? Our guest for today does and she's here to tell all. Dorie Clark is a marketing strategy consultant, executive coach, author and professional speaker who has 8 different revenue streams!Today she shares how she evolved her business to include speaking and diversified to have 8 different revenue streams. We also touch on how she's built those revenue streams over time, how she's positioned them to all feed into each other and how you as a speaker can find and create other revenue streams to add to your business.Whether you are just starting out or are a long-time veteran of the speaking world, you'll learn something new to enhance your speaking career in episode 165 of The Speaker Lab with Dorie Clark.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is Clark's Law of Professional Speaking?Why and how to raise your profile to help your keynote speaking career.The three key components to being seen as an authority and recognized expert.What type of conten

If you were creating your greatest competitive advantage what would it be? Our guest for today has discovered his and he's here to share what it is and how he found it.Vinh Giang is an international speaker and magician who is known for his ability to educate, entertain and enlighten his audiences. He joins me on this episode of The Speaker Lab to talk about the tireless dedication and work ethic needed to catapult him to such a high level of success.He also explains how his TEDx talk changed the trajectory of his career and how he leveraged it to grow and expand his business. We wrap up with how he uses magic in his presentations without being labeled as a magician and discuss why his demo video is so critical to his success.You'll hear all of that and more when you join us on episode 164 of The Speaker Lab with Vinh Giang.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is his greatest competitive advantage?What is the other language we all must learn to speak?How many years did he do gigs for free

The key to repeat business and staying booked solid is learning how to stay top of mind with potential clients. And one man who knows exactly how to do this is Brandon Edmonson of Premiere Speakers Bureau.Brandon is an agent with the bureau and in his role he books hundreds of gigs each year. He's gained a lot of insight in the process, all of which he shares today.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he finds and books engagements, how he stays top of mind with his potential clients as well as what common topics associations and companies are booking for and how you can position your material on those topics.We wrap up with a chat about what it's like working with celebrities, including a really great story of working with a late night talk show host! This is a fun and informative session with Brandon you won't want to miss so listen in to episode 163 of The Speaker Lab now.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why you need to have 3 actionable items for your audience.What is

If you want to know how to land 100 speaking gigs a year, or even a fraction of that number, you will love today's guest! Ty Bennett first found his passion for speaking and training when he and his brother built a $25 million a year direct sales business together. As part of growing that business, he did a lot of speaking and training for their sales teams.In 2010, he decided to make speaking his top priority after he published his first book. He sold his half of the business to his brother and focused solely on speaking and writing. Currently, he gives about 100 keynote speeches a year for corporations and associations.Today he joins us to share sound advice for speakers of every level, including the two most important aspects of ability, how to build a platform when starting from nothing and what his marketing efforts look like. Whether you're an up-and-coming speaker or established veteran you're going to learn so much from this episode 162 of The Speaker Lab with Ty Bennett! THE FINER DETAILS O

Learn how you can make money speaking to non-profits and why you shouldn't listen to all the myths you hear in the industry.Is it really true that non-profits don't have funds to pay for speakers? Or is it just a matter of finding out how to make money speaking to non-profits?Our guest today, Connie Albers, says it is the latter. Today she is debunking the myth that non-profits have no money for speakers, and sharing how to find the ones that do!Connie has been in the speaking world for many years, as both a speaker and as an event organizer. We'll talk about the lessons she's learned while working with everyone from Disney to churches.She will also explain the opportunities available for speakers wanting to reach the non-profit and faith-based markets. You're going to hear all of that and more on episode 161 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why should you go to your local Chamber of Commerce events?How to follow up after you attend those Chamber of Commerce events.Why does

Do you know what the best of the best do differently? There are universal principles, and our guest today will tell you what they are on this episode of The Speaker Lab.Alan Stein, Jr.'s career began as a performance coach working with youth and high school programs. The two schools he started with are part of Nike's elite programs. That work led to gigs with Nike and USA Basketball, which then opened more doors to the best coaches and players of the NBA.It was at that elite level that Alan learned what the best of the best do differently. He took that knowledge and began sharing it as a speaker, first in the basketball industry and then in the corporate world where he is today.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he made a name for himself in the basketball world and then transitioned into speaking for the corporate industry. He shares the process he uses to find and book gigs, and why much of his success has come from work nobody sees. He finishes with a great story about being part of a wo

Learn how to book more speaking gigs when you're able to connect, follow-up, and build authentic relationships with event planners. It's one of the most important things you can do for your career and will help you make the transition from hobby speaker with intermittent gigs to a professional speaker with a full schedule of paid speaking engagements.Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Lindsey Castleman is here to share her experience planning big events for everyone from Lifeway to Dave Ramsey. She demystifies the event planner's decision process when she explains what she is looking for from a speaker's online presence and why you need a clear topic with specific outcomes.Get ready to dial it in and be fully present for today's awesome conversation on episode 159 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why both inspiration and application are equally important to the audience.Why Lindsey took a chance on a speaker who had never been on stage before?Is it easier to choose someone wh

Do you know how to avoid common mistakes when selling yourself - the kind most speakers make even if they are seasoned pros? Today's guest does, and he tells all on episode 158 of The Speaker Lab.Phil Jones is now a keynote speaker and seminar leader who has delivered over 2,000 paid presentations in 56 countries on 5 continents. He also has 18 revenue streams in his speaking business. He does about 90 in-person events, 25 are traditional keynote engagements while the others are split up among his seminars and independent work with sales teams.On this show he shares his journey of building those 18 revenue streams, transitioning from a workshop leader to a keynote speaker, along with the most common mistakes speakers make when selling themselves to potential clients. We wrap up with a three-stage formula to get just about anyone to do just about anything! Tune in to hear that plus a few role-playing conversations on episode 158 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What do you ne