• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

speakers

Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common?
Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common? 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Have you figured out what those phrases have in common? They were all among the 520 new terms that were added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in January 2021. (Read more of them by clicking here.)

Yes, you read that right. In one month, more than 500 new words were added to our constantly changing vocabulary.

With so much rapid change in the way we communicate, it’s more important than ever to define unfamiliar terms.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Enjoy our chat on the TrillMBA podcast
Enjoy our chat on the TrillMBA podcast 2560 1440 I Need A Speaker

Recently, the founder of I Need A Speaker was asked to be a guest on the Trill MBA podcast. Tricia Richards-Service was thrilled to talk with host Felicia Ann Rose Enuha about I Need A Speaker and the power of public speaking.

Click here to listen and learn.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Wonder Woman and Batman do this before they go out. Do you?
Wonder Woman and Batman do this before they go out. Do you? 2560 1567 I Need A Speaker

Years ago, someone gifted me with a bold red blazer that I adored. Cherry red with shiny brass buttons, this double-breasted masterpiece was more than I could afford. I really, really wanted it. My desire went beyond the color. It was the feeling I had when I slid in one arm, then two. The blazer made me feel bolder and more confident, like I could do anything. I was delighted to receive it as a gift.

Aside from the dark hair and sassy attitude, choosing a power outfit for work is one more thing I have in common with Wonder Woman. Even Batman has a go-to outfit for fighting crime.

These outfits are more than clothing. They’re a form of non-verbal communication, making a statement about who you are. They’re a psychological boost – a reason to stand a little taller. They’re part of your personal brand.

Earlier this week, I overheard a conversation about the most appropriate clothing to wear when giving a presentation. Discussion followed about suits versus jeans, and there was debate about business casual being “in the middle.”

Had anyone asked me, I would say, “It depends.”

Consider the event/occasion and the audience. Think about how you want to present yourself: Authoritative. Approachable. Relaxed. And give thought to your topic. Yoga pants might be okay if you’re talking about how to meditate and demonstrating techniques. Creative disciplines may welcome flow dresses and jean jackets.

There is no right answer that will suit everyone (get the pun?), but I do recommend that you find your proverbial red blazer. Choose something that makes you feel confident and sends the right message.

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

Check. Check again. And check again.
Check. Check again. And check again. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Twice in the last week, I was in meetings where a speaker’s camera wasn’t working. Ouch. That makes it difficult to engage with audiences.

During the pandemic and the meteoric rise in video conferences, many people upgraded their home office equipment to include lighting, cameras, and microphones.

If you’re a speaker for an upcoming conference, class, or meeting, be sure to check your equipment in the space where you plan to use it.

  • Ensure that anything requiring power can be plugged into a power source.
  • Be certain that your settings are where you want them to be.
  • Remove virtual backgrounds that may not be appropriate for the event and audience.
  • Test microphones.

This sounds like common sense advice (and it is), but it always helps to reinforce these practices so your message will be heard as intended.

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

If someone yells “bingo,” no one wins.
If someone yells “bingo,” no one wins. 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

Recently, I attended a high school graduation. Many of the graduates were giddy with anticipation about the speeches that were scheduled. The students weren’t excited about how wonderful the speeches might be. Rather, they were playing a secret bingo game.

The proverbial winner was the audience member who could mentally cross off enough buzzwords or overused terms during the presentations to win the game.

I was familiar with the concept, because I knew about “corporate buzzword bingo” games during my days in corporations. Employees would anticipate terms like “low-hanging fruit” and “having a dialogue” and “sense of urgency.” Sadly, we knew exactly what to expect when someone stepped up to the podium.

The graduation bingo game happened for the same reason. Students were expecting some speakers to include boring, predictable elements and terms that are often used in graduation speeches. Here are some examples of what students used for their virtual bingo card squares:

  • Reference to 2020 as “unprecedented” (this one was the center square)
  • A dictionary definition
  • Famous quotes
  • “It’s been a crazy year”
  • Reference to homework
  • Inside jokes
  • Reading a poem
  • The idea that “this is not the end, it’s the beginning”
  • Acknowledgement of “each and every one of you.”

Students would snicker and laugh silently whenever one of these elements popped up in a speech. While I Need A Speaker never advocates finding fault with speakers, the fact that the bingo game occurred should be considered a warning to anyone who has a speech to deliver.

The warning is this: Don’t be predictable. Don’t be boring. Don’t say what’s expected. Don’t say what every other speaker says.

Flip that to the positive side, and the lessons here are:

  • Be original.
  • Be engaging.
  • Be clever.
  • Be unique.
  • Be attention-grabbing.
  • Be dynamic.

In short … be effective.

 

 

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

What does pasta have to do with public speaking?
What does pasta have to do with public speaking? 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

My husband and I often have conversations when one or both of us might be distracted. It’s easy to do.

We’ll be putting groceries away and mention a few items that were just unpacked from a bag. Then one of us might say something like, “Leave that out. It’s for dinner tonight.” Inevitably, the other person says, “Which one? We just named three items.”

With interpersonal communication, we are not always focused on the words we’re using and the clarity we’re able to achieve. We may be interrupted by a barking dog, giggling children, a phone call, or even our own thoughts.

When we focus on communicating with clarity all the time, we learn to say things like, “Keep the pasta handy. We’re having that for dinner tonight.” This time, there is no confusion as to which item shouldn’t be put away.

Getting into the habit of speaking with intention and clarity makes you more skilled at interpersonal communication and public presentation. (And the pasta is right where you need it.)

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Update your profile and enhance your credibility
Update your profile and enhance your credibility 2560 1709 I Need A Speaker

We love promoting our international speaker community and sharing our  speakers’ accomplishments. We need your help to do it even better.

When you celebrate another achievement, tell us! We will add the information to our newsletter and social media content.

Regularly update your profile with news of awards, speaking engagements, degrees, certificates, licenses, and other awards or credentials.

Congratulations on all you’ve done. We can’t wait to see what you do next.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Eco-friendly events are trending
Eco-friendly events are trending 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

As public health restrictions loosen, hybrid and in-person events are seeing a comeback. One thing you can expect – as an event planner or as a speaker – is a nod to the environment.

As you plan your event or talk, ask yourself what can be done to incorporate sustainable measures while still creating a safe environment.

What sustainability measures do you use as a speaker or event planner?

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Make sure time is on your side
Make sure time is on your side 2560 1930 I Need A Speaker

Event planners juggle many responsibilities. They want to be sure that everything works well for the events they plan.

One crucial element in planning is time. Speakers are typically booked for a set time frame. In the planning stages, event planners will review the length of time allocated for each speaker.

Speakers who complete their presentations with time to spare may cause a problem, because they will affect the schedule for the remainder of the event. The same is true when they speak too long.

When practicing, speakers need to time themselves. It’s important to respect the time frame they have been given and do their part to help make the event run smoothly.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Yes, we do recommend practicing with distractions
Yes, we do recommend practicing with distractions 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Most public presentation coaches will emphasize the need to practice before speaking in front of a live audience.

Some speakers will claim that it’s difficult for them to find a quiet place to practice their speech without interruption.

Surprise! You may be better suited to a space with distraction.

Why? Practicing amidst noise and movement may actually prepare you better for the live gigs. While you’re speaking at an event, there may be background noice during virtual presentations. At live talks, there may be cell phones ringing or doors opening and closing as people come and go.

Knowing how to stay focus amidst distraction will help when you’re speaking live. Try it.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Get Started

I Am A Speaker
I Need A Speaker

Stay Social
Newsletter Signup

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

©2026 I Need A Speaker®. All rights reserved. Site by Halibut Blue®

Connecting Speakers with Audiences™
Start Typing
Privacy Preferences

When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking code.
Click to enable/disable Google Fonts.
Click to enable/disable Google Maps.
Click to enable/disable video embeds.
Our website uses cookies, mainly from 3rd party services. Define your Privacy Preferences and/or agree to our use of cookies.