Articles

Topics include:

  • The art and business of professional speaking

  • How to book, write, and deliver TED-style talks

  • Principles of compelling communication

Why the Most Powerful Short-Form Speeches Do These 3 Things

Clarity Up founder Brian Miller's top three lessons for delivering impactful TED-style speeches based on extensive experience with Speaker Slam and successful client engagements. Learn how to define a compelling throughline, utilize storytelling effectively, and bring fresh perspectives to common topics to captivate and motivate audiences towards meaningful action.

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How Even the Best Speakers Use Data Wrong

Discover why data alone fails to engage and inspire action, as evidenced by a poignant personal anecdote. Learn how storytelling captivates emotions, leading to meaningful action, backed by research insights. Explore the dynamic interplay between narrative and data for effective communication and driving change.

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Great Speakers Don't Memorize Their Speech, They Internalize It

Discover the transformative journey from memorizing to internalizing speeches in this insightful guide. Learn practical techniques for embodying your talk, enhancing audience connection, and ensuring your message resonates deeply. Perfect for speakers aiming to elevate their presentations from mere recitation to impactful storytelling.

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How to Design a Speech That Earns Buy-In, Every Time

Discover the A.C.E. framework (Align, Challenge, Expand) for speech design. Learn to build compelling messages that resonate with your audience's beliefs, encouraging action and change. Perfect for speakers aiming to connect deeply and drive meaningful outcomes, regardless of the presentation's polish.

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How to Entertain Audiences, Even If You're Not An Entertainer (Tips for Speakers and Presenters)

Explore effective strategies for leaders and experts to captivate audiences through meaningful engagement in presentations, emphasizing authentic connections over mere entertainment, and offering practical insights for impactful, substance-driven public speaking.

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How to Charge Whatever You Want For Speaking Engagements

Explore effective strategies to accurately price and confidently charge for your speaking engagements. Learn to identify your audience, leverage market knowledge, and build self-assurance in your value. Our guide provides actionable insights for professionals aiming to secure fair compensation for their expertise.

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How to Know Exactly What Event Organizers Want

Unlock the secrets to success in the speaking industry with key insights from the AAE Speaking Industry Benchmark Report 2023. Discover the most sought-after topics, optimal pricing strategies, and the importance of keynotes in our comprehensive guide. Enhance audience engagement and secure your spot as a top speaker by understanding event organizers' needs and mastering audience connection.

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TED-Style Talks Worth Studying in 2024

As the founder and principal consultant of Conquer the Red Dot®, I've helped dozens of experts and leaders book, write, and deliver the talk of their lives on the most prestigious stages. I pay close attention to what kind of talks are getting booked and shared. So, here is my personal list of 6 talks that all aspiring speakers should study in 2024.

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5 Unexpected Reasons Why Great Speakers Give Terrible Speeches

This article explores five common mistakes great speakers make that lead to unengaging speeches, including prioritizing story over substance, solutions over understanding the status quo, entertainment over engagement, misordering ideas, and not focusing on audience needs. It offers practical insights for impactful public speaking.

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19 things I do to make every speaking engagement a success (that have nothing to do with the speech)

Professional speaking engagements are not just about the time you spend on stage. Here are 19 things to consider doing before, during, and after the event to ensure success.

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How to win a speaking competition: Insights from the judging table

Discover key techniques for successful speaking: Learn how to create clear, engaging messages, provide actionable takeaways, and develop a unique hook. This article offers insights from Speaker Slam, demonstrating how to enhance presentations for TED-style and professional events, ensuring they resonate powerfully with audiences.

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Dreaming of the Red Dot? Focus on these 3 things

Taking the stage at a TED-style conference is, for many, the ultimate dream. It's not just about being under the spotlight; it’s about sharing a truly Big Idea - that could ignite change and inspire action.

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I Hated Slides and Now I Love Them: How I Built a Captivating Keynote

We've all suffered through those 20-minute presentations featuring slides brimming with bullet points, inscrutable graphs, and bewildering stats. But are slides themselves the culprits, or is it about how they are used? As speakers we all want to deeply engage our audiences, provide them with actionable takeaways, earn rave testimonials, and over-delight our clients.

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The Wallpaper Blunder: How to Leverage Failure as a Thought Leader

Learn why vulnerability is an asset in thought leadership. This article explores how admitting and learning from failures builds trust and fosters engagement. Discover the key principles that turn setbacks into stepping stones for you and your audience. Master the art of relatable, trustworthy leadership.

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How to network when you just don't care

This article redefines professional networking as a meaningful, inclusive practice. Learn how to grow your network genuinely by focusing on problems, not transactions. Discover how curiosity and authentic engagement can transform your networking experience.

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6 Killer Business Books To Close Out 2023 Strong

Discover curated top business books from the inundated market. Brian Miller handpicks transformative reads for professionals and entrepreneurs, blending classics with recent gems. Dive into insightful reviews and make the most of your reading time with these standout publications.

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This One Business Card Design Mistake is Costing You Money

Learn how to make your business card unforgettable by incorporating your core message. This article guides you through crafting impactful cards that go beyond just name and contact info, offering tips on design, digital options, and pitfalls to avoid.

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How to Write a Talk That Actually Inspires Action

It's hard to imagine a talk being clearer or more efficient than "How to use a paper towel." At Clarity Up we work with experts and leaders to clarify their communication and make a dent in the universe by developing their core messaging.

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Is your new idea better or just newer?

We examine the unique intellectual journeys of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and rock star Eddie Van Halen, highlighting the tug of war between evolving ideas and the immediacy bias. Explore how understanding this dynamic can aid thought leaders in balancing past achievements with present growth, and learn practical strategies for maintaining this balance in your own intellectual pursuits.

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Is this the story people are telling about you?

Explore the transformative power of storytelling in business branding, drawing inspiration from Pixar's proven narrative structure. This article discusses how stories can captivate audiences, differentiate your brand, and offer unique insights into your core values. Learn to craft your 'minimum viable story,' providing the foundation for engaging, memorable, and retellable narratives about your business journey and mission.

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Topics include:

  • How to book, write, and deliver TED-style talks

  • Clear and consistent messaging

  • Professional speaking