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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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 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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Ditch the Clichés: 3 Remarkable Ways to Open Your Speech

Discover effective strategies for captivating your audience right from the start. In this insightful article, we explore three commonly taught approaches to opening speeches that fall short of expectations. Gain valuable insights and learn alternative methods to grab attention, create curiosity, and make a lasting impact on your audience.

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How to Become a Better Thinker in No Time Flat

Explore the surprising connection between clear communication and clear thinking. This blog challenges the common belief that clear thoughts lead to clear communication, arguing instead that the process of communicating refines our thinking. Discover how clarity can be achieved through dialogue, feedback, and the power of language in shaping our thoughts.

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How To Make The Most Of Your Opportunity On The Red Dot: The Makings A Viral Talk

Discover the journey of Peder Tellefsdal, whose TEDx talk on seeking forgiveness reached over 1 million views. This article breaks down the 15-month process, from refining the core message to delivering a flawless presentation on the Red Dot stage. Explore the phases of idea development, selling the concept, writing and rehearsing, as well as promoting the talk in a saturated digital landscape. Gain valuable insights and learn how dedication and commitment can help you make your own impact in the world of public speaking.

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How to find coaching clients: 3 lessons from magicians

Discover three crucial steps to attract clients and grow your business: authentic conversations, problem identification, and tailored solutions. Improve your communication and active listening skills to build meaningful relationships with prospects. Ideal for entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and small business owners seeking business expansion strategies.

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How to build a persuasive message: this is what con artists do

Learn how mission-driven organizations can use the same powerful messaging tactics as con artists and fraudsters to drive positive change. By being clear and concise, telling a compelling story, and making a persuasive argument, you can persuade your audience to take action. Avoid deception and manipulation by providing real evidence to support your claims and being transparent in your operations, finances, and impact.

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Don't Overthink It: The Power of Simple Solutions

When faced with a problem, the obvious solution may be the best one. In this article we'll explore how simple solutions can be more effective than complex ones, what Occam's Razor actually states, and why clarity is crucial factors in problem-solving.

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3 Dumb Ways to Make Your Message Stick

As a small business owner or solopreneur, getting your message to stick can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll explore 3 ways to make sure your ideal audience not only hears your message, but also absorbs it and takes action on it. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to effectively communicating your message and making a real impact in the world.

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Practical Advice on Clear Communication

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Topics include:

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

  • Clear and consistent messaging

  • Professional speaking