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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.