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Bad presentations can be incredibly useful, especially when you know what to look for. Seasoned public speaker and public speaking coach Colin Ryan breaks down two common decisions he’s seen presenters make that unintentionally alienate their audiences. More importantly, he looks at how easily those moments could have created connection instead, and elevated the experience for the presenter and their audience. This isn’t about making fun of bad presenters. It’s about recognizing that even experienced speakers can make choices that create distance between themselves and their audience. And the good news is that those choices are usually fixable. Colin shares two examples that can help you connect more naturally, communicate your message more effectively, and become the kind of presenter people actually want to listen to. ---- Thanks for listening! Want tailored support? Colin Ryan trains leaders and teams in the financial psychology of their clients and on building trust with colleagues, so they can drive the results they want most. He also coaches professionals to give dynamic presentations so they have more fun and make more impact when public speaking. Free resources and more at ⁠⁠colinryanspeaks.com

The Trust Toolkit helps professionals become better influential communicators who get results. In this episode, host Colin Ryan shares what happened when his presentation remote died mid-speech, in front of 100 people, during a talk about... public speaking. What could've been a disaster became one of the most talked-about moments of the day, and a masterclass in what really builds trust with clients, teams, and audiences. In this episode: Why a tech failure mid-keynote turned into the most memorable part of the talkThe exact thought that got Colin through 60+ seconds of dead air in front of a live roomWhy "don't be perfect, be present" is a proven strategyWhat happens to your listener when they see you sweat.The surprising link between building trust with others and building trust in yourself If you've ever felt like you had to be flawless to be credible, this episode will reframe how you think about the moments that go wrong. Thanks for listening! Want tailored support? Colin Ryan trains leaders and teams in the financial psychology of their clients and on building trust with colleagues, so they can drive the results they want most. He also coaches professionals to give dynamic presentations so they have more fun and make more impact when public speaking. Free resources and more at ⁠colinryanspeaks.com

In this episode of The Trust Toolkit, Colin Ryan explores a simple but uncomfortable truth: you deserve to disappoint others. Inspired by a powerful audience moment in his keynote at a leadership summit for financial professionals, Colin talks about the impossible standards many high performers carry, the pressure to never let anyone down, and why self-trust begins with making peace with being imperfect. Through honest stories, humor, and reflections on mental health, he explores how self-kindness doesn’t make us weaker leaders — it makes us safer, more human, and ultimately more effective ones. Thanks for listening! Want tailored support? Colin Ryan trains leaders and teams in the financial psychology of their clients and on building trust with colleagues, so they can drive the results they want most. Free resources and more at colinryanspeaks.com

We all mess up with clients. The difference between advisors who lose trust and those who deepen it often comes down to what happens in the moments after the mistake. In this episode, Colin shares a relatable, personal story about a family miscommunication — and how he almost responded with the exact wrong kind of apology. Colin breaks down three ways to respond when you get something wrong: the reaction that damages trust, the one that repairs it, and the one that actually strengthens trust and restores the relationship. If you've ever had to say "I'm sorry" to a client or customer (or loved one), and wondered if you said it right, this one's for you. ------------------ If this episode resonated, there are more ways Colin can help. When it comes to the people-side of work—with clients, colleagues, and teams—results depend on your ability to create trust. If you want to increase performance within your team, or you achieve more sales, more referrals, and stronger client relationships, Colin offers engaging keynotes, interactive trainings, and one-on-one coaching designed to help professionals communicate more clearly and connect more deeply. To learn more or start a conversation, reach out at [email protected] Or download Colin’s free guide and explore resources for your next team event or sales meeting at:www.colinryanspeaks.com/resources

Colin Ryan has spent his entire career telling stories—and not in the vague, “everyone’s a storyteller” kind of way. He’s performed on The Moth, NPR, and PBS, and had his work featured in Reader’s Digest "The Best Stories in America" Collection. But his real work has lived in the business world—where storytelling has recently become trendy… and often misunderstood. In this episode, Colin breaks down what most professionals get wrong about storytelling at work. Too often, stories are long, self-focused, and unclear—leaving audiences disengaged instead of inspired. What’s missing? A simple, repeatable way to tell short, powerful stories that connect your experience to your client’s reality. But here’s the twist: Colin argues that the real value of storytelling isn’t actually about telling better stories. It’s about something far more important—something that drives trust, buy-in, and meaningful action in every conversation you have. If you’ve ever felt like your ideas aren’t landing, your clients aren’t fully engaged, or your message isn’t sticking—this episode will change how you think about storytelling entirely. ---------------------------------- If this episode resonated, there are more ways Colin can help. When it comes to the people-side of work—with clients, colleagues, and teams—results depend on your ability to create trust. If you’re looking for more sales, more referrals, and stronger client relationships, Colin offers engaging keynotes, interactive trainings, and one-on-one coaching designed to help professionals communicate more clearly and connect more deeply. To learn more or start a conversation, reach out at [email protected] Or download Colin’s free guide and explore resources for your next team event or sales meeting at:www.colinryanspeaks.com/resources

I'm doubling down on the success of this podcast's first focus: public speaking, networking, pitching, and selling. I'm going to focus on the element beneath all of that: trust. I’ve given roughly 1,000 speeches, often talking about money, a subject most people don’t openly discuss. And I know I’m doing my job well when something shifts in the room. People open up.They engage.They become a little more honest, a little more vulnerable. And later, they tell me they actually made a change—because of one conversation, one talk, one moment. And when I step back and look at that, I realize… that only happens when there’s trust. Over the years, I’ve also worked with a lot of financial professionals—on communication, on client relationships, on how to better understand the people they’re trying to help. And there’s a gap I see again and again: There are people who need help…and people who genuinely want to help…but something doesn’t connect. And more and more, I believe that the bridge across that gap is trust. Going forward, this is The Trust Toolkit. I’m still going to share practical communication tools—things you can use in your next conversation, your next presentation, your next important moment. But everything is going to be grounded in this idea of:How do we communicate in a way that builds trust and actually moves people to action?

In this episode, Colin Ryan explores why trust is the real differentiator for financial professionals in today’s skeptical environment. Drawing on his experiences with accountants, advisors, students, and industry leaders, Colin delves into the historical baggage that plagues the financial services industry -- from movie-inspired stereotypes to past misconducts -- and the challenges that make honest financial conversations difficult, but so important. You will gain insights into: The roots of distrust in the financial industry and how media and culture fuel these perceptions.Real-life stories from college campuses illustrating the disconnect between consumers and financial experts.Proven strategies to break negative stereotypes, such as focusing on empathy, transparency, and active listening.Practical tips to stand out as a trusted advisor, including championing clients, being non-judgmental, and bringing genuine care to every conversation.Data-driven benefits of trust-building, from better client engagement to long-term loyalty and advocacy.Why trust is not just a “soft skill,” but a measurable, observable outcome that directly impacts your professional results.Tune in to learn how to become the kind of financial professional people remember—and refer—by prioritizing trust over transactions. ------ Want to Bring This to Your Team? If you're nodding along thinking "my team needs to hear this," let's make it happen. I deliver the Trust Advantage keynote for financial services organizations that want their professionals to stand out, connect authentically, and build client relationships that last. Your team will learn: Why trust beats tactics every timeHow to turn skeptical prospects into engaged clientsThe neuroscience behind conversations that actually workPractical tools they can use in their very next meetingReady to talk? Visit ColinRyanSpeaks.com/keynote-trust-advantage to learn more. Let's turn your next event into something your team actually remembers—and uses.

🎙️ What can five years of stand-up comedy teach you about storytelling? A lot ! In this episode, Colin deconstructs his stand-up comedy journey to show you how to craft stories that don't just inform, but truly connect. He'll reveal key ways comedians turn everyday moments into unforgettable narratives—and how you can too. You’ll learn: The Relatability Hack: How even a mundane moment can become everyone’s shared truth Narrative Alchemy: Use a simple structure to tap into suspense-building power The Brevity Muscle: Why brevity isn’t just polite—it’s magnetic From identical twin mix-ups to cutting the fluff, this episode delivers storytelling tools that help you connect, captivate, and stay memorable. Perfect for speakers, presenters, and anyone ready to turn stories into strategic assets. 🎤 Pro Tip: Don’t “tell a story.” Share a strategic example.

Networking can feel like an anxiety-inducing performance, but what if it didn’t have to? In this episode of Memorable Public Speaking, we dive into a real conversation with a client who struggles with overthinking, self-doubt, and the fear of making a bad impression while networking. Their words: “I’m usually kind of thinking like, what do I say? What do I say? What do I say?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But what if networking wasn’t about saying the perfect thing? I’ll share simple mindset shifts and strategies that make networking feel more natural, including:💬 How to break the ice without pressure💡 Why a quick sip of water can reset your confidence👂 The power of listening instead of planning your next line🎭 The surprising truth that there’s no such thing as failure in networking If networking stresses you out, this episode will help you approach it with confidence and ease, and watch as you get more of the results you want! ---------------------- You'll love our brand new guide, The Business Storytelling Blueprint. For a copy, email Colin at [email protected] to learn more. Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

In this value-packed episode, storytelling expert Colin Ryan pulls back the curtain on 2 powerful techniques that took a real client’s keynote story to new heights. You’ll learn how to craft an irresistible hook that grabs your audience's attention from the very first line. Plus, learn the secret to infusing your narratives with genuine emotional stakes that forge deep connections. Whether you're looking to level up your public speaking, nail your next big pitch, or get paid to speak, these storytelling hacks are game-changers, and will help you take your communication skills to the next level! -------------------- Are you interested in our brand new guide, The Business Storytelling Blueprint? If so, email Colin at [email protected] to learn more. Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or to get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

Ever been tempted to “wing it” when speaking? Think again. While improvisation can seem natural and authentic, it’s also a risky move that can leave you stumbling, rambling, or losing your audience entirely. In this episode, Colin explores three major reasons why speaking off-the-cuff can derail your talk—and what to do instead to feel prepared and confident. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, connect with your audience, and deliver a presentation that truly leaves an impact. Whether you’re preparing for a keynote, a pitch, or a team meeting, this episode is packed with practical advice to take your speaking skills to the next level. Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or to get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

In this episode, I tackle a question from a listener: How can I share serious stories while keeping my presentation positive and NOT losing the audience? So I tested out an answer: drawing from my personal experiences crafting a powerful story about navigating the American healthcare system around my own health challenges (see what I mean? SERIOUS!), I share three key strategies to create emotional balance in your talks and keep it light, engaging, and inspiring no matter the content area you are sharing: Pick Your Moments: Build lightness and humor around heavy topics to connect with your audience before diving deep. Confident Vulnerability: Show authenticity without overwhelming your audience, ensuring they stay engaged and inspired. Test It Out: Hone your story with practice audiences to craft a powerful, resonant message. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode will help you transform serious stories into impactful presentations that leave your audience feeling inspired—not overwhelmed. ---------- Do you have a speaking opportunity coming up? Would you like to feel amazing after your next talk? Download our free guide at ⁠⁠⁠speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠ or speak to Colin personally to get a free recommendation on what you can do next to become a stronger public speaker.

In this episode of "Memorable Public Speaking and Storytelling," Colin shares a personal experience from a recent storytelling event where everything seemed to go wrong—yet the crowd loved it. Drawing lessons from that night, Colin reveals two powerful tips for any speaker: 1) Pay close attention to your environment—it can fuel your connection with the audience. 2) Embrace imperfection—allow yourself to make mistakes. Through a hilarious story about running with the bulls (or not), Colin shows how authenticity, even in moments of stress, can make you more relatable and memorable. Tune in to hear how to turn fear and failure into connection and engagement in your public speaking. ------------- Do you have a speaking opportunity coming up? Would you like to feel amazing after your next talk? Download our free guide at ⁠⁠speaknextweek.com⁠⁠ or speak to Colin personally to get a free recommendation on what you can do next to become a stronger public speaker.

In this episode we dive into the art of using humor effectively in your presentations. Humor can turn a dry, forgettable talk into something memorable and engaging, but it’s a tool that requires balance. Colin walks you through why humor is such a powerful connection tool, how to craft jokes and funny stories, and—most importantly—how to avoid offending your audience. We’ll cover practical tips on testing humor, steering clear of disrespectful jokes, and even a bonus tip on getting audience feedback. Tune in to learn how to make your audience laugh for all the right reasons! ------------- Do you have a speaking opportunity coming up? Would you like to feel amazing after your next talk? Download our free guide at ⁠speaknextweek.com⁠ or speak to Colin personally to get a free recommendation on what you can do next to become a stronger public speaker.

🎤 **Feeling Nervous About Networking? You're Not Alone!** At its core, networking is about making that first connection and seeing if there's a vibe, mutual interest, or curiosity. But what if you don't feel confident? What if you're in your head about it? 🤔 Here's a truth: everyone feels awkward sometimes. I've been the confident networker and the one wanting to go home. Recently I found a way to go from nervous-wallflower to networker-extraordinaire. Here's a story about an initial moment of honesty that led to a meaningful connection. ----------------- Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Check out free resources at https://speaknextweek.com or get a free recommendation from me on becoming a stronger public speaker. In less time than you think, you can transform public speaking from something you dread into something you love! 🎙️ #Networking #PublicSpeaking #Authenticity #CareerGrowth