Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Speaker Dynamics | Leadership, Communication & Public Speaking
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP66: Speaker Tip Spotlight: Is Your Virtual Presence Stuck in Lecture Hall Mode? | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:11:06 | |
Your virtual presence can change the second the red light goes on. Sometimes the problem is not what you know, but how you adjust your communication to the space.
Host Karin Reed opens this Speaker Tip Spotlight on Speaker Dynamics - Own The Room with a live interview that took a sharp turn. A warm, engaging professor went into full lecture mode the moment the cameras rolled, and Karin has a theory about why it happened. Her answer explains why experienced speakers sometimes sound stiff or overly formal on camera. Karin is a four-time author, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, and communication expert who helps people own the room in person and virtually.
You will hear who Karin names as one of her favorite communicators of all time, and he hosted a kids' show. She explains why his approach is a master class in authentic presence on video. Karin also shares how she decides when to turn her energy up or pull it back, plus the mental picture she uses when speaking through a webcam. If speaking on camera and leading virtual meetings are part of your work, her advice offers a simple way to strengthen your virtual presence and communicate authentically. And her unexpected video role model makes the bonus content especially worth seeing.
Press play, try the mindset shift on your next call, and find out how to match your virtual presence to the space you are in.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Karin's Surprising Pick for Favorite Communicator 00:50 The Live Interview Where the Professor Turned Stiff 03:02 Treating Every Presentation Like a Conversation 04:05 Dialing Up Your Energy for a Big Room 05:05 Speaking Through a Webcam Means Dialing Back 06:20 Virtual Presence Starts With Picturing Your Viewer 07:27 Steve From Blue’s Clues as a Video Role Model 09:53 Where to Find the Bonus Content
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP65: Vocal Health for Speakers: Why Speaking Confidence Begins with a Healthy Voice | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:30:26 | |
Your voice can only take so many back-to-back meetings before it starts to give out. If you've ended a day of calls with almost no voice left, this episode explains why and what to do about it.
On Speaker Dynamics – Own the Room, Karin Reed talks with Kimberley Bentley, a professional singer, voice teacher, and vocal health coach, about the habits that protect your voice and the ones that quietly wreck it. Kim has spent years training singers and coaching presenters, educators, and other voice-dependent professionals, giving her a clear perspective on the habits that can put extra strain on your voice.
They get into why vocal fatigue from talking isn't only about how much you speak. Tension, volume, pace, and the way you use your voice can all play a role. Kim shares a quick trick for releasing that tension before a big presentation, and Karin offers a more discreet variation you can use while you're on stage.
Karin and Kim also cover staying hydrated for public speaking, including why Kim personally prefers room-temperature water and how speaking louder during virtual meetings can add to vocal fatigue.Kim breaks down breath support for public speaking and shares a few vocal warm ups for speakers that take less than five minutes.
Whether you are presenting, running a meeting or simply engaging in a one-on-one call, you need your voice to hold up. Press play and start treating vocal health like part of the job.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Vocal Health Matters for Every Communicator 01:52 Kim Bentley's Background as an Opera Performer 03:32 Classical Training, Jazz, and Finding Your Voice 04:28 Defining Vocal Health: Technique Versus Daily Hygiene 06:50 The Microphone Habit That Protects Your Voice 09:15 Releasing Physical Tension Before You Speak 12:28 Why Virtual Meetings Drain Your Voice Faster 13:10 Hydration, Steam, and Recovering From Vocal Fatigue 16:49 The Truth About Cold Water and Warm Drinks 27:21 Treating Speakers Like Vocal Athletes
Connect with Kimberley Bentley:
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP64: Business Storytelling Revisited: What 63% of Listeners Remember | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:25:17 | |
Facts fade. Stories stick. That's the core lesson behind business storytelling, and it's the reason only 5% of listeners in one study could recall a presentation's data points while 63% remembered the story woven through it.
In this conversation, Karin Reed sits down with Andrea Brody, Speaker Dynamics Senior Communication Coach and creator of the Inspiring Through Storytelling workshop. Andrea spent years as a television reporter before she turned her storytelling instincts into a framework that helps professionals communicate with influence in high-stakes rooms.
Andrea breaks down the three-step formula she uses to help even self-described non-storytellers uncover material they didn't know they had. She explains why a “first, last, best, worst” exercise can surface a moment strong enough to move an entire room, and she walks through the different types of stories, from founder stories to customer stories, that build persuasive leadership communication depending on your audience.
You'll also hear the story of an NFL prospect who used one on-field moment to prove he was a leader worth drafting, a real-world example of how memorable messaging and business storytelling work together to earn buy-in for ideas far beyond the boardroom. Listen to hear how inspiring teams through communication starts with a story you already have.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Corporate Case for Storytelling Skills 01:57 Andrea's Journalism Roots and the Workshop Origin 04:02 The Research Behind Business Storytelling and Memory 05:24 The Neuroscience of Why Stories Move Us 08:19 Four Story Types Every Leader Should Know 10:14 What to Say to People Who "Can't" Tell Stories 12:03 Finding Everyday Stories With One Simple Exercise 14:18 A Workshop Breakthrough Moment That Changed the Room 19:54 The NFL Prospect Who Won the Room With One Story 22:27 Using Story to Inspire Teams Through Hard Times
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP63: How to Dress Like A Leader to Enhance Your Executive Presence | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:24:18 | |
Most professionals never think about how their clothes are already talking for them before a meeting starts. Karin Reed sits down with wardrobe stylist and certified color analyst Claire Roberts to fix that blind spot. What you wear shapes your executive presence before you say a single word, and Claire, owner of Claire Roberts Style, has spent nearly two decades helping people get that right.
Claire works primarily with executive women who are focused on strengthening their executive presence by using their wardrobe as a personal branding tool. She breaks down color analysis, a process for identifying the colors that work best with your natural coloring. She also explains why so many women reach for black assuming it slims them, and why that assumption often works against their specific coloring.
Karin and Claire dig into enclothed cognition, a concept backed by published research examining how what you wear can influence how you think, feel, act and perform. Claire connects this to confidence at work, explaining that when clients feel good in their clothes and stop second-guessing what they’re wearing, they can focus more fully on the job in front of them. She also shares how body language when presenting changes depending on what a person wears, from posture to how they move on stage.
Listen for Claire's take on vibrant color and stage presence, plus her advice for building a wardrobe that supports authentic leadership communication instead of working against it. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Closet Dilemma Every Professional Faces 01:30 Claire Roberts Joins Speaker Dynamics 02:17 From J.Crew Catalogs to Wardrobe Styling 05:26 Who Claire Works With and Why 07:45 How Office Dress Codes Shifted Since COVID 09:17 Connecting Wardrobe to Executive Presence 10:29 What Color Analysis Actually Means 13:05 The Myth That Black Is Always Slimming 15:07 Inside a Color Draping Session 17:01 Vibrant Colors and Executive Presence on Stage 20:52 The Science Behind Enclothed Cognition 22:36 Where to Find Claire's Bonus Content
Connect with Claire Roberts: Connect with Claire on LinkedIn Read Claire's interview on Voyage Raleigh
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP62: Presenting to Senior Leaders: How to Cut Someone Off Without Being Rude | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:10:07 | |
Presenting to senior leaders gets messy fast when someone hijacks your time with a tangent that pulls the room away from what you came to say. You need a way to reclaim control without seeming rude, and this episode delivers exactly that.
Karin Reed, an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and four-time author, hosts Speaker Dynamics. She built the technique from an unlikely source: a newscast earpiece that once fed her live directions from an impatient producer telling her to cut a guest off mid-answer.
In this episode, she breaks down the “paraphrase and pivot” technique, a meeting facilitation skill she still uses today. She walks through what happens when an executive derails your presentation with a question you never planned for, and how to answer without losing your place or your time slot.
She also applies the technique to panel moderation, describing the panelist who loves the sound of their own voice and the exact line she uses to hand the floor to someone else. Her example shows how to communicate with influence when time is short and everyone in the room has an opinion worth hearing.
Karin ties it all back to leadership communication that respects the room without letting one voice take it over, whether you're in a boardroom, on a panel, or in a weekly team meeting.
Press play to learn the phrase that keeps you in control the next time you're presenting to senior leaders.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Karin Reed's Live TV Story Behind the Paraphrase and Pivot Technique 01:46 How to Use Paraphrase and Pivot When Presenting to Senior Leaders 04:07 Staying in Control of Your Message During Executive Pushback 05:20 Applying Paraphrase and Pivot to Panel Moderation 08:23 Using Paraphrase and Pivot in Team Meetings and Where to Find the Checklist
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP61: Executive Presence: Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough to Get You Promoted | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:27:42 | |
You work hard, deliver results, and still get overlooked. This episode shows you how to build executive presence without changing who you are or pretending to be the loudest voice in the room.
On Speaker Dynamics - Own The Room, host Karin Reed sits down with Lorraine K. Lee, keynote speaker and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence, to unpack why professional presence grows through small daily moments rather than big stage appearances.
Lorraine was a founding editor at LinkedIn. She was known for being influential and well-liked, yet the promotion she wanted never came. After a colleague received a promotion, they repeated one sentence from their manager that made the reason painfully clear. Lorraine reveals the full story, plus the promotion strategy to put in motion at least six months before review season.
You also get her pre-call checklist for on-camera confidence, a practical framework for leaders who often make their first impressions on screen. Introverts get a roadmap too. Lorraine names three hidden strengths, then explains how preparation can ease imposter syndrome and nerves around communication. Karin and Lorraine close with a lesson on articulating your value so senior leaders grasp your impact in seconds.
Press play to learn the small, intentional steps behind lasting executive presence and a career people finally notice.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why You Feel Like the Best Kept Secret at Work 01:07 The Story Behind Lorraine K. Lee's Book, Unforgettable Presence 04:12 Executive Presence vs Professional Presence 05:36 Common Mistakes That Hold Back Your Presence 06:48 How Introverts Can Stand Out at Work 10:59 Building On-Camera Confidence With the TEA Method 12:53 Why You Have to Explicitly Ask for a Promotion 15:29 Working Smarter Not Harder to Protect Your Reputation 18:14 Quick Wins for Improving Your LinkedIn Presence 23:25 The Power of Video Content on LinkedIn 24:10 One Mindset Shift to Be Seen as a Leader 26:02 The Big Takeaway on Building Lasting Presence
Connect with Lorraine K. Lee: Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP60: What Good Communication Training Looks Like and What to Avoid | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:16:02 | |
The wrong communication training can do more damage than no training at all.
Some coaches yell. Some interrupt every stumble. One even fired a water gun at clients for using filler words. On this episode of Speaker Dynamics: Own The Room - Speaker Tip Spotlight, host Karin Reed makes the case for a different philosophy of communication training, one built on respect for the courage it takes to work on your own voice. Standing up to present already ranks among the most stressful moments in professional life. The person guiding your growth should never add to that fear. Real progress happens when people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and any trainer who tears your people down is wasting your investment.
Karin shares what to look for and what to run from before you sign with a training firm. A coach who quotes a price before asking about your goals is a red flag. Confident communication grows through practice, application, and honest feedback. The right level of support depends on your goals, from executive presence coaching for leaders hoping to inspire the organization as a whole… to workshops where teams strengthen their presentation skills together.
Whether you are choosing communication training for leaders across your enterprise or seeking a coach for yourself, this episode helps you find a partner who builds people up. Your voice deserves training rooted in respect.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Story Behind This Week's Communication Training Topic 02:10 Why Speaker Dynamics Builds Confidence Instead of Fear 04:31 Hyper-Customized Executive Coaching for Presenting to Senior Leaders 06:50 Inside the MVPs of Performance Success in Group Workshops 09:12 Using Video Feedback to Sharpen Presentation Delivery 11:27 Scaling Training Enterprise-Wide Through Speaker Dynamics University 13:49 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Communication Training Firm
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP59: Crisis Communication and Executive Presence: A PR Strategist's Honest Guide for Leaders | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:35:39 | |
When a crisis hits, most leaders panic or pretend nothing is wrong. Both moves backfire.
Crisis communication is one of the most misunderstood skills in leadership. PR strategist Lee Caraher has spent more than twenty years watching companies make the same avoidable mistakes. On this episode of Speaker Dynamics, host Karin Reed sits down with Lee, CEO of Double Forte and a self-described professional straight talker, for an honest look at what leading through a crisis demands.
There is no spin that fixes a bad decision, and Lee says so without hesitation. Most crises are not PR problems. They are leadership and decision-making problems. The first job in any crisis is getting back to zero. Tell the truth. Stand firm on the company’s values. Lead with real humility.
For anyone focused on executive presence and authentic leadership communication, this conversation gives you a clearer picture of what leading under pressure actually demands. Lee breaks down the difference between moving fast and moving smart. She explains why transparency works as a protection strategy, not only a moral stance, and she shares the red flags to watch for when hiring a crisis communications firm.
Leadership communication starts with integrity before image. Executive presence gets built in moments like these, and this episode shows you exactly how.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Crisis Communication Is Really a Leadership Problem 02:18 Meet Lee Caraher, CEO of Double Forte 05:00 How Double Forte Helps Leaders Communicate With Impact 07:18 The Different Types of Crisis and What Leaders Can Control 11:19 Why Transparency Is Your Best Crisis Strategy 13:27 Fast and Fuzzy: The Right Way to Respond Under Pressure 17:10 How to Move From Uncertainty to Clarity During a Crisis 18:31 The Four-Step Framework for Crisis Response 20:16 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make When a Crisis Hits 23:12 A Real-World Crisis Case Study From SEGA 26:58 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Crisis PR Firm 31:19 Knowing Your Expertise and When to Bring in Outside Help
Connect with Lee Caraher:
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP58: Speaker Tip Spotlight: Three Teleprompter Tips That Make You Sound Natural on Camera | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:11:07 | |
Most people sound like a completely different person the moment a teleprompter turns on. It does not have to be that way.
As an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and communication expert, Karin Reed knows why even confident leaders can suddenly feel stiff, scripted, and disconnected on camera. In this episode of Speaker Dynamics: Own The Room - Speaker Tip Spotlight, Karin shares her top teleprompter tips for anyone who wants to show up on camera with the same ease they bring to a live conversation.
The core problem is not the technology. It is the gap between written language and spoken language. When leaders pour polished copy into a teleprompter script and expect it to sound natural, it rarely does. Closing that gap starts long before you hit record.
These teleprompter tips also go beyond the script itself. Karin gets into how your body language when presenting on camera either supports your message or undermines it. Holding yourself rigid does not just look stiff. It actually makes speaking harder. Video communication for leaders requires the same physical expressiveness you would bring to any room and the teleprompter should not take that away from you.
This episode gives anyone building on-camera confidence a clear place to start. Authentic leadership communication is not about flawless delivery. It is about staying recognizably yourself even when you are reading every word. Speaking on camera well is a learnable skill and this episode lays out exactly where to start.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why the Teleprompter Trips Up Even Confident Speakers 02:03 Three Teleprompter Tips for Speaking on Camera With Ease 04:19 Tip 1: Write the Way You Speak 06:39 Tip 2: Mark Up Your Script for Emphasis and Pausing 09:03 Tip 3: Use Your Body and Practice Your Skills on Camera
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP57: Generational Differences in Communication: How Each Generation Defines Good Communication | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:29:17 | |
What happens when communication coaches from different generations sit down and ask who actually gets to define what great communication looks like?
Host Karin Reed tackles generational differences in communication head-on in this episode of Speaker Dynamics Own The Room, joined by mother-daughter coaching duo Laurie Schloff, President of Partners in Communication, Inc., and Hava Horowitz, Senior Coaching Partner. Between them, they bring four decades of experience, two distinct methodologies, and perspectives that don't always agree.
Laurie built her practice on research-backed frameworks and structured best practices. Hava arrived at communication coaching through business storytelling, having learned as a startup founder that her ability to articulate her story was her most valuable asset. Together, they make a strong case that finding your communication style isn't about choosing between structure and personality, it's about using one to sharpen the other.
The authenticity vs authority debate runs through the entire conversation. Laurie pushes back on the idea that winging it counts as authentic communication and offers planned spontaneity as a smarter path forward. Hava works from the inside out, helping clients identify the qualities every professional in their role needs versus the ones that belong specifically to them.
AI and authentic communication also enter the conversation in a way that might surprise you. Hava, the youngest voice in the room, is also the most skeptical of AI’s role in the field. Her argument is that as polished AI-generated content becomes the norm, the rawness of real human thinking may become a competitive advantage rather than a liability.
The generational differences in communication don't just show up in theory here. They show up in how each coach works and what each one values. This is the kind of conversation that makes you rethink what you thought you already knew about showing up and speaking up.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Generational Differences in Communication with Laurie Schloff and Hava Horowitz 01:33 Meet Laurie Schloff and Hava Horowitz: A Mother-Daughter Coaching Duo 02:29 How Business Storytelling Led Hava to a Career in Communication Coaching 06:29 Two Coaching Philosophies: Structured Best Practices vs. the Inside-Out Approach 10:18 Navigating Generational Differences in Communication and Technology 12:22 AI and Authentic Communication: Why Imperfection May Be Your Greatest Asset 15:30 How the Definition of Great Communication Has Changed Over Time 16:29 Authenticity vs. Authority: What It Really Means to Communicate Authentically 23:02 The Zig and Zag Framework: Finding Your Unique Communication Style 24:50 Key Takeaways: How to Keep Growing as a Communicator and Leader
Connect with Laurie and Hava: Visit the Partners In Communication website Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP56: Speaker Tip Spotlight: The 3 Cs of Leadership Communication That Move Any Audience | 19 May 2026 | 00:09:01 | |
The most powerful leadership communication doesn't come from a script. It comes from a speaker who means every word.
On Speaker Dynamics Own The Room - Speaker Tip Spotlight, host Karin Reed shares something that doesn't happen often in her line of work. She cried backstage at a conference. Not because something went wrong, but because a speaker she had spent months coaching delivered a keynote so good it stopped her cold. She'd heard it dozens of times in rehearsal. She knew exactly what was coming. And it still got her.
That story is the heart of this episode, and what Karin pulls from it is worth paying attention to if you've got a high-stakes presentation on the horizon.
She walks through three things that made the difference: commitment to preparation, collaboration with others, and conviction in delivery. None of it is revolutionary on the surface. But the way she connects these elements to real outcomes makes the framework feel less like a checklist and more like a standard worth holding yourself to: a room full of people visibly moved, a speaker walking out with genuine confidence, and a message that actually lands.
Great public speaking for leaders is rarely a solo effort. The speaker Karin describes spent months refining his material alongside trusted communications partners, people pushing the business storytelling further than he could alone. That collaboration, combined with serious preparation and the kind of authentic leadership communication that only comes from genuine conviction, is what separates a forgettable talk from one that moves a room to tears.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to make an audience feel something, this one's worth your time.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why a Speaking Coach Cried Backstage 01:05 The Keynote That Changed Everything 02:10 Commitment to Preparation: The First C 03:18 Confidence Is Communicated Before Content Is Processed 04:20 Collaboration: The Second C 05:39 Conviction in Delivery: The Third C 07:00 The Three Cs Framework for High-Stakes Presentations 08:01 How to Find the Keynote That Made Karin Reed Cry
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP55: The Meeting Doctor and the On-Camera Coach: AI Notetakers and Engagement in Virtual and Hybrid Meetings | 05 May 2026 | 00:39:20 | |
AI can summarize your meeting, but it cannot replace the judgment, presence, or leadership communication that actually moves people.
On this episode of Speaker Dynamics – Own the Room, Karin Reed sits down with her longtime co-author and collaborator Dr. Joe Allen, known as "The Meeting Doctor" and Director of the Center for Meeting Effectiveness, for a conversation about where meetings, AI, and virtual communication skills are all colliding right now. The two have written three books together on virtual and hybrid meetings, and this episode feels like exactly what it is, two respected experts thinking honestly about a landscape that is changing faster than the research can follow.
Dr. Allen acknowledges that AI note-takers can produce summaries that rival or outperform human minute-takers on basic accuracy. But accuracy is not the whole job. Sarcasm, humor, nuance, the meaning that lives between the words rather than in them. AI simply misses it. Karin shares a story that illustrates this perfectly, and it will make you think twice before letting a bot loose on your next meeting.
What concerns both of them more is what AI tools may be quietly doing to engagement. Tools built to improve meeting facilitation skills are becoming an exit ramp for people who want to half-attend and catch up on the summary later. For leaders focused on leading virtual teams, that is a real problem. Presence is not optional when your influence depends on it.
The data Dr. Allen shares is worth paying attention to. Meetings today are roughly split between in-person, virtual, and hybrid. That meeting reality is not going away, and leaders who treat in-person and on-camera presence as the same skill set are leaving influence on the table. Eye contact on zoom, how you frame yourself, how you hold attention through a screen. These are learnable skills, and they matter more as AI tools for speakers become more common, not less.
The sharpest insight in this episode is something Karin is seeing with her own director-level clients. They are actively pushing back on AI-assisted coaching. They want human expertise, personalized feedback, and real leadership communication development. That tells you something important about where genuine competitive advantage lives right now.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 AI Tools in Virtual Meetings: What the Research Actually Shows 07:21 When AI Gets It Wrong: The Limits of Machine Interpretation 11:29 Meeting Participation in the Age of AI Bots 15:50 Building Real Connection Across Virtual and Hybrid Teams 24:51 Are We Finally Having Fewer Meetings? 26:40 Virtual vs In-Person vs Hybrid: Where Meetings Stand Today 29:50 Why Senior Leaders Are Pushing Back on AI Coaching 32:15 The Case for Human-First Leadership Communication Skills 35:02 One Big Takeaway: How to Make Your Meetings Matter
Connect with Dr. Joe Allen:
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP54: Speaking with Confidence on Stage | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:10:26 | |
Even experienced speakers can lose their footing when they stop trusting the way they communicate best.
In this Speaker Tip Spotlight episode of Speaker Dynamics – Own the Room, Karin Reed pulls back the curtain on a keynote that tested her own speaking with confidence and offers a useful reminder for anyone who wants to show up with more authority in high-stakes moments. She shares what happens when preparation is solid but a last-minute shift throws off your rhythm, and why the real risk is often abandoning the approach that already works for you. That insight gives this conversation real value for leaders, founders, and experts who need effective presentations that feel clear, steady, and real.
Karin’s honesty makes this conversation stand out. She does not position confidence as something fixed or automatic. She talks openly about imposter syndrome and communication, especially when the pressure to inspire feels bigger than the comfort of teaching. Her story makes the case that people connect with a speaker who sounds grounded and believable. They do not need polish for its own sake. They need a message that feels human and earned.
There is also a strong practical thread here for anyone working on presentation skills. Karin gets into the hidden choices that shape how a message lands, from whether to rely on notes to how body language when presenting is affected by clothing, movement, and comfort on stage. Those details matter because they shape presence long before a single big line is delivered.
This episode is a smart listen for professionals who want to trust their own voice, hold the room without forcing it, and build speaking with confidence from experience instead of performance. Your message gets stronger when your delivery sounds like you.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Stepping Into the Spotlight for a High-Stakes Keynote 01:35 Why Changing Your Presentation Game Plan Hurts Speaker Confidence 03:55 How Speaker Notes Can Disrupt Effective Presentations 05:20 Imposter Syndrome and Finding Your Authentic Voice on Stage 07:35 Why Relatable Stories Make Public Speaking More Powerful 08:35 Stage Presence, Body Language, and Wardrobe Tips for Speakers 10:05 Final Lessons for Speaking With Confidence Under Pressure
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP53: Why Effective Team Communication Starts With Getting People in the Right Role with Mark Murphy | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:32:50 | |
Most teams do not fall apart because people lack talent. They fall apart because the wrong voices shape the conversation and nobody notices until the damage is done.
This episode on leadership communication shows why talented teams still make weak decisions and what leaders can do to change that. Drawing from the book Team Players: The Five Critical Roles You Need to Build a Winning Team, Karin Reed talks with author Mark Murphy about the five roles every strong team needs. They also explore how strong leadership communication helps bring out the right voices, reduces groupthink, and leads to better decisions. For anyone focused on executive communication, meeting facilitation skills, or virtual communication skills, this conversation offers a practical framework with real workplace value.
You will hear why the loudest person is often not the most useful voice, how speaking order can shift outcomes, and what it takes to communicate with influence in higher-stakes conversations. The ideas are especially useful for leaders who are leading virtual teams, running hybrid meetings, or trying to strengthen leadership communication across different personalities and working styles.
If you want sharper leadership communication, better buy-in, and meetings that lead to stronger decisions, this episode will give you a clear way to think about team dynamics and lead with more intention.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why High-Performing Teams Still Fail 03:35 The Teamwork Mistake That Hurts Business Results 08:12 The Five Critical Roles of a Winning Team 14:01 Leadership Communication and the Wrong Voices in the Room 17:44 How Speaking Order Shapes Team Decisions 20:32 How Leaders Prevent Groupthink in Meetings 22:42 Meeting Facilitation Skills for Virtual and Hybrid Teams 26:19 How to Identify What Your Team Is Missing
Connect with Mark Murphy: Visit the Leadership IQ website Get your copy of TEAM PLAYERS: The Five Critical Roles You Need to Build a Winning Team
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP52: Speaker Tip Spotlight: Speaking with Confidence When Every Other Camera Is Off | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:10:11 | |
Speaking with confidence in virtual meetings often begins with a simple decision: do you turn your camera on when no one else does? In this Speaker Tip Spotlight, Karin Reed discusses how speaking with confidence shows up in virtual communication. If you want stronger on-camera communication and a more intentional virtual presence, this episode explains how being seen influences how others receive your ideas.
Many professionals focus only on what they say. Yet speaking on camera changes how a message lands. Karin explains that speaking with confidence also depends on visual signals. Facial expression, posture, and eye contact on Zoom help reinforce clarity and trust in ways audio alone cannot.
The episode also outlines three factors that guide camera decisions in virtual meetings. Meeting size, familiarity among participants, and the complexity of the topic all influence whether video strengthens communication. In smaller meetings and leadership discussions, executive presence on video often helps messages land with greater clarity.
If you want to improve speaking with confidence in virtual meetings, this Speaker Tip Spotlight shows how thoughtful camera choices strengthen credibility, engagement, and influence in professional conversations.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Should Your Camera Be On in Virtual Meetings 00:46 Why Being Seen Builds Virtual Presence and Credibility 02:05 Factor #1 Meeting Size and When Camera Off Makes Sense 03:14 Factor #2 Team Relationships and Virtual Communication Dynamics 04:36 Factor #3 Complex or Emotional Topics Require Video Communication 06:04 Speaking on Camera When You Lead or Present in Meetings 07:01 Research on Camera Use and Leadership Perception in Virtual Meetings
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP51: Speaking With Confidence: Why Pep Talks Backfire and What to Say Instead | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:20:44 | |
Speaking with confidence can become harder after a well-intentioned pep talk. What feels encouraging in the moment often turns into pressure that undermines trust and performance. In this episode, Karin Reed sits down with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, to examine why common praise patterns make speaking with confidence more difficult over time, both for children and for employees.
Their conversation bridges parenting and leadership communication in a powerful way. Amy explains how generic praise such as “You’re so smart” or “You’re amazing” creates dependence on external validation. Over time, that dependence shows up as anxiety, people-pleasing, and professionals who constantly seek reassurance before speaking up. The result is less ownership, less resilience, and less confidence in high-stakes moments.
Instead of hype, Amy offers specific language that strengthens internal motivation. By highlighting preparation, effort, improvement, and repeatable behaviors, leaders can reinforce what actually leads to success. This shift builds trust, improves executive presence, and makes speaking with confidence a consistent outcome rather than a temporary boost.
You will also hear how these principles apply in the workplace when inspiring teams, delivering feedback, and getting buy-in on ideas. Specific, repeatable feedback sharpens virtual communication skills and strengthens leadership communication because people understand exactly what behaviors to continue.
If you want speaking with confidence to be rooted in ownership instead of applause, this episode provides a practical framework for feedback that builds real trust, deeper accountability, and lasting influence.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Pep Talks Can Backfire in Parenting and Leadership Communication 03:26 The Hidden Cost of Overpraise and External Validation 07:46 What to Say Instead: Link Effort to Outcomes to Build Real Confidence 10:50 From Praise-Dependent Kids to High-Maintenance Employees 12:15 Specific and Repeatable Feedback That Strengthens Executive Presence 18:17 The Takeaway: Recognize Effort and Progress to Inspire Lasting Motivation
Connect with Amy McCready: Visit the Positive Parenting Solutions website Amy’s All-In-One Parenting Success System
Books:
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP50: Busy PowerPoint Slides? Here’s How to Present Them Clearly | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:11:24 | |
Presenting slides filled with dense data and rigid corporate templates can feel like you are fighting your own materials. You know the slide is too busy. You know it could be cleaner. Yet you are required to show every number. So how do you keep the room with you instead of losing them to a wall of figures?
In this Speaker Tip Spotlight episode of Speaker Dynamics, Karin Reed offers practical, real-world guidance for presenting slides that do not follow best practices. She walks through how to guide executive attention to the numbers that actually matter, how to use clear verbal direction so people know exactly where to look, and how to manage data-heavy visuals without shrinking your presence. These are strategies you can use the very next time you present financials, dashboards, or standardized templates.
If you have ever felt overshadowed by a crowded deck or boxed in by a template you cannot change, this episode will feel both validating and useful. You may not control the slide design. You absolutely control how you show up and how your message lands.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Real Challenge of Presenting Busy Slides 01:20 Why Slide Design Best Practices Clash With Company Templates 02:15 Presenting Data-Heavy Slides Without Losing Executive Attention 03:00 Using Call-Outs to Improve Clarity When Presenting Slides 05:10 Visual and Verbal Cues for Presenting Slides Clearly 06:00 Why Laser Pointers Can Hurt Your PowerPoint Presentation 08:18 When to Remove a Slide and Strengthen Executive Presence 09:35 Three Proven Strategies for Presenting Slides With Confidence 10:34 Slide Design Best Practices and PowerPoint Tips Resource
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP49: AI Tools For Speakers - How Leaders Use GenAI To Improve Communication | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:34:59 | |
What if ChatGPT could help you think more clearly before you speak instead of just helping you sound polished? Karin Reed sits down with Michael Shehane, founder of InStride Leadership, to explore how leaders are using ai tools for speakers like ChatGPT or Claude to sharpen clarity, strengthen judgment, and communicate with more intention under pressure. Drawing from his work with AI leaders in Silicon Valley, Michael explains why traditional preparation habits no longer match the pace of modern leadership and what actually helps now. This episode explains that when we use AI tools for speakers, we should consider them a thinking partner rather than a replacement for human judgment. It shows how AI tools for speakers like ChatGPT or Claude can support better decisions, more confident communication, and more honest self-reflection without stripping away presence or authenticity. For leaders who want to communicate authentically at work, this conversation offers a practical and timely perspective on modern communication skills for leaders.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Leadership Communication and GenAI Explained 04:20 Why Traditional Presentation Preparation Is Failing Leaders 06:40 Using ChatGPT to Prepare and Clarify Your Message 16:05 Using ChatGPT During Meetings to Improve Communication 20:00 How Leaders Use AI to Review and Improve Communication 26:45 What AI Cannot Replace in Leadership Communication 29:20 Key Takeaway for Leaders Using ChatGPT
Connect with Michael Shehane: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Visit the InStride Leadership website Follow InStride Leadership on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP48: Eliminating Filler Words When... uh... Speaking | Speaker Tip Spotlight | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:13:31 | |
If you are serious about eliminating filler words, you have to notice them before your audience does. When listeners start counting your “um’s” and “like’s” instead of tracking your ideas, your executive presence and leadership communication both suffer. This solo episode launches Speaker Tip Spotlight, a short-form series focused on practical strategies for speaking with confidence and communicating with influence. The first topic tackles eliminating filler words and why they show up so often in high-stakes moments, especially in public speaking for leaders. Karin Reed explains what filler words actually signal, when they become a distraction, and how eliminating filler words at key transitions can instantly strengthen your delivery. Polished presentation skills and effective presentations are not about talking more. They are about control. You will learn how eliminating filler words improves business storytelling, sharpens memorable messaging, and supports stronger communication for leaders. With simple tools like self-recording and visual cues, eliminating filler words becomes less about self-criticism and more about awareness and intention. When you focus on eliminating filler words, you create space for clarity, authority, and confident communication to lead the way.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Eliminating Filler Words Strengthens Your Impact 02:15 Why Short, Focused Speaking Tips Work 04:05 What Filler Words Really Are And Why We Use Them 06:10 When Filler Words Pull Focus From Your Message 07:45 Why Eliminating Filler Words In Their Entirety Is The Wrong Goal 09:10 How To Replace Filler Words With Intentional Pauses 11:05 Using Awareness To Reduce Filler Words Naturally 13:20 Learning Communication Skills Through Speaker Dynamics University
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP47: Effective Communication for Women: The Likeability Trap That’s Holding You Back (with Dr. Kate Mason) | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:34:34 | |
Do you really have to choose between being liked and being influential, or has that belief been quietly shaping how you speak and lead? In this conversation on effective communication for women, Karin Reed examines the hidden tradeoffs women are taught to make and how those habits affect executive presence. Karin talks with Dr. Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likeable, about the tension at the center of leadership communication for women: the pressure to soften authority to stay well liked. Challenging the myth that warmth and power sit on opposite ends, Dr. Mason explains how women and executive presence can coexist without compromise. This is effective communication for women that strengthens influence when speaking while preserving authenticity. The episode unpacks why women often minimize expertise, overexplain decisions, or hesitate to ask for time and resources. Dr. Mason introduces “imposing syndrome” and offers practical shifts that build confident communication and stronger communication for leaders. What changes when you state your recommendation first? How does being influential and well liked become less of a balancing act and more of a strategic choice? At its core, this is a conversation about effective communication for women who want to lead with clarity, conviction, and real influence when speaking.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Being Liked vs Being Influential in Women Communication 02:08 Why Power and Likeability Are Not Opposites for Women Leaders 05:06 How Women Minimize Expertise in Professional Communication 08:49 How to Lead With the Recommendation in Women Communication 12:29 Imposing Syndrome and Asking for What You Need at Work 16:13 Rethinking Confidence in Women Communication 18:12 Why Visibility Matters in Virtual Communication 24:00 Authority Without Changing Your Voice or Identity 32:21 One Practice to Strengthen Women Communication and Influence
Connect with Dr. Kate Mason: Connect with Dr. Kate on LinkedIn Subscribe to Dr. Kate’s Substack
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP46: Be Remarkable in 2026 with Guy Kawasaki | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:37:45 | |
Being remarkable is not a title you claim but the result of choosing to make a difference every single day. In this episode, Karin Reed revisits a favorite conversation with Guy Kawasaki to explore what actually makes someone remarkable. Drawing from his book Think Remarkable and decades of experience in technology and leadership, Guy challenges the idea that remarkableness comes from visibility, personal branding, or self-promotion. Instead, it grows out of meaningful work, service, and a commitment to improving something beyond yourself.
The conversation touches on communication, decision-making, and action. Guy shares why clarity and concision matter, why waiting for the perfect plan often stalls progress, and how his “turn and burn” philosophy encourages people to act and adjust rather than overthink. He also reframes common concerns around authenticity and modern tools like AI, pointing out that intent matters more than the tools themselves.
Guy shares stories and advice, especially for younger professionals, about showing up, doing the work others avoid, and letting impact speak louder than image. Being remarkable comes from growth, grit, grace, and the choices you make to genuinely make a difference.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What It Really Means To Be Remarkable 05:57 Using AI And LLMs Without Losing Authenticity 09:46 The Philosophy Behind Think Remarkable 14:27 Growth, Grit, And Grace As A Framework For Impact 18:13 Why Making A Difference Comes Before Recognition 26:28 “Turn And Burn” Decision Making And Taking Action 33:41 The True Measure Of Success: Making A Difference 34:33 Career Advice: How To Become Indispensable
Connect with Guy Kawasaki: Get Guy’s book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference Learn more about Guy’s book, Think Remarkable Tune in to Guy’s Remarkable People Podcast
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP45: Business Storytelling That Wins Funding - How to Pitch So People Lean In With Ben Wiener | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:34:30 | |
Business storytelling is the difference between a pitch that gets polite nods and one that gets funded. In this episode, we break down how business storytelling transforms a standard startup presentation into a compelling narrative that investors actually respond to. If you care about leadership communication, speaking with confidence, and learning how to communicate with influence, this conversation will change how you think about pitching. Karen sits down with venture capitalist and author Ben Wiener to discuss his novel Fever Pitch, a story that doubles as a masterclass in business storytelling. Instead of relying on slides crammed with data, Ben argues that founders need structure, stakes, and emotional clarity. His HEART framework reframes how leaders approach presentation skills, structuring a presentation, and even overcoming the fear of public speaking. You’ll hear:
This episode goes beyond startup tactics. It’s about communication for leaders who want to own the room, whether they’re pitching investors, leading a team, or delivering effective presentations. If you want sharper meeting facilitation skills, stronger memorable messaging, and more persuasive leadership communication, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing “Fever Pitch” and Startup Storytelling 00:58 Ben Wiener’s Journey from VC to Author 03:02 Why Fiction Can Teach Startup Strategy 06:27 Storytelling as the Foundation of a Strong Pitch 07:34 Guy Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule and Pitch Lessons 12:01 Why Most Startup Pitch Decks Fail 14:03 The HEART Framework Explained 19:51 What Investors Really Want to Hear First 26:18 Reframing Pitching as Partnership, Not Persuasion 32:07 The Business Power of Paying It Forward 33:38 Closing and Bonus Content Invitation
Connect with Ben Wiener: Learn more about Ben Wiener’s book: Fever Pitch
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP44: Job Search 101: Personal Brand on LinkedIn & Controlling Your Online Narrative | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:30:42 | |
Discover how to articulate your professional value with clarity and confidence so your next career move feels intentional and fully aligned with your strengths.
Karin Reed and Briefcase Coach founder Sarah Johnston discuss why even the most accomplished professionals struggle to explain what they bring to the table. If you’ve ever stared at your résumé and wondered why it doesn’t feel like “you,” or questioned how to tell your story without sounding inflated or vague, this episode gives you a clearer path forward. Sarah offers a grounded look at what hiring teams actually pay attention to, why so many leaders lose sight of their own impact, and how a shift in perspective can change the way you show up on paper and in interviews. What would happen if you paused before updating your résumé and asked who you want to reach and what they need to see? How might your story change if you focused on real outcomes rather than a list of responsibilities?
Karin and Sarah also explore how LinkedIn shapes first impressions and why keywords, updated visuals, and a thoughtful About section matter more than most people realize. They close with a simple but meaningful challenge: set aside quiet time to build a value proposition statement that reflects your strengths and the direction you want to go. If you want a clearer sense of how to communicate your worth and make your next career move with intention, this episode will help you rethink how you present your work, your impact, and your voice.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing Sarah Johnston And The Importance Of Articulating Your Value 02:38 Identifying Your Target Role And Understanding What Employers Really Want 06:02 Why It’s Hard To See Your Own Strengths: “Inside The Jar” Insight 09:59 The RAS Formula: How To Lead With Impact On Your Resume 14:01 LinkedIn Strategy: Keywords, Storytelling, And Controlling Your Online Narrative 22:20 Quick LinkedIn Wins: Headline, Headshot, And Strategic Networking 25:56 Owning Your Achievements Without Feeling Like You’re Bragging 28:40 Your One Next Step: Creating A Powerful Value Proposition Statement
Connect with Sarah Johnston: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP43: Tips for Making Small Talk & Enjoying Confident Communication with Matt Abrahams | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:23:16 | |
Most of what we say isn’t planned, and communication expert Matt Abrahams wants us to stop fearing those moments and enjoy confident communication. Karin Reed talks with Matt, a Stanford lecturer and author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter, about how to stay grounded when you’re put on the spot. Why do we freeze when asked an unexpected question or stumble through small talk? What if the key to confident communication isn’t perfection, but presence?
Matt shares how letting go of the pressure to sound brilliant (what he calls “maximizing mediocrity”) creates space for real connection. He also offers his “next play” mindset for moving past mistakes and explains why confident communication starts with active listening and clear focus. His mother’s advice sums it up perfectly: “Tell the time, don’t build the clock.”
By the end, you’ll see that spontaneous speaking is a skill you can practice. With a little preparation and curiosity, those unscripted moments can become chances for being influential and well liked, speaking with confidence, and eliminating your fear of public speaking and networking.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Spontaneous Speaking 02:31 Understanding Spontaneous Speaking 05:02 Overcoming Anxiety in Speaking 08:03 Maximizing Mediocrity for Confident Communication 10:25 The Importance of Listening 12:57 The Role of Body Language When Presenting 15:21 The F Word: Focus in Spontaneous Speaking 17:49 Mastering Small Talk 21:05 Key Takeaways and Conclusion Connect with Matt Abrahams: Subscribe to Think Fast, Talk Smart on YouTube Follow Think Fast, Talk Smart on X Follow Think Fast, Talk Smart on Instagram
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP42: Talk to TikTok with Bill Harper | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:30:15 | |
Bill Harper, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of BrandBossHQ, talks about what really happens when you stop hiding behind perfection and start showing up as yourself on camera. How do you get past the fear of putting your face out there? What shifts when you stop worrying about being polished and start focusing on being real?
Joining Karin Reed in this episode, Bill shares how one reluctant step onto TikTok reshaped his business and sparked a whole new connection with his audience. He explains how a single comment from a viewer erased his hesitation, how authenticity can outshine production value, and why people crave genuine presence more than scripted marketing.
Together, Karin and Bill dig into what makes video such a powerful bridge for trust and why today’s leaders can’t afford to separate their personal voice from their brand. The episode leaves you thinking less about how to perform on camera and more about how to show up in a way that actually connects.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From Camera Shyness to TikTok Success 02:09 How BrandBoss HQ Was Born During COVID 03:48 The Surprising Power of TikTok for Business Growth 06:58 Overcoming the Fear of Speaking on Camera 10:16 Shifting Your Mindset to Connect Authentically on Video 14:04 TikTok as a Platform for Learning and Mentorship 19:05 The Blending of Personal and Business Branding 20:03 Building Trust Through Authentic Content 26:01 One Positive Comment That Changed Everything 29:05 Bonus: Free Brand Audit Offer
Connect with Bill Harper: 60-day Brand Transformation Course
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP41: Using GenAI for Presentations: Sharper Idea Generation, Storytelling & Practice Tools | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:27:00 | |
Curious about using GenAI for presentations but not sure where to start? In this episode of Speaker Dynamics, Karin Reed sits down with communication coach and tech specialist Maggie Miller to explore how using GenAI for presentations can make you a stronger, more confident speaker rather than a robotic one.
Maggie shares how she moved from skepticism to strategy. She first experimented with AI for travel planning before recognizing the real opportunity for presenters. When it comes to using GenAI for presentations, the biggest advantages are speed, sharper idea generation, and better practice tools. That means faster outlines, stronger opening hooks, tighter storytelling, and platforms that provide delivery feedback and help eliminate filler words.
They also address a concern many leaders have. Will AI strip away authenticity? Maggie’s perspective is clear. AI should support your thinking, not replace it. When you are using GenAI for presentations, it works like a behind the scenes assistant. It helps with structuring a presentation, brainstorming stories, and refining language, while you bring the voice, judgment, and emotional intelligence.
You will also hear practical guidance on writing better prompts, protecting data privacy, fact checking AI outputs, and choosing the right tools for speakers. For leaders focused on presentation skills and authentic leadership communication, this conversation offers a realistic and grounded path forward.
If you have been hesitant, this episode will show you how to start small and build confidence quickly.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Using GenAI for Presentations 04:23 Three Benefits of AI Tools for Speakers 07:52 Protecting Authentic Leadership Communication When Using AI 10:40 Data Privacy and Fact Checking When Using GenAI 13:11 Best AI Tools for Speakers Including ChatGPT and Grammarly 19:13 How to Write Better Prompts for Structuring a Presentation 20:41 Where to Start Using GenAI for Presentations
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP40: Strategically Real on Socials | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:29:57 | |
Authentic leadership online means showing up as yourself rather than hiding behind corporate polish.
Karin Reed sits down with Jess Jensen, the founder of Co-Pilot Communications, to talk about what it really takes for executives to build a digital presence that feels genuine and earns trust. After two decades leading digital strategy for global brands like Microsoft, Nestlé, Qualcomm, and Adidas, Jess has seen firsthand how the landscape has shifted. People no longer want polished brand statements - they want to hear from leaders directly. So how do you decide who you’re really speaking to? What values do you want to be known for? And how can you use your story to spark connection in a way that feels true to you?
Jess shares a framework that helps leaders find clarity on their audience, their voice, and the platforms where they can make the most impact. She also explains why the comments section is where relationships are actually built and why leaning into your own experiences is the key to lasting influence. This conversation is an invitation to think differently about your presence online and to step into it with honesty, confidence, and purpose.
For Speaker Dynamics podcast listeners, Jess is offering a free 25-minute LinkedIn audit. Quick, practical reviews for business owners and senior executives who think their profile might be holding them back. Go to copilotcommunications.com and under contact, book time with me. Mention this podcast and you’ll get a real-time audit, and a handful of actionable next steps.
No cost. No catch. Just clarity. And a thank you for listening to the show.
Book here: https://calendly.com/jessjensen-copilotcommunications/25min
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Authenticity Over Perfection in Leadership 01:39 The Mission Behind Co-Pilot Communications 05:52 From Corporate Brands to Human Voices on Social Media 10:06 Five Steps to Building an Authentic Digital Brand 21:27 Why Relationships Are Built in the Comments 27:38 Your Story as the Most Powerful Differentiator
Connect with Jess Jensen:
Connect with Karin Reed: Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP39: Leading Virtual Teams: What Changes When Your Team Is Global | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:29:46 | |
Leading Virtual Teams requires more than replicating office habits on a digital platform. What looks aligned on the surface can quickly fracture when distance, culture, and trust are not intentionally addressed. For leaders focused on Speaking Like a Leader in a global environment, communication choices carry even greater weight.
In this episode, Karin Reed sits down with global virtual team expert and author Theresa Hollema to examine what truly drives success when leading virtual teams across borders. Theresa explains why team configuration matters, how physical proximity can unintentionally create cliques, and why some organizations found fully remote collaboration more effective than hybrid models during the pandemic.
The conversation highlights the subtle signals that shape global collaboration. How meetings are structured. What messages are sent when cameras are turned on or off. How a follow-up call may feel like micromanagement in one culture but genuine care in another. These nuances demand modern communication skills for leaders who want to strengthen trust rather than weaken it. Theresa also introduces a framework from her book Virtual Teams Across Cultures that explores how culture influences teams within the group, between locations, and through outside local factors. For leaders committed to Speaking Like a Leader across time zones and languages, this framework offers practical insight into strengthening virtual communication skills and getting buy-in on ideas from diverse teams.
If you are responsible for leading virtual teams and want stronger collaboration, deeper trust, and more consistent results across borders, this episode provides a clear path forward. Speaking Like a Leader in a global setting is not about speaking louder. It is about communicating with cultural awareness, clarity, and intention.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Global Virtual Teams 01:18 Why Virtual Leadership Differs From Office Work 06:45 Hybrid Pitfalls: Proximity Bias and Cliques 08:22 Psychological Distance Across Locations 10:04 Turning Cultural Diversity Into Innovation 12:14 Practical Ways to Build Cultural Competence 17:32 Leader Readiness for Cross-Cultural Dilemmas 19:04 One-on-Ones That Build Trust 21:40 Camera Use and Signals of Trust 23:21 Post-Meeting Follow-Up: Care vs Micromanagement
Connect with Theresa Hollema: Theresa’s Book: Virtual Teams Across Cultures Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn
Connect with Karin Reed: Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP38: The Power of Silence | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:24:15 | |
Silence can feel uncomfortable, yet it has the power to make every word count. How do pauses change the way others hear you? When does stopping at the right moment strengthen your message instead of weaken it?
Speaker Dynamics – Own The Room is back, and in this episode, Karin Reed explores silence as one of the most underused but transformative skills in communication. She shares how pausing before you speak can command attention and project confidence, why ending once your point is made keeps your message clear and credible, and how intentional quiet creates space for real listening. Karin reflects on lessons from her work with global leaders, her experiences moderating conversations, and even her personal relationships, showing how silence can shift both professional dynamics and personal connections.
These insights aren’t just theory. They come with a challenge. Can you choose one conversation where you practice full presence, resist the urge to fill every gap, and let silence do the heavy lifting? The results might surprise you.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Power of Silence 01:47 Pause to Ponder: Using Silence to Form Your Thoughts 05:21 Silence Commands Attention and Builds Confidence 07:07 Stop Talking Once You’ve Made Your Point 12:05 Using Silence to Actively Listen 20:58 Key Takeaways on the Power of Silence
Connect with Karin Reed: Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm | |||
| EP37: Inspiring through Storytelling | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:26:01 | |
Most business presentations are packed with data no one remembers. Stories are what actually stick.
Karin Reed is joined by senior communication coach Andrea Brody for a conversation that redefines what storytelling looks like in a business setting. What makes someone pause, lean in, and actually remember what you said? Well, it’s probably not your bullet points.
Andrea shares insights from her Inspiring Through Storytelling workshop, including the science behind why our brains respond so strongly to stories, and why even simple, everyday moments can leave a lasting impression. She breaks down common misconceptions about what counts as a “real” story and explains how value stories, founder stories, and customer stories can all be used strategically, depending on your audience.
For anyone who’s tired of being forgettable in meetings, pitches, or presentations, Karin and Andrea’s conversation offers a smarter way to connect, and a clearer reason to start sharing stories that actually mean something.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Business Storytelling and Why It Matters 02:51 Inside the “Inspiring Through Storytelling” Workshop 05:04 The Science Behind Why Stories Stick 07:59 What Makes a Story Effective 10:54 “I’m Not a Storyteller” and Other Common Myths 11:18 How to Find Meaningful Stories in Everyday Life 13:35 Participant Breakthroughs and Story Wins 19:40 NFL Combine Example: Quiet Leadership Through Story 22:07 Leading Through Storytelling in Tough Times
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP36: Pitch Perfect - Becoming a Media Expert with Paula Rizzo | 20 May 2025 | 00:29:50 | |
Becoming a go-to media expert doesn’t happen by chance. There are multiple factors that make you the guest who is on speed dial. But what are those factors?
Karin Reed talks with Paula Rizzo, an Emmy-winning producer, author and media trainer, about what it really takes to get booked by the media and asked back. Why do some experts become regulars while others never hear a word? What makes a producer stop scrolling and actually open your pitch?
Paula shares what she looked for when booking guests during her years in TV news and how she used those same strategies to build her own media presence. She explains the importance of showing up online, pitching with a clear hook and takeaway, and creating content that reflects your expertise. She also unpacks what it means to be “good on camera” and why clarity always matters more than charisma.
This episode offers guidance for authors, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who want to raise their visibility and be taken seriously by the media. If you’re ready to be seen as the expert, this is where to begin.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Becoming a Media Expert 01:13 Paula Rizzo’s Media Journey 03:20 How to Start: Blogging, Pitching, and Visibility 05:00 What Makes a Great Media Guest 06:10 Why Availability Matters 08:19 How to Pitch the Media Effectively 10:54 Follow-Up and Relationship Building 13:11 Understanding What Producers Actually Need 14:55 Being Good on Camera 19:11 Speaking in Soundbites 21:23 Where to Begin as an Aspiring Expert 23:57 Common Misconceptions About Media 26:04 When to Start Media Training 27:50 Be Visible to Be Found
Links Connect with Paula Rizzo: For listeners – anyone who is interested in applying for a free strategy session with me can go to SpeakWithPaula.com to apply. There are limited spots available. For anyone interested in lists and productivity, here’s a list-making starter kit at paularizzo.com/lists To connect via LinkedIn please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP35: Will You Let Me Finish? | 06 May 2025 | 00:26:25 | |
Controlling a room full of senior leaders starts with knowing your mission and refusing to let interruptions derail it. So what happens when you walk into a meeting ready to present and the executives start cutting you off before you even reach slide two? Karin Reed knows the feeling, and she offers a smarter way to handle it without losing control or losing your nerve.
In this episode, Karin breaks down five practical strategies for staying in charge when senior leaders steer the conversation off course. She shares why setting expectations early can help you hold the room, how trimming your content down to what matters most can work in your favor, and why you should never make a busy executive wait for the point you’re trying to make. Would your presentation land differently if you led with the ‘ask’ instead of saving it for the end? Karin explains why it would and how it changes the way people listen. You’ll also hear smart ways to handle interruptions without giving away control and how to design your slides to flex with the conversation instead of boxing you in.
Karin drives home a simple truth: your voice matters, no matter where you sit on the org chart. When you stay intentional, respectful, and focused, you help leaders make better decisions. And that is exactly why you are in the room.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Mission and Importance of Presentation 02:32 Understanding Senior Leaders’ Intent 04:51 Five Strategies Overview 05:03 Strategy 1: Setting Expectations 07:10 Strategy 2: Be Realistic with Content 10:18 Strategy 3: Don’t Bury the Lead 14:00 Strategy 4: Handling Questions 18:46 Strategy 5: Be Flexible
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP34: Tales from the Trenches of the Speakers Circuit | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:28:25 | |
Most people think polish makes a speaker great. Authenticity is what makes an audience listen.
In this episode, Karin Reed talks with international keynote speaker and bestselling author Ryan Vet about what it really takes to build a professional speaking business. From a non-linear journey shaped by entrepreneurship and early Twitter fame to a moment of clarity sparked by unexpected feedback, Ryan shares how authenticity, not polish, is the quality that sets great speakers apart.
Ryan and Karin discuss common misconceptions about the speaking world, including the myth that success happens quickly or that all impactful talks happen on massive stages. Ryan offers practical insight into building a sustainable speaking business, from understanding who’s in the room to customizing talks without compromising your voice. He also explains why things like AV etiquette, recording your talks, and building multiple revenue streams are part of the job, not just extras.
Whether you’re aiming for the main stage or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this conversation pulls back the curtain on professional speaking with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Ryan’s Path to Professional Speaking 04:30 Lessons from Writing Speak Goodr 06:00 Handling On-Stage Mishaps 09:24 Respecting the AV Team 10:04 Building a Speaking Business 12:43 Setting and Explaining Your Fee 16:37 Creating Multiple Revenue Streams 17:05 Preparing for Your Audience 20:14 Why Recording Your Talks Matters 22:19 How the Speaking Industry is Changing 23:32 Impacting Audiences of Any Size 25:55 Stick With It
Links Connect with Ryan Vet:
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP33: An Executive Presence Toolkit | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:20:35 | |
Executive presence isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s built through intention, visibility, and the willingness to quiet your inner critic. These are some of the key takeaways from Karin Reed’s talk produced by e-learning titan, Madecraft, as part of their &Then speakers’ series.
Karin returns to a topic she’s known for—owning the room—but this time through a more personal lens. What does it take to show up with confidence when your inner voice is questioning every move? How do you project leadership when imposter syndrome is creeping into your psyche?
Through stories from her early days as a young reporter and lessons learned from years coaching professionals on camera and in the room, Karin outlines what executive presence really requires. She breaks it down into three areas: how others see you, how you see yourself, and how you stay true to who you are while still making an impact.
You’ll hear tips for making stronger digital impressions, learn why solo episodes almost didn’t happen on her podcast, and get a reminder that your value isn’t tied to how well you match someone else’s mold. This episode is a smart, honest look at how to show up clearly, confidently, and fully yourself.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Defining Executive Presence 05:12 The Importance of First Impressions 07:00 Elements of Strong Presence 09:17 Improving Your Virtual Presence 12:48 Maximizing Your Screen Space 13:10 Owning Your Expertise 16:02 The Value of Authenticity 17:27 The Importance of Executive Presence
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP32: Leadership Communication: Flexible Leadership in Uncertain Times (with Kevin Eikenberry) | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:30:08 | |
In a world where change is constant, leadership communication can no longer rely on habit or personality type. If you lead a team, present to stakeholders, or guide strategy, the way you communicate directly shapes results. Rigid leadership communication simply does not work anymore.
In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry joins Karin Reed to challenge the idea that leaders should stick to one style. He introduces a practical framework for becoming more adaptable without losing your values. You will hear how strong leadership communication is rooted in principles and flexible in execution. That shift builds executive presence and drives confident communication, even in uncertain moments.
Kevin walks through real workplace scenarios that many leaders face. You ask for input and get silence. You feel pressure to respond quickly. You default to your usual approach. He explains how to pause, assess the context, and decide whether to ask, tell, listen, or direct. That intentional choice strengthens your influence when speaking and helps you communicate with influence instead of reacting on autopilot.
They also explore the connection between empathy and performance and how leaders can balance both without sacrificing results. For anyone focused on public speaking for leaders, this conversation offers a grounded and actionable path forward.
If you want your leadership communication to match the demands of today’s workplace, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to make it happen.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Leadership Communication Must Be Flexible in Uncertain Times 09:01 Ask vs. Tell — A Practical Leadership Communication Shift 16:11 Mindset, Skillset, and Habit Set Framework for Leaders 18:17 Balancing Empathy and Results Without Losing Performance 26:01 The “It Depends” Rule for Better Leadership Decisions
Connect with Kevin Eikenberry: Learn more about Flexible Leadership Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn Subscribe to Kevin Eikenberry Group YouTube Channel
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
| |||
| EP31: The Assignment I Didn’t Want That Led to a Career in Leadership Communicatio | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:20:03 | |
Milestones rarely announce themselves in the moment. They often look like assignments you did not ask for, skills that felt ordinary, or opportunities that seemed off-track. Only later do you see how they shaped your career. As Speaker Dynamics marks its first anniversary, Karin Reed reflects on the moments that led her into a career focused on leadership communication, executive presence, and coaching professionals to strengthen their effective communication skills. From an unexpected newsroom assignment that led to an Emmy Award, to sketching a communication framework on a legal pad in an airport terminal, to teaching virtual communication skills long before they were mainstream, each milestone quietly built the foundation for her work today. This episode explores:
Karin shares the turning point when she realized she could help C-level executives communicate more confidently on camera, which ultimately grew into books, global training programs, and a coaching practice centered on leadership communication and executive presence. If you are building influence, presenting to senior leaders, or refining your executive presence on video, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own communication milestones. The experiences you once questioned may be preparing you for the next chapter of your leadership journey.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:06 First Communication Milestone: Tuesday’s Child 05:37 Impact of Tuesday’s Child Assignment 06:48 Emmy Award for Special Needs Adoption Documentary 07:02 Lesson from Tuesday’s Child Experience 07:03 Second Communication Milestone: Teaching On-Camera Communication 08:58 Developing the MVPs of On-Camera Success 10:13 Expanding Workshops and Writing a Book 10:45 Lesson from Teaching On-Camera Communication 11:07 Third Communication Milestone: 2020 and Virtual Communication 12:13 Webinar with Dr. Joe Allen 13:06 Onslaught of Business in 2020 14:00 Scaling Training and Speaker Dynamics University 15:04 Lesson from 2020 Experience 16:10 Reflecting on Career Impact 17:35 This Week’s Big Takeaway 18:17 Encouragement to Reflect on Personal Milestones 18:48 Closing
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP30: Virtual Communication Skills: Why Presence Matters More Than Proximity | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
Are your virtual communication skills strong enough to create real connection when your team is fully remote? Return-to-office mandates promise culture and collaboration, but they often miss the real issue. The gap is not proximity. It is presence. In this conversation, Karin Reed sits down with Lisette Sutherland to unpack how spatial working may reshape the way we think about leading virtual teams and strengthening virtual communication skills in a distributed world. Instead of stacking more Zoom meetings on the calendar, spatial work tools create digital offices where people can see who is available, drop in for quick chats, and experience true virtual presence. The result is fewer forced meetings and more natural interaction. It changes how teams experience executive communication, how leaders model visibility, and how spontaneous collaboration actually happens. Lisette shares how she tested these tools with her own global network and why presence and serendipity are not lost causes in remote collaboration. She also explains the real barrier. It is not cost. It is habit change. When organizations want better culture but hesitate to try something new, they default to mandates instead of experimentation.
If you care about meeting facilitation skills, connected teams, and building culture without requiring a commute, this episode will challenge how you think about virtual communication skills and what is possible when remote work is designed intentionally.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Is Spatial Working and Why It Matters for Remote Teams 02:08 Virtual Presence and Serendipity in Remote Collaboration 10:40 Why Teams Resist New Virtual Communication Tools 16:53 How to Successfully Pilot Spatial Working 21:44 Rethinking Return-to-Office Mandates
Links Learn more about "How Virtual Coworking Elevates Team Building" Welo (a Collaboration Superpowers favorite)
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram | |||
| EP29: Influence When Speaking: The 3 Habits That Strengthen Executive Presence | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:25:51 | |
Influence when speaking is not built through big declarations. It is built through daily communication habits that shape how others see and hear you. In this episode, Karin Reed shares three shifts that strengthen your virtual presence, sharpen your executive communication, and increase your influence when speaking in high-stakes moments. Whether you are presenting in a boardroom or speaking on camera, these habits determine how your message lands. First, she challenges the habit of winging it. Preparation is not optional if you want strong executive presence. When you are speaking on camera or leading a virtual meeting, lack of preparation shows quickly. Confidence is rarely spontaneous. It is built through clarity, structure, and intention. Second, Karin explores why listening is one of the most overlooked leadership communication skills. True listening, rather than simply waiting for your turn, strengthens trust and improves how you inspire teams through communication. Strong virtual presence is not just about how you speak. It is about how you engage. Third, she addresses the cost of staying silent. Your perspective has value. Leaders who build influence when speaking do not shrink their voice in important conversations. They speak with clarity, especially when the stakes are high. If you want to elevate your executive presence, improve your virtual presence, and feel more confident speaking on camera, these communication habits will reshape how your leadership communication shows up across every platform.
Episode Breakdown: 02:49 Stop Winging It When Presenting to Senior Leaders 08:36 Leadership Communication Starts With Listening 15:45 The Power of Active Listening at Work and Home 17:54 Imposter Syndrome and Communication Anxiety 20:40 Why Speaking Up Builds Real Confidence 23:35 Preparation as the Key to Speaking With Confidence
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram | |||
| EP28: Connect As A Person For Authentic Leadership Communication and Executive Presence | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:27:09 | |
Are you leading like a person or hiding behind your title? This conversation gets to the heart of leadership communication and the difference between authority and connection. Karin Reed sits down with Mark Carpenter, author of Lead Like a Person, Not a Position, to explore why positional power is costing leaders more than they realize.
In today’s workplace, leadership communication is less about hierarchy and more about trust. Mark shares a candid story from his own career that shows how quickly a leader can shift from human connection to command and control. The result was damaged credibility, disengaged employees, and eventual turnover. It is a cautionary example for anyone serious about executive presence.
Mark outlines three behaviors that define strong leadership communication. Listen intently. Communicate intentionally. Recognize individually. These habits are practical and measurable. They help you communicate with influence, strengthen authentic leadership communication, and build loyalty without theatrics. For leaders who want more influence when speaking or who are presenting to senior leaders, this framework strengthens both clarity and credibility.
The discussion also addresses a hard question. What happens when your culture rewards power plays over people skills? Mark offers a grounded perspective on values, results, and the kind of legacy you want attached to your name.
If you care about executive presence and want your leadership communication to reflect who you actually are, this episode delivers both strategy and self reflection.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Difference Between Leading as a Person vs. a Position 02:59 A Real-World Example of Positional Leadership Gone Wrong 07:09 Why Leadership Communication Is a Moment-by-Moment Choice 11:21 Listening Intently to Avoid Solving the Wrong Problem 15:01 Communicating Intentionally to Build Trust and Accountability 19:19 Recognizing Individually to Increase Engagement and Retention 22:53 Leading Authentically in Command-and-Control Cultures 25:04 Defining the Leadership Legacy You Want to Leave
Connect with Mark Carpenter: Visit the Lead Like a Person website
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram | |||
| EP27: Executive Presence: Aligning Strategy and Emotion During Change | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:31:01 | |
Most change initiatives fail because of poor leadership communication, not bad strategy. When leaders decide to pivot, they usually have data, analysis, and alignment at the top. What often gets missed is how that decision lands emotionally across the organization.
In this conversation, John Cerqueira shares what effective leadership communication really looks like during change management. He breaks down the ADKAR framework and explains why awareness is only the beginning. If people do not feel personal desire or see how a shift benefits them, resistance is inevitable.
You will hear why reinforcement is the most overlooked step, and how small, consistent reminders separate successful initiatives from forgotten ones. John walks through a real-world example of a global rollout that worked because leaders prioritized transparency, adjusted scorecards, and stayed engaged long after the kickoff.
This is also a conversation about executive presence during uncertainty. How do you communicate with influence when emotions are high? How do you avoid the trap of assuming everyone processes information the way you do? And how do you maintain credibility when presenting to senior leaders while still honoring the human side of change? John also reflects on running for public office and how leading through uncertainty tested his own leadership communication skills.
If you are responsible for course corrections, culture shifts, or performance turnarounds, this episode will sharpen how you lead, speak, and guide people through what comes next.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Real Challenge of Leadership Communication During Change 01:29 From Sales Consulting to Change Management Expert 05:42 Why Leadership Communication Fails Without the “Why” 09:21 The ADKAR Model Explained for Organizational Change 11:59 The Most Overlooked Step in Change Management: Reinforcement 15:06 Case Study: Communicating Change in a Global Pharmaceutical Rollout 19:38 When to Announce Change Without Disrupting Momentum 22:30 Applying Change Management to Personal Leadership Growth 28:39 The Emotional Side of Leadership Communication
Connect with John Cerqueira: Visit the Pinwheel Associates website pinwheelassociates.com Connect with John Cerqueira on LinkedIn
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
| |||
| EP26: Best of 2024: Own the Room | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:21:40 | |
“One of my favorite things about doing this podcast has been the opportunity to learn new things. And I hope that you've had the same opportunity as well in listening to these conversations. I'm really excited to continue the conversation next year with all of you,” shares Karin Reed, as she reflects on the podcast’s journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from listeners and takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from episodes from the past year.
Karin revisits her conversation with Matt Abrahams, who reframed small talk as a meaningful opportunity for connection, and J.D. Schramm, who highlighted the power of storytelling to make data relatable. She also shares Guy Kawasaki’s perspective on taking action and making decisions right, Dorie Clark’s advice to pursue what captivates you for personal and professional fulfillment, and Julia Korn’s strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through vulnerability and intentional self-reflection.
This episode is both a celebration of growth and a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Karin invites listeners to carry these insights forward and share their communication challenges for future episodes as she prepares to welcome new guests and fresh perspectives for 2025.
Quotes
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP25: Executive Presence: The Hidden Power of Owning Your Mistakes | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:34:44 | |
What does executive presence look like when you have just made a mistake? Mark Graban, host of My Favorite Mistake and author of The Mistakes That Make Us, shares a surprising truth. Real executive presence is not about perfection. It is about confident communication when things go wrong. Mark has interviewed nearly 300 leaders, including members of Congress and high profile entrepreneurs, and asked each of them to share a professional misstep. A clear pattern emerged. The leaders people respect most are not the ones who avoid mistakes. They are the ones who own them. That level of leadership communication builds trust, strengthens teams, and increases influence when speaking.
Karin and Mark explore why punishment driven cultures quietly kill innovation and how psychological safety fuels better results. When leaders model confident communication and take responsibility for their own errors, they create space for others to speak up. That shift has a direct impact on morale, performance, and credibility. For anyone focused on public speaking for leaders or strengthening executive presence, this conversation is a practical reminder that authority and humility are not opposites. They work together.
If you want to command the room while staying human, this episode will challenge how you think about mistakes and show you how to turn them into momentum. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Successful Leaders Share Their Mistakes 01:44 How My Favorite Mistake Podcast Began 04:41 Confident Humility and Executive Presence 10:24 Why Punishing Mistakes Damages Workplace Culture 12:26 Psychological Safety and Leadership Communication 19:44 Powerful Mistake Stories From Public Leaders 25:58 Building a Culture That Learns Instead of Blames 31:46 A Simple Framework for Learning From Mistakes
Connect with Mark Graban: Grab a copy of The Mistakes that Make Us
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram | |||
| EP24: Using GenAI for Powerful Presentations | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:24:59 | |
“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over,” says Maggie Miller, Speaker Dynamics’ communication coach and tech specialist, as she joins Karin Reed to discuss how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is reshaping presentation skills. Maggie shares how tools like ChatGPT save time, spark creativity, and even offer real-time feedback for presenters looking to refine their delivery.
Can AI enhance your storytelling without losing the human connection? Maggie believes it can. By treating AI as a “sous chef”—a helper for the heavy lifting—presenters can stay focused on authenticity and emotional connection. She also addresses ethical considerations, including data privacy and the importance of fact-checking, while offering practical tips on crafting effective prompts to get the most out of AI.
Starting small is key. Maggie suggests taking small steps, experimenting with AI for simple tasks, and gradually discovering its potential. For those ready to take the next step, Karin introduces Speaker Dynamics’ latest offering: “Using Generative AI for Powerful Presentations,” a program Maggie designed to help individuals and teams confidently enhance their communication skills using AI. Discover more at www.speakerdynamics.com/bonuscontent/
Quotes
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP23: Don't Give Away Your Power When Virtual | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:25:04 | |
Retaining your power in virtual communication means building a presence that resonates and holds influence, even from behind a screen. So, how do we adjust our approach to make sure our impact truly connects in virtual settings?
In this episode, Karin Reed unpacks what it takes to communicate powerfully online. Reflecting on a colleague’s observation that 80% of people appear significantly more powerful in person than online, Karin explains how small adjustments can elevate virtual presence. True influence in the digital space is created by intentionally shaping how you show up.
Karin shares five practices for retaining power online—from staying visible and speaking up to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere with small talk. Do you find it easy to connect through a screen, or does it feel like a barrier? Karin suggests that everything—your position on camera, lighting, sound, even background—impacts your digital impression.
Treating the camera as a direct link to others can transform virtual interactions and create a sense of connection and trust that feels almost face-to-face. Focusing energy through the lens is more than a technical adjustment; it can powerfully build genuine connections. For anyone aiming to leave a lasting impression in the virtual room, Karin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on communicating with strength and authenticity online.
Quotes
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP22: How to Build Executive Presence by Strengthening Your Personal Power | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:30:37 | |
Why do some people command a room instantly while others struggle to be heard? Executive presence is often treated like a mystery trait, yet Chris Lipp argues it is rooted in something far more practical and trainable. It begins with personal power.
In this conversation, you will rethink executive presence from the inside out. Chris explains why titles and authority do not create real influence and how leadership communication starts with the belief that you can create impact. If you want more influence when speaking, especially when presenting to senior leaders, this episode will challenge how you show up and how you speak with confidence.
Chris breaks down the subtle habits that quietly erode executive presence, including blame, reactivity, over proving, and seeking approval. These patterns may feel safe in the moment, but they chip away at your credibility and authority. Through research and real stories, from Bob Iger taking responsibility early in his career to a teacher who diffused a violent threat through calm control, you will see how power is communicated long before you try to persuade anyone. You will also hear how body language when presenting connects to mindset, and why non reactivity can instantly shift power dynamics in meetings. If you have ever felt small in a high stakes conversation, this discussion offers practical ways to reclaim control without becoming aggressive or performative.
Executive presence is not about dominating the room. It is about owning your responses, your words, and your internal state. When you strengthen executive presence, people listen differently and leadership communication becomes far more effective.
Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Formal Power Versus Personal Power in Leadership 03:07 Accountability and Executive Presence at Work 07:12 Why Proving Yourself Reduces Influence When Speaking 10:43 The Four Behaviors That Weaken Executive Presence 16:22 Handling an Office Bully Without Losing Power 18:52 How to Gain Status and Influence in Meetings 22:28 Personal Power Under Pressure in a Crisis Situation 28:44 Strengthening Executive Presence From the Inside Out
Connect with Chris Lipp:
Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram | |||
| EP21: Leading Yourself with Elizabeth Lotardo | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:25:42 | |
“Leading yourself is about controlling the controllable. And sometimes that is your own mindset and only your own mindset,” says Elizabeth Lotardo, a consultant, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of “Leading Yourself.” She joins Karin Reed in this episode to talk about the power of self-leadership and how it enables anyone, no matter their role, to take charge of their work life. She focuses on the idea that while you can’t always control external factors, like your boss or workplace changes, you can control how you respond.
How often do we let external pressures dictate how we feel or perform? Elizabeth challenges that mindset and encourages listeners to focus on what’s within their power—shifting their perspective, building stronger relationships, and managing their own behaviors. She shares practical tips for dealing with things like micromanagers, fears about AI taking over jobs, and the stress of reorganizations, pointing out that a proactive mindset can change everything.
This episode offers a simple but impactful takeaway: “You’re never powerless.” By leading yourself, you can take control of how you show up, even in tough situations. It’s a skill that not only helps you overcome the challenges of work but one that you can carry with you for life.
Quotes
Links Connect with Elizabeth Lotardo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlotardo/ Website: https://www.elizabethlotardo.com
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP20: Mission Possible: Fight Imposter Syndrome with Julia Korn | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:24:20 | |
“What do Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, and potentially you all have in common? Imposter syndrome,” begins Karin Reed. She’s joined by Julia Korn, founder and CEO of The Authenticity Guide, to dive into how widespread imposter syndrome truly is—impacting 70% of people across all demographics. It’s a universal feeling, and Julia explains that—contrary to popular belief—imposter syndrome is not exclusive to women. This misconception arises from the term’s origins in a study conducted at an all-female university in the 1970s, which led to the mistaken belief that it predominantly affects women.
Karin and Julia talk about how increased self-awareness can sometimes make imposter syndrome worse that causes us to doubt our abilities even more. Julia offers practical tips for navigating these feelings, highlighting the power of vulnerability and taking small steps to build confidence. How can you embrace these moments of self-doubt and turn them into opportunities for growth? This episode encourages listeners to embrace imposter syndrome and turn it into a tool for building confidence through self-affirmation and solid preparation. Tune in to gain practical, useful strategies to foster authenticity and confidence in your professional life.
Quotes
Links Connect with Julia Korn: Website: www.theauthenticityguide.com Emerging Leader Collective Application: https://4mlz9tjnoss.typeform.com/to/eyTYdtxp?typeform-source=www.theauthenticityguide.com
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP19: Speaking Like a Leader: Stop Avoiding the Conversations That Matter Most | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:35:09 | |
Speaking Like a Leader is tested most when the stakes are high and emotions run stronger than we would like. In this conversation on leadership communication, Karin Reed sits down with Emily Gregory, co-author of Crucial Conversations, to explore why avoiding hard feedback quietly erodes trust. Speaking Like a Leader means stepping into discomfort instead of sidestepping it. If leadership communication is about building credibility and connection, then feedback is where it either strengthens or fractures. Emily shares a clear framework for handling tough conversations without damaging relationships. From doing the internal preparation before you speak, to stating your positive intent, to describing the gap between expectation and reality, this episode delivers practical tools you can apply immediately. Speaking Like a Leader requires clarity, ownership, and the discipline to protect trust even when accountability is necessary. The reminder is simple but powerful. Connection is the goal. Accountability follows. You will also hear how these principles translate into virtual communication skills. How do you create psychological safety when you are speaking on camera? How do you compensate for limited nonverbal cues? How can leadership communication maintain executive presence when body language is less visible? For leaders focused on executive communication across in-person and remote environments, these skills are essential.
If you want confident communication that allows you to give feedback without fear, this episode will help you rethink how you approach discomfort. Whether you are presenting to senior leaders, managing a team, or communicating with influence across a distributed workforce, the real differentiator is this: do people trust that you care? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Defines a Crucial Conversation in Leadership Communication 07:27 A Practical Framework for Giving Feedback with Confidence 12:06 Delivering Feedback Effectively in Virtual Communication 27:40 How to Create Psychological Safety During Tough Conversations 31:36 Why Avoiding Feedback Erodes Trust and Weakens Leadership
Connect with Emily Gregory: Visit Crucial Conversations for additional leadership tools Read more on how to handle constructive criticism Read the Harvard Business Review article on giving and receiving negative feedback Connect with Karin Reed: Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn
| |||
| EP18: Pay Attention People! | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:24:11 | |
“Imagine what it’s like trying to keep people’s attention in a virtual meeting—one they might not be interested in, a meeting they might even feel they don’t belong in. Yet, there they are, and it’s your job to keep them focused and get business done,” begins Karin Reed.
In this episode, Karin addresses the challenges of keeping participants engaged in virtual meetings and offers practical strategies to maintain active involvement. The first step, she suggests, is to assess whether the meeting should even happen in the first place and offers two questions to ask to ensure that it does, based on insights from her co-author, Dr. Joe Allen, from their books Suddenly Virtual, Suddenly Hybrid, and Running Effective Meetings for Dummies. Dr. Allen suggests that in some cases, asynchronous communication may be a more effective option.
Karin emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations from the start—defining the meeting’s purpose and agenda upfront and encouraging participants to turn on their cameras to enhance communication through non-verbal cues.
What can you do to make virtual meetings more dynamic? Karin suggests breaking content into smaller, manageable segments and incorporating interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, and chat participation. She also points out the value of allowing some non-business small talk, mimicking informal in-person interactions, which can help build rapport and lead to more meaningful contributions.
Another key tip? Start the call early and stay until everyone has left. This approach opens up opportunities for one-on-one interactions that might otherwise be missed. Karin stresses the importance of keeping participants engaged throughout the meeting, whether through discussions or interactive tasks.
Quotes
Links Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||
| EP17: Women in the Workplace: Communicating Your Worth | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:27:44 | |
“Wouldn’t it be great if you had someone to guide you through writing your next chapter? Marcy Bullock is one of those people,” says Karin Reed in today’s episode of Speaker Dynamics - “Own the Room.” Joining Karin, Marcy emphasizes the importance of viewing life and career as a series of chapters, encouraging us to focus on “what’s next” rather than feeling overwhelmed by planning our entire future at once. How often do we burden ourselves with trying to figure it all out, instead of just concentrating on the next step? Marcy’s approach can help ease the pressure that many high achievers feel when facing major life decisions.
The episode delves into gender disparities in the workforce, with Marcy addressing challenges women face, such as unnecessary apologies, the struggle for equal pay, and the impact of the #MeToo Movement. Drawing from her experience teaching at NC State, she shares strategies for self-advocacy among women and marginalized groups. Despite progress, significant gaps remain in areas like parental leave and salary transparency. Marcy also uses a sports analogy to illustrate how cultural conditioning contributes to the confidence gap, with women often internalizing criticism while men tend to deflect it.
To help listeners overcome self-doubt and assert their worth, Marcy offers practical strategies—such as using data in salary negotiations and avoiding “glue work” that doesn’t align with strategic goals. She also emphasizes the importance of professional development and aligning your actions with your personal values. Marcy’s house analogy vividly illustrates how to prioritize your values, from foundational deal-breakers to minor preferences, urging us to focus on what truly matters.
Marcy leaves us with a powerful message: get out of your own way. She encourages us to treat ourselves with the same compassion we’d offer a best friend and to be intentional in our life choices.
Quotes
Links Connect with Marcy Bullock: Marcy Lee Coaching Consulting - https://sites.google.com/view/marcylee/home?authuser=0 Instagram - @marcyleecoaching The Confidence Code - https://learnconfidencecode.com
Connect with Karin Reed: Website: www.speakerdynamics.com Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/ Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/ Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
| |||