After one too many failed presentations, Neil Thompson knew he had to improve. He did so, and now, via his company Teach the Geek, he works with technical professionals like himself to improve their presentation skills. He’s the creator of the Teach the Geek to Speak online public speaking course, geared towards those in the technical fields. He hosts a podcast, the Teach the Geek podcast, interviewing technical professionals about their public speaking journeys. He’s also author of the book, Teach the Geek to Speak: a no-fluff public speaking guide for STEM Professionals and the accompanying workbook.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

👨🏻‍🏫 The importance of effective presentation skills for technical professionals - Neil Thompson shares his journey of improving his presentation skills and how it led to the creation of his company, Teach the Geek.

🎙️ The value of being a podcast guest - Discussion on how being a guest on podcasts can amplify your business, featuring insights from Neil Thompson’s recent article in Inc. Magazine.

🚫 The concept of "anti-selling" in podcasting - Exploring the approach of bringing value to an audience instead of aggressively selling products or services during a podcast appearance.

🗣 Strategies for finding and pitching to podcasts - Tips from Neil on how to identify relevant podcasts and approach hosts to become a guest, including the use of resources like ListenNotes.

Resources:
https://teachthegeek.com/

Read his 2/14/24 article on how being a podcast guest can help your business - https://www.inc.com/neil-thompson/bei...

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For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

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Corbin is retiring, and we're going to reflect on his amazing career.

Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, DES, MS is an international speaker, consultant and writer helping clients worldwide use technology to improve the business process of events and exhibitions while enhancing the attendee experience. After 18 years running international city-wide technology meetings, Corbin transitioned in 1997 to become a highly acclaimed speaker with the ability to make complex subjects understandable and fun. Corbin is a 2018 inductee into the Event Industry Council's Hall of Leaders, the most prestigious honor in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry. He is the only person to have received both the MPI International Supplier of the Year and the MPI International Chapter Leader of the Year awards. Corbin has been named as one of "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry" five times by Successful Meetings/MeetingNews magazines.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🏖️ Corbin Ball's Retirement - The episode celebrates Corbin Ball's retirement after a distinguished career in the meetings industry.

⚙️Technology's Evolution - Corbin discusses how technology, including PCs, the internet, mobile tech, and AI, has revolutionized meetings and events.

💪Industry Impact - Colleagues reflect on Corbin's significant impact on the industry and their careers.

💥Future of Meetings - The conversation delves into the future of meetings, focusing on AI's potential to transform the industry further.

🌍Inclusivity Challenges - The discussion also addresses ensuring global access and inclusivity in an increasingly digital world.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbinball/

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In this episode, I discuss their groundbreaking hearing aid platform with Jim Humphries, President of Doppler Labs. Jim shares insights into their innovative technology, the development journey, and the social impact of making audiologist-quality hearing accessible and affordable. Join us as we uncover how Doppler Labs transforms the hearing aid industry and improves lives globally.

Jim Humphries is the President of Aurasen, Inc. (dba Doppler Labs), which Empowers Consumers Globally To Control Their Own Hearing Health.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🦻 Cutting-Edge Hearing Technology - exploring the innovative platform that provides audiologist-quality hearing assistance.

🌎 Global Impact and Accessibility, understanding the social impact and efforts to make hearing aids accessible worldwide.

👀 Future Plans and Vision, hearing about the timeline for product availability and plans for international distribution.

Resources:
Doppler Labs Website: www.dopplerlabs.io

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Today, we're diving into what makes a team thrive: creating a relationally rich culture. We're talking about the principles of axiology and how understanding values can transform the workplace into a hub of happiness, productivity, and longevity. Get ready to explore how fostering meaningful connections and aligning personal passions with organizational goals can lead to remarkable outcomes for your team and your business.

Today’s guest is Dr. Randy Ross. He is a bestselling author, CEO of Remarkable, and Former Chief People Officer. Most importantly, he’s a messenger of practical wisdom and needed hope to help untangle the biggest challenges facing today’s business leaders, tomorrow’s workforce, and the future marketplace.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🙋🏻‍♂️The concept of axiology and its significance in understanding human behavior and values in the workplace.

🤗 How organizations can create relationally rich environments that foster happiness, productivity, and longevity.

🤝Strategies for building a high-trust environment where team members feel safe being vulnerable and sharing their true aspirations.

🚀 The future of remote and hybrid work and how to effectively engage remote teams.

Resources:
Click https://drrandyross.com to meet Randy.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Holthausen, a seasoned freelance writer and editor, who shared her journey from law to marketing and advertising and eventually found her passion in writing. Erica discusses the importance of adding value to the conversation and offers practical advice on pitching ideas to editors effectively. She emphasizes that getting published should serve a specific business purpose, such as gaining visibility or establishing authority. Erica also shares insights from her experiences with TEDx, highlighting the power of vulnerability and authentic storytelling in public speaking.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

✍️ Erica's transition from law to marketing and finding her passion in writing.

💡 Practical advice on pitching ideas to editors and publications.

🎯 The importance of aligning published content with specific business goals.

🗣 Insights and lessons from Erica's personal experiences with TEDx and public speaking.

Resources:
https://linktr.ee/catchline

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For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

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In this episode of the Engaging Virtual Meetings podcast, I sit down with Maranda DeSanto, CAE, the Director of Member Experience at the National Speakers Association (NSA). Maranda shares her expertise on creating exceptional member experiences, the NSA's unique culture, and the importance of community within the organization.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

👋 The importance of creating a welcoming community for new and existing members.

💻 How to leverage technology to improve member engagement and experiences.

🚀 The future of virtual and hybrid meetings and their role in association management.

💬 Personal stories and examples of how NSA's community has positively impacted its members.

Tune in to hear Maranda’s insights on creating an exceptional member experience and fostering a supportive community within your organization.

Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marandadesanto/

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For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

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Rennie Curran, Brookwood High School Alum and former linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2007-2009, will serve as the keynote speaker for “Event Title”

Curran, while at the University of Georgia, was a three-time All-American Team MVP, Butkus Award finalist and permanent team captain. He finished his Bulldog career as one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the program and has recently been inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia vs. Florida Hall of Fame, and UGA 40 Under 40 class of 2020.

In 2010 Curran entered the NFL Draft. He played with the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Bucs, Edmonton Eskimos and the BC lions.

He is now a keynote speaker, author, and Leadership coach. He speaks to Fortune 500 companies, associations, sport teams, schools, and non-profit organizations on topics such as leadership, team-building, overcoming adversity, and high performance. Curran obtained his Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and his coaching certification from the Life Purpose Institute. He has been featured on ESPN, The Huffington Post, USA Today, and Fox Sports. Curran has a heart for the community and is honored to serve as our speaker today!

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🏉From sports to business
😊 How Rennie works on his authenticity
🎤Transition to virtual speaking

Resources:
https://Renniecurran.com

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Mike Kachurak is a Talent Management, Organizational Development, Master Facilitator, & Technical Podcaster at Coca-Cola in Atlanta, GA.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🥤Room tour of Sip Studio, Coca-Cola virtual training studio

🟩 The importance of green screen when doing training

🤗Best practices to make his training engaging

Resources:

https://beveragebreak.com

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend. Also, leave us a rating and review on any podcast platform, I’d really appreciate it.

For more information, visit us at www.engagingvirtualmeetings.com

Support the show