Claim OwnershipTeach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals
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© Neil Thompson
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Teach the Geek helps engineers, scientists, and technical professionals speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Each episode provides actionable tips for public speaking, technical presentations, and communicating complex ideas to non-technical audiences. Learn how to prepare slides, tell stories with data, handle Q&A sessions, and improve your professional presence. Perfect for STEM professionals, researchers, and anyone who needs to present technical content with impact.
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Jason Johnson: from Warehouse Floor to CIO ImpactCIO Jason Johnson leads a 210-person IT organization focused on making technology serve the business, not the other way around. From packing boxes on the warehouse floor to building data-driven systems that directly impact revenue, efficiency, and customer loyalty, he brings a rare ground-level perspective to executive decision-making. With a background in the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense, and a relentless focus on uptime, outcomes, and clarity, he joined us to break down how technical leaders can better communicate with the business and drive real impact.To learn more about Jason, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonpauljohnson/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Samya DasSarma: Bridging Tech and Business CommunicationCTO Samya DasSarma has more than 25 years of experience in software development and leadership. He has spent much of his career operating at the intersection of deep technical work and executive decision making. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical experts and business leaders, how those gaps affect strategic decisions, and what technical professionals can do to make their ideas clearly understood and influential.To learn more about Samya, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/samya/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Dan Lipp: Speaking Tech so Executives UnderstandDan Lipp’s career began with a physics degree and grew into more than 25 years leading software teams, delivering products, and guiding Agile transformations across startups and established companies. Today, he focuses less on coding and more on helping individuals and teams improve their satisfaction and productivity through leadership, mentoring, and continuous growth. In this episode, we discuss the communication gap between technical professionals and non technical audiences and how clearer communication can lead to better executive decisions.To learn more about Dan, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-daniel-lipp/__ TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Sam Juarez: Communicating Tech Risk to ExecutivesHead of IT Sam Juarez has risen from the help desk to the boardroom, leading technology strategy for more than 3,600 employees. He has more than 15 years of experience scaling operations, driving digital transformation, and delivering measurable cost savings. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical professionals and business leaders, the risks of getting it wrong, and the practical steps organizations can take to ensure technology conversations lead to smarter executive decisions.To learn more about Sam, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/juaresam/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Ken Little: Bridging Engineering and BusinessToday, we’re tackling one of the most expensive and underestimated problems in modern organizations: the communication gap between technical professionals and nontechnical leaders. I’m joined by Ken Little, SVP of Engineering, to explore where engineers most often struggle with nontechnical audiences, how to make complex ideas understandable to business-minded leaders so they can make better decisions, and what happens when that translation breaks down. We also dig into how organizations can build stronger communication muscles, and how engineers can move from explaining problems to making recommendations.To learn more about Ken, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethllittle/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Kader Sakkaria on Translating Technical Complexity into Executive DecisionsKader Sakkaria is a senior technology and data executive who has led enterprise-scale transformation across financial services and complex global organizations. The work sits at the intersection of data, AI, and executive decision-making, helping organizations turn fragmented efforts into durable business value. In this episode, we focus on how technical leaders communicate with nontechnical audiences, how that skill evolves with seniority, and how to translate complexity into clear business decisions.To learn more about Kader, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksakkaria/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer audio? Visit http://podcast.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Mike Grabarek: Learning, Leadership, and the Language of ImpactMike Grabarek helps people and organizations thrive through better learning, coaching, and change leadership. From streamlining performance management to crafting top-rated eLearning and coaching programs, he has led L&D efforts that stick. We talk about how technical professionals can communicate more effectively with nontechnical audiences, and what organizations can do to build those skills.To learn more about Mike, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-grabarek/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Patrick Dunn: Bridging Technical and Non-Technical AudiencesPatrick Dunn is no stranger to bridging the gap between technical and nontechnical teams. We explore how he translates requirements, resolves misunderstandings, and helps both sides achieve true alignment on complex projects. Patrick also shares his tips for improving communication, managing nerves, and speaking effectively in high-stakes situations.To learn more about Patrick, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdunnintl/ __TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Richard Geary: Clarity over Complexity for LeadersRichard Geary, an EVP of drug development, and I discuss why communication is just as important as technical skill for leaders. We break down the biggest mistakes technical professionals make when talking to nontechnical audiences and share actionable strategies for making complex work clear and compelling. Plus, we cover tips on managing nerves, improving presentations, and the first changes anyone can make to communicate with impact.To learn more about Richard, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-geary-95587b4/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Ramesh Songukrishnasamy: Communication Gaps that Stall ProgressCTO Ramesh Songukrishnasamy and I explore how communication gaps, not technical gaps, slow down projects, derail decisions, and limit career growth for technical professionals. As a transformational leader who has driven major technology transformations, built high-performing teams, and delivered millions in new product revenue, he shares what communication behaviors signal readiness for greater responsibility and what technical professionals often misunderstand about nontechnical audiences. We also dig into what organizations can do to help their technical staff communicate more clearly and the first step individuals can take to improve their speaking skills.To learn more about Ramesh, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshrs/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Robert Blumofe: a CTO on Technical InfluenceCTO Robert Blumofe oversees areas like edge computing, zero trust, 5G, and IoT, while working closely with customers and internal leaders on digital transformation. In this conversation, we will explore how technical professionals can better communicate with nontechnical audiences, why technical excellence alone is not enough to influence outcomes, and what organizations can do to close that gap.To learn more about Robert, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-blumofe-258233/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Brandon Berg: Making R&D Ideas InfluentialBrandon Berg is an R&D Sr. VP. In this episode, we explore how technical leaders can communicate complex ideas clearly to nontechnical audiences. We’ll chat about strategies for aligning innovation with organizational goals, coaching teams to present effectively, and influencing stakeholders to support R&D priorities. You’ll also gain insights on building trust, driving adoption, and making technical work accessible and impactful.To learn more about Brandon, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-berg/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Dr. Adam Link: Communication Builds Technical TrustIn this episode of Teach the Geek Interviews, I speak with engineering manager Dr. Adam Link about why communication becomes a leadership requirement for technical professionals. We discuss what breaks down when engineers struggle to explain their work to nontechnical stakeholders and how those breakdowns affect trust, alignment, and business outcomes. The conversation also explores what managers look for in engineers ready for more influence and practical habits that help technical ideas land with the right audience.To learn more about Dr. Link, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlink/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Ohad Parush - When Technical Communication Becomes LeadershipOhad Parush is a Chief R&D Officer here to talk with me about technical professionals communicating with nontechnical audiences from the perspective of a technical leader. We will discuss why communication becomes a leadership requirement, how breakdowns impact the business, and what separates technical experts from technical leaders.To learn more about Ohad, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohadparush/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Speaking from a President's View with Cash MaheshCash Mahesh is a President with a proven track record of accelerating global business growth through strategic initiatives. With an engineering background, I wanted to discuss with Cash how, as a president, he views the effectiveness of technical employees communicating with nontechnical audiences. With his technical background, I’m sure he’ll have valuable insights. To learn more about Cash, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakashmahesh/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Turning Technical Complexity into Clarity with Yanik BerubeYanik Berube is a VP Engineering with a passion for leadership, technology, and the people and teams who build these technologies. I wanted to talk to Yanik about the challenges translating complexity into clear and actionable insights. We explored lessons that any technical leader can apply to improve clarity, influence, and impact across their organization.To learn more about Yanik, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanikberube/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
3 Presentation Skills I Wish I Had Learned EarlierIf you want to give better presentations, this video will help you avoid the mistakes I made early in my career. I share three presentation skills that would have saved me time, stress, and confusion. These tips will help you speak with clarity, keep your audience engaged, and deliver your message with confidence.Whether you are a technical professional, a new speaker, or someone who wants to level up your communication skills, this video breaks down simple strategies you can use right away.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Working with technical professionals so they can present more effectively, especially in front of non-technical audiences. Get public speaking tips at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.
Dr. Ruth Jones - Physicist and STEM AdvocateDr. Ruth Jones has over 25 years in the Aerospace Industry, skilled in Mishap Investigation, Optical Physics, and Engineering Management. She’s also founded It’s All About MEI, LLC, delivering speeches on topics like leadership, career development, and mindset. I’m curious to learn more about her founding It’s All About MEI, her journey to get to where she is now, and how a Physics major embraced public speaking. To learn more about Dr. Jones, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/drruthjones/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
John Congdon: the PHP ArchitectJohn Congdon is a web programmer specializing in e-commerce and database administration. He is also the CEO of PHP Architect, a force in the PHP space, publishing a monthly magazine, books, training, and hosting conferences. I’m curious to learn more about his motivation to start his own enterprise, working in the PHP space, and the ways in which speaking has benefited him. To learn more about John, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncongdon/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
Lawrence Watkins: an engineer investing in the futureLawrence Watkins is not your typical engineer. He has formed companies, worked in the investment sector, and is now the managing partner of Malcolm Garvey, helping organizations, business owners, and families use practical, market-driven approaches to improve the overall well-being of Black communities. I’m keen to learn more about the differences between entrepreneurship and corporate life, making the transition from one to the other, and the work he does now with Malcolm Garvey. To learn more about Lawrence, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencewatkins.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips
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