The Trust Toolkit | Build Trust. Communicate Memorably. Drive Action.

Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Check out free resources at ⁠⁠https://speaknextweek.com⁠⁠ or get a free recommendation from me on becoming a stronger public speaker. In less time than you think, you can transform public speaking from something you dread into something you love! 🎙️ ----------------- I've been a fan of Diana Kander ever since I read All In Startup back in 2014. Her latest book is all about pitching and presenting, and she actually charts out the proven flow of a pitch that is surprising, memorable and gets you the deal. This book taps into so many thing I consult with leaders on, I had to have her on to share Diana and her book with you! ---------Notes: ~5:00 The Mug Moment! ~7:00 The Forgetting Curve “Our research revealed that within an hour the audience forgets 50% of what you said, within a week they forget 90%. If you want them to remember more than 10% (which might not even be the 10% you want them to remember) you have to spike their emotions during the presentation.” ~21:00 The importance of being a lifelong learner… “Think of something you’re awesome at, and I challenge you to go read a book on it and not 5 things you can be doing even better. That’s how we grow. As soon as you’re satisfied, you start stagnating.” ~24:00 Colin and Diana talk about our initial exploratory/sales calls, and what we’ve both learned about how most people make this pitch in the wrong order. ~26:00 mark, there's a really cool little moment where Diana clearly thinks of something she wants to say and she swallows it to keep listening!! All kinds of meta. ~28:00 Diana offers YOU the listener, unprompted, a special surprise gift! You can find Go Big Or Go Home, by Diana Kander and Tucker Trotter, ⁠on Amazon⁠ and at ⁠DianaKander.com⁠.

A Conversation with America's Joy Magnet, seasoned TEDx speaker and Media Appearance Coach... Shari Alyse! “I got off the stage after my second TED talk, and I beelined it for the ladies restroom. After like 30 seconds of crying, I exhaled, and I literally put my arms around myself and I said, ‘I’m so proud of you. Not only did you do it, but you can show up for any challenge in your life.’ And the learning experience for me there was find joy in the process, the creation and the actually stepping out and doing it.” - Shari Alyse ------------------- Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Check out free resources at ⁠https://speaknextweek.com⁠ or get a free recommendation from me on becoming a stronger public speaker. In less time than you think, you can transform public speaking from something you dread into something you love! 🎙️

What if you dreamed of speaking in front of people, but were terrified of public speaking? What if you had a vision of impact, a powerful message to share and a business ready to scale, but you were blocked by your dread at facing an audience? When I met Michele several years ago, she was courageously told me of the extent this fear was interfering with her career.  Believe it or not, her voice shook so badly she struggled to speak up even in a Zoom meeting! With that as our starting point, we could only go up! After working with Michele and designing a plan for Michele to turn this key weakness into a key strength, she did the hard work and the results are truly astounding! Michele is the founder of Cloud 9 Life Coaching. She is a Certified Intuitive Relationship Coach & Spiritual Mentor, and thanks to her hard work, she is now a confident, powerful and in-demand public speaker at conferences across the country. Public speaking nervousness, fear of rejection, impostor syndrome, fear of failure... all aspiring speakers and leaders wrestle with these. Which is why I'm lucky to have Michele share with you exactly what she did to go from stage fright to stage fearless. ***We geek out on Michele's coaching work till minute 13, and that's where her incredible public speaking story starts!*** ------- Would you like to fix your biggest public speaking barrier in one hour? Go to www.speaknextweek.com, answer a few questions, and we'll get you moving forward with excitement, confidence, and a real strategy to make public speaking not only your friend, but your secret weapon for growing your career, business, and client list.

No one tells stories better than Pixar! Wall-E. Up. Toy Story. Ratatouille. Pixar's stories connect us with at every age, they move us to laughter, tears, and we can still picture them years later. As a presenter, a leader, an educator, telling stories is an incredible way to create trust, connection, and have your message remembered. It's also a lot of fun, and a totally learnable skill! I was inspired by this article "22 Rules of Storytelling Pixar Follows in their Movies" and so today I'm breaking down 11 actionable storytelling tips, using examples from some of the most memorable and meaningful movies Pixar has made. Do you have a storytelling tip you'd love to share with our audience? Send it to info@colinryanspeaks.com or leave it as a voicemail here.

After I gave a training on pitching your work to clients, a graphic designer named Todd came up to me. "Here's my problem… When I'm presenting work concepts to clients, I get rattled. I feel like they're judging me, and they think graphic design isn't really that important. It's arts and crafts. I end up feeling like they're the adults in the room, and I'm the kid who needs to prove myself." This is very relatable! Here's what I said to Todd, something that all of us need to be reminded of, in order to show up as authentically and effectively as possible.... ---------------- Free resource for you to create GREATER SPEAKING CONFIDENCE! Our mini-course Complete Speaking Confidence will help with the mental game of public speaking - silence an inner critic, erase public speaking nervousness, and know exactly what your prospect/client/listener needs to hear to give you their trust. Email colin@colinryanspeaks.com and mention the title of this podcast episode, and we'll send you a code to access the course FOR FREE!

Joe Fingerhut is a friend, a fellow speaker, and a unicycle-riding Japanese-speaking juggling motivational speaking Renaissance man. Joe shares: What's it like speaking in front of 3,000 people. What he tells himself the moment before he goes on stage. The inspiration for, and evolution of, his popular and inspiring "How Can I?" message. How all leaders and speakers can use their spotlight to shine it on others. Learn more about Joe at JoeFingerhut.com

This is a great one! Christine O’Neill, MMSc, PA-C, ACC is a burnout interventionist, executive leadership coach, and medical clinician (and my friend!). She’s passionate about helping overwhelmed professionals learn how to make a difference while having a life by using values-based prioritization and neuroscience-informed self-coaching techniques. She specializes in professional burnout prevention/recovery, and executive coaching for people-centered leaders. Christine has worked in healthcare for nearly 30 years, gaining deep experience in direct patient care, hospital leadership, nonprofit board leadership, and grassroots political advocacy. Fun fact -- She bought a camper van in 2020 and looks forward to visiting as many National and Provincial parks in North America as possible. Christine's prioritization exercise: https://www.christineoneill.co/prioritize-your-life The Approachable Expert Sequence will help you create deeper connection with your listeners, increase your impact, tell better stories, and go from intimidating to approachable. Would you like to know more? Check out our free resources at: www.15feet.com.

Show Notes: https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/the-power-of-silence-when-presenting/ Let's explore using pauses as a technique in your presentations, inspired by a lesson I learned IN FRONT OF 1,000 people at a Moth storytelling performance. I had the opportunity to perform my story for a very large crowd, in a beautiful theatre, amidst a roster of talented storytellers and a celebrity host. There’s a tremendous amount of pressure to do well. Put another way, there’s a tremendous amount of pressure not to mess it up. You’re speaking in front of a lot people, and it’s black-box theater lighting. The audience is completely dark, just a faceless energy out there somewhere. You’re standing in the middle of a 100 feet wide stage, staring into blinding spotlights, and pretending you haven't been thinking about this moment this for weeks. I launch into my story, and soon enough I’m in the rhythm of it. I’ve crafted every word, memorized every line and practiced it over and over again. Two thirds of the way through, my mind goes completely blank... What’s the #1 thing you want speaking to add to your life? Let’s make a plan on how you’ll get there. Schedule a free 15-minute No-Sales-Pitch call with Colin or start with our free speaking resources.

Lindsey Lathrop is a certified business & negotiation coach, and a Top 100 Global Facilitator with Google’s #IAmRemarkable Initiative. Lindsey is not only my wife and favorite person in the world, she has also been my personal negotiation coach throughout my speaking career, and someone who instinctively and tirelessly adds value to the people around her. In this conversation we talk about: · How Lindsey turned a childhood wound into a superpower to help others. And because she’s such a talented coach, she presents a unique way you can do the same when clichés like “Just love yourself” don’t seem to solve anything. · How she came to realize that workshop presenting IS speaking, and what she learned from giving 50 (!) workshops in 2020. · The results she achieved by acknowledging that the world is probably not going to put a microphone in your hands and dub you a speaker, but you don’t need it to. So she went ahead and did that for herself, and has seen significant business growth. Lindsey is powerful proof that you can promote yourself to speaker, do the minutes to become a more confident and charismatic presenter, and then watch how it changes your life and business. Learn more about Lindsey at her website, and follow her on Instagram at @coach_lins.

Show Notes: https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/episode-4-curate-your-feedback/ In this episode, Colin tells a story he's never made public: the story of the biggest speaking backfire of his career. And more importantly, what it can teach us about managing emotions, choosing your path, and protecting your courage. 10+ years of speaking will create a ton of amazing opportunities and experiences. But that willingness to put yourself out there is both a competitive advantage and a predictable risk.  "When you present, you put yourself in public. Which means you put yourself in the fragile and precarious spot where almost anyone you're in front of can give you feedback of any kind." Come for the great lessons, stay for the schadenfreude. What’s the #1 thing you want speaking to add to your life? Let’s make a plan on how you’ll get there. Schedule a free 15-minute No-Sales-Pitch call with Colin or start with our free speaking resources.

Show Notes: https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/episode-3-kelsa-dickey/ Kelsa Dickey, along with her husband Michael, are the founders of Fiscal Fitness PHX and Financial Coaches Unite, and has been featured on CNN Money, USA Today and MSN Money. Kelsa is as sharp as they come and has helped countless people through her coaching, yet she is quick to show real candor and authenticity about her own mistakes and journey. This makes her an approachable expert, something all presenters should be striving for. In our conversation we talk about: why business-owners bootstrap (and how to recognize when it’s leading you away from joy and toward burnout); ways you can motivate your audience/listener to take action when that action won’t pay off for a long time; the surprising results you get when you serve your audience with both your content expertise and a beginner’s mind at the same time Kelsa also has a podcast, and two episodes in particular made me want to interview her for Courageous Presenters. Those episodes are: Coach Kelsa’s Top 5 Money Mistakes  &  How Money Changes the Way You Think & Feel What’s the #1 thing you want speaking to add to your life? Let’s make a plan on how you’ll get there. Schedule a free 15-minute No-Sales-Pitch call with Colin or start with our free speaking resources.

Show Notes: https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/episode-2-ken-fleisher/ Ken Fleisher is the creator of Stage Fright Relief, and helps people overcome public speaking nervousness. In our interview, Ken talks about: the types of performance anxiety that show up in lots of arenas of life beyond just public speaking; why there's so much unhelpful advice out there about overcoming pre-presentation jitters; specific ways you can calm yourself when nervousness hits; and the moment it all changes for his clients (which also happens to be why he does this work!). For Ken's website and and to get your own stage fright assessment, go to: Discover.StageFrightRelief.com. What’s the #1 thing you want speaking to add to your life? Let’s make a plan on how you’ll get there. Schedule a free 15-minute No-Sales-Pitch call with Colin or start with our free speaking resources.

Show Notes: https://www.colinryanspeaks.com/episode-1-tavia-sharp/ The podcast begins! This episode I'm talking with Tavia Sharp. Tavia is an image consultant for men and the founder & CEO of Styled Sharp. Tavia gives advice anyone (not only men) can apply, and talks about: Overcoming her fear of public speaking, only to overcome it again to start virtual speaking; A tip to connect when the audience is different from you; Why you should be using your image to differentiate yourself rather than to blend in. Check out Tavia's work at styledsharp.com or on social at @styledsharp. What’s the #1 thing you want speaking to add to your life? Let’s make a plan on how you’ll get there. Schedule a free 15-minute No-Sales-Pitch call with Colin or start with our free speaking resources.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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