How Stories Happen

Very excited for this one, my friend: I'm releasing a recording of a coaching call I had with entrepreneur Michelle Florendo, who runs a business called Powered by Decisions. You'll hear us walk through frameworks you can use to turn messy or scattered thinking into a clear and differentiated premise Michelle can use to strengthen her messaging and thought leadership.First, I share a primer on premise development. What's a premise, and what makes a premise effective?Then, you'll hear the full call with me and Michelle.Michelle is a decision engineer, which is an entire academic field of research and knowledge which frankly most of us need to understand more about!This is a fascinating look inside my process with clients and the process of turning your expertise into repeatable, powerful IP.Learn more about Michelle's work at poweredbydecisions.com.***ABOUT MEHello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comNow here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want; a moment to align with you)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. the premise I'm asserting)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, aka our aspirational outcome)That's called "laddering your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. ***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

It's one thing for a solopreneur with a microphone to tell you to trust your own lived experiences to differentiate, resonate, and tell stronger stories. But what happens when there are millions of dollars at stake and millions of viewers consuming your work? Meet Jordan Geary, an Emmy Award-winning producer and storytelling expert. As the Senior Creative Producer of Current Series at Sesame Workshop, he helped shape iconic live-action and animated shows, including Ghostwriter and Helpsters for Apple TV+, Sesame Street Mecha Builders and Bea’s Block for HBO Max, and over 300 Sesame Studios shorts for YouTube.In this episode, we hear and discuss a personal story of his, and you'll also hear:How Sesame Workshop ensures their stories connect (it actually involves ONE specific kind of moment they intentionally include each time)The questions you can ask yourself to resonate more consistentlyThe 1 thing Jordan previously believed about storytelling which his career experiences have forced him to rethinkLearn more about Jordan's work at jordangeary.com or follow him on Instagram.***ABOUT MEHello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comNow here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want; a moment to align with you)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. the premise I'm asserting)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, aka our aspirational outcome)That's called "laddering your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. ***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

If you’re an expert in something, chances are, you share content about that something. But so does everyone around you. Merely sharing your expertise makes you a commodity. I can get it anywhere, and I guess you’re anywhere. That’s why I routinely say, you need to stop creating content and start creating IP. Your IP is built on top of your premise, the core idea informing the rest, but more experts should also develop their signature frameworks, or what our guest today calls "contextual models." Your contextual models help turn complexity into simplicity, so people go, "Wow, I get it, and I see how much more there is to know. Take me through it."Today's wonderful guest (and a master of contextual modeling) is Neen James. She’s a leadership strategist who has worked with brands like Viacom, Comcast, and the Four Seasons, a fantastic keynote speaker, and the author of multiple books, including Folding Time, Attention Pays, and her latest: Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.In our episode, Neen shares how she develops her frameworks, then delivers a signature story from her speeches and her new book which we dissect and celebrate piece by piece.This is a rare and generous look at the process of one of my favorite business authors and speakers.***ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASESDon't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by becoming stronger public voices. We begin by developing a clear premise for your platform and projects, then turn your expertise into IP and deliver it to the public through stronger speeches and stories.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

One of the hallmarks of great business storytellers is something called the catalyst story. They don't just shove their expertise at you like a wall of smarts. They take you on a journey. Often, in a speech, a book, or even just a single piece or post, they can retrace their own journey of discovery to ensure the audience cares and understands. Because you might be at letter Z of your understanding of something, but others start at A. You need to meet them in that reality, then move them to something better, beat by beat. That often starts at the start, with a story to catalyze it all. Today, we’ll hear and analyze a great one, shared with us by the great Chris Ducker. Chris is a serial entrepreneur most known for founding the business Youpreneuer and his book, Rise of the Youpreneur, which helped people become known leaders in their industries.Over the past two decades, Chris has started, grown, bought, and sold a number of multi-million pound businesses, and his latest book is The Long-Haul Leader: The Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success.He’s spoken on countless stages, guested on infinite shows, and created a huge body of work online, but today, it’s a closer look at his process like never before.***ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASESDon't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by becoming stronger public voices. We begin by developing a clear premise for your platform and projects, then turn your expertise into IP and deliver it to the public through stronger speeches and stories.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

There are 2 books I recommend most often to others who say they want to be a stronger storyteller: one is from a world-famous legend, and the other is from our guest today. It's Jessica Abel, author of Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio. This exceptional book just celebrated its ten-year anniversary.This book takes you inside the storytelling processes of the makers of This American Life, Serial, Radiolab, The Moth, Planet Money, and Snap Judgment, and the two voices taking you through the book (in cartoon narrator forms) are Jessica and ... Ira Glass!Today, Jessica operates under the brand the Autonomous Creative, where she offers coaching and education to creative entrepreneurs who need stronger business fundamentals (but delivered in a way appealing to creative minds).In this episode, we talk about:Rejecting the great lie creatives are told their whole lives, which only hurt your entrepreneurial endeavors The tension between creating art, creating a revenue engine, and the relationship between themWhat Jessica really endured (and how it broke her) to create my all-time favorite book about storytelling.Learn more about Jessica on her website or LinkedIn, and be sure to get your copy of Out on the Wire.MY MESSAGE TO YOU:Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by first developing your premise (the big idea you own and core concept informing your platform), then turning your premise into a whole platform of impact: the stories, speeches, and signature projects and pieces you can use to turn your expertise into messaging that moves the market, everywhere you show up.Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Advice from experts feels like it's getting aggressive. This is why, and also what we can do to show up better.Happily, this is the difference between constantly pushing and hyping and, instead, actually communicating in ways that get a positive, passionate response despite the noise.MY MESSAGE TO YOU:Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by first developing your premise (the big idea you own and core concept informing your platform), then turning your premise into a whole platform of impact: the stories, speeches, and signature projects and pieces you can use to turn your expertise into messaging that moves the market, everywhere you show up.Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

We're presented with a lot of false choices in our work: Quantity or quality? Revenue or social impact? Sweet or savory? But few false choices are more worth challenging than this: Are you more emotional storyteller or data-driven communicator?Our guest today is the perfect person to challenge this assumption. It's Tom Webster! Tom is a legend in the podcast space. He’s a partner at Sounds Profitable, an organization which researches and seeks to grow the audio business. For nearly three decades, Tom’s insights and advice have helped steer this entire industry forward, and he’s led hundreds of audience research projects for organizations spanning six continents and shows ranging from Howard Stern to All Things Considered.Tom's book is called The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast, and just before this episode, Tom and Sounds Profitable won an award for Best Data Storytelling from the Content Marketing Institute.It's only fitting that he shares with us in this episode how to tell the stories of numbers, as well as the 3 traits to a podcast or any project capable of finding passionate fans.ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, InstagramI help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

What ideas haunt you? What can't you stop thinking about, you care about it that much? As public voices and experts, we all have those ideas that chase us around and color how we see everything. The thing is, our audience might not "get it" the way we do, nor care. So we have to work overtime to show them why they would. This in turn creates a sense of urgency in the audience: to care, share, subscribe, buy, or take action of some kind.That kind of urgency is the role of the story we’ll hear today for my friend, Mark Schaefer. It's a story from his keynotes and his new book, AUDACIOUS: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing WorldMark is a globally-touring keynote speaker and the author of more than 10 books on marketing, technology, and business growth. He’s worked with clients like Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, and Dell, and has appeared on CNN and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. In addition to his speaking and services, Mark is also faculty member of the graduate program at Rutgers University, and hosts the popular podcast The Marketing Companion—where I appear as co-host every few months!Today we talk about how to tell stories that show others something important you already see, so they care. Plus, signs you’ve rehearsed your speech enough to nail it and communication tripwires which can cause the audience to object to your ideas (and how to avoid them).This is a fun one, with my friend, Mark Schaefer.Find and follow Mark at businessesgrow.com and on LinkedIn. Get a copy of AUDACIOUS at businessesgrow.com/audacious***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, InstagramI help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Today, experts, consultants, and others who share advice content and thought leadership concepts need to embrace a tough truth. Our guest is the perfect person to help me deliver it. Erin Halper is the founder of the community business for independent consultants, The Upside. In our episode, we talk about vulnerability in storytelling and how to navigate it well, and we look at a signature story of hers that she uses everywhere but which she debated NOT using for a long time. You'll hear why, and you'll walk away with some ideas to apply to your own communication to have a greater impact. As Erin says, everyone has a version of the story she tells, even though all the details are different. And that's why it's so effective. Understanding that one concept can transform how deeply you resonate wherever you show up to write or speak.Find and follow Erin at betheupside.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.***ABOUT MY WORK:Don’t market more. Matter more.I help experts resonate deeper. I work with you 1:1 as your peer-level advisor, coach, and strategist on your public speaking, messaging, storytelling, and thought leadership.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speechesConstantly chasing attention → Being highly soughtSubscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Looking back on my own career as a speaker, storyteller, and communicator across projects and mediums, I realize: every time I developed a signature story capable of resonating with others, I went through the same process. It wasn't intentional, but it worked. Today, I want to codify that process into a more conscious process you can follow. I'm calling it Six-Way Stories:1. Make a messy draft.2. Find the 4 building blocks of the story.3. Build up the story from the building blocks.4. Arrive at an insight using a particular phrase.5. Tell it again, but shorter.6. Tell it again, but arriving at a different insight.The goal isn't to "learn story." The goal is to become a storyteller. This process can help you get to work with clarity and confidence.***ABOUT MY WORK:Don’t market more. Matter more.When your expertise sounds like everyone else’s, you’re forced to compete on price instead of value. I help established experts transform scattered thinking into a distinctive premise, signature stories, and unforgettable speeches. Stop creating "content." Create IP that makes you the obvious choice. Let’s make your ideas clear, repeatable, powerful, yours.You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Move from:Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speechesConstantly chasing attention → Being highly sought[What you know] matters. But [what you say] + [how you say it] determine whether [they care.]Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

How to resonate with better clients and buyers—people with experience and taste who hire you for everything that makes you unique. This is different than almost everything the owners of search engines, social networks, and AI tools have taught us. So we first need to unlearn a lot of what's popular on the internet today.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced ProsI help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Steve Pratt has spent a lifetime earning attention, from his time working for "the MTV of Canada" (Much Music) and as the co-creator of the most popular podcast in Canada, then as the cofounder of Pacific Content, which created podcasts for DELL, Charles Schwab, Zendesk, Slack, Atlassian and more.Steve is a past client of mine, as I helped him develop his keynote speech associated with his book, Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers. When he's not traveling the world speaking, Steve is consulting his clients on how to differentiate through their creative bravery.In this episode, we dissect one of his Steve's signature stories, and we actively workshop it to flow better. It's a rare look inside the craft of how a great story comes together, and all the parts and pieces that make it gripping, surprising, and relevant to a message.Follow Steve on LinkedIn and visit his website for more.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced ProsI help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

I know a ton of storytellers and creators and entrepreneurs, but I know exactly zero other people who have learned how to do what they do from both legendary news broadcasters and Kermit the Frog.Meet Andrew Davis. He is a powerhouse business speaker who’s given speeches in 35 different countries, at more than 50 events every year. He speaks to audiences ranging from marketers and entrepreneurs to plumbers and physicians — and there may not be a storyteller who is this craft-driven and obsessed with telling amazing stories in the worlds of business, marketing, and customer experience.As an entrepreneur, Andrew has built and sold a marketing agency, produced docuseries for brand clients big and small, and authored multiple books about marketing and customer experience.In this episode, we dissect one of his signature stories. It's been with him for almost ten years, and he can customize it across audiences and projects to arrive at basically any insight he needs to teach. It’s a rare look at how a true master of the craft executes the tiny things that create a big impact both for his audience and his business.Follow Andrew on LinkedInExplore his speaking, books, and other projects.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

There's a big difference between people hearing your words and understanding you. There's an even bigger gap between understanding and caring. How can we communicate in ways that ensure others care about our ideas, our messages, our businesses? In this solo episode, a look at two moments involving two very different communicators: Roy Kent, the character from Ted Lasso, and author and speaker Seth Godin.We'll dissect both moments and make sense of what they do differently. It's a stark reminder that communicating in ways that resonate is available to us all, if only we'd meet those moments and make a simple switch compared to our natural tendencies.I loved putting this episode together for you! Please enjoy.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

This episode is a total blast and tour de force from one of the world's foremost business communicators, Dorie Clark! Dorie is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, a communication coach and mentor for world-class leaders, and a keynote speaker who has consulted with or spoken for Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Yale University, and the World Bank.In this episode, you'll hear a signature story Dorie uses in support of her premise and her book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. Together, we dissect what makes the story work, as well as discuss:How to source and develop stories for your workThe formula thinkers like Dorie and Malcolm Gladwell use to turn expertise into powerful ideasThe 3 components of being recognized for your expertise...and more. Dorie is an exceptional communicator who has shared her ideas all over the world. You're in for a treat!Learn more about Dorie and buy her incredible books at dorieclark.com.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

"Reworking in Realtime." That’s a phrase I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. How often do you get to sit with a peer, a colleague, a mentor, a coach, and go through something to improve in realtime? Why don't we? Athletes do it. Comedians. Musicians. Filmmakers.We should too, and lately, on my YouTube channel, I've been building a playlist of publicly available coaching calls to put the process on display of developing stronger speeches and stories. Justin Moore was the first to kick things off about a year ago, and I invited him back on a call to check in on his progress and workshop a signature story together.Justin is the founder of Creator Wizard, which offers sponsorship education and coaching to help creators earn consistent income. He’s is also one of the most trusted voices in the creator economy today.Recently, Justin published his first book, Sponsor Magnet, and he’s also starting to scale his business, as he’s trying to meet his existing buyer earlier in the buyer’s journey and also expand his market to speak to other types of creators and media company owners who’d benefit from his teachings.All of that is pointing him towards elevating the impact of his storytelling everywhere he goes, plus pursuing main stage keynotes at events like never before.Today, we get a raw and refreshing look at the process and rework some things in realtime once again.***CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.The changes my clients experience:From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly soughtConnect with me: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Lessons from 20 years of storytelling through my writing, speaking, podcasting, videos, and most of all, from my Grandma.***IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comExplore my services: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***CONNECT:Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or BlueskyThis episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake Ink***ABOUT ME:I help you package and communicate your expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.I help my clients turn their expertise into a clear, repeatable message and speeches & stories to inspire action.Driving real revenue and having a greater impact are NOT mutually exclusive. Instead of peddling in the grimy tactics and sensationalism found online today, I help you dig down to the root of your thinking, articulate your perspective as a Big Idea others remember, then embody your message through your public speaking and thought leadership.From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly sought[What you know] matters, but [what you say] has to make that clear.When people make choices, they play favorites. The question is, are you one of them?Think resonance over reach. Don’t be the best. Be their favorite.Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a rating on Spotify  

AI and people both run on LLMs. AI has large language models. People have little life moments. But mostly, we don't draw on our LLMs confidently or consistently enough.Neal Foard does, and that's made him one of the most exceptional (and viral) storytellers in the business world.  Neal joins me today to lay it all out: we talk about constructing stories, practicing and rehearsal, and how to shape a true story into something entertaining. Together, we hear his famous story of "the best bartender in Chicago" and talk about the little moments that make it work.Neal is a keynote and TEDx speaker, a former ad agency and brand executive, and a storytelling and personal brand coach. After 25 years in advertising and marketing, working with world-class brands, Neal teaches leaders how to tell more persuasive stories.The story we dissect: the Best Bartender in Chicago.The final story you hear in the episode: the Peace Treaty.Connect with Neal on his website, Instagram, YouTube, or Linkedin.***CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.The changes my clients experience:From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly soughtConnect with me:on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky***SHOW CREDITS:This episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake InkLeave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

In this special bonus episode, I take your questions about public speaking. We talk about the craft, but also the way we can better approach our speaking as a marketing strategy and approach, how to think about whether to charge for public speaking (and how much), and a lot more!Whether you've got a speaking engagement coming up, give tons of talks each year, or you're just thinking about becoming a stronger and more strategic speaker to support your business and message, this episode will help you rethink some important pieces to the puzzle.***IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comExplore my services: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***CONNECT:Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or BlueskyThis episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake Ink***ABOUT ME:I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a rating on Spotify  

This episode, we do something a bit different. I’m joined by the brilliant messaging strategist and pioneer of the message design industry, Tamsen Webster! We fully nerd out on crafting messaging and the elements that help you create stronger speeches, better stories, and a more effective message for your entire platform. Tamsen in not only a leader in the field of message design, she’s also the author of two revolutionary books: Find Your Red Thread and Say What They Can’t Unhear. She’s been named to the Thinkers50 Radar, spent over 10 years as an Idea Strategist for TEDx events, and continues to be a sought-after speaker and consultant helping her clients design messages that create large-scale change.Tamsen understands the mechanics and structure of how to motivate readers, audiences, and listeners toward action. In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty of her favorite tagline (and why), what Aristotle has to teach us about story, and why story is an argument (and how to win it). We also break down what it takes to create a powerful message by examining the beats of the argument you need to address, from the foundation to the framing to the finishing. Can you communicate to get buy-in?Connect with Tamsen on her website, instagram, and LinkedinGrab a copy of Tamsen’s books ***IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***CONNECT:Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or BlueskyThis episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake Ink***ABOUT ME:I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify