The SpeakerPath®

In this episode of The SpeakerPath® Podcast, Jo Jongsma sits down with storytelling expert Francisco Mahfuz to double click on 4 frequent storytelling mistakes almost all speakers make.Spoiler: most “stories” are not even stories at all!Watch this episode to understand why so many keynotes and presentations fall flat, and how just a few simple shifts can make your stories much more effective.The 4 most common mistakes Francisco highlights are:Trying to tell a story about a whole period of your life instead of one momentSharing only the external problem, not the emotional stakesUsing either too many or too few detailsEnding with “That’s why you should…” (a guaranteed way to lose the audience)You will also learn:Why “Let me tell you a story…” instantly kills impactHow to avoid the “story weirdo” voiceThe difference between storytelling on stage vs. in conversationWhy business speakers over-explain context to prove credibility (and how to fix it)The power of dialogue to express emotion without naming the emotionThe Speaker Path® Podcast is produced by Clarity Up LLC, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our experts:• Ioana (Jo) Jongsma ( linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ )• Francisco Mahfuz ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/ )🔗 LinksWatch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zwyC5phGPC0Work with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/Explore the podcast: https://thespeakerpathpodcast.com/

We think stress management is something speakers do only once they step on stage. But pros start dealing with it weeks, if not months before their keynote.In this solo episode of The SpeakerPath® Podcast, our Presence and Performance specialist, Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, explores one of the most practical behavioral tools for reducing public-speaking stress: David Rock’s SCARF model.Originally designed for workplace leadership, SCARF turns out to be a powerful framework for communication and speaking. It highlights the five universal social needs that shape how safe or threatened we feel in any social interaction.In this episode, you’ll learn:The 5 psychological needs all humans share:Status - our need to feel important and valuedCertainty - our need to know what is going to happenAutonomy - our need to feel in control of what is happeningRelatedness - our need to feel familiar with what is happeningFairness - our need for a just exchangeThe behaviors that professional speakers engage in days, weeks and months in advance, to ensure their SCARF needs are met.The Speaker Path® Podcast is produced by Clarity Up LLC, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with Jo:• Ioana (Jo) Jongsma ( linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ )🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/Explore the podcast: https://thespeakerpathpodcast.com/

In this year-end episode of The Speaker Path, Brian Miller, Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, and Francisco Mahfuz unpack the most important industry trends shaping the speaking world in 2026, and what they mean for professional speakers.Drawing on recent reports from AAE Speakers Bureau, Freeman, and Skift Meetings, the conversation reveals a striking disconnect between what event planners believe creates peak moments and what attendees actually remember.Key Takeaways: 1. The “peak moment” gap~78% of event planners believe attendees experience a peak momentOnly ~40% of attendees report actually having one Planners believe peak moments come from:Keynote speechesOpening and closing galas / celebrationsSurprise or “wow” elements tied to theme or location Attendees report peak moments coming from:Relationship-building with vendors and peersReal conversations and networking 2. AI content is becoming an “authenticity red flag”Audiences disapprove of AI-written content in live settings“AI-free” is emerging as an authenticity marker (similar to organic or handcrafted) 3. Event planners are younger, newer, and overwhelmedMany planners are early-career or newly assignedSpeakers who are easy to work with and proactive gain an advantage 4. Budget pressure is reshaping speaker selectionRising event costs (venues, production, services) are pushing organizers away from expensive “big name” speakers and toward proven value, flexibility, and multi-format usefulness. 5. Micro-events are explodingSmaller, curated events (≈10-100 people) are increasing, and changing the speaker’s role.These require facilitation,real time interaction, and intentional experience design.Read the industry reports here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tuMFmJ3a87GV6NHMWCCI_iZWRy0x7lrX?usp=drive_linkWatch the Episode 15: https://youtu.be/d1HPKu6lH-YThe Speaker Path® Podcast is produced by Clarity Up LLC, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our experts:Brian Miller ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks/ )

Most speakers try to change their audience by offering tips, tricks, hacks, and tactics. But tactics rarely create lasting change. Paradigm shifts do.In this episode, Brian Miller shares the single biggest insight that transformed his 15-year speaking career: a lesson he received from Seth Godin. This approach applies to every expert, speaker, and leader who wants to have real impact on a stage.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why solutions-focused speaking often fails to create meaningful changeHow one sentence from Seth Godin completely reframed Brian’s approach to business and speakingThe difference between keynote speeches and workshops (and why mixing them kills your impact)What a paradigm shift sounds like and how to craft oneHow cross-disciplinary insights (like Brian’s from magic) make your ideas stickWhy the size of the paradigm shift often determines the size of a speaker’s paycheck🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/ Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/ YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/LfH_p5bB8Rw

The real storytelling problem most speakers have is not “how do I tell a story?” but “where do I find one?” In this episode of The Speaker Path® Podcast, Jo Jongsma invites story expert Francisco Mahfuz to break down what a story actually is (hint: not a string of events!), why “tell me a story” instantly freezes your brain, and how to use simple prompts like first / last / worst / best to surface stories you already have but don’t recognise as stories. We look at why everyday frustrations, small imperfections, and throwaway kid quotes are often better material than dramatic Everest-style adventures – and how to start capturing those moments so you always have the right story for your next talk, pitch or TEDx-style talk.You’ll learn:What a story really is in a professional context: a real-life example that makes a point.Why “tell me a story” creates instant performance anxiety, and what to ask yourself instead.The biggest obstacle most speakers face: not telling stories, but finding them.How to use the “First, Last, Worst, Best” method to uncover powerful origin stories and client stories.Why the best speaking stories are usually pebbles in the shoe, not Mount Everest – small, relatable moments from everyday life.How to turn annoyances, awkward interactions, and imperfections into highly relatable material.The simple checklist for crafting a story that worksWhy you must “find the story first” before worrying about structure, frameworks, or delivery.A simple daily habit to build your story bank.The Speaker Path® Podcast is produced by Clarity Up LLC, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our experts:  •  Ioana (Jo) Jongsma ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/  )  •  Francisco Mahfuz ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/  )🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/

Why do some viral TED/TEDx stories hook us instantly while others stall in the first minute?In this episode, speaker coaches Ioana (Jo) Jongsma and Francisco Mahfuz react to three viral TED/TEDx talks—Esther Perel, Robert Waldinger, and Marilyn York—showing what hooks, what drags, and how to fix it. You’ll get practical moves to open strong (or set the premise first), tighten pacing, and turn research into human stories with dialogue, specifics, and metaphor.You will learn:How dialogue and specific scenes boost attention and recallThe fast way to cut a story by 30 seconds or moreTurning research into narrative, conflict, and characterThe connecting line that links a personal story to your premiseWhen a sharp metaphor can carry the pointWatch the clips featured in this episode:Marilyn York — What Representing Men in Divorce Taught Me About Fatherhood. Esther Perel — Rethinking infidelity … a talk for anyone who has ever loved. Robert Waldinger — What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness.🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uC24Gt4uzes🎙 The SpeakerPath Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our hosts:Ioana (Jo) Jongsma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/Francisco Mahfuz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz

Failure happens on stage and off.In this roundtable, Brian Miller, Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, and Francisco Mahfuz share their most painful speaking fails from a joke that died in the opening line, to a mass walk-out mid-talk, to offending a client with a poorly framed stat, and the exact fixes they use today. You’ll get practical tools to prevent repeats, recover in the moment, and turn misses into material.What you’ll learn: Why opening with humor often backfires (and how to signal it so it lands)Where to test new material (hint: never first or last)How to use stakes and statistics without triggering guilt or defensivenessReading the room: audience, culture, and context cues to adjust on the flyThe “great talk, no bookings” trap and how to set success metrics upfrontSimple recovery lines and pivots when the room goes cold (or leaves)🎙 The SpeakerPath® Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our hosts:Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant:https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaksIoana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz

What makes a killer opening line and why do even great speakers lose us in the first minute?In this episode of The SpeakerPath Podcast, Brian Miller and Jo Jongsma react to three real TED and TEDx openings. From a dramatic “plank” intro to a story about ice cream, to a world-class coach redefining success, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and why your very first sentence might decide whether the audience stays with you.Watch the clips featured in this episode:Joe Risser, MD, MPH talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNxC16mlO60Jess Ekstrom talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT2q1YKZQPE&tValorie Kondos Field talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJyeKiT8g4g&What you'll learn:Why the first line of your talk matters mostJoe Risser’s “plank” opening: performance vs. presenceWhat loses engagement after a strong startJess Ekstrom’s ice cream story: conversational but powerfulMissed callbacks, stakes, and open loopsValorie Kondos Field: credibility, authority, and the spoiler problemKey takeaways: how to earn attention without losing connection🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i9InDjL6GsU🎙 The SpeakerPath® Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Visit https://clarityupconsulting.com to learn how to speak like you, but better.Connect with our hosts:Brian Miller: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaksIoana (Jo) Jongsma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/

What can you learn from watching famous speakers even if you don’t like their style?In Episode 9 of The SpeakerPath Podcast, Brian Miller and Jo Jongsma sit down to watch and react to clips from Josh Radnor, Codie Sanchez, and Scott Galloway. From polished actors to business leaders, they unpack the choices each speaker makes in front of an audience, the strengths, the flaws, and the lessons that matter for anyone preparing their next talk.Full episode: https://youtu.be/Rt5hTFK7ajcWatch the clips featured in this episode:Josh Radnor Talk – https://youtu.be/Jr7MkrHDGt0?si=NYHP24sM5KLOzr7T Codie Sanchez Interview – https://youtu.be/N6LjeRSDXdU?si=L8ES7YiewYk77l9l Scott Galloway Talk – https://youtu.be/qEJ4hkpQW8E?si=XAKTr-d5NBKk_57t You’ll learn:Why even seasoned performers show nerves on stage (and how they handle it)The power of posture, gesture, and voice in shaping presenceHow warmth (or the choice to withhold it) changes audience connectionWhy clarity of speech is as important as confidenceHow to separate what makes someone famous from what makes them effective🎙 The SpeakerPath® Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Visit https://clarityupconsulting.com to learn how to speak like you, but better.Connect with our hosts:Brian MillerIoana (Jo) Jongsma

Winging it doesn’t work.Panels and fireside chats may feel like casual conversations, but when you’re on stage with a mic, the audience deserves more than whatever comes to mind.In Episode 8 of The SpeakerPath Podcast, Brian Miller and Jo Jongsma break down how to prepare for these formats using core messaging. They explain why “speaking from the heart” only works if you’ve rehearsed your message, how to adapt your talking points for short time slots, and how to make every answer clip-worthy for the audience in the room and the replay.What you’ll learn:Why panels and firesides are harder than they lookThe difference between sounding rehearsed and being well-preparedHow to define your premise and make it relevant to any audienceWhy every answer should be short enough to stand alone, but expandable when neededA practical editing process to refine your answers from ten minutes down to one sentence Tricks to stay authentic while keeping structure🎙 The SpeakerPath® Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our hosts:Brian MillerIoana (Jo) Jongsma

Before a big talk or presentation, you’ve probably heard someone say: “Don’t worry. Just be yourself.” It sounds comforting but it’s terrible advice.In Episode 7 of The SpeakerPath Podcast, Ioana Jo Jongsma, presence and performance specialist at Clarity Up, explains why “just be yourself” is vague and impossible to apply when the pressure is high. Instead, she shares a practical, values-based approach to showing up as your best self on stage.You’ll learn:Why “just be yourself” is a myth that doesn’t prepare you for the stageHow to identify what your audience actually needs from youWhy values are the foundation of authentic presenceA six-step process to measure and improve how congruent you are with your valuesHow small, 10% improvements make a noticeable difference🎙 The SpeakerPath® Podcast is from Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.Connect with our host:Ioana (Jo) Jongsma🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/

What do you do when your story involves trauma?Whether it’s your own or someone else’s, telling a trauma story on stage can connect deeply or cause harm. The difference is all in how you relate to it.In this episode of The SpeakerPath® Podcast, Brian, Jo, and Francisco share how professional speakers can decide if, when, and how to use stories that deal with trauma, grief, or deeply personal struggles. You’ll learn:How to tell if a trauma story is ready for the stageThe difference between catharsis for you vs. value for themWhy “trigger warnings” aren’t enoughHow to keep the audience safe while telling the truthWhen to leave the story out entirely🎙 The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks🔹Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/

Have you ever felt like you’re just not entertaining enough to hold an audience? Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be an entertainer to be entertaining. In this solo episode, Brian Miller shares 5 lessons he learned as a professional magician that will change the way you think about speaking. These are strategies that work whether you’re on stage, in a boardroom, or leading a workshop.What you’ll learn:Why storytelling beats content when it comes to holding attentionThe power of your first and last momentsHow to keep energy up when the room dipsWhy you need “outs” for when things go wrongHow to simplify without dumbing it down🎙️ The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks🔹Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ #speakingskills  #aivshuman  #publicspeaking  #communication  #leadership  #podcast 🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/Read more about the Xerox copy machine study by Ellen Langer: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1979-23568-001

Why do so many speaker coaches focus on hand gestures, vocal tone, and how you stand on stage?In this episode, Brian, Jo, and Francisco talk about what makes someone a great speaker and what doesn’t. They get into the real stuff: stress habits, audience trust, and why obsessing over polish can pull you away from your message.This one’s for anyone who’s tired of sounding “correct” and not connecting with their audience.What we talked about:Where bad speaking advice comes fromHow stress shows up in your deliveryWhy polish won’t save a shaky messageJo on coaching speakers who overperformThe difference between present and performativeWhen speaker training helps (and when it hurts)What “sounding like yourself” actually takes🎙️ The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks 🔹Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/ 🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ #storytelling #publicspeaking #communication #leadership #speakerpath #LeadershipCommunication #podcastclip🔗 LinksWork with Us:a...

What do you do when 100 seats are set and only 6 people show up? In this episode, Brian and Jo talk about showing up anyway, how real speakers adapt, stay present, and still make it count when the room isn’t what they hoped.We discussed:What do you do when only six people show up?Why younger speakers panic (and how to stop)How to adjust when the plan breaksThe gap between good speakers and paid onesYou don’t need more applause, you need more flight time🎙️ The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/#storytelling #publicspeaking #communication #clarity #leadership #speakerpath #thoughtleadership🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/

If storytelling is so essential, why does nobody actually do it?Brian, Jo, and Francisco break down what a real story actually is, why most people avoid them, and how to use stories without sounding like you’re performing.We discussed:What actually counts as a storyWhy facts fade but examples stickWhy “let me tell you a story” kills the energyThe power of specifics Case studies vs. real stories🎙️ The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks🔹Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/#storytelling #publicspeaking #communication #clarity #leadership #speakerpath #thoughtleadership🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/

If AI can write your emails, your proposals, even your wedding vows, what’s left for humans to do? Brian, Francisco, and Jo discuss verbal speaking skills as the primary differentiator in an increasingly AI and automated world.We discussed: The value of verbal speaking skills in an AI worldOur nervous systems make us humanWhy 'talent' is overrated in professional speakingSam Harris's style of communicatingAdjusting your tone for conversational presentationsROI on speaking skills🎙️ The SpeakerPath® is a podcast hosted by Clarity Up, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us. Learn the science, art, and business of professional speaking.Connect with our hosts:🔹Brian Miller, Founder & Principal Messaging Consultant: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks🔹Francisco Mahfuz, Story Specialist & Lead Consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/🔹Ioana (Jo) Jongsma, Presence & Performance Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ #speakingskills #aivshuman #publicspeaking #communication #leadership #podcast 🔗 LinksWork with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/