The Presentation Whisperer Show

In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn: How to define “going viral” and why views alone aren’t always a meaningful measurement of success. What a “cornerstone speaking asset” really is and how it differs from simply producing more content. How to ensure your keynote or TEDx talk authentically reflects who you are rather than who you think the market wants you to be. The warning signs that your signature talk or content may be misaligned with your true value. The first practical step a speaker should take when building a cornerstone asset from scratch. How to repurpose one well-designed talk into multiple marketing assets without diluting the message. A common mistake speakers make when trying to convert stage success into tangible business results. How to measure whether your content is truly working—beyond applause, likes, and shares. The single most important action a speaker can take this week to begin creating a clearer, more aligned cornerstone asset. To learn more about this guest: - tylercerny.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercerny/ - https://www.instagram.com/tylerdcerny/ Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn: • Why the true fear of presenting is rooted in what might go wrong • What a “sniper” really is, and why it shakes presenters so deeply • The first professional move to make when disruption appears • How to use the audience itself to reinforce your message • Why escalation should be rare, but never off the table • The single conversation you must have with your client or leadership before presenting • Why guessing company policy is a mistake • How preparation, not bravado, creates real confidence • The mindset shift that instantly lowers presentation anxiety • What it truly means to present with “the confidence of a king” Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn: How Richie adapted his performance style when transitioning from professional wrestling to motivational speaking. What presenters can learn from the way wrestlers open a match and instantly capture attention. Techniques from the wrestling world that help sustain engagement throughout a keynote or presentation. How to think about shock, surprise, and emotional spikes without crossing the line into gimmicks. How to read an audience in real time and adjust delivery based on subtle crowd cues. The parallels between promoting a wrestling storyline and promoting an idea as a presenter. How visiting children’s hospitals in every town shaped Richie’s message, purpose, and emotional connection. A wrestling-inspired mindset shift that helps presenters show up bigger, bolder, and more authentically connected.   To learn more about this guest: www.richierotten.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-rotten-080429351/ X - @_RichieRotten Instagram - rrotten Email: Booking@richierotten.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn: • Why curriculum developers and trainers are often kept separate, and the hidden cost of that divide. • The real-world repercussions of designing content without considering delivery. • The key delivery questions that should be asked before a single slide or exercise is built. • Common mistakes curriculum designers make when they’ve never stood in front of a room. • What trainers frequently underestimate about the discipline and strategy behind strong instructional design. • How early trainers should be involved in the development process to ensure engagement, realism, and flow. • One immediate adjustment speakers and trainers can make to better align delivery with curriculum intent. • A practical first step organizations can take to better connect curriculum design with presentation success.   To learn more about this guest: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda-traeger Email: a.traeger.strategy@gmail.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:The fundamental gap between simply informing an audience and truly presenting with intent to influence.The critical mindset shift required before crafting any measurable outcome.Why presentation success must be measured, not just felt, and what that really means.The data and indicators presenters should gather before, during, and after a talk.The five defining differences between an ordinary presentation and a Resultation™.Where presenters most often sabotage themselves; clarity, structure, or delivery.How to replace “hope for the best” with measurable confidence in the room.One simple success metric you can implement immediately for your very next presentation.How teams can define results beyond applause or “I think it went well.”How to focus on results without sacrificing authenticity or flexibility. To learn more about this guest:Website: bebrilliantpresentationgroup.comBook a Complimentary Call: https://bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com/book-call/Email: hello@bebrilliantpresentationgroup.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-brilliant-presentation-groupFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bebrilliantpresentationgroupInstagram: @bebrilliant_presentationgroup Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn: • Why responding emotionally to a hostile comment can cost you the audience • The professional rule of thumb when inappropriate comments first surface • How to use the “relay” technique to let the audience respond for you • Why the audience is often more on your side than you think • When it’s time to escalate, and how to do it without damaging your authority • The importance of proactive preparation before you ever step in the room • How to maintain dignity while still managing disruption • Why public speaking isn’t stand-up comedy, and shouldn’t be treated that way • The mindset shift that reduces anxiety about being “sniped” • How to protect your credibility while keeping your presentation on track Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode, you'll learn:In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o The first thing speakers tend to underestimate when presenting outside their home country.o How speaking internationally differs from addressing a diverse audience in your own country.o The conscious adjustments Alan makes before stepping onto a stage abroad.o How presenting in multiple languages changes preparation—not just delivery.o What can happen when a story, analogy, or joke that works at home misses the mark overseas.o The biggest surprise Alan encountered during his first international presentation.o How to think carefully about cultural references, idioms, and slang when preparing for global audiences.o Why respect for local customs accelerates credibility and audience trust.o A common mistake that can quietly damage a speaker’s international reputation.o The single most important mindset shift to make before delivering your first presentation abroad. To learn more about this guest:Facebook Profile: @alanberg1 https://www.facebook.com/alanberg1Facebook Page: @alanbergspeaker https://www.facebook.com/AlanBergspeaker/Instagram: @alanberg X (Twitter): @alanberg LinkedIn: @alanberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanberg/Alan’s Website: www.AlanBerg.comAsk Alan Anything, Alan's AI Alter-Ego: www.WhatWouldAlanSay.comAlan’s Online Book Shop: www.ShopAlanBerg.comAlan’s Amazon.com Author’s Page: www.AlanBerg.guruAlan’s books on Audible: www.GetAlansBooks.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o Just how common confidence struggles are for presenters, even among experienced speakers.o How to recognize your personal relationship with confidence—and why it often feels inconsistent or unpredictable.o What the “confidence wobble” looks and feels like when it shows up in real time.o The early mental and physical signs that self-doubt is creeping in.o Which common confidence-boosting strategies actually help—and which tend to backfire.o How to navigate moments in a presentation when confidence suddenly dips.o Practical ways to steady yourself without stopping, apologizing, or retreating.o What happens emotionally after a presentation and how to manage post-talk self-critique.o Where confidence tends to grow most over time for presenters who stay in the game.o The single confidence shift that can make the biggest difference in your very next presentation. To learn more about this guest:• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewinklegiulioni/• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JulieWinkleGiulioni.Author/• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPG2YOq_4GTPUUrM1n4Q1w  Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:Why presenting triggers anxiety for so many introverts and the misconceptions that fuel that fear.Where to start when an introvert is preparing for an important presentation.How introverts can reframe presenting so it feels authentic instead of exhausting.Practical ways introverts can manage their energy before, during, and after a presentation.The natural presentation strengths introverts often overlook or undervalue.How introverts can handle unexpected questions or interruptions with confidence.The role preparation plays for introverts—and how to avoid over-preparing to the point of rigidity.How introverts can use storytelling without feeling like they’re performing.Strategies for rebuilding confidence after a presentation that didn’t go as planned.One piece of advice introverts can use to walk into their next presentation calm, grounded, and confident.To learn more about this guest:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/speakupwithtonyaInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/speakupwithtonya/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpWithTonyaLinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-lehman-972b9567/Speaker website:  https://www.joylab.biz/tonyatalks Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:Why criticizing a competitor after losing a presentation almost always backfiresThe surprising power of a single follow-up phone call after a “no”How to ask for feedback without sounding defensive or salesyThree specific benefits this call gives you—professionally and personallyWhy rejection hurts more than we admit, and how to handle it without letting it define youThis episode is about restraint, courage, and playing the long game as a presenter, especially when you don’t get the win. Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:• What truly makes people lean in and want to learn from a presenter or teacher.• Where speakers often misunderstand engagement before they even step on stage.• How designing a presentation through a teacher’s lens changes the audience experience.• Why shared experiences create stronger connection than one-way communication.• Practical ways to create shared moments, even in large rooms or virtual environments.• Why phones in the audience don’t have to signal disengagement.• How presenters should rethink attention in a screen-filled world.• One simple way to invite participation without losing control of the room.• How engagement directly affects whether learning sticks long after the event.• The first shift speakers should make if they want action, not just applause.To learn more about this guest:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sickscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevespangler/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stevespanglerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevespanglerLinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/in/stevespanglerX  https://x.com/stevespangler Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:Why storytelling became overly complicated, and how that hurts presenters.The most common places speakers lose their audience when telling stories.The biggest myth speakers believe about what makes a story effective.Why simplifying a story often increases emotional impact instead of weakening it.The one essential element every story must have, regardless of audience or industry.Simple ways to improve a story you’re already using without rewriting it.How to tell stories without feeling like you’re performing or “acting.”Where business speakers tend to overthink storytelling and how to stop.The key question speakers should ask before telling any story on stage.The single idea Rob hopes every listener remembers about storytelling.To learn more about this guest…rob@RobBiesenbach.comLinkedIN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesenbach/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/RobBiesenbachBook: Unleash the Power of Storytelling:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XW94M5 Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o What “invisible work” really means, and the most common things speakers overlook before stepping on stageo How offstage preparation directly affects trust, connection, and credibility in the roomo The subtle speaker behaviors event organizers immediately notice, both positive and negativeo The delivery choices that separate speakers who feel present from those who feel transactionalo How small, almost unseen decisions can dramatically change how a presentation landso Practical ways to connect more deeply with an audience in the momento Simple post-presentation actions that help a message stick with both audiences and organizationso How caring about the full experience, not just the speech, shapes a speaker’s reputation over timeo The single invisible habit speakers can adopt immediately to improve their next talkTo learn more about this guest:Website: michellebgriffin.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffinPodcasts: Own Your Lane and The LinkedIn Branding ShowEmail: hello@michellebgriffin.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:Why many people waste time solving problems that don’t actually existHow expanding your thinking helps uncover better, more creative solutionsWhen to contract your thinking and evaluate options realisticallyWhy improvisation and adaptability are essential presentation skillsHow a simple framework can keep small problems from becoming big distractions Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:How engagement has evolved over the past decade, and why today’s audiences respond differently than they used to.What makes the difference between an activity that energizes a room and one that shuts it down instantly.Why viewing an audience as a community, not a crowd, fundamentally changes how presenters show up on stage.Where speakers unintentionally turn audiences off while believing they’re creating engagement.How to anchor the “why” behind engagement before choosing games, tools, or interaction methods.Simple ways presenters can learn to read energy in real time and adjust without panic.One engagement tool that works across audiences when executed with intention.A practical storytelling tip that helps speakers win attention in the first 20 seconds.How to handle resistant or disengaged audience members without losing the room.Techniques for confidently navigating silence and low-energy moments during a presentation.To learn more about this guest:Instagram @RobFerre - www.instagram.com/robferreLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robferreEmail: rob@robferre.comWebsite: www.robferre.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o What inspired the creation of Trainer’s Warehouse and the gap it was designed to fill for trainers and speakers.o How an early fascination with brain science shaped a career focused on learning, memory, and engagement.o Why presenters consistently underestimate the power of play—and how play accelerates learning.o How studying performance in unexpected places helped refine ideas around creativity and audience connection.o Practical ways to balance fun and professionalism without sacrificing credibility.o One simple tool, prop, or game that can immediately improve audience engagement.o Creative tools and techniques that translate especially well to virtual training environments.o The first small step hesitant presenters can take to bring more creativity into their presentations.To learn more about this guest:www.trainerswarehouse.comsusan@trainerswarehouse.com  Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o How the professional seminar industry has evolved since the “golden age” of public training companies.o What sparked the creation of SkillPath and the entrepreneurial frustration that led to its founding.o The early breakthroughs and obstacles involved in building a national training organization from the ground up.o Why SkillPath began exploring AI-powered tools and the specific problems they were designed to solve.o Where AI adds the most value in professional development—and where human trainers must still lead.o How presenters can leverage AI without losing authenticity or their personal voice.o Denise’s core philosophy for delivering live training that truly connects and succeeds.o Subtle presentation habits that separate strong presenters from unforgettable ones.o How to effectively shift delivery and presence from the stage to virtual platforms like Zoom.o One best-practice tip every trainer and keynote speaker can use to elevate their impact—live or virtual.To learn more about this guest.https://denisemdudley.com  Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:Why presenters and trainers are often tempted to say yes when they shouldn’tHow “almost qualified” can quietly damage your credibilityWhy long-term trust and reputation outweigh short-term business gains Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:o Why money is still such a taboo topic in the speaking business—and why that hurts speakers.o The expectations new speakers often have that don’t match the realities of professional speaking.o The biggest misconception Chris had before leaving a stable, well-paid career to go all in on speaking.o How early-stage speakers can tell whether their message actually solves a real problem.o Where speakers should really be “hunting” for work beyond websites and social media.o Why relationship-building drives repeat business more than most speakers realize.o How speakers can evaluate their pricing and avoid unintentionally undercutting themselves.o The role structured planning plays in creating consistent speaking income.o What Chris learned from his first year’s income about patience, positioning, and progress.o The single business move speakers should focus on first if they want to grow—or survive—in the speaking business. To learn more about this guest:Speaking: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/chrisjohnsonPodcasts: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/rest-eat-move-podcast Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:Why storytelling is often the missing ingredient for new speakers, and what it actually does for audience connection.How to reframe self-doubt when a speaker worries their message isn’t “big enough.”What changes when you’re telling a story to a room of 300 versus a smaller, familiar audience.How to balance personal truth with business goals without losing authenticity.Practical ways to handle rejection and missed bookings in the speaking world.How failure can become a critical guidepost toward speaking success.One immediate shift speakers can make to move from performance-driven talks to purpose-driven ones.The most common mistake early-career speakers make with their signature story.To learn more about this guest:linkedin.com/in/tinabrigleytinabrigleycoaching@gmail.com Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters