The Speaker's Edge

Welcome to "The Speaker's Edge" podcast, where we're devoted to helping you master your message and inspire your audience every time you speak. Whether you're a speaker, coach, author, or entrepreneur, this podcast is your home for advancing your communication skills. With years of experience as a professional speaker and speaker trainer, your host, Roddy Galbraith, as worked alongside top communicators, including John Maxwell. Each week, in about 35 to 40 minutes, we'll share practical tools and insights drawn from training thousands of speakers globally. We're kicking off our first episode with how anyone can develop unshakable self-confidence as a speaker. I hope you can join us and find your speaker's edge!

043: Why Clarity Is Your Secret Power

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explains how clarity is the foundation of powerful communication. He encourages speakers to focus on one big idea and keep their messages simple, using John Maxwell's impactful message on unconditional love as a real-life example. Roddy Galbraith shares practical strategies for structuring presentations by starting with the desired outcome and breaking content into memorable sections. Listeners will come away with actionable tips for mastering their message and making a lasting impression on any audience.

12-22
11:39

042: How to Raise Money Without Being Pushy with Jeff Vreeland

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith is answering a question he as a communicator gets frequently: How do you translate communication into influence, specifically in the nonprofit space? He's joined by Prosper Group COO Jeff Vreeland, who shares practical strategies for raising money without feeling pushy or making people uncomfortable. Together, they discuss the importance of clear messaging and genuine conviction when communicating a nonprofit's mission, using storytelling to create emotional connections with potential donors. Learn the value of linking specific asks to tangible outcomes and the significance of inviting people to take action. The conversation also covers how authenticity and understanding your audience build long-term donor relationships and drive fundraising success. Interested in improving results on your communication? This episode is a must-listen!  Want to connect with Jeff to up-level your impact? Find him at WorkJeff.com! 

12-15
32:52

041: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Thanh Nguyen

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy interviews Thanh Nguyen about her inspiring journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt through public speaking. They share practical strategies for building confidence, including the importance of taking small, consistent steps and learning to accept compliments. Thanh explains how her background as an immigrant shaped her insecurities and how mentorship and community helped her grow into a successful leader and keynote speaker. Discover valuable insights on embracing courage, reframing negative self-talk, and using personal stories to connect with audiences.  Want to follow Thanh as she continues her journey? Click here to get your copy of Unshrink Yourself. 

12-08
21:58

040: The Secret Determiner of Success & How to Use it to Your Advantage

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the powerful role that setting clear goals and intentions plays in a speaker's growth and overall success. He shows how aligning daily actions with long-term objectives brings order, focus, and efficiency to both your personal and professional life. He also shares practical strategies for discovering purpose, cultivating self-discipline, and turning interests into lifelong passions. Discover actionable tips for building better habits and staying motivated on your journey to becoming the most impactful communicator you can be! 

12-01
22:35

039: Why to Develop Your Speaking Skills & How to Start

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores why developing speaking skills is crucial for personal and professional growth. He shares practical steps to get started as a speaker, addresses common challenges like imposter syndrome and overwhelm, and reveals how consistent, imperfect action leads to improvement. Roddy Galbraith draws on insights from John Maxwell and other thought leaders, offering actionable strategies for becoming an expert who communicates with impact. Listeners will discover how to craft compelling presentations, bring their messages to life with stories, and embrace the ongoing process of growth to inspire any audience.

11-24
27:17

038: From Cradle to Conviction: How Early Experiences Shape Our Beliefs

In this episode of the Speaker's Edge Podcast, Roddy Galbraith unpacks how our earliest experiences form the subconscious beliefs that drive our confidence, success, and communication.  You'll discover why many of your thoughts about who you are—and what you can achieve—were learned before you could even think for yourself. Roddy shares practical insights on changing subconscious beliefs, achieving self-image transformation, and overcoming the limits we unknowingly accept.  You'll learn how to:  Recognize and replace limiting beliefs holding you back  Reprogram your mindset for growth and confidence  Use public speaking as a tool for personal development  🎯 Ready to grow? Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to explore our communication skills training and leadership and public speaking programs through the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. 

11-17
13:25

037: Are We Really Logical? How Emotion Rules Human Behavior

Title: Why Emotion, Not Logic, Drives Public Speaking Success In this episode of The Speaker's Edge Podcast, Roddy Galbraith explores why emotion—not logic—drives human behavior and decision-making, especially in communication and public speaking.  Using engaging stories—including the movie that inspired a decades-long fear—Roddy explains how learned emotional programs shape our reactions, confidence, and speaking style.  You'll learn how to:  Apply emotional intelligence to your own public speaking habits  Overcome the fear of public speaking through awareness and practice  Build self-confidence as a speaker  Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team speaker training programs and elevate your communication skills.   

11-10
26:28

036: How to Believe in Yourself (Even When You Don't)

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores practical steps for building unshakable self-confidence, even when doubt creeps in. He shares why transformation requires more than a quick decision, focusing instead on the ongoing process of evolving beliefs and overcoming resistance to change. Through relatable stories and examples, Roddy illustrates how facing fears directly—rather than avoiding them—is essential for personal growth. Listeners gain actionable strategies to upgrade their mindset, outgrow old limitations, and become more self-assured in every speaking opportunity. 

11-03
17:39

035: Becoming Presidential: Body Language Basics for Executive Presence

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith shares practical strategies for improving executive presence through effective body language. He highlights how first impressions and habitual movements shape the way leaders are perceived, offering actionable tips to project confidence and professionalism. Roddy explains the importance of self-awareness, recommending video review and rehearsal to refine posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Listeners gain clear guidance on cultivating body language that aligns with their message, helping them inspire trust and engagement in any setting. 

10-27
33:31

034: The Power of the First Impression

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the critical role of first impressions in shaping executive presence. He shares practical strategies for influencing how others perceive you, including the power of visual cues and the importance of being well-prepared and attentive. Roddy also explains how snap judgments form in seconds and why it's essential to proactively manage the way you present yourself. You'll gain actionable tips on self-awareness, body language, and continual growth to boost confidence and authority in any setting. 

10-20
21:56

033: Proper People Propel Us Further Forward Faster

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores how the right relationships can accelerate personal and professional growth for speakers and communicators. He explains how surrounding yourself with "proper people" leads to significance, inspiration, and ongoing development, far beyond what you can achieve alone. Listeners learn practical ways to leverage informational, observational, experiential, and psychological growth through collaboration and modeling. Roddy also offers actionable advice for building an empowering environment, overcoming discouragement, and finding coaches to help master communication and leadership skills. 

10-13
27:14

032: How to Maximize Your Life With The Pareto Principle

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores the power of the Pareto Principle and its impact on productivity and focus. He guides listeners through practical examples of how prioritizing the most important tasks unlocks greater results in less time. Roddy also shares effective strategies for speakers and communicators to craft compelling content by using personal stories, teaching pieces, and flexible message blocks. Listeners will gain actionable tips for maximizing their time, managing priorities, and strengthening their influence, all while learning new ways to inspire any audience. 

10-06
17:29

031: The Secret to Living Into Your Full Potential

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith explores how speakers and leaders can unlock their full potential by combining proven material from experts like John Maxwell with their own life experiences. He shares actionable strategies for using effective prioritization and personal stories to make messages more engaging and impactful. Roddy outlines how building strong relationships and genuine connections within teams can dramatically increase motivation, organizational performance, and personal growth. Listeners gain practical insights into leadership, influence, and the critical role of trust and care in inspiring others. 

09-29
28:30

030: The Power of Simplicity with Jeff Henderson

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy and Susan Galbraith sit down with Jeff Henderson to explore the transformative power of simplicity in communication and leadership. Jeff shares lessons from his experiences at Chick-fil-A and in the church world, illustrating how clear, focused messaging creates greater impact. Discover actionable strategies for distilling complex ideas into memorable, concise takeaways, including the "drive-by test" for message clarity, and gain practical tips on refining your own communication. 

09-22
27:33

029: Mastering Multigenerational Communication with Tim Elmore

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Tim Elmore joins Susan and Roddy Galbraith to share practical strategies for reaching and engaging different generations with your message. Tim breaks down the unique characteristics, strengths, and communication preferences of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, revealing how each group responds differently in the workplace. He offers actionable tips for leaders and speakers looking to bridge generational gaps by leveraging visuals, conversations, and experiences in their teaching. Listeners walk away with a clear framework for tailoring their communication to teams across age groups.   

09-15
23:32

028: The Power of Preparation: Valorie Burton on Connecting with Any Audience

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith and Susan Galbraith sit down with executive coach and speaker Valorie Burton to explore the art of preparing for speaking opportunities. Valorie shares personal lessons on the importance of connecting stories to actionable lessons for audiences, as well as the value of vulnerability without sacrificing credibility. She outlines her thorough approach to understanding each audience and customizing her content for maximum impact, whether speaking to thousands or a handful of executives. Listeners will gain practical tips on preparation, story selection, and making every speaking engagement both authentic and effective. 

09-08
31:37

027: Storytelling Secrets with Don Yaeger

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy and Susan Galbraith sit down with master storyteller Don Yaeger to reveal the secrets behind captivating storytelling. Don shares his journey from Sports Illustrated journalist to bestselling author and sought-after speaker, including a memorable story about scoring against Michael Jordan. Then, Roddy unpacks eight practical storytelling principles, showing listeners how to make their stories more engaging, memorable, and relevant to their audience. The episode offers actionable advice for speakers who want to find, shape, and deliver stories that truly resonate. 

09-01
22:26

026: Why Credibility Matters More Than Content with Mark Cole

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy and Susan Galbraith sit down with Mark Cole, speaker and CEO of Maxwell Leadership, to explore why credibility stands as the cornerstone of effective communication. Mark shares insights from his 20-year journey working alongside John Maxwell, revealing how authenticity and character consistently triumph over content alone. Listeners learn about the five foundational "Cs" of influence, gaining practical advice on building trust, connecting with audiences, and maintaining consistency both on and off the stage. The discussion inspires speakers and leaders alike to focus on who they are, reinforcing the message that the most impactful communication starts with credibility. 

08-25
26:34

025: Failure is Your Friend with Miss America

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith sits down with Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, to explore how embracing failure can transform your growth as a speaker. Teresa shares her journey from being a self-described perfectionist with a fear of public speaking to confidently addressing audiences of thousands. Listeners will learn practical strategies for taking imperfect action, developing core messages, and tailoring stories to resonate with diverse groups. The episode offers actionable advice for anyone looking to overcome anxiety, build confidence, and continually improve their communication skills. 

08-18
21:23

024: How to Get Started in the Speaking Business with Nick Vujicic

Visit MaxwellLeadership.com/Speak to learn more about the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team!  In this episode, Roddy Galbraith sits down with inspiring speaker Nick Vujicic to uncover how he got his start in the speaking business. Nick shares candid stories from his early days, including relentless cold calls, overcoming rejection, and the critical lessons learned from initial failures. He offers practical strategies for aspiring speakers, such as building references, leveraging authentic storytelling, and using humor to connect with audiences. Discover motivation and actionable advice for launching a meaningful speaking career, as well as insight into the perseverance and mindset required to succeed. 

08-11
35:25

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