Own the Microphone

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes speaker, author, and founder of the Mental Conditioning movement, Elliot Allen. Bridgett and Elliot discuss hwo Elliot got to where he is today, understanding conversation, how Elliot uses his voice in his different careers, building your mindset, and more! 1:11 How did Elliot Allen end up in the speaking universe? 5:22 Advice to shy, introverted people. 11:20 How did Elliot Allen get into the speaking topic of mental fitness? 17:08 Differences between Elliot Allen's first and most recent presentation. 24:00 A question for Bridgett. 30:00 One last tip on how to own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t wait for inspiration, you have to schedule it. You have to show up everyday with the expectation of a new idea. Travis Hardin is a leadership speaker and mentor to purpose seekers, and Travis believes that success is great, but failure is a true inspiration.   Bridgett McGowen:https://www.bridgettmcgowen.com/ Guest: Travis Hardin LinkedIn https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/travishardin   2:12 How Travis Hardin get into public speaking and how he rejected it at first because of his first love and passion: baseball   4:19 Travis is a great example of how honing your speaking skills can help you become more than just a one-dimensional professional.  Travis Hardin: “What do I want them to see? That’s how you become better at x, y and z. You want to be a good example. People do what people see, so you  5:25 Don’t wait for inspiration, you have to schedule it.  8:01 What do you do when technology fails? What do you do when your expectations on a public speaking engagement change? Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. 9:39 You have to place the value on the people that are there to listen to you. 11:45 Technology does not come close to what a person can bring to a presentation.  13:07 What else do we need to know to make sure our presentation is the best that it can be? 13:43 Travis Hardin: "Todays celling is tomorrows floor." Travis Hardin likes to think of todays accomplishments as a starting point for tomorrow. Todays best is no good tomorrow.  16:20 So many people stop moving up, and stop progressing because they did one good thing. You cannot stop after one accomplishment, you need to use that to set your next goal even higher. 18:21 How does Travis Hardin get past the fear of standing in front of a crowd and speaking in front of people? 20:36 Travis Hardin: "Once you take the front of that room, it's all about telling your story and adding value to the people." 24:51 You must start somewhere and learn from the past in order to progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Founder of Tish Times Networking and Sales provides tips and insights into her world of teaching small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and sales professionals to increase income. Tish shares great advice and always remember "You are more powerful than you realize!" Bridgett McGowen: https://www.bridgettmcgowen.com/ Guest: Tish Times LinkedIn Twitter https://www.tishtimes.com/   1:50 Profitable networking, maximizing networking experiences and having powerful self conversations  2:21  What is it about networking that scares people? 2:30 Tish Times: “People have this impression that they have to perform once they walk into a network setting”  5:15 How Tish delivers bad news, and discussions that most people want to avoid. 8:05  What role does attire and clothing play in public speaking? How important is appearance?  8:32 Tish explains that you need to be an extremely proficient speaker for people to see past what you are wearing. Tish Times: “People will see you before they hear you.” 11:16 Tish tells a story about a time that she saw a female speaker who was wearing just jeans and a t-shirt, so she immediately lost interest in what the woman had to say. Once the woman began speaking she was able to “turn off her eyes and open up her ears.” 13:43 What is something your audiences would be surprised to find out about you? 14:50 “Stage is my safe place”. 16:12 Tish shares a few things thar help her with nerves and how she helps herself become centered 17:09 “I am” statements  18:35 Strategies on how to create amazing and eye catching slides for presentations 20:35 You have to learn to trust yourself and not your slides  21:43 You are more powerful than you realize   Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Bogert learned the hard way. That's why he implores others to do the same. Brian found true growth in challenging himself outside of his comfort zone. Bogert brings his personal story of growth and development into his presentations and believes embracing your inner vulnerabilities is an underutilized tool in the public speaking arsenal. Learn. Grow. Challenge. Repeat the cycle over again.  Bridgett McGowen: https://www.bridgettmcgowen.com/ 1:54 How do you get everyone’s attention and then keep it throughout the entirety of the presentation.  Bogert on what the audience is thinking when you start a presentation: “Does this person have credibility, do they have expertise, do they have relevance and is there something that I can connect with and relate to.”  3:12 The most important thing to know with public speaking, more important than what you say and how you say is, how you resonate with people’s emotions. 3:55 What if you are giving a presentation with a company deck? How do you add life and personality into a scripted presentation? Bogert: “Too many people depend on the script and don’t actually speak from the heart and believe in what they’re doing.”  6:40 What got Brian Bogert into public speaking? How did he find an interest in it? 7:35 A personal story from Brian on nearly losing his life and how it opened his mind to not just speaking and being engaging but the ways to be engaging.  Brian Bogert: “What’s important is that we pause and be aware of the lessons we can extract from our stories 12:07 How Brian learned to embrace pain without suffering. 12:50  The world is wrong for telling you to avoid pain. Embrace pain in order to avoid suffering and gain freedom. 16:34 Look at the moments in your life of the most profound growth...where did that growth come from? Did it come from pain? Rarely do massive growth moments from when everything is easy.  17:50 What might seem like our own stories that are not distinct or unique can actually be great lessons to pass along to others.  18:15 Why you should challenge yourself to share your personal growth with others. 19:08 Do you ever get nervous as a speaker? How do you manage nerves when speaking publicly? 19:45 Breathing strategies that are scientifically proven to reduce stress before speaking.  22:22 In public speaking you can measure everything you do through impact.  23:20 Don’t misplace nervousness for being bad at public speaking. When nervousness turns into anxiety, then it can be a problem, but nervousness is not indicative of failure in public speaking.”   24:10 How do you stay on top of your game? How do you ensure that you stay polished? 25:02 Why you should study other speakers...you’ll pick up on things the best speakers do.  29:36 Best way to get in touch with Brian: BrianBogert.comYou can also check out a free resource from Brian: Nolimitsprelude.comWhich includes a roadmap for the things you need to think about and consider when putting together a presentation. 31:15 The thing that keeps most people from taking action is: Fear  32:50 If you want to Own the Microphone, become aware of what’s keeping you from getting on stage. Show notes: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway Bogert’s Bullets YouTube Page Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin is an expert in leadership development; Micro-prenerurship and small business start-up strategies. He is also a personal and professional branding coach and mentor.   On today's episode Kevin and I discuss finding confidence in public speaking, what to do when technology fails or the unexpected happens and why the smallest details matter the most when it comes to public speaking. Kevin and I have a combined 60 years of professional speaking experience, so we have literally seen it all! 1:58  How do you find confidence in public speaking, even if you are inexperienced, or don’t have an overly impressive resume.   3:16 How you should start in public speaking: finding a mentor or coach   4:06 The importance of passion in public speaking. “It really comes down to knowing yourself.”   6:45 Dig Deep: what does this mean and how you can use it to impact people through public speaking. What is it that lights a fire within you?   7:39 What’s the best way to get a presentation going? How do you get people going? What’s the best approach to trying to win over an audience and how do you start it?   9:05 The importance of storytelling in your presentation.    11:30 How do you positively engage an audience when you have bad news? What’s the best way to convey news that is not positive? “Many people don’t realize how many great companies started during an economic downturn. What a great inspirational story. But you wouldn’t know that unless you study the history of business and business development.”   15:13 What do you do during a presentation when technology fails?  “I go into every presentation with the assumption that my technology is going to fail.”   15:40 A story from Kevin Mavers on preparedness and what you should do when technology fails.   19:10 The importance of preparedness and getting to your presentation site early enough to ensure you have all contingencies accounted for.   21:40 The importance of paying attention to the smallest details and how all of the most seemingly minute details being ironed out can lead to overall success in public speaking.   24:55 In the modern world, where Zoom communication and audio/visual communication through digital means, ensure your surroundings represent you and your message.   Show notes: Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiencesl    Kevin’s offering a 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your micro-preneurial dreams and 50% off the regular price for attendance in the 12-week Micro-preneurial Apprentice Program. You can find Kevin on the major social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. KLMaevers@Maevers.biz 307.222.4909 Please make sure that you mention that you heard Kevin on the Own the Microphone Podcast. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes TWO guests from Vital Voice Training, Casey Erin Clark and Julie Fogh, who blend the toolbox of the professional actor with frameworks for embracing one’s speaking voice all over the country. Bridgett, Casey, and Julie discuss going out of your comfort zone, difficult audience members, common mistakes that speakers make, how to keep you audience engaged, and more! 1:00 How did Casey and Julie know they were able to empower others by using their voices? 9:30 One of the biggest mistakes speakers make when using their voice. 16:50 What should someone keep in mind to make sure that their message is recieved? 25;50 Favorite memories coaching at Vital Voice. 30:45 Questions for Bridgett. 37:30 Your voice can bring you joy. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes an award winning speaker, author and visionary strategist who is on a mission to inspire his audience to live out their god given purposes, and create credibility in the marketplace, Rob “YB” Youngblood. Bridgett and Rob discuss dealing with a difficult audience, YB's presentation topics, common mistakes that presenters make, why every speaker should have their own book, and more! 1:00 How did Rob “YB” Youngblood get into speaking? 6:30 How does Rob get past stubborn audiences? 12:40 What does YB typically speak on? 16:00 Pre presentation rituals. 18:00 Typical presentation mistakes. 31:06 A question for Bridgett. 40:50 One last tip on how to own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a street cop turned speaker with 23+ years supporting law enforcement, military, nurses and firefighters and helping them tell their stories, Dave Leath. Bridgett and David discuss how Dave because a speaker, tips for listeners who want to become speakers, audience connection, speaking as an introvert, and more! 1:00 How did Dave Leath get into speaking? 5:00 Presentation musts. 10:00 What is Dave Leath's favorite topic to speak on? What is his favorite part of giving a presentation? 15:00 What is a positive impact of being an introvert when it comes to speaking? 23:26 A question for Bridgett. 27:16 One last tip. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a speaker with 20+ years experience in the tech industry who believes it is necessary to ensure greater accessibility with less barriers, Angela V. Harris. Bridgett and Angela discuss memorable moments in presentations, pumping yourself up, best practices for online presentations, memorable presentations, and more! 0:44 Speaking world and pageant world, hwo did Angela V. Harris get into speaking? 3:11 Advice for listeners to speak up. 6:50 Most memorable moment in an audience. 8:14 Has Angela always been confident behind the microphone? 10:19 Biggest mistakes. 13:20 Connecting with your audience. 18:30 Favorite presentation. 20:16 A question for Bridgett. 24:00 One last tip on how to own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes an entrepreneur, women’s empowerment expert, and speaker who is passionate about motivating leaders to adopt social impact strategies for better profit, Anjani Amriit. Bridgett and Anjani discuss how being a corporate lawyer contributed to Anjani becoming a speaker, making the impossible possible, in person vs. virtual presentations, Anjani's book, and more! 0:37 How did Anjani Amriit get into the public speaking world? 2:55 What is Anjani Amriit's favorite thing about being a speaker? 5:00 How does Anjani get people in the mindset to believe they can make the impossible, possible? 10:00 What does Anjani believe is her most powerful presentation? 13:25 Anjani Amriit's book "Corporate Dropouts". 16:25 Following the breadcrumbs. 18:22 A question for Bridgett. 23:45 One last tip on how listeners can own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a visionary entrepreneur and leader with over 20 years experience in the healthcare, nonprofit, and startup industries Angelique Hamilton. Angelique Hamilton is the founder and CCO of Chique Group, and is a powerful woman who helps small businesses and startups uplift others. Bridgett and Angelique discuss being your true self, selling yourself, digital presentations, and more! 2:40 What does Angelique Hamilton normally speak about? 6:25 Angelique Hamilton's favorite presentation. 10:30 Did Angelique always want to be a speaker? 13:00 Comparison mode. 15:45 Tips on digital presentations. 20:20 Unforgettable presentation moment. 26:19 A question for Bridgett. 31:30 One last tip to own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes an engineer and award winning author who wrote the book "Get Your Greater" about how he went from homelessness to greatness, Mark Shepard. Bridgett and Mark discuss how Mark overcame his past, how Mark got to where he is today, the topics he speaks on, and more! 1:50 How did Mark Shepard get to where he is today. 6:50 What is it that Mark speaks on? 13:20 What does MArk love about speaking? 15:14 What is the biggest change in Marks 1st presentation to his most recent. 22:50 Who are some people that have helped Mark in his past? 28:48 A question for Bridgett. 37:26 One last tip. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a speaker, author and owner of Women of Armor who helps thousands of women unhinge their mindset, Amanda Ewers. Bridgett and Amanda discuss pre show visits, pauses, practice, space and time management, common mistakes, and more! 1:00 What was Amanda doing before she became a professional speaker? 6:15 Visit the place you are going to be presenting before the presentation. 13:23 What does Amanda speak on? 15:55 Memorable presentation. 22:08 What is something people do wrong when speaking? 34:00 Avoid practice fatigue. 37:57 A question for Bridgett. 42:20 One last tip. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes an award winning author, philanthropist, podcast host, and speaker who empowers women leaders to build stronger connections and use their voices, Linnita Hosten. Bridgett and Linnita discuss how Linnita got her start in speaking, how speakers can gain confidence, practicing what you plan, dealing with nerves, and more! Check out Linnita Hosten's podcast: Excellence in Everything Live https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLomg6xBNroEbCt9IP6RN8l8su-OzX49ch 0:50 How did Linnita Hosten become an expert in effective communication skills? 3:57 How does Linnita Hosten keep her audience members on the edge of their seat? 7:20 Practice aloud. 11:20 Linnita Hosten's favorite presentation. 18:15 A question for Bridgett. 23:05 One last tip. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a first generation American, sign language interpreter, Author, and speaker known as the beneficiary best friend, with a unique approach to boosting self esteem, JO Welch. Bridgett and JO discuss how JO got into ASL and speaking, inclusion, presentation must haves, and more! Visit askjo.org 0:44 What does JO Welch speak on? 4:40 How did JO Welch get into ASL? 8:00 You will not reach 100 percent of the audience all the time. 13:35 A strategy for listeners to help them be more memorable. 19:02 Presentation must haves. 29:10 A question for Bridgett. 44:00 How can listeners make sure they have a stellar presentation? Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a speaker and best selling author who provides strategies to support companies to build stronger leaders with a heathy work environment while incorporating vulnerability, Bonita Owens. Bridgett and Bonita discuss how Bonita got into speaking, understanding others, personal development, effective communication, a question for Bridgett, and more! 2:05 How did Bonita Owens know she was meant to be a speaker? 5:39 What does Bonita Owens typically speak on? 8:50 Courage to live out loud. 13:00 Bonita's favorite topics to speak on. 19:40 Audience members number 1 take from Bonita's presentations. 20:50 How does Bonita keep her presentations sharp? 26:50 A question for Bridgett. 30:15 One last piece of advice. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes speak, author, and podcast host who lends her voice to help end sexual violence, and who is known as the visibility activator for individuals who want to increase visibility, Leah Forney. Bridgett and Leah discuss Leah's work in sexual assault awareness, having the gift of gab, sharing your story, how to activate your visibility, and more! 0:55 What topics does Leah Forney speak on and how did she get started? 4:10 Leah Forney's most popular to speak on. 6:15 How did Leah get to the place where she felt that she could share her story? 10:45 Leah's favorite story to tell 14:25 The Visibility Activator. 18:08 Presentation musts. 20:33 A question for Bridgett. 25:00 One last tip. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a speaker, artist and bold and humorous facilitator that connects deeply with her audiences and addresses raw and profound human experiences that shape humans, Jeanne Bessette. Bridgett and Jeanne discuss creativity, healing from trauma, not forcing engagement from your audience, being a female entrepreneur, and more! NOTES: Visit www.jeannebessette.com/speaking to book Jeanne for an engagement your audience will not soon forget. 0:57 Has Jeanne Bessette always thought on her feet and gotten things done? 2:20 State of flow is the key to success. 8:00 Scary presentations. 16:09 Jeannes favorite topic to speak on. 18:59 A question for Bridgett. 24:00 One last tip on how to own the microphone. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes a keynote speaker who turns her restaurant experience into lessons, and whose main goal is to put untapped potential into motion, Dina Douvikas. Bridgett and Dina discuss how Dina got into speaking, uncovering others talents, sustainability, inner strength, and more! 0:48 Restaurant industry lifestyle into speaking career. 10:40 One of Dina's favorite presentations. 14:45 What can someone do to work on their inner strength? 17:20 A little information on Dinas book. 20:20 Delivering a message that crushes. 22:00 A presentation challenge. 29:10 A question for Bridgett. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Own the Microphone, Bridgett McGowen welcomes an author, business coach, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who is the founder of the I Wont Starve Academy, Jamar Washington. Bridgett and Jamar discuss how to make sure you give your audience what they are looking for, helping young men with their career development, support systems, and more! 0:50 What did Jamar Washington do before becoming a speaker? 5:18 What to do when you and the audience are not vibing. 8:22 Presentation non negotiable. 12:20 I Wont Starve Academy. 15:59 Favorite topic to speak on. 18:50 What would Jamar do if he was not a speaker? 22:40 How do Jamar's books play a role in his presentations? 31:39 A question for BRidgett. Listen and Subscribe to the Own the Microphone Podcast with Bridgett McGowen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and the CLNS Media Network mobile app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices