Speak Memorably: Bill McGowan on Breaking Out of the Conformity Zone and Transforming Workplace Communication

Update: 2025-07-17

Description

How do you stand out in a world where every meeting, memo, and message sounds exactly the same? In this episode, we talked to Bill McGowan, veteran media trainer and author of Speak Memorably, about how professionals at every level can communicate with more clarity, distinction, and impact—especially in the workplace.

Bill broke down why business communication has become so numbing and forgettable, and how to escape what he calls the “conformity zone.” We explored the psychology behind memorable messages, how to actually be authentic without winging it, and why the agenda slide might be killing your presentation before it starts. His “Magnificent Seven” techniques—ranging from analogies to twisted clichés—offer practical tools to elevate everything from all-hands meetings to panel appearances to podcasts (like this one).

We also talked about:

Why “being on message” isn’t enough anymore—and how it kills authenticity
The Coppola Formula for structuring any talk like a story
What Real Housewives and CEOs can both teach us about rapid transformation
Humor, ego, and the myth of “I’ve already been media trained”
How to use AI wisely without losing your voice (and when it backfires hilariously)

Whether you’re a comms leader trying to upskill your execs or just someone who wants to stop sounding like everyone else on your next Zoom call, this one’s packed with tactical advice and sharp perspective.

About Bill McGowan

Bill McGowan is the founder and CEO of Clarity Media Group and a leading voice in executive communication coaching. He has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures across every industry—including Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and execs from Facebook, Google, and Nike. A former Emmy-winning correspondent and producer, Bill’s media background powers his approach to helping leaders speak with confidence and credibility in high-stakes situations.

He’s the author of Speak Like a Pro and the newly updated Speak Memorably, and he’s trained thousands of professionals to break bad habits, ditch corporate-speak, and leave a lasting impression.

Sponsored by:
Delve.

“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”

It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
Learn more at delve.news/shift

Resources discussed in this episode: