In today’s episode, we discuss the art of confident, compelling communication with Michael Chad Hoeppner, an expert in public speaking and personal development. As the founder and CEO of GK Training, Michael has spent over 15 years coaching leaders, including presidential candidates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and Ivy League deans, to deliver their messages with impact and authenticity. He’s also the author of Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life, a groundbreaking guide that shifts the focus from content to delivery.

Introduction – 00:00:00

• Why is delivery more critical than ever in today’s AI-driven world?


• What is the 3F system (Fake it, Feature it, Fix it), and how can it help you recover gracefully during high-stakes communication?


• Why is agility in communication more important than avoiding mistakes entirely?


• How can pausing strategically improve clarity and confidence in your delivery?

Eliminating Filler Words and Building Confidence – 00:10:03

• Why do filler words like “um” and “uh” increase in high-pressure situations, and how can you address them?


• What is the "perception vs. reality gap," and why do our internal clocks often misjudge pauses?


• How can recording yourself and analyzing evidence help identify and correct communication habits?


• What common advice should you avoid if you want to be a better public speaker? 

Storytelling as a Career-Accelerating Tool – 00:33:08

• Why is storytelling critical for building personal and professional influence?


• How can creating a "story bank" of go-to anecdotes make you a more effective communicator?


• What’s the difference between telling and showing in storytelling, and why is the latter more impactful?

Practical Exercises for Improving Communication – 00:42:14

• What are kinesthetic learning techniques, and how can they improve your public speaking?


• How does the LEGO block exercise create concise and clear communication habits?


• Why does practicing with physical impediments (like a toothbrush) improve enunciation and delivery?

AI’s Impact on Communication – 00:50:33

• How might AI make in-person communication a more valuable and sought-after skill?


• What are the limitations of AI in mimicking human spontaneity and agility in communication?


• How can AI tools assist in role-playing scenarios to help practice interviews and presentations?

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Resources from this Episode

Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life

Michael Chad Hoeppner’s LinkedIn

GK Training

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