"I'm planning an event for my company and I've been directed to find a ‘motivational speaker’ to open our conference. What does that mean exactly?" I get these kind of emails all the time. It's a great question. I get it. There’s a lot of confusion because the word "motivation" gets thrown around when it comes to speaking. No surprise, it’s one of the top words Googled when searching for a speaker. Let me make it a little easier. With more than 25 years in this business, I can tell you that there are three main types of speakers who fit under the category of Motivation. Content Read More
No SALES tips in Your Speech?
No SALES tips in Your Speech?
You’re Shortchanging Your Audience By Sales Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta There’s one outstanding reason why I weave a bit of sales strategy into every single talk I give: because everyone is in sales--they just don't know it. No matter what their job title, description, industry or organization--their ability to sell ( or not) is a game changer. First I teach them how to sell themselves! We dig deep into their personality-pros and cons. Strengths and weaknesses. Then we identify their style of communication. Then move into levels of confidence. And finally discuss their ability to Read More
Eight Reasons Wearing a Watch is Really Cool!
Eight Reasons Wearing a Watch is Really Cool!
By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta So what's the deal with not wearing watches these days? Look around. Half the population have left their watches in a drawer at home just waiting to be used again. In fact, to some people, wearing a watch has become a sign of old age. An antiquated accessory (or so goes the myth) no longer necessary since the iPhone came into play. Well think again. When asked the time I can, with a flick of my wrist and a quick eye glance, answer before someone with a phone can even begin to find it, turn it on, get lost in Facebook distractions, and deliver Read More
The Audience is the Star of the Event
The Audience is the Star of the Event
NOT the Speaker By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta After more than 25 years in this industry, I’m fairly sure I’ve seen it ALL. Or at least ALMOST all there is to see in terms of types of speakers and what they bring to the “table” for the events at which they present. And like any profession, they run the gamut from the all right to the extraordinary. The down-to-earth to the drop-everything-for-me divas. The brand new to the seasoned professional. Here’s what every one of them SHOULD know but many don’t: it’s not about THE SPEAKER. It should always, always, and one more for Read More
My Top Three Tips For New Speakers
My Top Three Tips For New Speakers
And Experienced Speakers Who Want More Bookings By Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta I’m often asked by new speakers what my absolute #1 best advice would be. With more than 25 years under my belt speaking from stages literally all over the globe, I could probably create a master class and go on for days, but really I believe it comes down to these three things: 1. It is all about the AUDIENCE’S story—NOT YOUR story. What I mean by that is so often speakers hit the stage, grab the microphone and proceed to tell THEIR story over and over again. How they climbed a mountain, Read More
Quit Playing Emotional Games…
Quit Playing Emotional Games…
An Amazing Series on How to Become the Best YOU! Tip #3: Quit Playing Emotional Games By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Let there be no doubt—game-playing is a killer when it comes to keeping a relationship alive and healthy. It undermines the ability to love, trust, feel safe, fight fair, be vulnerable, experience intimacy, have fun together , work together, share ideas, discuss money, raise children, set values, and experience success. Healthy relationships are based on one thing...healthy communication, otherwise known as assertive-- or to get right to the point—ADULT Read More
Four Things Facebook’s Quick Change Taught Us…
Four Things Facebook’s Quick Change Taught Us…
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta & Syndicated Columnist Julie Escobar Listen. We’re big fans of change. Connie’s a motivational speaker who travels the world, more often than not helping companies, organizations, associations and people ADAPT and leverage change. Julie was an early adopter of social media and in the speaking and training industry for years. We feel your pain. You’re disgruntled. Confused. Unsure. Ticked off even. It’s understandable. Change – well at least the way you just experienced it – is a tough pill to swallow. So let’s break it down. Here are Read More
How Can I Deal With A Difficult Co-Worker?
How Can I Deal With A Difficult Co-Worker?
A Q & A With Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Question: My boss called me in to his office the other day. He told me that he thought my "attitude" lately had been getting in the way of me doing my job well. I resented this very much and I want to know what I should do. A lot is going on in my personal life right now, and I may not be the happiest person all the time, but I still manage to get to work everyday, and I try to do my job the best I can. I think my personal life is none of his business. What do you think? Answer: I think you need to reaccess your situation more honestly. Read More
Helping People Understand People
Helping People Understand People
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Several times a week I get e-mails that are very similar in nature. According to my clients, audiences, and readers, difficult people seem to be everywhere! People tell me that they are being nagged at home, controlled at work, pressured in social circles, and subjected to negative thoughts, attitudes and behaviors in all areas of their lives. As one reader said; "It is hard enough to stay positive with all the things going on in my own life without having to deal with everyone else's problems and gripes". I believe most people are looking for advice, Read More
Learning Assertive Communication Can Be Fun With Twitter
Learning Assertive Communication Can Be Fun With Twitter
As an organizational therapist and ardent observer of human behavior, Twitter is a fascinating social phenomenon. Actually, I find all of the social media networking is a great lesson in communication styles, and enjoy speaking about it. It appears to be far easier to spit out 140 characters than to take the time and work on clear and concise communication no matter the style. No one appears to judge you on such small sound bites. However no matter what the delivery system, it sometimes seems that folks just don't understand the importance of what they say. People can forget how Read More