Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It

Speak with Presence: Insights from Sonnet Simmons

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378110/fan_mail/new] Speak with Presence: Insights from Sonnet Simmons  Host and speaking coach Chris McAuley introduces his podcast on how confident communication shapes career, reputation, and opportunity, then interviews keynote speaker and vocal presence coach Sonnet Simmons. Simmons shares her background as a singer-songwriter with music licensed for ads and media, her work helping independent artists navigate music licensing, and how client demand led her into leadership communication and “true voice” coaching. She and McAuley discuss authenticity, speaking from the heart, building trust through vocal sound, and handling high-stakes spontaneous communication with structure and practice. Simmons outlines her keynote prep process (outline, recording, slides, video rehearsal), emphasizes audience connection, and recommends vocal warmups. They explore nerves as manageable through breath, the value of stories, and identifying protective vocal patterns (breathiness, vocal fry, uptalk) through awareness and recording.   00:00 Podcast Opening 00:47 Meet Sonnet Simmons 02:37 Music Career Origins 05:51 Finding True Voice 07:57 Authenticity From Heart 11:46 Sound of Trust Keynote 13:07 Handling High Stakes Moments 17:45 Preparation And Practice 25:13 Owning The Material 27:08 Speaking From The Heart 27:22 Storytelling That Connects 29:13 Managing Nerves With Breath 30:38 Breath Training And Performance 32:07 Breath Before You Speak 34:01 Finding Your True Voice 35:57 Vocal Patterns To Notice 37:55 Record Yourself For Feedback 40:58 Rapid Fire Favorites 43:53 Travel Dreams And Wrap Up

Speaking Your Truth: Embodied Wellness with Robert Simms

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378110/fan_mail/new] Embodied Resilience: Neurodivergence, Mind–Body Care, and Speaking with Authentic Connection (with Robert Sims) Chris McAuley introduces his podcast on confident, clear communication and interviews Robert Sims, CEO/owner and therapist at Embodied Resilience Wellness Clinic in Ontario. Sims explains the clinic’s wraparound model integrating mental and physical care—psychotherapy for individuals and couples alongside physiotherapy and massage—grounded in connection, authenticity, lived experience, and a specialization in neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, and AuDHD). He shares his path from TV broadcasting and security work into social work, reconnecting with Indigenous community and worldview, completing his MSW/RSW, and later identifying as AuDHD, which informed the clinic’s focus on neurodivergence-related comorbidities. Sims describes future plans to add services like nurse practitioners and other modalities, discusses tailoring presentations to audiences, using interactive storytelling and purposeful self-disclosure to build community and reciprocity, and reframing speaking nerves as excitement. He recommends books on therapeutic role-playing and “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” streams “Person of Interest,” and shares how to find Embodied Resilience online and via a weekly YouTube live, “All Things Neurodivergence.” 00:00 Podcast Cold Open 00:56 Meet Robert Sims 02:02 Embodied Resilience Clinic 02:54 What Neurodivergence Means 04:23 Robert’s Career Journey 06:54 Late Diagnosis and Mission 09:23 Mind Body Speaking Connection 11:45 Growing the Clinic Vision 12:37 Medicine Wheel Worldview 14:03 Workshop Prep Process 16:49 Tailoring and Flexibility 18:20 Authenticity Over Scripts 22:30 Staying On Track 24:00 Purposeful Anecdotes 24:43 Stories Build Connection 26:31 Creating Community Live 27:55 Interactive Presenting 29:41 Pauses And Questions 31:46 Turning Nerves Excitement 35:31 Rapid Fire Questions 39:19 Where To Find Robert 40:40 Closing Thanks And Outro

Speaking Strategies with Security Risk Expert and Keynote Speaker Dean Correia

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378110/fan_mail/new] Reporting Warning Signs: Chris McCauley with Security Risk Consultant and Keynote Speaker Dean Correa Chris McCauley introduces his podcast on how confident communication shapes professional opportunity, then interviews Toronto-based security risk consultant and keynote speaker Dean Correa. Dean recounts moving from retail management at Gap and Starbucks into security after shadowing Starbucks’ security manager, later leading security programs in Canada and Latin America, helping launch Walmart Canada’s security program, and starting a consultancy to provide risk assessments, investigations, business continuity planning, workplace violence avoidance training, and outsourced security support. He describes supporting Walmart’s Olympic sponsorship planning for Vancouver 2010, including coordination with law enforcement and supply-chain and traffic risks. Motivated by workplace murders he experienced, Dean’s keynote message urges reporting incidents that cause fear or concern. The conversation also covers effective speaking tactics: using stories, pauses, audience interaction, flexible Q&A, simple language, and preparation routines. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:47 Meet Dean Correa 02:56 Dean Career Journey 04:47 Consulting Focus Areas 05:55 Vancouver Olympics Security 07:41 Narrowing Your Niche 08:52 Violence Stories And Mission 10:46 Keynote Craft And Engagement 16:08 Interactive Speaking Techniques 19:59 Audience Driven Q And A 22:37 Pauses Movement And Clarity 23:50 Ditch the Jargon 24:24 Read the Room 25:05 Keep Them Engaged 25:45 When References Miss 26:17 Slides Videos and Stickiness 26:43 No Notes Needed 28:37 Freedom Within Framework 31:39 Recover From Mistakes 34:22 Embrace the Nerves 35:19 Pre Talk Routine 36:30 Memorize One Key Line 39:02 Power Questions and Wrap Up

Engaging Audiences through Storytelling and Speaking with Michelle Dahlenburg

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378110/fan_mail/new] In this episode of 'Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It,' host Chris McCauley engages in a riveting discussion with Michelle Dahlen Berg, an accomplished audio producer, performer, and educator at Texas State University. The conversation delves into Michelle’s background in theater and music, revealing how she uses her expertise to teach applied theater and acting. They explore practical strategies for grounding oneself during presentations, the power of storytelling, and the importance of intentional movement on stage. Michelle shares insights from her teaching experience and offers valuable tips for engaging an audience effectively. The episode also touches on Michelle's favorite books, TV series, and her dream profession if she weren't doing what she does now.   00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 02:23 Personal Challenges and Family Struggles 03:53 Background and Upbringing 04:36 Current Living Situations and Weather 07:23 Historical Reflections and Social Issues 13:58 Podcast and Voice Work 18:21 Teaching and Applied Theater 24:28 Connecting with an Audience 32:12 Relating to Your Audience 34:16 Handling Nerves and Audience Expectations 36:04 Finding and Telling Stories 42:25 Engaging Presentation Techniques 44:39 Intentional Movement and Gestures 51:12 The Power of Stillness and Silence 55:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Recommendations 01:01:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mastering Presentations: Insights from Preeti Boler on Speaking for Impact

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378110/fan_mail/new] In this episode of 'Speak Like Your Wealth Depends On It,' host Chris McAuley interviews Preeti Boler, founder of Empowered By Design and creator of the Shift Code Model. Preeti discusses her journey from a construction lawyer to a behavioral strategist and the importance of behavioral intelligence in leadership. She introduces her Shift Code Model, which helps leaders identify and transform their behavior patterns. The conversation covers the power of silence, authenticity, and impactful speaking techniques. Preeti also shares her three-step practice for speaking with impact and the importance of intentionality in leadership. Tune in for actionable insights on improving your leadership presence and speaking skills.   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:51 Meet Our Guest: Preeti Boler 01:39 Preeti's Background and Shift Code Model 08:18 The Four Quadrants of Leadership 11:08 The Shift Code Compass 18:41 Speaking with Impact 25:43 The Power of Silence 31:43 Reflecting on Early Social Interactions 32:16 A Career Lesson in Speaking Up 33:40 Crafting Impactful Presentations 37:34 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations 42:11 Personal Interests and Recommendations 46:17 Final Thoughts and Advice