The Public Speaking Podcast

How to Master Difficult Conversations as a Leader | Deirdre Messerli

Think avoiding conflict keeps the peace? What if your attempt to preserve harmony is secretly killing your business? In this episode of The Public Speaking Podcast, we sit down with former marketing executive, systemic coach, and conflict resolution specialist Deirdre Messerli. Deirdre reveals how the toxic habit of suppressing hard truths to keep things pleasant, creates massive "elephants in the room" that drain corporate efficiency and destroy trust. From post-meeting office gossip to silent boardroom awkwardness, she outlines why ignoring minor friction inevitably leads to major workplace blowups, employee turnover, and lost revenue. For managers, executives, and public speakers, this episode breaks down actionable strategies for mastering psychological safety, leadership communication, and proactive conflict prevention. Deirdre shares why effective leadership isn't about giving polished speeches, but about preparing thoroughly for uncomfortable discussions and listening with authentic empathy. Learn how to ditch generic industry advice, own your unique message on stage, and step into any room with the courage to turn tension into growth. Deirdre’s SPEAKERx Signature Talk link: https://youtu.be/ETthb-4BatE?si=jFaOb9cKwth2Zf9q [https://youtu.be/ETthb-4BatE?si=jFaOb9cKwth2Zf9q] Connect with Deirdre Website: dierdremesserli.com [http://dierdremesserli.com]  & https://www.step-on.ch/ [https://www.step-on.ch/] Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dierdremesserli [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dierdremesserli] Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel [https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel] Website: https://headgain.com/ [https://headgain.com/] Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner [https://www.skool.com/beginner] Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak [https://www.skool.com/speak] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Own the Stage (Even When You’re Burned Out) | Linda Berg

What if the traits making you successful are the exact same ones pushing you toward a physical and mental crash?   In this episode of the Public Speaking Podcast, hosts Lucas Reuterstig and Alexander Grabner Jarlung sit down with Linda Berg, CliftonStrengths coach and founder of MindPartner AB, to discuss how stress secretly sabotages your voice. Linda shares her raw, personal journey of surviving severe burnout. She exposes the terrifying reality of workplace stress, including the shocking statistic that hundreds of people die each year from excessive workloads, and explains why relying on your employer or the healthcare system to save you is a losing battle. If you've ever felt too exhausted to prepare for a big meeting, this episode delivers your blueprint for sustainable success. Watch to the end to learn how to cultivate deep self-awareness and build mental resilience so you can step onto any stage with authentic confidence, without sacrificing your mental health. Connect with Linda Website: https://yourmindpartner.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmE2NWxxYlpHVEt3SFhxUzN4S3cyNmlaN01XUXxBQ3Jtc0trOTd3Yk5CdHdsTWJhSWxoRXdVNlAxQm1HWmx4Ynl6bklWUzIyd2VHT3pBVk93VHFKdGZIbFdFNUF4T2hSOXF1Vm41TDFLakF1d2JQVk5zYjVWTnZBNnJYekNpZTNYOXM5QjZyT0tjSE00SXRWTE51cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fyourmindpartner.com%2F&v=kCQGitVHfNs]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-berg-b88b3b52 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-berg-b88b3b52] Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel [https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel] Website: https://headgain.com/ [https://headgain.com/] Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner [https://www.skool.com/beginner] Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak [https://www.skool.com/speak] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

One Sentence Can Completely CHANGE Your Audience Perception | Jennie Zetterström

In this episode, Lucas and Alex sit down with crisis communications and media relations expert Jennie Zetterström to explore what really happens when the cameras turn on. She has spent more than 20 years helping leaders, organizations, and public figures communicate in high-pressure situations where a single sentence can change public perception. Together they unpack why so many media interviews go wrong, why business communication doesn't work in front of journalists, and how trust has become the most valuable skill in a world shaped by AI and constant information overload. Jennie also shares the surprising lessons she learned long before becoming a communications consultant, how working as a waitress taught her to read people, adapt to different audiences, and build genuine trust through communication. They talk about: * Why smart leaders fail media interviews * The difference between business logic and media logic * Why preparation matters more than perfect delivery * The biggest mistakes executives make on camera * Why trust is becoming the most important communication skill * How to adapt your message without losing authenticity * The communication lesson Jennie learned waiting tables that still shapes her coaching today Whether you're preparing for a podcast, an interview, a keynote, or a difficult conversation, this episode offers practical lessons on communicating with clarity, confidence, and credibility when the stakes are highest. Connect with Jennie Website: https://www.buzzmore.se/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-zetterstr%C3%B6m-4a447a75/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-zetterstr%C3%B6m-4a447a75/] Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel [https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel] Website: https://headgain.com/ [https://headgain.com/] Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner [https://www.skool.com/beginner] Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak [https://www.skool.com/speak] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Here’s WHY Stand-Up Comedy Makes You a Better Speaker | Tomas Kaminski

In this episode, Lucas and Alex sit down with Swedish stand-up comedian and content creator Tomas Kaminski to explore what comedians understand about communication that most public speakers never learn. Tomas shares how a career in teaching unexpectedly led him to the comedy stage, why making people laugh creates trust, and how bombing in front of a live audience became one of his greatest teachers. The conversation goes far beyond comedy. They unpack the psychology of attention, the importance of preparation, why likability matters before authority, and how building an audience is just as important as building a great presentation. Whether you're a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, coach, consultant, or simply someone who wants to communicate with more confidence, this episode offers practical lessons from one of the toughest stages in the world. They talk about: Why laughter instantly builds trust What public speakers can learn from stand-up comedians The reality of bombing on stage (and why it makes you better) How comedians adapt when jokes don't land Building an audience before building a business Why preparation beats talent The importance of finding your own voice Growing a personal brand through consistency instead of shortcuts If you've ever wondered how comedians can hold a room full of strangers for an hour, this conversation reveals principles that apply to every presentation, keynote, pitch, and business conversation. Connect with Tomas Website: https://www.instagram.com/tomas.kaminski/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.tomaskaminski.com/ Linkedin: https://se.linkedin.com/in/tomas-kaminski-80b91280 Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel Website: https://headgain.com/ Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Communication is KEY for every great leader | Jim Koetting

In this episode, Lucas and Alex sit down with entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant Jim Koetting. Jim shares lessons from decades of building businesses, leading teams, speaking on stage, and helping organizations improve performance through better communication and stronger leadership. They explore why leadership problems are often communication problems, how AI is changing the workplace, and why technology can amplify both great leaders and bad ones. Jim also discusses the ideas behind his book Hijacked, explaining how screens, dopamine, and constant distraction are changing the way people think, communicate, and connect with others. They talk about: * Why AI makes you more of what you already are * The communication skill every leader needs * Why relationships matter more than talent * How distraction is affecting modern workplaces * Why listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills * Building authority through public speaking If you're interested in leadership, communication, public speaking, AI, productivity, or building stronger relationships, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Jim Website: https://www.jimkoetting.com/ [https://www.jimkoetting.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkoetting1/ [https://www.instagram.com/jkoetting1/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkoetting [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkoetting] Follow us on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/headgain.co/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel [https://www.youtube.com/@thepublicspeakingchannel] Website: https://headgain.com/ [https://headgain.com/] Join our community Free skool community: https://www.skool.com/beginner [https://www.skool.com/beginner] Paid skool community: https://www.skool.com/speak [https://www.skool.com/speak] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.