The A&S FrontRow Podcast

Why Listening is a Speaker’s Greatest Skill with Mary Tillson-Wharton

What do judges really look for in a standout speaker? In this episode, speaker coach and judge Mary Tillson-Wharton shares her insights on the Speaker Awards, what defines an outstanding speaker, and how to create impact both on and off the stage. From crafting thoughtful submissions to understanding audience connection, Mary explores what helps speakers succeed. The conversation also touches on diversity, legacy, and the power of listening in both business and life. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * The importance of strong, engaging Speaker Awards submissions * What defines an outstanding and impactful speaker * Why content strategy and preparation matter * The importance of gender diversity in the speaking industry * Listening as a key skill for connection and influence ---------------------------------------- 🧠 KEY TOPICS * Judging criteria and what stands out to judges * Crafting effective and thoughtful speaker submissions * Audience perspective and presentation impact * Growth of the speaking industry * Gender diversity and representation * Building connection through listening * Personal stories, legacy, and meaningful work ---------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED Speaker Awards https://thespeakersawards.com/ [https://thespeakersawards.com/] ---------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARY TILLSON-WHARTON 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytillsonwharton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytillsonwharton/] 🌐 Website mariafranzoni.me [http://mariafranzoni.me] (Company) ---------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH ▶️ YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast [http://www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast] 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12] 🎙️ Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956 [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956] ---------------------------------------- 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice [https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice] License code: JNRLONKWY0DA3VRE ---------------------------------------- If this episode made you rethink your approach to speaking, share it with someone on the same journey and tag us with your biggest takeaway. #TheASFrontRowPodcast #TheSpeakerAwards #TheSpeakerSummit #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #DiversityInLeadership #SpeakerGrowth

Inside 5 Years of The Speaker Awards: What’s Changed and What Wins with Deenita Pattni

What does it take to stay relevant as the speaking industry evolves? In this episode, speaker and judge Deenita Pattni shares insights from five years of the Speaker Awards, revealing how standards, expectations, and opportunities have shifted. From authenticity and preparation to embracing platforms like TikTok, Deenita breaks down what helps speakers stand out and build long-term success. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * How the Speaker Awards have evolved over time * What judges look for in today’s speakers * Why preparation and authenticity matter * The rise of new platforms like TikTok * The long-term impact of awards on speaker careers ---------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED The Speaker Awards https://thespeakersawards.com/ [https://thespeakersawards.com/] Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI https://www.amazon.com/Empire-AI-Dreams-Nightmares-Altmans/dp/0593657500 [https://www.amazon.com/Empire-AI-Dreams-Nightmares-Altmans/dp/0593657500] Speaker Awards Winning Application Deep Dive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Am7HjgjRw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Am7HjgjRw] ---------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH DEENITA PATTNI 🌐 Website https://deenitapattni.com [https://deenitapattni.com] 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenita-pattni-speaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenita-pattni-speaker/] 📅 Book a Call https://go.oncehub.com [https://go.oncehub.com] ---------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH ▶️ YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast [http://www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast] 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12] 🎙️ Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956 [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956] ---------------------------------------- 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice [https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice] License code: JNRLONKWY0DA3VRE ---------------------------------------- If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with a fellow speaker and tag us with your biggest takeaway. #TheASFrontRowPodcast #TheSpeakerAwards #TheSpeakerSummit #PublicSpeaking #SpeakerGrowth #CommunicationSkills #DigitalPresence #Storytelling #SpeakingTips

The Truth About Standing Out on Stage with Sarah Archer

In this episode, speaker, coach, and judge Sarah Archer shares practical insights on what separates average speakers from those who truly connect and win. From authenticity and storytelling to avoiding common application mistakes, Sarah breaks down what judges look for and why human connection matters more than ever in a digital world. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * What makes a speaker stand out * Why authenticity and commitment matter * Storytelling techniques that engage audiences * Common mistakes in speaker applications * The importance of human connection ---------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED Speaker Awards https://thespeakersawards.com/ [https://thespeakersawards.com/] Elsie Lincoln Benedict Book https://a.co/d/0jefS0vh [https://a.co/d/0jefS0vh] ---------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH SARAH ARCHER 🌐 Website https://lemon-squeeze.co.uk [https://lemon-squeeze.co.uk] 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraharcher15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraharcher15/] ---------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH ▶️ YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast [http://www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast] 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12] 🎙️ Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956 [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956] ---------------------------------------- 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice [https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice] License code: JNRLONKWY0DA3VRE ---------------------------------------- If this episode helped you sharpen your speaking, share it with someone preparing for their next stage and tag us with your biggest takeaway. #TheASFrontRowPodcast #TheSpeakerAwards #TheSpeakerSummit #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #CommunicationSkills #Leadership #SpeakingTips #AudienceEngagement

Beyond the Finish Line: Turning Grit into Influence with Frederick Afrifa

What happens when elite performance meets the world of speaking? In this episode, former Olympian turned speaker and judge Frederick Afrifa shares how he transformed discipline, resilience, and focus from sport into a powerful speaking career. From navigating speaker awards to mastering authentic storytelling, Frederick unpacks what it really takes to connect, influence, and stand out. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Transitioning from elite sport to professional speaking * Why resilience is essential for long-term success * Lessons from entering speaker awards * Using storytelling to engage and influence * The importance of representation and social mobility ---------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED Speaker Awards https://thespeakerawards.com [https://thespeakerawards.com] The Apprentice UK https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq] ---------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH FREDERICK AFRIFA 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-afrifa-publicspeakingcoach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-afrifa-publicspeakingcoach/] 📅 Book a Call http://calendly.com/frederick-lcg/15-mins-1-1?back=1&month=2026-04 [http://calendly.com/frederick-lcg/15-mins-1-1?back=1&month=2026-04] ---------------------------------------- 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH ▶️ YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast [http://www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast] 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12] 🎙️ Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956 [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956] ---------------------------------------- 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice [https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice] License code: JNRLONKWY0DA3VRE ---------------------------------------- If this episode resonated, share it with someone building their voice and tag us with your biggest takeaway. #TheASFrontRowPodcast #TheSpeakerAwards #TheSpeakerSummit #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Resilience #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #SocialMobility #SpeakerLife

What It Really Takes to Stand Out as a Speaker with Dominic Eldred Earl

On The A&S FrontRow Podcast, Elliot Kay sits down with speaker and Speaker Awards judge Dominic Eldred Earl to explore what it really takes to stand out in the speaking industry. Dominic shares insights from both sides of the stage, offering practical advice on judging criteria, crafting strong award entries, and why authenticity and emotional connection matter. He also highlights the importance of diversity and building meaningful relationships with bureaus and clients. 🔑 Key Takeaways -What judges look for in speaker award entries -The importance of authenticity and emotional connection -How to craft a compelling speaker submission -The role of diversity and inclusion in speaking -Building relationships with bureaus and clients 📚 Resources Mentioned The Speaker Awards https://thespeakersawards.com/ [https://thespeakersawards.com/] Wendy Wolfson https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wendy+Wolfson [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wendy+Wolfson] Polysecure https://www.amazon.com/Polysecure-attachment-emotions-relationships-therapy/dp/1937708714 [https://www.amazon.com/Polysecure-attachment-emotions-relationships-therapy/dp/1937708714] 🔗 Connect with Dominic Eldred Earl 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicee/] 🌐Website https://londonspeakerbureau.com/ [https://londonspeakerbureau.com/] 🎧 Listen & Watch ▶️ YouTube www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast [http://www.youtube.com/@TheASFrontRowPodcast] 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3o4dWglksZaHqVpUHSpTx9?si=f4f3ce8a3d0e4f12] 🎙️ Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956 [http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-s-frontrow-podcast/id1874937956] 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice [https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/real-nice] License code: JNRLONKWY0DA3VRE