Un-Conventionally Speaking

The Journey to Becoming A Professional Speaker with Allan Parker, OAM

Most people think that being a professional speaker is easy. They see someone on the stage, delivering a great presentation, and they think, "I could do that." But the truth is, being a professional speaker is hard work. It takes years of practice and refining your craft. And even then, there are no guarantees. So why do we do it? Why put ourselves through all of that tough work? Because when it pays off, there's nothing quite like it. When you deliver a great presentation and connect with your audience, it's an incredible feeling. It's worth all the hard work and effort. In this episode, Kim Seeling Smith speaks with Allan Parker about his journey to becoming a professional speaker. He shares the things he has been through before he became a professional speaker and gives a sneak peek at what to expect from him. To Allan, the road isn’t easy. He has been through a lot before becoming a professional speaker. But what matters most to him is the feeling he gets when he connects with his audience. It’s the best feeling in the world, and it’s worth all the hard work. As hard as it seems, the journey to becoming a professional speaker is worth it. And Allan Parker is a prime example of that. Be sure to stay tuned for his episode! WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Allan’s verbal showreel (1:33) 2. How do the last two years change Allan’s business (2:53) 3. Services offered by Allan Parker (3:25) 4. Allan Parker’s journey from the age of 32 (6:25) 5. What did Allan Parker do after being matriculated in high school (10:08) 6. Allan Parker’s next step in his journey (11:46) 7. Calming Conversation Session by Allan Parker (16:50) 8. Who watches Calming Conversation Session (19:51) 9. Type of work that Allan Parker do with his clients (21:41) 10. What will participants expect from his Un-Convention session (24:42) Quotes “Things become wrong because we do it in a wrong way” – Allan Parker “If it is not working, do the opposite” – Allan Parker “People get sick because of what they thought and not what they did” – Allan Parker PSA Un-Convention March 25-26, ONLINE If your success depends on leveling up, thinking differently, upskilling, or exploring additional revenue streams, or if you just want to hang out with your tribe, you won’t want to miss this event. 1. 24 World-Class experience leaders 2. 10+ Leading Edge Tech Unpacks 3. 2 days of deep connection, active participation, competitions, and fun! 4. Sessions will include multiple streams but all will be recorded so you don’t miss a minute! 5. 1 Immersive game-changing experience Join us at PSA Un-Convention 2022 - Register Now! [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] RESOURCES MENTIONED Calming Conversations [https://calmingconversations.com/] PSA Un-Convention 2022 [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] WHERE TO FIND ALLAN PARKER 1. Website: https://www.peakpd.com/ [https://www.peakpd.com/] 2. LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/allanparkeroam [https://au.linkedin.com/in/allanparkeroam] SHOW SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Your Podcast Concierge [https://yourpodcastconcierge.com/]. Affordable podcast production for coaches and speakers who want to increase their authority and generate leads from their show. You press record, and let them do the rest. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE UN-CONVENTIONALLY SPEAKING PODCAST Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Un-Conventionally Speaking podcast. If you have enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you! ABOUT ALLAN PARKER Allan Parker is the Managing Director of Peak Performance Development Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based consultancy firm that works in negotiation, organizational change-facilitation, education, and conflict resolution both in Australia and worldwide. He is the co-author of the best-selling book Switch on Your Brain, as well as the author of the Negotiator's Toolkit and a co-author of Beyond Yes – Negotiating and Networking. Allan also served on the OECD's High-Level Consultative Committee, which was in charge of developing and ratifying Global Policy for Small and Medium Enterprises (2000 to 2004 involving 85 OECD Countries). Allan recently moderated two sessions at the UN World Investment Forum in Ghana, Africa.

Getting Future Ready In A Fast-Changing World With Gihan Perera

What does the future hold? No one can be sure, but it's certain that change is happening faster than ever before. Rapid advances in technology and global interconnectedness result in unprecedented economic, social, and political shifts. To navigate these changes and prepare for whatever the future may bring, we need to understand the underlying trends driving them. In this episode, Warwick Merry talks with Gihan Perera, a futurist, online presenter, conference speaker, and author who gives you a glimpse into what’s ahead. He is also the author of “The Future of Leadership,” “Disruption By Design,” “Disrupted,” and ten other books. According to Gihan, in today's world, it's more important than ever to be prepared for a future in a fast-changing world. Whether you're just starting in your career or are already established, it's crucial to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. If you want to know what you can do to stay ahead of the future, then this episode is for you. WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Gihan’s verbal showreel (2:13) 2. Gihan's secret before he became a professional speaker (3:11) 3. What made him decide to become a professional speaker (4:16) 4. Impact of living in Perth on Gihan's business (7:58) 5. What did Gihan do to keep going (11:20) 6. How his topics have evolved throughout the years (14:59) 7. How Gihan generate revenue on and off the stage (18:55) 8. What does speaking industry would going to look like in 10 years for Gihan (22:40) 9. What changes will happen to Srilankan Economy for Gihan (27:06) 10. What to expect from Gihan’s PSA Un-Convention session (30:10) 11. Rapid-fire questions with Gihan (32:29) Quotes "We learn and unlearn things." - Gihan Perera "Removing our biases makes our decisions better." - Gihan Perera PSA Un-Convention March 25-26, ONLINE If your success depends on leveling up, thinking differently, upskilling, or exploring additional revenue streams, or if you just want to hang out with your tribe, you won’t want to miss this event. 1. 24 World-Class experience leaders 2. 10+ Leading Edge Tech Unpacks 3. 2 days of deep connection, active participation, competitions, and fun! 4. Sessions will include multiple streams but all will be recorded so you don’t miss a minute! 5. 1 Immersive game-changing experience Join us at PSA Un-Convention 2022 - Register Now! [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. The Skeptics Guide to the Universe by Steven Novella [https://www.amazon.com/Skeptics-Guide-Universe-Really-Increasingly/dp/1538760533] 2. WHERE TO FIND GIHAN PERERA 1. Website: https://gihanperera.com/ [https://gihanperera.com/] 2. LinkedIn: Gihan Perera [https://au.linkedin.com/in/gihanperera] SHOW SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Your Podcast Concierge [https://yourpodcastconcierge.com/]. Affordable podcast production for coaches and speakers who want to increase their authority and generate leads from their show. You press record, and let them do the rest. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE UN-CONVENTIONALLY SPEAKING PODCAST Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Un-Conventionally Speaking podcast. If you have enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you! ABOUT GIHAN PERERA Digital disruption, the global pandemic, and the changing workplace affect us all, and at all levels – individual, team, organisation, and community. Gihan Perera is a futurist, online presenter, conference speaker, and author who gives you a glimpse into what’s ahead – and shows you how to become fit for the future in a fast-changing world. For 25 years, he has worked with organisations and leaders throughout Australia, as well as in New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and North America – helping them to thrive in a fast-changing world. He is the author of “The Future of Leadership”, “Disruption By Design”, “Disrupted”, and 10 other books.

Data And Exploration Of Influence in Professional Speaking with Jon Yeo

In a world where people can share their thoughts and ideas freely, the professional speaking industry is one that can be easily influenced. Through social media platforms and online resources, anyone can become a speaker and have their work heard by others. This has led to an increase in the number of people looking to make a name for themselves in the speaking world. But with this increase in competition, it has become more important than ever to understand how to best use data and explore your influence as a speaker. In this episode, Kim Seeling Smith speaks with Jon Yeo, who works with TEDxMelbourne. Jon is known for his interest in the psychology of influence over the mechanics of storytelling. According to him, speaking is a compelling way to share your message with the world. He also believes that the most effective speeches are tailored to their audience. By understanding who your listeners are and what they want to hear, you can create a message that truly resonates with them. To do this, you need to be well-prepared and have a clear idea of your goals. WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Jon’s verbal showreel (01:23) 2. What does Jon do now, speaking or coaching? (05:10) 3. His turning point into becoming a professional speaker (06:38) 4. The importance of message and timing (07:30) 5. The time Jon wanted to give up and what made him not to (09:37) 6. What does Jon do to level up (12:55) 7. Principles that Jon is following (13:49) 8. Jon’s TEDxMelbourne story (15:50) 9. Jon’s experiences when the COVID-19 started (18:20) 10. The future of speaking according to Jon (25:40) 11. What are Jon’s plans this year (29:24) 12. What will participants expect from his Un-Convention session (30:05) 13. Rapid-fire questions with Jon Yeo (30:50) Quotes “To be a great speaker is not about having enough knowledge; it’s about having a lot of traction, connection, and engagement.” -Jon Yeo "Focus on what you love and what drives you and continue to prioritize it." -Jon Yeo "Choices are always a good thing." - Jon Yeo PSA Un-Convention March 25-26, ONLINE If your success depends on leveling up, thinking differently, upskilling, or exploring additional revenue streams, or if you just want to hang out with your tribe, you won’t want to miss this event. 1. 24 World-Class experience leaders 2. 10+ Leading Edge Tech Unpacks 3. 2 days of deep connection, active participation, competitions, and fun! 4. Sessions will include multiple streams but all will be recorded so you don’t miss a minute! 5. 1 Immersive game-changing experience Join us at PSA Un-Convention 2022 - Register Now! [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] RESOURCES MENTIONED How I Work podcast by Amantha Imber [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-i-work/id1415266924] PSA Un-Convention 2022 [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] WHERE TO FIND JON YEO 1. Website: https://www.brightstar.net.au/ [https://www.brightstar.net.au/] 2. LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jonyeo [https://au.linkedin.com/in/jonyeo] SHOW SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Your Podcast Concierge [https://yourpodcastconcierge.com/]. Affordable podcast production for coaches and speakers who want to increase their authority and generate leads from their show. You press record, and let them do the rest. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE UN-CONVENTIONALLY SPEAKING PODCAST Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Un-Conventionally Speaking podcast. If you have enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you! ABOUT JON YEO Jon works with Leaders and Changemakers to understand the markers for incremental influence. People don't change overnight but our ability to strategically nudge it forward is always available to us. Jon began his work in the mid-90's as a young engineer trying to convince his CEO of the significance of Y2k if it was ignored. While leading TEDxMelbourne, he saw the YouTube data for, "what causes someone to pause, rewind or abandon a TED Talk?" Through his data and exploration of influence, he designed models based on 1st principles, laws of physics and biology and on the assumption that "Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But No Simpler" (attributed to Einstein) He is more interested in the psychology of influence over the mechanics of storytelling. Known for his ability to articulate the complex simply, Jon works with CEO’s and senior leadership teams to build trust, empathy and engagement. Past clients include Salesforce, SAP, National Australia Bank, Australia Post and Mercer.

From Theatre Stage to The Boardroom with Marianna Pascal

Many people believe that public speaking is one of the most challenging skills to master. But great speakers are not born-they are made through practice and considerable discipline. And while great speaking skills can add immeasurably to any professional's career, the truth is that everyone has something of value to say. In this episode, Warwick Merry chats with Marianna Pascal, a theatre actress turned professional speaker. Marianna's hilarious and engaging style speeches have been important in ensuring easy collaboration and good communication inside organizations. She was a semi-finalist in the 2019 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking and has been granted the designation of CSP (Certified Speaking Professional). According to Marianna, the key to becoming an effective speaker is preparation-you must first understand why you are speaking and what you want your audience to learn or do as a result of your talk. If you are interested in becoming a professional speaker with a different background, then this episode is for you! WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Marianna’s verbal showreel (01:12) 2. Marianna’s acting and theatre background (02:09) 3. What made her decide to become a professional speaker (04:20) 4. The evolution of her target market as a professional speaker (08:06) 5. Her journey as a professional speaker throughout the years (10:10) 6. Marianna’s businesses where she generates revenue (12:50) 7. How her topics have evolved over the past few years (15:15) 8. How she sees the future of her business (16:57) 9. What to expect from Marianna’s PSA Un-Convention session (18:28) 10. Rapid-fire questions with Marianna Pascal (21:00) Quotes “It’s neither keynote nor workshop; it’s a mermaid.” -Marianna Pascal “There is so much more to life than work or business.” -Warwick Merry PSA Un-Convention March 25-26, ONLINE If your success depends on leveling up, thinking differently, upskilling, or exploring additional revenue streams, or if you just want to hang out with your tribe, you won’t want to miss this event. 1. 24 World-Class experience leaders 2. 10+ Leading Edge Tech Unpacks 3. 2 days of deep connection, active participation, competitions, and fun! 4. Sessions will include multiple streams but all will be recorded so you don’t miss a minute! 5. 1 Immersive game-changing experience Join us at PSA Un-Convention 2022 - Register Now! [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. Anthony Robbins Personal Power: A 30 Day Program [https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Robbins-Personal-Power-Cassettes/dp/B000GACW28] 2. TEDx [https://www.ted.com/] 3. Advantage Quest [https://www.aqpublications.com/careers/] 4. BBC World Service [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/] 5. Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg [https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358003326] WHERE TO FIND MARIANNA PASCAL 1. Website: https://www.mariannapascal.com/ [https://www.mariannapascal.com/] 2. LinkedIn: Marianna Pascal [https://my.linkedin.com/in/marianna-pascal] SHOW SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Your Podcast Concierge [https://yourpodcastconcierge.com/]. Affordable podcast production for coaches and speakers who want to increase their authority and generate leads from their show. You press record, and let them do the rest. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE UN-CONVENTIONALLY SPEAKING PODCAST Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Un-Conventionally Speaking podcast. If you have enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you! ABOUT MARIANNA PASCAL Canadian former actor, and #2 Borders Bestselling author for non-fiction, Marianna Pascal is one of the 50 most watched TEDx Talk speakers with over 27 million views worldwide including 17 million in China. She was voted one of the 10 Favourite Female Speakers worldwide by Toastmasters International, along with Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, Indira Gandhi and others, and was one of 14 semi-finalists in the 2019 World Championship of Public Speaking. Her passion is coaching professional speakers around the world to master The Audience Journey in their speeches. Some day, she would like to own a camel.

The Many Paths to Speaking Professionally with Karen Tui Boyes

There is no one specific path to becoming a professional speaker. Some start as experts in a particular field, while others become well-known through writing or public speaking engagements. In this episode, Kim Seeling Smith speaks with the professional speaker, Karen Tui Boyes. Karen has been a professional speaker, predominantly in the education sector, for 27 years, giving her a unique perspective in her quest to improve the lives of teachers, children, and young people. According to Karen, being a professional speaker is what she has always wanted. Never has she thought to give this up for any other job. Indeed, she has found her passion and profession at the same time. If you want to know more about Karen and how you can jumpstart your career as a professional speaker, then keep on tuning in! WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Karen's verbal showreel (02:00) 2. Her career before becoming a professional speaker (02:32) 3. What made her decide to become a professional speaker (03:47) 4. The evolution of her target market as a professional speaker (05:50) 5. How her topics have evolved over the past few years (07:25) 6. How she has grown throughout the years (11:47) 7. What Karen has to offer (13:03) 8. How Karen had adopted when COVID started (16:05) 9. What to expect from Karen’s PSA Un-Convention session (18:08) 10. What the future of education look like to Karen (20:00) 11. Rapid-fire questions with Karen Tui Boyes (21:30) Quotes “I have never had a time I totally wanted to check it in because my whys are too strong” -Karen Tui Boyes “To become better professionally, you have to become better personally.” -Karen Tui Boyes PSA Un-Convention March 25-26, ONLINE If your success depends on levelling up, thinking differently, upskilling, or exploring additional revenue streams, or if you just want to hang out with your tribe, you won’t want to miss this event. 1. 24 World-Class experience leaders 2. 10+ Leading Edge Tech Unpacks 3. 2 days of deep connection, active participation, competitions, and fun! 4. Sessions will include multiple streams but all will be recorded so you don’t miss a minute! 5. 1 Immersive game-changing experience Join us at PSA Un-Convention 2022 - Register Now! [https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/unconvention2022/] RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. iStudyAlarm for IOS [https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/istudyalarm/id395992117] / iStudyAlarm for Android [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spectrumeducation.istudentalarm&hl=en] 2. Pomodoro Technique [https://www.themuse.com/advice/take-it-from-someone-who-hates-productivity-hacksthe-pomodoro-technique-actually-works#:~:text=The%20Pomodoro%20Technique%20is%20a,separated%20by%20five%2Dminute%20breaks.&text=After%20about%20four%20pomodoros%2C%20you,about%2015%20to%2020%20minutes.] 3. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday [https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358] 4. Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday [https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan-Holiday/dp/1591847818] 5. Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday [https://www.amazon.com/Stillness-Key-Ryan-Holiday/dp/0525538585] 6. Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday [https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Calling-Fortune-Favors-Brave/dp/0593191676] WHERE TO FIND KAREN TUI BOYES 1. Website: https://karentuiboyes.com/ [https://karentuiboyes.com/] https://www.spectrumeducation.com/ [https://www.spectrumeducation.com/] 1. LinkedIn: Karen Tui Boyes [https://nz.linkedin.com/in/karentuiboyes] SHOW SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Your Podcast Concierge [https://yourpodcastconcierge.com/]. Affordable podcast production for coaches and speakers who want to increase their authority and generate leads from their show. You press record, and let them do the rest. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW THE UN-CONVENTIONALLY SPEAKING PODCAST Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Un-Conventionally Speaking podcast. If you have enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, click the 3 dots in the top right corner of your smartphone screen, follow the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver valuable content but will also help us reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you! ABOUT KAREN TUI BOYES Karen-Tui Boyes is a champion for Lifelong Learning, a multi-award-winning speaker, educator, and businesswoman, plus an author of 10 books on teaching & learning, life success strategies, and parenting. She completed her teacher training and started teaching, full of passion and enthusiasm for the students in her class. Within months, she witnessed how the school environment eroded the children’s desire to learn, extinguished the “spark behind their eyes,” and sapped their energy for discovery. So she left the classroom to transform education globally. Now, as founder, head facilitator, and CEO of Spectrum Education Limited, Karen have been leading a small (and dynamic!) team for the past 27years, which is determined to unleash everyone’s peak performance, with a focus on ensuring teachers, students and parents have a passion for learning, understand the learning process and know how to maximise it. She has also recently launched an online school for students K-12 Spectrum Academy. In the past two years, she has hosted seven profitable and impactful online summits, and she is here to share her process, knowledge, and pitfalls so you can engage your audience and continue to Make A Difference on and offline.