Tag Archives: communication skills

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Episode #113: How to Crush Your Next Media Interview

Based on Three Decades of Experience

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There was a time when a stage or platform was strictly borrowed by the one with the talent.

To sing for a living meant you needed a record deal. To write for a living meant you needed a publishing contract. In my case, to talk into a microphone for a living meant you first had to “run the board” at odd hours and for minimum wage until the program director decided you were ready for more responsibility.  

radio studio

Those fortunate enough to be given a platform kept it on the condition they continued to make the gatekeepers money and/or look good. In the words of Janet Jackson, it was very much a “What have you done for me lately?” kind of world.

In many ways this model is still in play of course. But, as more solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and other content creators continue to spring up from what are arguably the ashes of the industrial age, the ability of the average person to leverage these larger, more traditional, platforms has been strengthened.

Click the Play button to listen to the episode, or scroll down for the written highlights.

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Episode #106: How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life

...featuring Michael Port, author of Steal the Show

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Michael PortWhether you realize it or not, you are a performer.

That’s right. We all are in fact. We’re performing every day of our lives: at work, at home, online, at dinner, and in virtually every other scenario in which we find ourselves.

For most of us, we do it without thinking. We naturally play our various roles without a moment’s thought toward our chameleon-like nature. It’s not that we aren’t being true to who we are. We just instinctively understand subconsciously that each of our roles requires us to emphasize different aspects of who we truly are.

So says Michael Port, today’s guest on Read to Lead.

Michael takes on this topic and more in his new book, Steal the Show…from Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches: How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life.

To join my conversation with Michael, simply hit the play button below.

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Episode #103: Firepower for Living an Unlimited Life

Dixie Gillaspie, author, Just Blow It Up

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dixie gillaspieIf you believe that an unlimited life, an unstoppable business, and perpetual happiness are all part of the “impossible dream” you haven’t met today’s guest.

Ever since she was a little girl, Dixie Gillaspie’s least favorite word was “can’t.” It still is, and she’s on a mission to prove that anything is possible, for anyone.

Her first love is working with entrepreneurs as a coach, consultant, muse, and firestarter. She’s good at seeing opportunities where other people see walls, navigating crossroads where other people see dead ends, and helping people connect their passion and purpose to create a powerful presence and increased profit.

Dixie is the author of Just Blow It Up: Firepower for Living an Unlimited Life, she contributes to Entrepreneur and Huffington Post and is a Senior Managing Editor for The Good Men Project.

To join our conversation, simply hit the play button below.

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Episode #078: How to Book Yourself Solid with Michael Port

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Michael PortEver since I launched the Read to Lead Podcast, I’ve wanted to have Michael Port on the show to talk about his latest book.

The original version of Book Yourself Solid was first released in 2006. Then, in 2010, it was updated with additional content. However, it was the illustrated version – released in 2013 – that convinced me to buy it.

Supposedly, 84% of us prefer to learn visually. I can certainly say I’m in that camp. Along with books like Dan Roam’s Back of the Napkin (and subsequent Show and Tell), and Sunni Brown’s The Doodle Revolution, I found Book Yourself Solid Illustrated an easily digestible read. And, it’s not only be packed with amazing insights and strategies, but it’s just downright fun to read.

What’s more, it’s essentially an entire service business coaching program wrapped up in a single book. A very cool, and hip book.

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Episode #074: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It

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dorie clarkIf you’ve ever assumed, as I once did, that the best ideas are meant for those who get the breaks, who are smarter than you, have more money than you, or attended better schools than you did, then my guest today is about to challenge those assumptions.

In her second book called, Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It, Dorie asserts that the idea that you can keep your head down, work hard, and expect to be recognized as an expert on the merits of your work, is an outdated one.

She says that to make a name for yourself, you have to be able to leverage what makes you unique; to capitalize on your own perspective and knowledge and, then, inspire those around you to listen and take action.

But figuring out how to go about this is often a difficult process. But that’s where Dorie comes in. Stand Out will not only shed light on finding the ideas that you can best speak to, but also how you can successfully build a loyal tribe to help you spread your message.

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