Unlocking Presentation Mastery with Mark Robinson: From Technical Expert to Influential Speaker

Summary

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball chats with speaking coach and presentation skills expert Mark Robinson about transforming technical experts into compelling speakers. Mark offers insights on avoiding detail overload, the power of storytelling, and the significance of stage presence. They discuss practical tips for confident communication, from structuring content and practicing effectively to using advanced techniques like 'star moments.' This conversation is essential for anyone looking to enhance their presentation skills and make their messages memorable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Present Influence

00:05 Meet Mark Robinson: Transforming Technical Communication

01:50 The Importance of Clear Messaging for Technical Experts

05:04 Overcoming Stage Fright: Mark's Personal Journey

10:14 The Power of Practice and Preparation

16:08 Advanced Presentation Skills and Techniques

18:43 Using Hand Movements in Presentations

19:06 Controlling Unconscious Movements

22:20 The Power of Storytelling

24:59 Encouraging Personal Stories

32:31 Creating Memorable Presentations

35:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mastering Reciprocity: Elevate Your Speaking Career Ethically

Summary

In this episode, the speaker delves into the psychology of reciprocity, one of Robert Cialdini's key principles of influence, and how it can be leveraged ethically by speakers to gain more gigs, referrals, and rebookings without rewriting presentations or begging for business. The discussion includes practical strategies like maintaining active communication with bookers, providing added value during and after talks, and avoiding manipulative tactics. Illustrative examples from Cialdini's book and real-life scenarios are shared to highlight both ethical and unethical applications of reciprocity. The episode concludes with tips on maintaining long-term relationships and ensuring that giving remains genuine and not purely transactional.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reciprocity

02:06 Real World Example: Street Vendor Story

03:30 Practical Ways to Use Reciprocity as a Speaker

12:45 When Reciprocity Goes Wrong

15:47 Avoiding Manipulative Uses of Reciprocity

20:29 Give Because You Care, Not to Get

22:06 Cal l to Action and Wrap-up

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

What does your outfit say about your authority before you even speak?

In this insightful and practical episode of Present Influence, I sit down with Kay Korsh, an international speaker and style advisor who helps professional speakers elevate their credibility, presence, and personal brand through their wardrobe choices.

Whether you're speaking in front of 5,000 or just hopping on a Zoom workshop, your style is part of your message. Kay explains how fit, colour, fabric, and even shoes can either reinforce your message or distract from it entirely.

We cover:

• Why your appearance impacts influence, likability, and bookings
• How to align your outfit with your brand and audience
• Common speaker wardrobe mistakes that sabotage credibility
• Why “looking current” helps you stay relevant (especially with age)
• How to build a small but powerful speaking wardrobe
• Why tailoring and digitising your closet might be game-changers

If you've ever wondered what to wear on stage—or felt unsure if you’re dressing the part—this episode is your backstage pass to speaker style success.

🎯 Connect with Kay Korsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/

📸 Bonus: Learn how to digitise your wardrobe and avoid decision fatigue

Chapters & Timecodes

00:00 – Introduction

01:19 – Meet Kay Korsh

01:51 – Why Style Matters for Speakers

03:48 – Kay’s Journey to Speaker Styling

06:11 – The Power of First Impressions

08:20 – Common Wardrobe Mistakes

13:16 – Building a Speaker Wardrobe

16:39 – Comfort, Audience, and Personal Branding

21:14 – Standing Out vs. Staying Authentic

23:34 – Dressing for Body Types

29:17 – Corporate vs. Personal Style

32:38 – How Many Looks Does a Speaker Need?

36:41 – Digitizing and Organizing Your Wardrobe

39:03 – Budgeting for Speaker Outfits

41:01 – The Importance of Tailoring

44:07 – Trends, Timelessness, and Staying Current

48:44 – Practical Style Tips & Do’s and Don’ts

54:11 – Working with Kay: Process & Programs

59:13 – How to Connect with Kay Korsh

1:01:20 – Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Preview

Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker, as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.