Learn how to tell stories that can change the world. Presented by communication experts Maryam Pasha and Simon Bucknall, tune in to tell better stories, more consistently, on purpose. Speak less, say more!
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20 recent
January 15, 2024Episode 137 min
Soundbite 09: How to introduce yourself
“So, what do you do?” Cue: cringe or awkwardness as it turns into a showboating parade or a modesty competition. Tune in to this Speechless soundbite with Maryam Pasha and Simon Bucknall to pick up top tips for how to introduce yourself in a way that hits the right note. Recorded live at the English Speaking Union in London.
January 8, 2024Episode 1234 min
Bonus: Getting started in storytelling
Public speaking has negative connotations for so many people - especially younger people. But what are the opportunities? How can we cultivate a more positive environment? A more empowering experience for people just getting started? Tune into this live storytelling masterclass with Speechless co-hosts Maryam Pasha and Simon Bucknall and guest host Zain Hussain. Learn how to get started, how to ignite the storytelling spark within yourself. In this episode, you’ll learn how to support young people in public speaking, why you already have the tools and materials you need to get started with storytelling today, and which platforms are scaling oracy globally. Recorded live at the English Speaking Union in London, UK.
July 27, 2023Episode 1727 min
Bonus: Wedding speech 101
Wedding speeches. A giant elephant trap for the unwary or the arrogant. Author of three books on the topic, in this latest episode of Speechless, Simon Bucknall shares practical tips and ideas drawn from thousands of hours spent reviewing wedding speech scripts and helping the speakers prepare. Whatever the internet might say, “telling jokes” is not the answer! Because no-one ever gave a great wedding speech by making the friends laugh and the bride's or groom’s parents cry… For more wedding speech guidance, check out Simon's books: The Best Man Speaker: The Definitive GuideThe Bride Speaker: The Definitive Guide To The Wedding Bride SpeechThe Groom Speaker: The Definitive Guide To The Wedding Groom Speech
July 26, 2023Episode 1611 min
Soundbite 08: How to moderate a panel like a pro
The art of moderating a panel. For many, a “Dark Art”. How to lead your speakers, keep your audience engaged and (where necessary) even keep the peace! Panels need a steady hand and intense concentration. In this Speechless Soundbite, co-hosts Simon Bucknall and Maryam Pasha get into the practicalities of moderating a panel discussion, and some quick actionable tips to help you level up, fast.
July 26, 2023Episode 1533 min
Chapter 08: So you want to compete? World Championship of Public Speaking
If you had only 7 minutes to speak to the world, what would you say? That’s the brief for Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. 30,000 contestants. 1 overall winner. Contest speaking is one of the fastest, most effective paths to improvement as a speaker. But what are the keys to success? What are the Do’s and Don’ts? Is it all about just trying to impress the judges? And how do you pack maximum impact when you only have 7 minutes? In this episode, Simon Bucknall shares with co-host Maryam Pasha some of the lessons he learnt en route to placing 2nd in the World Final of the 2017 Championship…
July 25, 2023Episode 1413 min
Soundbite 07: Build a lego kit
Speak regularly on an expert topic? Stop creating your speech from scratch! Instead? Create a lego kit. Your reputation depends on it. In this Speechless Soundbite, Maryam Pasha shares how you can create a lego kit of stories, analogies, stats and anecdotes that drive back to your core messages and help you feel prepared and be more consistent, whatever the speaking scenario.
July 25, 2023Episode 1326 min
Chapter 07: "Welcome to my TED Talk" – how to give a TEDx Talk
If you want to give a TEDx or TED Talk – this is the episode for you. Speechless co-host and TEDxLondon Director Maryam Pasha shares the key elements to consider about the TEDx Talk format and experience, in conversation with Simon Bucknall. If you’ve got no ego, are willing to ruthlessly self-edit, and you’ve got an idea that could change the world – listen in.
July 24, 2023Episode 1114 min
Chapter 06: Why 'being inspiring' shouldn't be a goal
"Inspiring others" is a tempting goalpost, but it's not a mission that the best speakers ever set out to achieve. Why? You don't tell an inspiring story. People are inspired by a story. It's an audience led thing! Instead, focus on gaining real clarity on the impact you want to create in the world. Find out how to set meaningful goals, with Speechless co-hosts Simon Bucknall and Maryam Pasha.
July 24, 2023Episode 125 min
Soundbite 06: Speak like an opera singer
Delve into an unexpected lesson from one of Simon's opera singing mates. A powerful idea is not always about impacting millions of people: it's about impacting the right people. Tune in with Speechless co-hosts Simon Bucknall and Maryam Pasha to learn why leaving just one audience member speechless with your story is a win.
June 28, 2023Episode 107 min
Soundbite 05: MC’ing and hosting like a boss
Hosting or MC’ing is a particular skill – ace it, and you feel like a hero. Lose your footing, and… well, not so much. In this Speechless Soundbite, co-hosts Simon Bucknall and Maryam Pasha offer some sage advice on how to MC like a boss. Hint – it involves being organised, and putting your audience and speakers first.
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