When's the last time you sat in a room for two straight days and left with MORE energy than you came in with? Chances are slim, I know. But that's what happened to me last week in Nashville.
I attended the annual Made Simple Summit with my fellow Business Made Simple and StoryBrand coaches in Nashville. It’s always an amazing time to connect with each other on best practices, share our business successes and challenges, and engage in personal growth.
Our fearless leader Don Miller and his team gifted us time with some amazing authors and speakers, including Michael Bungay Stanier, Megan Hyatt Miller, Tiffany Aliche, and Will Guidara. I couldn’t wait to share a few key takeaways from their talks, particularly their best practices in communication—things that any leader who speaks and communicates daily can benefit from.
Of course, if you know me, then you know I couldn't just listen. Just like a landscaper looking at your lawn and knowing what is and is NOT working, I did quite a bit of noticing how these speakers were using techniques to manage their presence and connect with us, their listeners. Here are my insights - I hope they inspire you on your path to being the best communicator you can be.
Standout Moments: The Power of Storytelling
Will Guidara opened with a story about a defining moment in his career, taking us on a journey that instantly hooked the room – it was if we were sitting right there in the moment with him. If you haven’t read “Unreasonable Hospitality,” you need to add it to your list!
It was a lesson in the power of storytelling: he didn’t just start his talk—he brought us into his mission. This is an excellent reminder that a good story doesn’t just fill time; it should captivate attention and set the stage for everything that follows.
Best Practices I Observed
Each speaker brought something unique, but a few best practices stood out:
Engagement Over Presentation: Michael Bungay Stanier turned his session into an active dialogue. It truly was a masterclass on great facilitation and made my coach heart proud. Without any slides, he facilitated the room, prompting us to participate, share, and connect. His approach was an invitation to listen and speak up, and it’s something I incorporate into all my presentations as well because it really is about using the audience’s energy to build a connection.
Purposeful Movement & Clear Visuals: Megan Hyatt Miller was intentional, moving across the stage with purpose. Her slides? Crisp, concise, and filled with questions that encouraged us to reflect. I loved her attempt to see everyone in the room, even those farthest away.
Authenticity in Storytelling: Tiffany Aliche was refreshingly real. She shared personal stories that instantly created an emotional connection, which built trust with her audience. Her spirited, conversational style made it feel like a one-on-one conversation rather than a speech. Seriously, follow her on Instagram – she’s awesome.
Other Memorable Techniques:
Calling for audience volunteers (“I need three people to share”) to give everyone the chance to “opt-in” to the experience
Repeating key phrases for emphasis (some of us don’t listen as well as we’d like to admit)
Connecting with people individually rather than just scanning the room (because every audience is filled with individuals – make a one-to-one connection with multiple people during your talks)
What to Avoid
I noticed a few habits that made it harder for speakers to connect with the entire room:
Over-reliance on notes or confidence monitors can disrupt eye contact.
Speaking too quickly, or moving excessively on stage, can also make it harder for listeners to stay engaged.
Self-deprecating remarks like “I can’t talk today” often go unnoticed by the audience—so there’s no need to call attention to small mistakes – we don’t really care!
Practical Applications for Leaders Who Communicate Daily
Want to apply these lessons? Here are six practical steps to elevate your communication:
Know Your Content—but prioritize connecting with your listeners. Focus on making a human connection, not delivering a perfect speech. We want your human-ness, not your perfect performance.
Respond to Impromptu Moments. Some of the best audience engagement comes from responding to spontaneous reactions and contributions—be present to catch these.
Ground Yourself. Find ways to relax into your conversation with listeners. Literally and figuratively ground yourself; it’ll help you exude confidence and calm. Solid lower body, expressive upper body, face and voice.
Slow Down and Pause. A pause isn’t wasted time; it allows both you and your audience to absorb the message.
Let Your Energy Out! Your energy can transfer to your listeners, making your message more engaging and memorable.
Share Yourself with Them. Share stories, embrace your authentic self, and decide in advance how you’ll bring your unique presence to the room.
I hope these insights inspire you to try something new the next time you’re speaking or presenting. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection.
To effective communication,
Jason
Founder, Anchored Leadership
PS: Want to work on your own ability to own a room, speak with confidence and connect with your listeners? Join the waitlist for the next offering of “Present Your Best Self.” Small group, lots of coaching, a lifetime of communication skills in two days.