"All those little intangibles that are so nuanced, the great storytellers can put themselves physically and emotionally back in the story and bring you with them, and then somehow bring it back to you.”

If you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t interesting enough for the stage, Katie Quesada is here to change your mind. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Katie and Grant Baldwin unpack what really makes stories memorable. Instead of rehashing a list of personal events, Katie encourages speakers to choose moments that spark connection. For example, she doesn’t just share about living in an RV; she asks audiences, “Have you ever craved simplicity?” Suddenly, everyone relates.

Her simple storytelling framework uses the Three Cs:

• Context: Set the scene, but skip the extra details. Give just enough info so listeners can picture what’s happening.
• Conflict: Don’t shy away from what was hard or scary. This is where real connection happens.
• Conclusion: Don’t just wrap up with your own win. End on shared values, so the audience sees themselves in the story.

Katie’s practical advice is to test stories at dinner parties, coffee shops, or wherever you chat with friends. Notice what gets a reaction, and refine as you go. She recommends keeping a running note of story ideas and even using AI tools like ChatGPT to help organize and edit your thoughts. And when it comes to humor, focus on levity. You don’t need punchlines; just offer moments for your audience to breathe and relate. You don’t need a dramatic life event. Look for everyday moments that mean something, keep your stories concise, and always connect back to your listener!

You’ll learn:

• Creating shared meaning with the audience
• Differences between personal stories, borrowed anecdotes, and historical narratives
• Cutting unnecessary details from your speaking
• Balancing struggles with authenticity
• Moving from moments to meaning
• Emotional resonance as the driver of behavioral change
• Practicing energy, expressiveness, and nuanced delivery
• And much, much more!

“Authenticity is going to be what cuts the noise of becoming a stereotype, especially in the speaking space.”

Episode Resources

• Katie’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

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“When downselling, it’s really good to say, ‘Who is above me, and who is below me?’ And then also find out, looking laterally, who do you compete against? Who is within a similar fee range?...Who can I refer that might fit along that axis.”

In this episode, Grant Baldwin teams up with industry insider Brian Lord of Premier Speakers Bureau for a conversation about what it takes to succeed as a speaker. Brian’s insight is simple: know your place in the market, nurture real relationships, and don’t underestimate the power of referrals.

Brian shares his “speakers matrix” concept, challenging every speaker to map out who’s above, below, and alongside them in terms of fees and content. Why? Because networking up and down this axis isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Those connections bring in gigs you’d otherwise miss and make sure you’re not flying solo in the business.

Brian’s biggest reminder is to not get lost in the latest trends. AI may be hot, but your authentic message and consistently fresh content are what keep you booked and relevant. And always, always deliver value offstage because event planners love a speaker who’s great to work with, not just to watch.

Moreover, if you’re an independent speaker, these strategies matter even more. The takeaway from this episode is to focus on building your network, referring others, and adapting as the industry evolves. Impact and bookings come from meaningful relationships, not complicated tactics, because it’s human connection that grows your career, one conversation and one referral at a time!

You’ll learn:

• The role of a speaker as a message bearer
• Understanding down-sells and up-sells
• Effective networking and referral strategies
• Creating variations of your core service
• Emotional separation from your “product”
• The “Free market” effect: your booking successes as feedback
• How off-stage behavior matters as much as on-stage behavior
• How to fold hot topics like AI into core expertise
• And much, much more!

“If you get the thought into your head that you are somebody who goes around helping people get better for having met you than if they hadn’t, then that’s your goal as a speaker.”

Episode Resources

• Brian’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You have to make sure you don’t lose the vision of what you started, because the team could begin and can take on a personality of its own. And if you don’t manage it, you can get off the vision of what brought you here.”

What does it really take to build a thriving speaking business? In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Grant Baldwin sits down with Erick Rheam to explore the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed for true longevity in this industry.

Erick, an established speaker with years of experience under his belt, opens up about his own journey: the early hustle, the inevitable challenges, and, most importantly, how he’s learned to balance ambition with sustainability. He and Grant get real about the myth of constant grind, explaining that putting in the hard work is necessary at the start, but staying stuck in overdrive isn’t the secret to lasting impact or happiness.

Instead, this conversation dives deep into the habits and boundaries that separate career burnout from long-term success. Erick shares how intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest have shaped his evolution, not just as a speaker, but as a leader, husband, and friend.

If you’re dreaming about building a speaking business with staying power, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for a refreshing look at what it takes to sustain your passion and make an impact for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or already established, Erick and Grant’s discussion is a must-listen for any speaker ready to play the long game. Don’t miss it!

You’ll learn:

• The defining characteristics, obstacles, and recommended advancements for the five levels of a professional speaking career
• Level 1: The Aspiring Speaker
• Level 2: The Amateur Speaker
• Level 3: The Professional Speaker
• Level 4: The Career Speaker
• Level 5: The Legacy Speaker
• Not taking the speaking journey for granted
• The importance of being coached at every level
• And much, much more!

“It’s fun when you do something that you’re really passionate about and aligned with, it’s amazing how every other part of your life starts to align once you figure out what that looks like.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.