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.

Take Mark's Presentation Skills Quiz: https://www.markrobinsontraining.com/quiz/

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/

Download Kay’s free guides:

Clothing Budget Calculator For Keynote Speakers: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/clothingbudgetcalculator

Colour Quiz for Professional Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest

📸 Bonus: Learn how to digitise your wardrobe and avoid decision fatigue (in episode)

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.

Show Notes: The Power of Liking for Speakers

Welcome back! In this solo episode, John dives into one of Robert Cialdini’s most underrated principles of influence—liking. If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers seem to get booked again and again, or how you can turn your audience into true fans without changing a word of your keynote, this episode is for you.

Introduction: Why Liking Matters

John kicks things off by sharing why understanding the principle of liking is a game-changer for anyone who wants to get booked, rebooked, or simply make a bigger impact as a speaker. It’s not just about what you say on stage—it’s about how you connect with people, both on and off the mic.

The Science Behind Liking

Drawing on Cialdini’s research, John explains that we’re all more likely to say “yes” to people we genuinely like. He shares his own journey, from starting out with a small audience to building a platform and podcast, all by focusing on curiosity, generosity, and authentic relationships.

Real Connections vs. Transactional Interactions

John gets real about the difference between building genuine connections and falling into the trap of being transactional. He shares stories from his own experience—how being easy to work with and showing appreciation opened doors to new opportunities, referrals, and collaborations.

How to Be More Likeable (and Why It Matters)

This chapter is packed with practical advice. John talks about the importance of using audience-relevant language, sharing stories (especially the ones where things didn’t go perfectly), and being open about your own quirks and mistakes. He reminds us that being likeable isn’t about flattery or people-pleasing—it’s about being real, approachable, and easy to work with.

Likability Killers to Avoid

Not everything is sunshine and roses—John also covers the behaviours that can quickly destroy likability. From being overly self-focused or inauthentic, to lacking emotional presence or coming across as rigid, he explains why these habits can hold you back as a speaker.

Authenticity Over Perfection

One of the big takeaways from this episode is that you don’t need to win everyone over. In fact, trying to please everyone is a losing game. Instead, focus on showing up as someone who’s trustworthy, warm, and competent. Likability can’t make up for a bad talk, but it can turn a good one into something unforgettable.

Wrapping Up & What’s Next

John closes the episode by encouraging you to be the speaker people want to work with and invite back. If you found this valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the links in the show notes for free tools to help you build ethical influence. And stay tuned—the next episode will explore another of Cialdini’s heavy hitters: reciprocity.

Thanks for listening! Until next time, stay present, stay likeable, and stay influential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Liking

00:38 Exploring Cialdini's Principle of Liking

01:50 Personal Journey: Building Connections

04:13 Ethical Application of Liking

05:52 Practical Tips for Speakers

07:31 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

10:58 Conclusion: Elevate Your Speaking Game

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

Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

In this episode, we debunk the widely spread myth that only 7% of communication is through words, while the remaining 93% is through tone and facial expressions. The host explains the origins of this misconception from Albert Mehrabian's research on emotional communication. The video clarifies that the 7% figure pertains to how we interpret emotions, not overall communication. Words remain crucial, comprising the majority of communication, while tone and expressions add depth and emotional context. Listeners are encouraged to challenge and help stop the propagation of this myth.

00:00 Debunking the 7% Communication Myth

00:52 Origins of the Myth: Albert Mehrabian's Study

01:43 Understanding Emotional Intent in Communication

02:21 The Role of Words, Tone, and Facial Expressions

03:29 Clarifying the Misconception

04:14 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Words

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.

Embracing the Nomadic Mindset: Presence and Connection on Stage

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball discusses the nomadic mindset with international speaker and author Kevin Cottam. They explore how ancient nomadic wisdom can enhance modern speakers' adaptability, presence, and connection with their audiences. Through stories from Mongolia to Morocco, Kevin shares insights on the importance of unity, flow, and curiosity for effective communication. This philosophical conversation encourages speakers to transcend traditional methods, fostering deeper and more meaningful engagement with their audiences.

What does a nomadic warrior know about stage presence that most speakers never learn?

In this powerful and philosophical episode, I’m joined by Kevin Cottam, international speaker, former world-class choreographer, and author of The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long.

Together, we explore how ancient nomadic wisdom, drawn from cultures in Mongolia, Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia, can help modern speakers develop deeper presence, authentic connection, and resonant leadership.

💡 Discover how presence is more than just performance; it’s unity with your space, your audience, and yourself.

🔍 Topics we explore:

• The surprising meaning of the word “nomad”

• How speakers can ground themselves through breath, silence, and space

• What stillness, curiosity, and adaptability have to do with your stagecraft

• Why sameness kills growth—and how to rediscover flow

Whether you're a keynote speaker, coach, or creative leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to speak with more depth, awareness, and humanity.

🎁 Free Resource from Kevin:

Join The Nomadic Mindset Awakening – a free 6-part masterclass

📖 Get Kevin’s Book: The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle for Too Long

🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cottam

00:00 Introduction to Nomadic Mindset

00:15 Meet Kevin Cottam: From Choreographer to Speaker

01:34 Exploring Presence and Unity

02:06 Lessons from Nomadic Cultures

03:39 The Importance of Connection in Speaking

06:55 Adapting and Growing as a Speaker

17:01 Understanding the Nomadic Mindset

25:06 Applying Nomadic Principles to Life

28:39 Practical Steps to Embrace Nomadic Thinking

32:13 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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How to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Speaking Career (Without Faking It)

If you've ever felt invisible as a speaker, like you're great on stage but not getting the referrals, rebookings, or conversions you deserve, this episode is for you.

We're diving into Cialdini’s principle of social proof and how it applies specifically to public and professional speakers. You’ll learn how to use testimonials, case studies, audience reactions, and endorsements to build real trust and credibility—without hype or manipulation.

I also share a strange little story about the time I almost got off the wrong bus… even though I knew it wasn’t my stop. Why? Because everyone else did. It’s a perfect real-world example of how powerful social proof is, and how it influences our behaviour, even when we know better.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What social proof is and why it matters for speakers
• How to use testimonials and case studies inside your talks to seed future sales
• Why social proof is one of the most effective tools when selling from the stage
• The right (and ethical) way to ask for testimonials and case study permissions
• How to turn LinkedIn referrals and recommendations into your speaking growth engine
• What fake social proof looks like—and how it damages your credibility

Whether you're selling books, coaching, consulting, or just building your speaking brand, social proof can make or break your next opportunity. Let’s make sure it works for you—not against you.

🔔 Subscribe to the show and never miss an episode in this series on Cialdini’s principles of influence, tailored for ethical, high-impact speakers.

📩 Want tools, scripts, and persuasion resources in your inbox? Join the list at www.presentinfluence.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Social Proof

00:32 Understanding Social Proof

00:49 A Personal Anecdote on Social Proof

02:00 Leveraging Testimonials and Case Studies

04:20 The Power of LinkedIn for Social Proof

05:11 Best Practices for Gathering Testimonials

06:03 The Importance of Third-Party Introductions

07:29 Incorporating Social Proof in Presentations

09:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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As speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs, we spend countless hours refining our message and perfecting our delivery—but how often do we invest in the vehicle that delivers it: our health?

In this powerful episode of Present Influence, host John Ball sits down with health and fitness coach Esther Avant to explore the overlooked connection between physical wellness and professional presence. If you've ever struggled with energy, confidence, or consistency, this conversation will show you why your fitness habits may be the missing piece in your performance strategy.

Esther shares nearly two decades of expertise helping busy professionals build sustainable health routines—even when travel, stage work, or jam-packed schedules get in the way.

🎯 Topics covered include:

• Why speakers and coaches must prioritise health (and how it affects first impressions)
• The 3 “Big Rocks” of health: the simplest, most effective habits for better results
• How to reduce friction and decision fatigue through pre-planning
• The mindset shift that makes self-care non-negotiable
• Real talk about sleep, recovery, consistency, and how to build a lifestyle that lasts
• The surprising mental benefits of fitness—including confidence, clarity, and resilience

John also shares his journey of improving his health, the mistakes he made, and the surprising performance benefits he's experienced since getting consistent with exercise, nutrition, and rest.

Whether you're an emerging speaker or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your habits—and empower you to upgrade not just your health, but your entire presence and performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Energy and Health

00:24 Meet Esther Avant: Building Real Energy and Confidence

01:33 The Busy Professional's Health Dilemma

02:34 Creating a Sustainable Healthy Lifestyle

05:07 The Power of Consistency and Self-Belief

12:13 Exercise and Nutrition: The Big Rocks

14:25 Rest and Recovery: Essential for Success

22:38 Planning Ahead: Overcoming Decision Fatigue

24:54 Overcoming Midweek Slumps

25:17 Prepping for Success

26:25 Queued Actions for Smooth Sailing

27:03 Connecting Present and Future Self

28:56 The Importance of Specific Goals

33:14 Behaviour Goals vs. Outcome Goals

33:58 Intermittent Fasting Insights

36:22 Personalising Your Diet

41:21 Tracking Progress Effectively

43:21 Motivation Through Self-Reflection

44:52 Conclusion and Resources

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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