Welcome to the Connectors Edge Podcast, with Marian LaSalle, Ricki McKenna and their special guest Michele Vilseck.
Inspiration Through Connection and Education
Michele explains that the word "inspire" means "to breathe life into," which she finds fitting for her work as a speaker who aims to breathe new life into people.
She discusses her websites, signaturestages.com and inspirespeakerschool.com, which both direct to the same content. Ricki shares about her brand "Ricki's Kitchen," which Marian suggests is more than just a cooking show, as Ricki also educates on nutrition.
The group discusses the importance of connection in business, with Michele emphasizing that people accomplish more together than separately, which aligns with the Connectors Edge concept that Marian and Ricki have developed.
Effective Speaking and Audience Connection
Michele shares that the key to effective speaking is connecting with the audience by focusing on them rather than oneself. She advises speakers to use second person language, ask questions to calm nerves, and practice regularly to improve.
Marian recounts how she initially didn't consider herself a speaker until someone pointed out that she was already speaking at networking events, which led to her running a speaker's club. The group discusses the importance of preparation, receiving feedback, and maintaining a mindset of giving and receiving when building professional relationships.Audience-Focused Storytelling Technique
Michele explains how to make storytelling more engaging by shifting from self-centered narratives to audience-focused ones. She demonstrates this technique by sharing her personal experience with celiac disease in two ways: first focusing on herself ("I" statements), then restructuring the same story to connect with the listener by using "you" statements and creating shared experiences. Michele emphasizes that effective storytelling involves briefly mentioning personal details before relating them to the audience's experiences, making them feel understood rather than just hearing someone else's story.Effective Public Speaking Connection Strategies
Michele shares strategies for effective public speaking, emphasizing the importance of using "you" to connect with audiences instead of more impersonal pronouns like "one" or "we."
Marian practices this technique by transforming a story about her video production business, with Michele suggesting she start with questions to engage the audience and offer solutions to common speaking fears. The conversation highlights the value of following one's intuition and passion in business, with Ricki noting that heart-based connections are essential for entrepreneurs.
Michele Vilseck signaturestages.com
Marian LaSalle referralbusinessbuilders.com
Ricki McKenna rickiskitchen.net
