Speak & Deliver - A Public Speaking Blog For the Speaking Public

A Plea to Meeting Planners

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:17:00 +0000

I’ve limped onto stages.

I’ve walkered onto stages.

And a few times… I’ve had to climb and then roll onto stages - because, well, NO RAMPS!

As a professional speaker who’s a below-the-knee amputee, I’ve delivered keynotes from a wheelchair, a walker, crutches, and a prosthetic - and while there's nothing like that New Foot Smell - there's something to be said for the Old Foot Smell.

Most meeting planners and event locations I work with are thoughtful and genuinely want every speaker to succeed. But many venues are designed around an assumed body type - and when that assumption is off, it creates...friction...which the audience may not see… but the speaker absolutely feels.

This isn’t a complaint. Oh, well hell, YES IT IS.

It’s also a call for awareness.

Because when spaces are designed to work for everyone, barriers aren't just removed, they're shattered.

I've run into plenty of challenges - below are the most common:

Scenario 1: The “Accessible” Stage

There’s a ramp… technically.

But it’s backstage, through cables and cases, or steep enough to count as leg day.

Meanwhile, the previous speaker casually walks up three steps.

What it feels like: You start your keynote slightly flustered instead of fully present.

Why it matters: The first moments on stage set the tone. Smooth access creates confident energy — and audiences feel that immediately.

The practiced fix: Pause, look around, breathe in, smile, and speak with strength.

Scenario 2: The Chair That Wasn’t Considered

Some days I speak standing. Other days I need to sit to manage fatigue or balance.

And occasionally the only option is a tall barstool with no back — basically a trust exercise with gravity.

What it feels like: Mental energy goes to stability instead of storytelling.

The pre-emptive fix: Ask for a sturdy chair with a back, placed intentionally, signals something powerful: You belong here.

Scenario 3: The Distance Nobody Mentions

Green room to stage. Stage to breakout. Breakout to book table.

Distances that seem small can be significant depending on mobility that day — because disability isn’t always static.

What it feels like: You start budgeting energy: “If I walk this far now, will I have enough left for the audience afterward?”

The fix: Budget space first. Determine the closest points to be in along the way to the stage.

Bonus fix: Get help - someone to push your wheelchair, someone to man your table, someone to be your absolute best friend at the event.

When speakers can conserve energy, they show up stronger — and your attendees get a better experience.

The hotel had NO RAMP - I had to have the wheelchair carried onto stage, and I went up three steps. And, of course, back down again.

Scenario 4: The Audience Reality

Here’s what often goes unspoken:

If a venue is difficult for me, it’s probably difficult for some attendees too.

The veteran with a knee injury. The executive recovering from surgery. The attendee who didn’t request accommodations because they didn’t want to be “a hassle.”

Accessibility isn’t a special request. It’s a signal of respect.

The pre-emptive fix: Go in with both the awareness of ADA requirements and the requirements of your potential attendees.

Bonus fix: Be watchful for those that surprise you, and politely provide 'elite service' with the intention of being caring and respectful, as opposed to sweetly sympathetic, which often translates as condescending.

What Inclusive Planning Looks Like

It doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Just intention.

Ask speakers about mobility needs in advance - Ensure ramps are visible, safe, and easy to use - Provide seating options on stage - Reduce unnecessary distances when possible - Think about attendee navigation, not just speaker logistics.

These aren’t extras. They’re part of professional event design.

The Bigger Idea: Designing for Dignity

I’ve been lucky to speak on incredible stages. I’ve also had moments where getting to the stage required more strategy than delivering the message itself.

When accessibility is considered early, everyone wins: The speaker feels confident. The audience feels included. And the event flows the way you envisioned it could.

An Earnest Ask to Meeting Planners

As you plan your next event, think not only about the message you want delivered…

…but the bodies delivering it …and the bodies receiving it.

Create spaces where wheelchairs move easily, walkers fit comfortably, and no one has to decide whether the journey to the stage is worth the effort.

Because the goal isn’t just ADA compliance. It’s belonging. When people feel they belong, they listen differently. They connect differently. They remember differently.

That’s what great stages, great events, and great planners do.

They make room - for everyone - whatever Foot Smell you go on stage with!

===============

Need an extra set of eyes and ears on your next presentation? Connect with me for 30 minutes of laser coaching! DM me for details. Your speech, and your audiences, will thank you for it!

Outreach: the Engine of Your Speaking Career

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:05:00 +0000

There’s a myth in the speaking world that opportunities just show up when you’re good enough.

They don’t.

If you want consistent stage time, you have to accept something that surprises a lot of talented speakers:

The speaking business is a sales business. Not pushy. Not transactional. But intentional, relational, and proactive. Because great talks don’t build speaking careers — outreach does.

It’s Not Just Who You Know — It’s HOW They Know You

You’ve heard, “It’s about who you know.” But the real question is: WHAT are you known by WHO for?

When someone is looking for a speaker, you want your name to instantly connect to a clear identity. For me, that identity is simple: I’m the WinAnyway Guy. Resilience. Ownership. Showing up when it’s hard.

Outreach reinforces that identity over and over so when the opportunity appears, you’re the obvious fit. Because if people can’t quickly describe what you do, they won’t think of you when it counts.

Visibility Beats Talent More Than We’d Like to Admit

I’ve coached incredible speakers who struggled to get booked. And I’ve seen solid speakers stay busy year-round. The difference? Visibility, consistency, and benefits-led communication.

You can’t get chosen if you’re not top of mind. And you don’t stay top of mind without ongoing outreach.

The 360-Email Breakthrough

One of my clients recently landed a major breakthrough client. It didn’t happen because of one perfect pitch. It happened because of persistence. He sent 360 outreach emails before the right opportunity hit.

Not spammy. Not desperate. Just steady, professional, value-focused communication. That’s what most people never see behind a “sudden success.” Breakthroughs usually look sudden from the outside - but they’re built on consistent outreach behind the scenes.

Consistency Beats Intensity

A lot of speakers treat outreach like a burst of motivation. They send messages for a week… then disappear for months.

Outreach isn’t a campaign. It’s a rhythm. A few touches each week does more for your career than one big push once a quarter.

Because consistency builds: Familiarity, Trust, Credibility, & Momentum!

Outreach Is Service, Not Self-Promotion

If outreach feels uncomfortable, it’s usually because it feels like self-promotion.

In truth, you're helping event planners succeed. Helping audiences grow. Helping organizations move forward.

You’re not chasing stages. You’re offering solutions.

The Bottom Line

If you want more speaking opportunities:

Accept that speaking is a sales business
Get crystal clear on your identity
Stay visible through consistent outreach
Be persistent enough to outlast timing

Because speaking careers aren’t built on talent alone. They’re built by people who keep showing up, keep reaching out, and keep moving forward…

Let’s Talk

If you’re working to get booked more consistently — or you’re trying to turn your message into a real speaking business — I’m always happy to compare notes.

Message me here on LinkedIn or reach out to schedule a discovery conversation. Let’s figure out your outreach strategy and speaker identity so you can create the opportunities you’re capable of - and Win & Speak Anyway!

Media Consumption Review for 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 03:44:00 +0000

I consumed a fair amount of media in 2025. Fewer books than normal (66 total), with a lot more fiction and comic book material than past years. Only TWO actual hold in your hands books (in green).

A victory, in that I wanted to read less, and have more fun with what I was reading.

84 movies, and 47 seasons of shows. A lot of weekend viewing, and right before going to bed viewing, and when it comes to cartoons shows and movies, I watched those in my office as I was eating breakfast and/or lunch. A lot of time invested, time that I could probably use more wisely...

See the lists below...and comment with what you've been reading/watching!

Books Read to in 2025

Rogue: Section 31 - The Next Generation - Andy Mangels, Michael Martin - 363

Shadow: Section 31 - Voyager - Dean Wesley Smith - 252

Cloak: Section 31 - The Original Series - S.D. Perry - 214

Abyss: Section 31 - Deep Space Nine - David Weddle, Jeffrey Lang - 294

Section 31 - Disavowed - David Mack - 331

Section 31 - Control - David Mack - 346

Typhon Pact Book I: Zero Sum Game - David Mack - 340

Typhon Pact Book II: Seize the Fire - Michael A. Martin - 500

The Science of Influence - Brian Tracy - 180

A5 Empire Marketing - Robert Raymond - 129

Million Dollar Habits - Brian Tracy - 250

Day of Honor Book I: Ancient Blood - Diane Carey - 280

Day of Honor Book II: Armageddon Sky - LA Graf - 304

Day of Honor Book III: Her Klingon Soul - Michael Jan Friedman - 304

Day of Honor Book IV: Treaty's Law - Kristine Kathryn Rusch - 277

Day of Honor: The Television Episode - Robert Greenberger - 247

Day of Honor: Ancient Blood - Diana Gallagher - 147

Star Trek: Picard: Firewall - David Mack - 325

Mark the Match Boy - Horatio Alger - 192

Star Trek: Picard: The Last Best Hope - 326

Book More Business: Make MORE Money Speaking - Lois Creamer - 166

Booked - Ed Rigsbee - 110

Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell - 280

Einstein: The Life and Universe - Walter Isaacson - 551

Audio Books Listened to in 2025

Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman - 20:02

Secrets of a Millionaire Mind - T. Harv Eker - 8:13

Supercommunicators - Charles Duhigg - 7:28

The Champions Mind - Jim Afremow - 7:49

Let Them - Mel Robbins - 10:38

The Millionaire Messenger - Brendan Burchard - 6:10

Millionaire University: Millionaire Mindset Extended Edition - Craig Beck - 6:18

Relentless - Tim S. Grover - 6:44

The Success Principles - Jack Canfield & Janet Switzer - 21:46

James - Percival Everett - 7:49

How to Change - Katy Milkman - 6:14

Awaken the Power Within - Anthony Robbins - 6:16

Kindle Comics read in 2025

Swamp Thing by Rick Veitch Vol I - 306

New Frontier - 500

Hellblazer: Original Sins - 271

Hellblazer Vol 2: The Devil You Know - 250

Hellblazer Vol 3: The Fear Machine - 224

Hellblazer Vol 4: The Family Man - 284

Hellblazer Vol 5: Dangerous Habits - 335

Hellblazer Vol 6: Bloodlines - 349

Hellblazer Vol 7: Tainted Love - 318

Hellblazer Vol 8: Rake at the Gates of Hell - 385

Hellblazer Vol 9: Critical Mass - 323

Hellblazer Vol 10: In the Line of Fire - 284

Hellblazer Vol 11: Last Man Standing - 331

Hellblazer Vol 12: How to Play With Fire - 317

Batman: The Court of Owls - 350 - Scott Snyder

Batman: Ego and Other Tails - 259 - Darwyn Cooke

Deadman: Book Four - 165 - Various

Stargirl: The Lost Children - 177 - Geoff Johns, Todd Nauck

Justice Society: Vol 1 - the New Golden Age - 177 - Geoff Johns

Jay Garrick: The Flash - 140 - Jeremy Adams

Arkham Asylum - 220 - Grant Morrison, Dave McKean

The Batman Who Laughs - 232 - Scott Snyder, James Tynion

Superman/Batman Vol I: Crossworld - 139 - Greg Pak, Jae Lee

Batman: Dark Victory - 368 - Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale

Batman: Year One TPB - 124 - Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli

Miracleman Vol I - 238 - Alan Moore, Gary Leach

Miracleman Vol II - 185 - Alan Moore, Gary Leach, Alan Davis

Miracleman Vol III - 223 - Alan Moore, Gary Leach, Alan Davis

All-Star Superman - 298 - Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely

HulkGray - 149 - Jeph Loeb, Tim Case

Movies Watched in 2025

Juror #2 - Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette

Mother's Instinct - Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain

I Want to Talk - Abhishek Bachchan (Bio of Arjun Sen)

Love, Kennedy - Tatum Chiniquy, Heather Beers

Back in Action - Jaime Foxx, Cameron Diaz

You Hurt My Feelings - Tobias Menzies, Julia Louise-Dreyfuss

You're Cordially Invited - Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon

Goodrich - Mila Kunis, Michael Keaton

Bridget Jones IV - Renee Zelwegger, Hugh Grant

We Live in Time - Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

The Wild Robot - Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal

My One and Only - Renee Zelwegger, Kevin Bacon

The Electric State - Chris Pratt, Millie Bobbie Brown, Stanley Tucci

Flow - Oscar Winner, 2024 Best Animated Picture

Here - Tom Hanks, Robin Wright

Stand By Me - Wheaton, River Phoenix, Cory Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Dreyfuss, Kiefer Sutherland

Fly Me to the Moon - Scarlett Johannsen, Woody Harrelson, Channing Tatum

Charade - Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn

The Breakfast Club - Molly, Judd, Emilio, Ally, & Anthony

Begin Again - Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Hailee Steinfeld

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Matt Broderick, Jennifer Grey, Alan Ruck

Nonna - Vince Vaughn, Talia Shire, Susan Sarandon

Novacaine - Jack Quaid

Fountain of Youth - John Krasinski, Stanley Tucci, Natalie Portman

Fight Club - Ed Norton, Brad Pitt

Another Simple Favor - Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively

The Accountant 2 - Ben Affleck

Straw - Taraji Penda Henson

The Gorge - Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sigourney Weaver

Captain America: Brave New World - Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford

It's Kind of a Funny Story -Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts

I'll Be Right There - Edie Falco

The Answer Man - Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Nora Dunn

Arthur's Whiskey - Diane Keaton, Hayley Mills, Patricia Hodge

Heads of State - John Cena, Idris Elba

A Kind of Murder - Patrick Wilson, Jessica Biel, Haley Bennet

Sinners - Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld

Brothers - Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Peter Dinklage, Brendan Fraser, Marisa Tomei

Catch & Release - Jennifer Garner, Kevin Smith, Timothy Olyphant, Juliette Lewis

The Judge - Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall

Throwback - Matt Sasso, Justina Machado

Everyone Says I Love You - Woody Allen, Alan Alda, Goldie Hawn, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts

Jurassic World: Rebirth - Scarlett Johansson

Superman - David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult

Sunshine Cleaning - Amy Adams, Alan Arkin, Emily Blunt

I Could Never Be Your Woman - Michele Pfeifer, Paul Rudd, Jon Lovitz

She's Funny That Way - Imogen Poot, Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Will Forte

Night Always Comes - Vanessa Kirby, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen

Somewhere in Time - Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer

The Longest Week - Jason Bateman, Billy Crudup, Olivia Wilde

The Map that Leads to You - Madelyn Cline, KJ Apa

Pickup - Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson

All of You - Imogen Poots, Brett Goldstein

The Lost Bus - Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera

The Fang Family - Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken

Weapons - Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong

And So It Goes - Diane Keaton, Michael Douglas, Rob Reiner

The Thursday Murder Club - Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley

North by Northwest - Cary Grant, EvaMarie Saint, Martin Landau

Fantastic Four - First Steps - Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Julia Garner, Joseph Quinn

Winchester '73 - Jimmy Stewart, Will Geer

The Family Plan 2 - Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan

Thunderbolts - Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan

J. Kelly - Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Laura Dern, Stacy Keach

Freaky Friday II - Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon

Secret Santa - Ryan Eggold, Alexandra Breckenridge, Tia Mowry

The Family Stone - Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney

Home Alone - Macauley Culkin

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Chevy Chase

Home Alone II - Macauley Culkin

Materialists - Pedro Pascal, Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson

When Harry Met Sally - Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby

TV Shows Watched in 2025

Modern Family: S7 - 22 episodes (half in 2024)
Modern Family: S8 - 22 episodes
Modern Family: S9 - 22 episodes
Modern Family: S10 - 22 episodes
Modern Family: S11 - 18 episodes (Final Season)
Shrinking: S3 - 12 episodes
Cobra Kai: S5 - last 5 episodes
Justice League: S2 - 26 episodes
Justice League Unlimited: S1 - 13 episodes
Justice League Unlimited: S2 - 13 episodes
Justice League Unlimited: S3 - 13 episodes
Superman: The Animated Series: S1 - 13 episodes
Superman: The Animated Series: S2 - 26 episodes
Superman: The Animated Series: S3 - 13 episodes
The Batman - S1 - 26 episodes
The Batman - S2 - 13 episodes
The Batman - S3 - 13 episodes
The Batman - S4 - 13 episodes
Creature Commandos - S1 - 7 episodes
The Conners - S7 - 6 episodes
Batman Beyond - S1 - 13 episodes
Batman Beyond - S2 - 26 episodes
Batman Beyond - S3 - 13 episodes
Matlock - S1 - 19 episodes
Hacks - S4 - 10 episodes
Young Justice - S1 - 26 episodes
Young Justice - S2 - 20 episodes
Young Justice - S3 - 26 episodes
Young Justice - S4 - 26 episodes (final season)
Beware the Batman - S1 - 26 episodes (only one season)
Supersons - DC Movie
Justice League vs. Titans - DC Movie
JLA: Doom - DC Movie
JLA: Throne of Atlantis - DC Movie
JLA: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part I - DC Movie
JLA: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part II - DC Movie
JLA: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part III - DC Movie
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War - DC Movie
Injustice - DC Movie
Superman: Man of Tomorrow - DC Movie
Superman: Unbound - DC Movie
The Pitt - S1 - 15 episodes
Young Sheldon - S1 - 22 episodes
Young Sheldon - S2 - 22 episodes

Young Sheldon - S3 - 22 episodes

Young Sheldon - S4 - 22 episodes

Young Sheldon - S5 - 22 episodes

Young Sheldon - S6 - 22 episodes

Young Sheldon - S7 - 14 episodes (final season)

Fit For TV - The Reality of the Biggest Loser - Documentary - 3 episodes

Strange New Worlds - S3 - 10 episodes

Peacemaker - S2 - 8 episodes

Harley Quinn - S1 - 13 episodes

Harley Quinn - S2 - 13 episodes

Harley Quinn - S3 - 11 episodes

Harley Quinn - S4 - 10 episodes

The Bear - S4 - 10 episodes

The Big C - S1 - 13 episodes

Pluribus - S1 - 9 episodes

The Best Time in Your Speech for Your Signature Story Is....

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:01:00 +0000

I’ve heard a lot of arguments about this one over the years – and different speakers have different opinions. In any speech, your personal experiences are crucial, but particularly in inspirational keynote presentations. Often referred to as your ‘signature story’, it’s the story you’re most known for, the story that slams home your point. Your ‘overcame abuse’, ‘survived the accident’, ‘ran a marathon on one leg’ story which resonates in your audiences memory long after they leave.

Some speakers open with it. Others embed it later on. Some delay it to the very end. All can be effective, but it depends both on your audience, and what you've been called to deliver.

Open With It

This is my LEAST favorite option, but I hear it a lot.

PROS: Gets it out to your audience quickly, and lets you build the rest of your presentation off an emotional high.

CONS: If they don't know, like and trust you, there's no guarantee they're going to give a whit about your big story, and you'll lose them entirely.

WHO IT WORKS FOR: Celebrity speakers - folks the audience already have a connection to through fame or industry. All others beware. (Tip: If your audience has paid to hear you speak, to them, you're a celebrity.)

Before Your Process

You've set the table - connected with the audience, defined the problem, and promised a solution. Now you let it all loose with your signature story. Afterward, you make your points one by one, calling back to various parts of your great adventure to support each point as you failed/learned/succeeded through it all.

PROS: You have full control of the narrative and how it will be interpreted. You come off looking like an expert, one who has gone in one end and come out the other better for it. You are the leader they need!

CONS: You may not ever return, which means they need to lead themselves. If they only have your story and experience to relate too, it may not be enough.

WHO IT WORKS FOR: Preachers, Politicians, Business Leaders - those who are building a following, a tribe. If you're going to stick around, you can inspire the troops to follow you to hell and back with your signature story. (Tip: Even in this scenario, the more you can get your audience seeing themselves succeeding by imitation, the better off you'll be. Most followers see themselves as leaders in their own right.)

After Your Process

This is my personal preference.

Hook 'em, empathize with them, promise them a solution, paint the sunny future they'll have when they apply your process, which you offer with a combination of short personal anecdotes and third party examples, and then LOWER THE BOOM.

PROS: By now they trust you. They've laughed with you. They understand what you're saying is more about them than about you. They don't see you as the inimitable hero of the presentation - instead they know they have tools to move forward with in their own life.

CONS: If your presentation is too long, and your process too complicated, by the time you get to you amazing keynote story, your audience may not really want it. You'll probably have to edit it down, and occasionally, depending on time, delete it entirely.

WHO IT WORKS FOR: Pretty much everybody. For the average speaker, your information will have more leverage than your inspiration - your inspiration is the frosting on top. If the celebrities, preachers, and politicians would try it, they might find it more effective than what they're doing now. (Tip: have small, medium and large versions of your story - if time does become an issue, you'll be ready.)

Takeaway

But Rich, my story is why I want to speak in the first place! To share my trials and tribulations! Yeah, I know. But why do you want to share them? For recognition? For sympathy? If it's for any other reason than helping others through their own version of the difficulties you've made it through, you're more likely to an entertainer than a speaker. There's nothing wrong with that, and the sooner you realize it the better.

You signature story should be the final proof of all you've talked about in the presentation. The story that lets your audience know you DO understand them, you HAVE been there, and you're ready to help THEM get to the other side. Yes, your big story is all about you - but in the end, your audience should feel like it is really all about them.

From there, it's THEIR story that matters.

Discover Your Super Power | Achieve Speakers LIVE Featuring Rich Hopkins 🎤

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:50:00 +0000

STOP Following Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:38:00 +0000

Language is important.
Potential clients are important.
And your product and/or service is important.

So WHY should you stop following up?

Discover, develop, and deliver your best message. Contact me at Rich@RichHopkins.com

You can also find out more about Rich on Facebook, LinkedIn, or his website: RichHopkins.com

Do You Remember When?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 14 May 2025 03:13:00 +0000

Schedule a connection call here: https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/connection-call

What They're Thinking About You

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:38:00 +0000

I can do it myself!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:50:00 +0000

I can do it myself!

I know. And if you have - skip this post.

But if you're like most speakers, you've gotten stuck somewhere along they way. Maybe you just can't decide on your message. Or your audience. Or your fee.

Most people get stuck when it comes to outreach...and end up not doing any at all, just hoping somebody lands on their website or get referred to them.

That's no way to run a business!

5 Session Fast Start

Benefit #1

I've been working with speakers for over 20 years discover, develop, and deliver their best message, to the best audience, to receive their best payday.
Benefit #2

I've made mistakes, and watched others make mistakes, which means I can work with you to create your perfect map to success!
Benefit #3

Being a speaker is a lonely business, and it's easy to get discouraged. My clients know me to be their cheerleader and their kick in the pants. Because you need both.

My 5 Session Fast Start gives us a chance to dive deep - 5 hours of coaching on content, delivery, marketing, and whatever else is stopping you from getting to your speaking success - only $247 until March 1st!

Click here to schedule your first session. https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/five-session-special Don't want to use PayPal? Venmo me at Rich-Hopkins-WinAnyway (last four digits of phone is 8487, if needed), and email me at Rich.Hopkins@gmail.com.

Remember, investment goes up March 1st.

Push Anyway!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:08:00 +0000

Speaking in Public? You SHOULD be Nervous!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 03:52:00 +0000

I took drama classes. I took speech courses in Junior and Senior High, as well as college. I was in several college productions, from small plays to musicals. I’ve been an outside salesperson. I’ve been in Toastmasters for 25 years. Yet, I still get nervous. Sometimes anxious. To the point of being out of breath, as if I’d run 100 meter dash, while simply sitting down waiting to be introduced. Believe it or not, I’m ok with that.

For me, it’s a sign that I care about the audience, whether it’s 10 people I’m comfortable with or 500 I’ve never met before. I’d be more worried if I weren’t nervous. There are, of course, ways to mitigate your anxiety, many you’ve probably heard before. I follow most of them, and get nervous anyway. But I’d rather be nervous while also knowing my ducks are all in a row.

Check out the ideas below, and see what you might not be doing in preparation for every speaking opportunity, at work, at church, or in the wide, wild world of conferences and paid stages.

1. Prepare Thoroughly

Know Your Material: It stands to reason - the more familiar you are with your speech, the more confident you’ll feel. This doesn’t mean you need to memorize it word for word – in fact, that can work against you. Know you ideas and your outline, and fill in from there.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse in your car, in front of your pets, or present to a small audience – such as a Toastmasters group. Practicing in front of a mirror, while often suggested, usually isn’t as effective as you’d imagine. Record yourself, and listen to it – it’ll help you remember, as well as give you ideas where to change what you’re saying, and how you’re saying it from the point of view of a listener.
Have a Strong Opening: Memorize the first few lines to start strong and gain momentum. Usually a short, funny story relating to your material, or a startling statistic, or, in a pinch, a decent quote to get the ball (you’re the ball) rolling.

2. Manage Your Mindset

Reframe Anxiety as Energy: Nervousness is energy that isn’t going anywhere, and can be intentionally channeled once you’ve made yourself aware. Use it on stage through your voice, your facial expressions, and your body movements.
Visualize Success: Mentally walk through the speech – even physically if you can access the stage beforehand. Picture a satisfied audience at the end, clearly happy to have heard you.
Lower Self-Criticism: Your audience wants you to succeed, not fail – after all, you think they want you to be terrible? Most of them will do everything in their mental power to confirm to themselves they made the right decision to listen to you! It’s your job to make that easy.

3. Relax!

Master your Breath: Try the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8).
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups to reduce tension.
Power Posing: Stand tall, open up your posture, and take deep breaths—it signals confidence to your brain. On this one – if you believe it’ll work, it will. Might as well be your own hero as you head to go speak, right?

4. Use Small Hacks to Take Control

Arrive Early: Get comfortable with the space. Know the sounds, the dead spots, the cracks, the height of the stairs, your view of the audience – as I said earlier, silently rehearse if you can.
Meet People: Shake some hands, hear some stories, get a feel for the audience, and let them be comfortable with you before you ever utter a word.
Start with a Smile: Smiling reduces stress and makes you appear more approachable. Of course, your speech might not be best served if you start with a smile, so use with caution.
Slow Down: Speak with some deliberation and intention, and don’t forget to breathe. When your sentences end with a pause, your audience catches up – and you just might need to as well.

5. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Engage with Your Audience: Find the friendly faces – such as the folks you met before hand. Make eye contact with people all over the room, and remember, you’re there to give value.
Accept Imperfection: You’re not doing Shakespeare. Probably. No one has your script in their hands waiting for you to mess up. No one knows you skipped a story and made any kind of blunder at all unless YOU tell them. Feel free to tell them if it’s vital, of course – they’ll appreciate your honesty if you have to back up, and be more forgiving than you think.

Finally, Embrace It.

Most of what you're afraid of will NEVER happen. If it does, it probably won't be as bad as you think. If it actually is, well, it's a learning opportunity. At the end of the day, it's better for you and the audience if you actually just get over yourself, get up there, and give them what they came to get. You, and your best effort.

====================================

Need an extra set of eyes and ears on your next presentation? Connect with me for 30 minutes of laser coaching at: https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/30-minute-meeting

Your speech, and your audiences, will thank you for it!

That's what Friends are For

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:47:00 +0000

The Most Important Part of Your Speech...

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:20:00 +0000

@richhopkins
The most important forgotten aspect of your presentations.
♬ original sound - Rich Hopkins

What Are They Thinking?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 04:08:00 +0000

@richhopkins
What are they thinking?
♬ original sound - Rich Hopkins

In Person...or Hybrid?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:03:00 +0000

@richhopkins
In person...or hybrid?
♬ original sound - Rich Hopkins

Are you willing to Pay The Price?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:49:00 +0000

Every year people I know post their 'word of the year' - words like Thrive or Blessed or Gratitude or Power or Action or...well you get the idea.

I've never really done it with any seriousness, but for 2025, I'm going to give it a go - and if you watch my video shorts, you've heard what it is already.

"Pay".

As in "Pay the Price". Most goals worth achieving require sacrifice of some type. Time, Money, Blood, Sweat, Tears...but life is SO comfortable, it can be easy to simply pay for the pizza, for Netflix, and just lay back. If that's YOUR goal - cool - more power to you. For me, I've got more I want to achieve financially, physically, spiritually, and with my family.

But I'm going to have to Pay the Price. What that price is - well, when I have that figured out, I'll let you know. But I'm pretty sure it involves watching fewer than the 105 movies and 50 seasons of tv shows I watched in 2024, eating very differently, moving a lot more, and meeting a lot more people.

What price are you ready to pay?

2024 Reading List

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 21:22:00 +0000

What ChatGPT thinks I look like when I read...

My goal in 2023 was to read FEWER books than the 80 I read in 2022, with a greater diversity than my typical steady diet of self-help, marketing, and speaking books I've spent the majority of the last 25 years reading. I succeeded, as you can read here: https://speakanddeliver.blogspot.com/2024/01/books-read-in-2023.html.

In 2024, I was again less concerned with volume, but still wanting to increase diversity. The list is below - just 37 - all on Kindle. As for diversity, you can be the judge.

Kindle

101 Podcast Episode Templates - David Hooper - 242

Big Podcast - David Hooper - 436

Sell From the Stage - Sam Crowley - 70

Star Trek: Brave & the Bold: Book One - Keith DeCandido - 288

Star Trek: Brave & the Bold: Book Two - Keith DeCandido - 278

Humanities Cry for Change - Kate Heartsong - 278

Star Trek: The Captain's Daughter - Peter David - 303

Art Matters - Neil Gaiman - 112

Attract & Keep Customers for Life - Terry Begue - 174

Pure Vulnerability - Kevin Snyder - 63

Think Differently - Kevin Snyder - 172

Paid to Speak - Kevin Snyder - 224

Star Trek: Cold Equations Book I: The Persistence of Memory - David Mack - 390

Star Trek: Cold Equations Book II: Silent Weapons - David Mack - 342

Star Trek: Cold Equations Book III: The Body Electric - David Mack - 342

Star Trek: Coda Book I: Moments Asunder - Dayton Ward - 351

Star Trek: Coda Book II: The Ashes of Tomorrow - James Swallow - 356

Star Trek: Coda Book III: Oblivions Gate - David Mack - 432

Stop Procrastinating Tomorrow - Mary C. Kelly - 97

Success Unleashed: Mastering Your Life's Purpose - JP Bachmann - 141

Adventures of a Telegraph Boy - Horatio Alger - 242

Digging For Gold - Horatio Alger - 230

Make 'em Laugh and Take Their Money - Dan Kennedy - 236

The Science of Motivation - Brian Tracy - 248

24 - 6047 pages

Clearly, I got onto a bit of a Star Trek Kick, and I have about 10 more sitting in my Kindle right now. Easy reads, and usually quite fun. My college professor introduced me to Ragged Dick from Horatio Alger 37 years ago, and I found a compilation of all of his writing for .99 cents on Kindle, so I'm treating myself to those as well - fictional stories that are somewhat self-help oriented, and always uplifting.

Audible

My Name is Barbra - Barbra Streisand - 48:17

Willpower - Roy F. Baumeister & John Tierney - 9:17

A Disability History of the United States - Kim E. Neilsen - 7:35

Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz - 12:16

Peak Mind - Amishi P. Jha - 8:38

Change - Damon Centola - 9:50

The Motivation Master Coach - Earl Nightingale, Jim Rohn, etc - 11:57

The Obesity Code - Dr. Jason Fung - 10:09

$100M Leads - Alex Hormozi - 6:00

Selling to the Affluent - Matt Oxley - 6:19

Day Trading Attention - Gary Vaynerchuck - 8:24

Thinking Big - Ziglar, Brown, Iverson and more - 13:06

Champion Minded - Alistair McCaw - 7:00

13 158:48 hours

My Name is Barbra was easily my favorite listen, even as long as it was - she narrated it herself, and the recording included bits of songs here and there. Really in-depth - and made me want to watch more of her movies. Which I really haven't done this year, outside of Funny Girl, which I had never seen.

I also read 11 comic omnibus compilations on Kindle - Silver Age Green Lantern I-IV, Bronze Age Swamp Thing I-VI, Thor Visionaries Vol III, and X-Men, the Phoenix Saga.

I didn't read an entire real, tangible book, however. I'm about 30 percent through Einstein by Walter Isaacson, though. It's a tough read, since I really know nothing about physics, even as he tries to dumb it down for the reader.

There were plenty of tangible books on my reading list that kept getting bumped, which I want to get to in 2025 - 27 of them, in fact, though many are quite long, including a Benjamin Franklin biography. We'll see how I do.

Any recommendation from y'all?

Up-Level your 2025 Speaking Business NOW.

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 23:57:00 +0000

Are you willing to do the work?
Offers end soon! Links to grab your spot are below the article.

I've worked with a bunch of speakers in 2024, helping them build their keynote, enhance their brands, and find paid stages.

Out of that bunch, one particular client stands out.

We've worked together the last 18 months. We built his keynote. We worked on outreach. He had over 350 email outreaches, and ended up with a number of Chamber opportunities, all paid. They wanted training talks on everything from delegation to social media to resiliency – together we built two-hour talks complete with heavy audience involvement and professional slide decks.

We found the right humor moments, and jettisoned some that might have gotten him in hot water. We found story after story from his personal and professional life to relate to his audiences. He sold books and made a good sum over and above the speaking fees. Ultimately, his chamber audience linked him to big time stages, and big time speaking fees.

His quote to me last week? "Rich – you 10x'd my speaking business" – over 30K in booked presentations – many with repeat customers. He did the work. He listened, he argued, he stood his ground, he compromised, he KEPT listening. And he kept doing the work. Imagine if you were this client? How far do you want to go in 2025?

I never guarantee financial results – but I know I can take your speech and your business to a higher level than it is now – if you too are willing to do the work.

Below are links to connect with me - get in NOW before this sale is OVER.

One Month Intensive - 749 https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/one-month-intensive

Three Month Comprehensive - 1799 https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/3mocomp

Six Month - All Inclusive - 2749 https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/6moai

Want to talk about it? Let's build a custom plan just for you!

https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/strategy-session

You can also email me at rich.hopkins@gmail.com!

Don't need an coaching for yourself? Recommend someone, and I'll pay you 10%!

Work for a big company? Bring me in to coach for teams and ask me for the LinkedIn discount!

Why Hire Rich as Your Speaking Coach?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:18:00 +0000

Set up a connection call:
https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/connection-call

Discover, Develop, and Deliver Your Signature Message in 2025!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:29:00 +0000

Twenty years ago, I unexpectedly became a speaking coach.

At my weekly Toastmasters meeting in Salt Lake City, a guest came in, asking for help crafting his father-of-the-bride toast. Fellow members recommended me, calling me (according to him) the best speaker in the club.

Over the next two and a half months, we met weekly, uncovering heartfelt stories, humorous pranks, and moments of fatherly devotion. Together, we crafted a five-minute, personal and poignant toast. He practiced with purpose, refining every gesture and word. Little did I know the wedding was taking place in Vienna, Austria, on the roof of a local castle!

When he returned, he let me know he and the toast were a hit with his friends, family, and especially, his daughter.

At that moment, I realized two things:

I could be a great coach.
I loved doing it.

Since then, I’ve coached hundreds of speakers—from professionals in finance, robotics, and real estate, to stay-at-home moms finding their voice. Whether it’s a wedding toast, a business pitch, or a keynote address, I’ve helped clients craft messages that inspire, persuade, and deliver results.

I Have 7 Spots Available!

With 2025 just days away, I want to help you take your message to the next level in my Create and Market Your Signature Message 3-month intensive program.

You have a story burning to be shared!
It's time to present your best self to your best audience
Start promoting your products, services, or ideas with confidence and impact

Here’s What’s Included:

13 weekly, 1-hour Zoom coaching sessions
Unlimited email access for questions, feedback, and support
Emergency calls for those last-minute tweaks
Video and live rehearsal reviews to fine-tune your delivery

You’ll leave the program with:

A polished Signature Message tailored to your ideal audience
The skills to confidently deliver it
A proven formula to adapt your message for future audiences
A customized marketing plan to book speaking engagements that align with your goals

We’ll cover everything from outreach and setting rates to contracts and best practices—giving you the tools to succeed in the professional speaking world.

It's Almost 2025 Special - 7 Spots Available!

Normally, this program is $4,997—a value you could easily recoup within the next year, and likely faster! But as an It's Almost 2025 Special, I’m offering it at 25% off, bringing your total investment to just $3,747.

Payment plans are available! Start in January or choose any 3-month period between January and August 2025.

Reserve your spot today! We'll pop on zoom, make sure we're a match, set the dates, and hit the ground running! https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/strategy-session

Don’t let another year go by with your message stuck in your head. Let’s bring it to life—and to the stage!

This offer ends December 31st. Reserve your spot now and make 2025 the year you inspire, connect, and succeed!

What My Clients Have Said:

Maria Dastur, MBA

I had the pleasure of working with Rich over the month of July to create my keynote speech. His rich, calm, and encouraging style enabled me to not only create the speech but to practice two run-throughs with detailed feedback. In just one month, I went from having a vague idea to delivering a polished, one-hour speech. Rich provided tough, honest feedback but always paired it with constructive suggestions, ensuring I felt supported and motivated throughout the process. His genius edits to the script were so clever, and his tough but honest insights that helped me refine my message.

Kory May, Professional Storyteller

Rich Hopkins is an incredible coach for three fundamentally sound reasons. First, Rich asks questions of you to get to know you. The friendly banter is sincere and, simultaneously, probing to get to the core of who you are. There can be no genuine coaching without authenticity. What he asks of you, he models in his answers to you and your questioning. Second, Rich LISTENS. Rich listens to your tone, cadence, rhythm, everything vocalized. Rich listens to all that is unspoken as well. This is where the relationship you have created together as speaker and coach gets deeper. If there is a gap in your speech, Rich may ask you a firm, direct, yet polite question to bring the answer forward. Once brought to light, you will see the immediate value in that hidden piece of your speech. Finally, Rich delivers. Rich delivers in coaching you up to meet the moment with his availability, with his editorial skills when asked, and his honesty in giving feedback.

Shelley Rahe Gordon, Senior IT Leader

Rich served as my speaking coach in preparation for a 40-minute industry conference session. As an introvert I was feeling unskilled and terrified. Working with Rich was the fastest way to proficiency. I walked away from my work with Rich ready. I had the practice, confidence, and understanding of what it takes to engage an audience with story, interact with an audience and provide a clear message. Even today, years later, I don’t consider myself a “good” speaker but I am forever better at standing up and talking to people in front of a room because I worked with Rich. His patience and diligence were unmatched - and it took a LOT to get me ready! As an added bonus, I received high scores on speaker feedback for my session and additional invitations were extended to me as a result.

Don't wait - Schedule a free strategy session: https://tidycal.com/richhopkins/strategy-session TODAY!

You Only Know What You Know - You Know?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:38:00 +0000

Old timey movies, Disney records, and a sudden realization.... Today's WinAnyway Podcast.

Just Be - Barbershop Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:27:00 +0000

Racing to Your Future

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:52:00 +0000

The BIG Enemy.

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:30:00 +0000

The WinAnyway Podcast is back, come hell or high water.

What are Your Non-Negotiables?

noreply@blogger.com (Rich Hopkins) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:23:00 +0000

A favorite show the last couple of years is The Bear, available from FX on Hulu. It's an extremely intense and stressful glimpse into restaurant life, as Carmy tries to take his family's humble Chicago beef sandwich shop from the depths of bankruptcy in the wake of his brother's suicide to the heights of a Michelin-rated fine dining establishment.

A big part of his plan are what he calls his 'non-negotiables' - which are incredibly high standards for him and all those working for him. For those of us in the self-help, motivation space, these are nothing new - we usually think of them as 'never settle' lists, or 'must-do/must-not-do' lists, or mission statements or mantras or manifestos or...you get the idea.

For your reference, here is his list of 27 non-negotiables:

Constantly Evolve Through Passion And Creativity
Change Menu Every Day
Technique Technique Technique
No Surprises
"Something" About Teaspoons
Personal Hygiene
Shirts Perfectly Pressed
Break Down Boxes
Clean As You Go
Push Boundaries
Respect Tradition
No Excuses
Perfect Means Perfect
Not About You
Time - Every Second Counts
Service
Focus
Know Your Shit
Details Matter
Pursuit Of Excellence
In + Out Service
Confidence + Competence
Consolidation + Speed
No Repeat Ingredients
Vibrant Collaboration
Less Is More
Of The Place

Gotta admit - comprehensive, challenging, and pretty applicable to almost any business, or even general life, for that matter.

I could probably consolidate/whittle down the list to about ten non-negotiables, just for brevity - but then brevity can be a non-negotiable of its own, which just ADDS to the list.

Which of these are most applicable to you and your business? Or, more importantly, which of these are important, but you're not living up to the standard? I know my office could be cleaner and more organized. And my focus needs work - I haven't written an article here since 2023, for goodness sake. I don't press my shirts, but I don't really wear shirts that need to be pressed. Maybe I should.

#27 - Of The Place - is fascinating to me. It means being of your origins, essentially. Be true to who you are. No matter what you aspire to, hold on to what makes you, YOU. For me, that means embracing my comic book/super hero/Star Trek side - even if I think I should hide it. In truth, those interests inform everything I do, from my creative side to my value system. To hide it, or be ashamed of it, is to deny part of who I am to the people I'm offering my experience to. They deserve the best of me as a speaker and a coach. Which means I have to be my authentic, unique, somewhat wacky and nerdy self.

I'd love to read which of these really resonate with you - and what you may be doing with them in the future. Do you already have non-negotiables? Will you be creating some, or more?

Is your staff facing failure in the face of today's market? Dealing with frustration and self-doubt? How is that affecting their family and future, and your bottom line? Bring me in to show them how to live their #WinAnyway Life.