Story Slurp

How to be a better speaker with Alex Merry from MicDrop

Episode Summary

Meet Alex Merry - the public speaking expert and former TedX organiser that actually hates public speaking himself! In this episode Alex gives us loads of practical tips on how to be a better speaker, why he thinks most of us put too much pressure on ourselves and why the Ted events we see on our screens are never the same as what actually happens in real life. If you’ve ever wanted to get better at speaking or peep behind the scenes of what it takes to do a Ted talk, this episode is for you.

Episode Notes

Alex Merry is the Founder of MicDrop, a public speaking community that helps founders, solopreneurs, and thought leaders get clear on their message, build their personal brand, and get paid to speak.

A former start-up COO and Founder of TEDxClapham, Alex is the go-to public speaking coach for the leaders of some of fastest-growing startups and scale-ups in the world. He’s helped founders raise over £300M in funding, worked on talks that have changed government legislation, and helped craft messages that have gone viral online.

What makes him different? 

His expertise lies in messaging strategy, not just stage presence - helping leaders articulate their ideas in a way that cuts through the noise, builds authority, and drives action.

In this episode Alex gives us loads of practical tips on how to be a better speaker, why he thinks most of us put too much pressure on ourselves and why the Ted events we see on our screens are never the same as what actually happens in real life. 

Alex firmly believes that presentations don't have to be perfect, storytelling is vital to create engaging talks, speaking can be a tool for change and that everyone can improve their speaking skills, if they try.

In this episode Alex gives us loads of practical tips on how to be a better speaker, why he thinks most of us put too much pressure on ourselves and why the Ted events we see on our screens are never the same as what actually happens in real life. 

Alex firmly believes that presentations don't have to be perfect, storytelling is vital to create engaging talks, speaking can be a tool for change and that everyone can improve their speaking skills, if they try.

If you’ve ever wanted to get better at speaking or peep behind the scenes of what it takes to do a Ted talk, this episode is for you.

Takeaways: 

• Alex Merry is a public speaking coach with a unique journey - he's been a TedX organiser and has learned to speak well, despite not enjoying it himself.
• He emphasizes the importance of imperfect presentations.
• The right message can create monumental impacts.
• Storytelling is crucial for engaging diverse audiences.
• Understanding your own story enhances your communication.
• Intention behind sharing stories is key.
• Public speaking can be a tool for change.
• It's important to connect with the audience's level of understanding.
• Everyone can improve their speaking skills with practice. Understanding the purpose of storytelling is crucial.
• Personal stories should connect with the audience, not manipulate them.
• Communication should focus on the audience's needs and goals.
• Reluctance to share personal stories can indicate deeper insights.
• Coaching experiences can significantly enhance communication skills.
• Master communicators use unexpected examples to engage audiences.
• Data should be used sparingly and effectively in storytelling.
• Finding a unique voice is essential for impactful communication.
• TED talks can have a significant impact beyond view counts.
• Acknowledging one's limits can lead to growth and success.