Podcast Feature: Rikki Arundel on Being Celebrated for Your Authentic Self
In Episode 3 of the Unpolished Stories: Speaking Beyond the Spotlight podcast, keynote speaker and diversity advocate Rikki Arundel joins hosts Chantelle Botha (South Africa) and Celina Peerman (USA) for an honest and uplifting conversation about the power of authenticity in public speaking.
Rikki, founder of the UK and Ireland Professional Speaking Association and a two-time TEDx speaker, shares their journey of being celebrated for their true self. With decades of experience as a trans feminine non-binary speaker and LGBTQ+ educator, Rikki brings unique insights into the importance of inclusion, storytelling, and self-expression on stage and in life.
The episode weaves together moments of vulnerability, laughter, and powerful lessons learned—offering inspiration for speakers and changemakers who want to show up with courage and confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring speaker or seasoned professional, this is a conversation worth tuning into.
In this compelling article, award-winning speaker and trans awareness educator Rikki Arundel challenges the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of sex under the Equality Act. Drawing on decades of experience shaping equality legislation, Rikki argues that the ruling misrepresents the original intent of the Act, undermines the Gender Recognition Act, and fuels a dangerous climate of fear and discrimination against trans and non-binary people. The article dissects the biased interim guidance from the EHRC and highlights the real-world consequences — from vigilante harassment to social exclusion — now facing gender non-conforming individuals. It ends with a rallying call to organisations to visibly support trans inclusion during Pride Month and beyond. This is essential reading for anyone concerned about human rights, workplace inclusion, or the integrity of equality law in the UK.
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In a powerful and timely piece for Mental Health Awareness Week, award-winning speaker and trans inclusion educator Rikki Arundel calls attention to the devastating impact of recent events on the mental health of trans and non-binary individuals. Highlighting the toxic backlash following the Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act, Rikki paints a deeply personal yet universal picture of how public debates and media hysteria translate into real-world fear, isolation, and stigma. The article calls on allies, friends, and employers to step up—urging them to show support, not just during Pride Month but now, when it is needed most. With statistics on suicide and self-harm among gender non-conforming people already alarmingly high, Rikki offers both a sobering warning and a hopeful call to action: inclusion and allyship are not seasonal values—they are lifelines.Read more...
In this thought-provoking piece, professional speaking coach Rikki Arundel shares a vital lesson for anyone speaking at trade shows: less is more. Drawing on decades of experience, Rikki explains why overloading audiences with information is the fastest way to lose them, especially in noisy, fast-paced trade show environments. Instead, they advocate for clear, outcome-driven talks focused on solving the one big problem your ideal client cares about. It’s a must-read for exhibitors, marketers, and anyone looking to maximise their impact on the trade show floor.
Download Rikki's free Trade Show Speaker’s Survival Guide — packed with practical ideas to help you craft a compelling, high-impact talk that works with the trade show environment, not against it.
This post explores the underestimated value of public speaking at trade shows and industry conferences, emphasising its role as a pivotal skill for success in these environments. Despite a common belief that trade show speaking is unpaid, Rikki Arundel reveals that it provides substantial benefits through client engagements and coaching opportunities. Trade show and conference speakers play a crucial role in keeping audiences engaged, contributing to the overall success of these events by maintaining visitor interest beyond mere exhibitions.
The article explains the unique challenges faced by speakers at trade shows, such as competing with the ambient noise and drawing in attendees from bustling exhibition spaces. Despite these challenges, speaking at such events is highlighted as a valuable way to bolster one's professional profile and expand business networks. It underscores the importance of delivering captivating content to attract and retain audiences, ultimately enhancing the trade show's impact.
For those seeking to enhance their public speaking skills in these settings, Rikki offers a free Trade Show Speaking Survival Guide. This resource is designed to equip speakers with insights and strategies tailored specifically for the distinctive environment of trade shows and conferences. By mastering these skills, professionals can leverage trade show speaking opportunities to accelerate their careers and foster crucial industry connections.
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