In this insightful and practical blog post, award-winning speaker and coach Rikki Arundel explores one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of public speaking: Platform Mechanics. Drawing on decades of experience, Rikki explains how everything except your speech content—room layout, AV setup, tech crew, microphones, slides, lighting, and even late arrivals—can make or break your presentation.
With a gripping personal story from a disaster-stricken Wembley event, Rikki shares practical tips on how to work with the team, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt when things inevitably go wrong. Whether you’re a seasoned keynote speaker or preparing for your first big talk, this post will help you plan for the unexpected and stay in control. Essential reading for anyone serious about delivering unforgettable presentations.
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In this thoughtful and poetic article, professional speaker and storytelling coach Rikki Arundel explores the often-overlooked power of silence in public speaking — through the elegant lens of haiku poetry. Drawing from both live and virtual speaking experiences, Rikki weaves a series of original haiku that illuminate those quiet, pivotal moments speakers often fear: the pause before beginning, the silence after a powerful point, the awkward stillness when humour misses, or the quiet screen of a muted Zoom call.
The article introduces readers to the traditional structure of haiku while offering deeply relatable insights into the speaker’s emotional landscape. Each poem is paired with a descriptive title that speaks directly to a shared speaker experience. A unique fusion of art and coaching, this piece offers both seasoned speakers and nervous first-timers a gentle reminder: silence isn’t something to fear — it’s a tool to be embraced.
In this powerful blog post, trans and non-binary speaker Rikki Arundel calls attention to the rising tide of harassment facing the trans community in the wake of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex. Drawing from protest meetings across the country, Rikki highlights the confusion, fear, and misinformation being spread—and urges individuals to report every hate incident. Backed by the Equality Act 2010, reporting is a vital way to resist discrimination and hold systems accountable. This article is both a call to awareness and a rallying cry for action during Pride Month and beyond.
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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