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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In a recent episode of the Speaking Business Podcast, listeners were treated to an in-depth conversation about building a successful career in public speaking. The episode highlighted the journey of an award-winning speaker and founder of the Professional Speakers Association, who shared their path from humble beginnings to receiving a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Key takeaways included the significance of identifying a niche, maintaining resilience amidst career changes, and the art of crafting messages that deeply connect with audiences.
In this insightful and empowering blog post, Rikki Arundel shares their journey of mastering the art of public speaking and provides actionable advice to help others stand out. Drawing from decades of experience, Rikki emphasizes that becoming an outstanding speaker is not about competing with professional giants like Tony Robbins or Oprah Winfrey—it’s about crafting a clear, memorable message that inspires action. They outline three transformative rules: learning self-love to build confidence, avoiding the trap of relying on PowerPoint too early, and delivering a single, impactful message. Rikki delves into the common challenges, especially for women, of overcoming social conditioning and imposter syndrome to find their voice. With practical steps like creating a “Moments of Triumph” book, this post inspires readers to embrace their value, connect with audiences, and deliver speeches that truly make a difference.
In this compelling blog post, Rikki Arundel shares their unique experience as a Product Manager for Crown Life, a company that turned public speaking into a strategic tool for business growth. In the early 1980s, Crown Life set itself apart by encouraging its management team to become not only product experts but also outstanding public speakers. This approach led to an impressive increase in the company’s visibility, with its name and leaders frequently appearing at industry events. The initiative helped Crown Life build a reputation for having the best training, speakers, and events, making the company highly attractive to sales agents and clients alike. Despite being one of the smaller firms, Crown Life’s bold focus on public speaking helped it achieve market dominance, particularly in pension products. Rikki offers key insights into how businesses can replicate this success by investing in the speaking skills of their leadership teams.
