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.

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.

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.

50 years ago Rikki attended their first personal development course when they discovered the Social Styles concept. This categorises human behaviour into four personality styles, originally introduced by Hippocrates. Recently, they discussed these insights with Vicky O’Farrell on her "It Starts with You" podcast, delving into the nuances of personality profiling and behavioural perception.