Speaking

Unpolished Stories - Be Celebrated with Rikki Arundel

Unpolished Stories - Be Celebrated with Rikki Arundel
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.


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The #1 Mistake Speakers Make at Trade Shows (And How to Avoid It)

The #1 Mistake Speakers Make at Trade Shows (And How to Avoid It)
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.


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Speaking Business Podcast - Building a Career that Speaks Volumes: Lessons from Rikki Arundel

Speaking Business Podcast - Building a Career that Speaks Volumes: Lessons from Rikki Arundel
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.



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From Self-Doubt to Standing Out: The Secrets of Outstanding Speaking

From Self-Doubt to Standing Out: The Secrets of Outstanding Speaking
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.

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Why Public Speaking Is Your Business’s Secret Weapon for Growth

Why Public Speaking Is Your Business’s Secret Weapon for Growth
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.

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Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(hons)

 
Meet Rikki Arundel, an award-winning speaker and esteemed speaking coach with over 40 years of expertise in public speaking training and coaching. Rikki, the founder of the UK Professional Speaking Association, has twice won the Toastmasters District 71 Speech Evaluation Contest and holds a prestigious teaching qualification in public speaking as an Associate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
 
Rikki's approach to coaching is as engaging as it is effective, making them a sought-after mentor for those aiming to captivate and entertain through speech. With a knack for unravelling the complexities of storytelling and audience connection, Rikki guides aspiring and seasoned speakers alike to discover their unique voices and deliver presentations that resonate and inspire.
 
The launch of the Speakers Ecademy marks a new chapter in accessible, comprehensive speaking training from Rikki. This platform promises a wealth of video and written resources, drawing from Rikki's rich reservoir of knowledge and experience. It's designed to elevate your speaking skills, ensuring your messages not only reach but profoundly impact your audience.

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