https://simplecast.com The Presentation Whisperer Show Step inside the world of presentations with professional speaker and bestselling author Rob Jolles as he hosts The Presentation Whisperer. Through candid conversations with top professional speakers, seasoned trainers, and authors finding their voice, Rob uncovers the secrets behind powerful delivery. He’ll share trainer-tested techniques for holding a room’s attention for hours, or even days. And when a presentation isn’t hitting the mark, you’ll discover how to diagnose the problem and transform it into something that truly connects. With a mix of expert interviews, real-time coaching, and Rob’s own four decades of battle-tested experience on stages and in training rooms around the world, The Presentation Whisperer goes beyond the surface to reveal what really makes a presentation resonate. Whether you’re a keynote speaker, a trainer, or simply someone with a message to share, you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate your delivery. Because every presentation matters. 2025 The Presentation Whisperer en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:12 +0000 https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com The Presentation Whisperer Show https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/3cd76f29-709d-48fd-9d7f-68cfc7e911d5/6169c044-b740-45e0-a971-5c07a4c0909e/3000x3000/rob-20jolles-20cover-20r-2.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com episodic Step inside the world of presentations with professional speaker and bestselling author Rob Jolles as he hosts The Presentation Whisperer. Through candid conversations with top professional speakers, seasoned trainers, and authors finding their voice, Rob uncovers the secrets behind powerful delivery. He’ll share trainer-tested techniques for holding a room’s attention for hours, or even days. And when a presentation isn’t hitting the mark, you’ll discover how to diagnose the problem and transform it into something that truly connects. With a mix of expert interviews, real-time coaching, and Rob’s own four decades of battle-tested experience on stages and in training rooms around the world, The Presentation Whisperer goes beyond the surface to reveal what really makes a presentation resonate. Whether you’re a keynote speaker, a trainer, or simply someone with a message to share, you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate your delivery. Because every presentation matters. Rob Jolles false https://feeds.simplecast.com/dID2l2hq professional development, presentations, public speaking, presentation skills, career development, business communication, communication skills Rob Jolles rob@jolles.com fc332da2-c694-4916-8d97-de4cc331e100 The Danger Of Emphasizing Everything In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why telling an audience that everything is important actually weakens your message.
  • How overloading presentations, slides, and even social media with too many “key points” causes audiences to tune out.
  • A simple question that helps you identify the one idea your audience should remember and apply.

The truth is simple: Emphasize everything… emphasize nothing. When you separate the need to know from the nice to know, your message becomes clearer, stronger, and far more memorable.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-danger-of-emphasizing-everything-8gjrM_4k In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why telling an audience that everything is important actually weakens your message.
  • How overloading presentations, slides, and even social media with too many “key points” causes audiences to tune out.
  • A simple question that helps you identify the one idea your audience should remember and apply.

The truth is simple: Emphasize everything… emphasize nothing. When you separate the need to know from the nice to know, your message becomes clearer, stronger, and far more memorable.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Danger Of Emphasizing Everything Rob Jolles 00:04:32 When everything in a presentation is labeled “important,” the audience quickly stops hearing the word. Instead of sharpening the message, constant emphasis can blur it. leaving listeners unsure what actually matters. In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll explore why over-emphasizing every point weakens your message and how identifying the one idea that truly matters can help your audience focus, remember, and act. When everything in a presentation is labeled “important,” the audience quickly stops hearing the word. Instead of sharpening the message, constant emphasis can blur it. leaving listeners unsure what actually matters. In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll explore why over-emphasizing every point weakens your message and how identifying the one idea that truly matters can help your audience focus, remember, and act. the danger of emphasizing everything, rob jolles, robert jolles, emphasize everything - emphasize nothing, whistle shot, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 56 77aef4b7-7e52-4d80-ae17-8d2bc7854945 The Framework Behind Great Keynotes In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

• What Brian means by the “crisis of expertise” and what actually breaks down when highly knowledgeable people step on stage.
• Why many expert speakers assume their knowledge alone will carry the presentation, and why that assumption often backfires.
• What “structure” really means in a keynote and why it matters more than charisma or stage presence.
• Why Brian builds presentations around the eight questions every audience is silently asking.
• What changes in the room when a talk is intentionally designed to answer those questions in the right order.
• How scientists, academics, and executives can embrace presentation structure without feeling scripted or inauthentic.
• The most common structural mistake Brian sees in TEDx talks that almost land, but fall short.
• One simple structural shift that can immediately improve clarity and audience engagement in a keynote.
• The one non-negotiable principle that great presentations consistently follow.
• What experts do differently before stepping on stage when they truly want to move an audience to action.

 

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thespeakerpath

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-framework-behind-great-keynotes-ToAdimha In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

• What Brian means by the “crisis of expertise” and what actually breaks down when highly knowledgeable people step on stage.
• Why many expert speakers assume their knowledge alone will carry the presentation, and why that assumption often backfires.
• What “structure” really means in a keynote and why it matters more than charisma or stage presence.
• Why Brian builds presentations around the eight questions every audience is silently asking.
• What changes in the room when a talk is intentionally designed to answer those questions in the right order.
• How scientists, academics, and executives can embrace presentation structure without feeling scripted or inauthentic.
• The most common structural mistake Brian sees in TEDx talks that almost land, but fall short.
• One simple structural shift that can immediately improve clarity and audience engagement in a keynote.
• The one non-negotiable principle that great presentations consistently follow.
• What experts do differently before stepping on stage when they truly want to move an audience to action.

 

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brianmillerspeaks

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thespeakerpath

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Framework Behind Great Keynotes Rob Jolles 00:52:11 Why do so many smart people lose the room the moment they start talking? The problem often isn’t knowledge; it’s structure. Speechwriter and message design consultant Brian Miller sits down with Rob to unpack why expertise alone rarely carries a presentation and how the right framework can turn complex ideas into talks that actually move people. Drawing on his unusual path from professional magician to viral TEDx speaker and keynote strategist, Brian explains how designing a talk around the audience’s unspoken questions can transform confusion into clarity and connection. Why do so many smart people lose the room the moment they start talking? The problem often isn’t knowledge; it’s structure. Speechwriter and message design consultant Brian Miller sits down with Rob to unpack why expertise alone rarely carries a presentation and how the right framework can turn complex ideas into talks that actually move people. Drawing on his unusual path from professional magician to viral TEDx speaker and keynote strategist, Brian explains how designing a talk around the audience’s unspoken questions can transform confusion into clarity and connection. the framework behind great keynotes, brian miller, how to run seminars and workshops, rob jolles, uppoppr, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 55 4492a5ee-4858-44f4-938b-8ee5089be6f7 Funny on Purpose: Humor as a Presentation Tool In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:


o Where the belief comes from that humor is something you either have—or you don’t.
o What people misunderstand when they say, “I’m just not funny.”
o The practical building blocks used to teach humor to speakers who don’t see themselves as comedic.
o Whether effective humor depends more on technique, awareness, confidence—or a combination of all three.
o How to experiment with humor without risking embarrassment or losing credibility.
o How acting and improv techniques make humor more intentional and less risky for presenters.
o The difference between getting laughs and using humor in service of a message.
o Common mistakes non-comedians make when they try to “add a joke” the wrong way.
o One practical step any speaker can take to begin experimenting with humor right away.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Email: frankie@frankiekemp.com

Website: https://www. frankiekemp.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankiekemp/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankieKemp

Instagram; @thefrankiekemp

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 9 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/funny-on-purpose-humor-as-a-presentation-tool-NUNpgcwj In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:


o Where the belief comes from that humor is something you either have—or you don’t.
o What people misunderstand when they say, “I’m just not funny.”
o The practical building blocks used to teach humor to speakers who don’t see themselves as comedic.
o Whether effective humor depends more on technique, awareness, confidence—or a combination of all three.
o How to experiment with humor without risking embarrassment or losing credibility.
o How acting and improv techniques make humor more intentional and less risky for presenters.
o The difference between getting laughs and using humor in service of a message.
o Common mistakes non-comedians make when they try to “add a joke” the wrong way.
o One practical step any speaker can take to begin experimenting with humor right away.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Email: frankie@frankiekemp.com

Website: https://www. frankiekemp.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankiekemp/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankieKemp

Instagram; @thefrankiekemp

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Funny on Purpose: Humor as a Presentation Tool Rob Jolles 00:39:44 Not everyone is naturally funny, and that belief alone keeps a lot of speakers from even trying. But avoiding humor doesn’t make presentations safer; it often makes them forgettable. Award-winning storyteller, actor, playwright, and communication coach Frankie Kemp sits down with Rob to explore whether humor is really a gift you’re born with, or a skill you can build. Drawing from acting, improv, psychology, and business communication, Frankie breaks down how everyday presenters can use humor intentionally, authentically, and without pretending to be someone they’re not. Not everyone is naturally funny, and that belief alone keeps a lot of speakers from even trying. But avoiding humor doesn’t make presentations safer; it often makes them forgettable. Award-winning storyteller, actor, playwright, and communication coach Frankie Kemp sits down with Rob to explore whether humor is really a gift you’re born with, or a skill you can build. Drawing from acting, improv, psychology, and business communication, Frankie breaks down how everyday presenters can use humor intentionally, authentically, and without pretending to be someone they’re not. rob jolles, funny on purpose: humor as a presentation tool, frankie kemp, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 54 0ce2a2ff-c096-49e3-8345-109d99184699 From Stage To Strategy: Turning A Talk Into A Brand In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:

  • How to define “going viral” and why views alone aren’t always a meaningful measurement of success.
  • What a “cornerstone speaking asset” really is and how it differs from simply producing more content.
  • How to ensure your keynote or TEDx talk authentically reflects who you are rather than who you think the market wants you to be.
  • The warning signs that your signature talk or content may be misaligned with your true value.
  • The first practical step a speaker should take when building a cornerstone asset from scratch.
  • How to repurpose one well-designed talk into multiple marketing assets without diluting the message.
  • A common mistake speakers make when trying to convert stage success into tangible business results.
  • How to measure whether your content is truly working—beyond applause, likes, and shares.
  • The single most important action a speaker can take this week to begin creating a clearer, more aligned cornerstone asset.

To learn more about this guest:

- tylercerny.com

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercerny/

- https://www.instagram.com/tylerdcerny/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 7 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/from-stage-to-strategy-turning-a-talk-into-a-brand-e3HZeHsX In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:

  • How to define “going viral” and why views alone aren’t always a meaningful measurement of success.
  • What a “cornerstone speaking asset” really is and how it differs from simply producing more content.
  • How to ensure your keynote or TEDx talk authentically reflects who you are rather than who you think the market wants you to be.
  • The warning signs that your signature talk or content may be misaligned with your true value.
  • The first practical step a speaker should take when building a cornerstone asset from scratch.
  • How to repurpose one well-designed talk into multiple marketing assets without diluting the message.
  • A common mistake speakers make when trying to convert stage success into tangible business results.
  • How to measure whether your content is truly working—beyond applause, likes, and shares.
  • The single most important action a speaker can take this week to begin creating a clearer, more aligned cornerstone asset.

To learn more about this guest:

- tylercerny.com

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercerny/

- https://www.instagram.com/tylerdcerny/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> From Stage To Strategy: Turning A Talk Into A Brand Rob Jolles 00:39:08 Going viral sounds exciting. But if the message isn’t clear, and it doesn’t truly represent who you are, all that attention fades fast. International Award-Winning Keynote Speaker Tyler Cerny sits down with Rob to break down why clarity beats trends every time. With a TEDx talk ranked among the Top 500 Most Watched of All Time and more than 3 million views, Tyler shares how to build a cornerstone speaking asset that becomes the foundation of your brand, and actually drives business results. Going viral sounds exciting. But if the message isn’t clear, and it doesn’t truly represent who you are, all that attention fades fast. International Award-Winning Keynote Speaker Tyler Cerny sits down with Rob to break down why clarity beats trends every time. With a TEDx talk ranked among the Top 500 Most Watched of All Time and more than 3 million views, Tyler shares how to build a cornerstone speaking asset that becomes the foundation of your brand, and actually drives business results. tyler cerny, from stage to strategy: turning a talk into a brand, robjolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 53 a14bac80-19e1-4db8-aab2-b2b6c7bc2831 The Presenter’s Ultimate Safety Net In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

• Why the true fear of presenting is rooted in what might go wrong
• What a “sniper” really is, and why it shakes presenters so deeply
• The first professional move to make when disruption appears
• How to use the audience itself to reinforce your message
• Why escalation should be rare, but never off the table
• The single conversation you must have with your client or leadership before presenting
• Why guessing company policy is a mistake
• How preparation, not bravado, creates real confidence
• The mindset shift that instantly lowers presentation anxiety
• What it truly means to present with “the confidence of a king”

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 2 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-presenters-ultimate-safety-net-gWSKFxTq In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

• Why the true fear of presenting is rooted in what might go wrong
• What a “sniper” really is, and why it shakes presenters so deeply
• The first professional move to make when disruption appears
• How to use the audience itself to reinforce your message
• Why escalation should be rare, but never off the table
• The single conversation you must have with your client or leadership before presenting
• Why guessing company policy is a mistake
• How preparation, not bravado, creates real confidence
• The mindset shift that instantly lowers presentation anxiety
• What it truly means to present with “the confidence of a king”

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Presenter’s Ultimate Safety Net Rob Jolles 00:06:01 The real fear of public speaking isn’t forgetting your lines; it’s losing control of the room. What rattles presenters most isn’t silence; it’s the possibility of being challenged, interrupted, or openly undermined in front of everyone who matters. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll add the our previous episode about snipers, and walk you through how to prepare for a worst case scenario before it ever happens. Doing so will allow you can step into any room with authority, composure, and the confidence of a king. The real fear of public speaking isn’t forgetting your lines; it’s losing control of the room. What rattles presenters most isn’t silence; it’s the possibility of being challenged, interrupted, or openly undermined in front of everyone who matters. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll add the our previous episode about snipers, and walk you through how to prepare for a worst case scenario before it ever happens. Doing so will allow you can step into any room with authority, composure, and the confidence of a king. whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, whisper shot, the presenter’s ultimate safety net, the presentation whisperer show false full 52 8ce05a33-ddb0-4b06-bf60-8eb311065fb2 What Wrestlers Know About Audience Engagement In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:

  • How Richie adapted his performance style when transitioning from professional wrestling to motivational speaking.
  • What presenters can learn from the way wrestlers open a match and instantly capture attention.
  • Techniques from the wrestling world that help sustain engagement throughout a keynote or presentation.
  • How to think about shock, surprise, and emotional spikes without crossing the line into gimmicks.
  • How to read an audience in real time and adjust delivery based on subtle crowd cues.
  • The parallels between promoting a wrestling storyline and promoting an idea as a presenter.
  • How visiting children’s hospitals in every town shaped Richie’s message, purpose, and emotional connection.
  • A wrestling-inspired mindset shift that helps presenters show up bigger, bolder, and more authentically connected.

 

To learn more about this guest:

www.richierotten.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-rotten-080429351/

X - @_RichieRotten

Instagram - rrotten

Email: Booking@richierotten.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-wrestlers-know-about-audience-engagement-9wYEjt5W In this Presentation Whisperer Show you will learn:

  • How Richie adapted his performance style when transitioning from professional wrestling to motivational speaking.
  • What presenters can learn from the way wrestlers open a match and instantly capture attention.
  • Techniques from the wrestling world that help sustain engagement throughout a keynote or presentation.
  • How to think about shock, surprise, and emotional spikes without crossing the line into gimmicks.
  • How to read an audience in real time and adjust delivery based on subtle crowd cues.
  • The parallels between promoting a wrestling storyline and promoting an idea as a presenter.
  • How visiting children’s hospitals in every town shaped Richie’s message, purpose, and emotional connection.
  • A wrestling-inspired mindset shift that helps presenters show up bigger, bolder, and more authentically connected.

 

To learn more about this guest:

www.richierotten.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-rotten-080429351/

X - @_RichieRotten

Instagram - rrotten

Email: Booking@richierotten.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What Wrestlers Know About Audience Engagement Rob Jolles 00:35:58 There’s a difference between talking at an audience and truly commanding one. In this episode, we explore what it takes not just to grab attention, but to hold it, shape it, and turn it into something electric. Hall of Fame Wrestler, and Motivational Speaker, Richie Rotten sits down with Rob to unpack the performance principles he learned as a professional wrestler and now applies as a high-impact motivational speaker. From reading a room in real time to using emotion, surprise, and purpose to move an audience, Richie shares how lessons from the ring translate directly to the stage. There’s a difference between talking at an audience and truly commanding one. In this episode, we explore what it takes not just to grab attention, but to hold it, shape it, and turn it into something electric. Hall of Fame Wrestler, and Motivational Speaker, Richie Rotten sits down with Rob to unpack the performance principles he learned as a professional wrestler and now applies as a high-impact motivational speaker. From reading a room in real time to using emotion, surprise, and purpose to move an audience, Richie shares how lessons from the ring translate directly to the stage. what wrestlers know about audience engagement, rob jolles, richie rotten, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 51 4e749f6e-3ae1-4fd0-9e6f-5eb74d96049f The Great Designer and Trainer Divide In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• Why curriculum developers and trainers are often kept separate, and the hidden cost of that divide.
• The real-world repercussions of designing content without considering delivery.
• The key delivery questions that should be asked before a single slide or exercise is built.
• Common mistakes curriculum designers make when they’ve never stood in front of a room.
• What trainers frequently underestimate about the discipline and strategy behind strong instructional design.
• How early trainers should be involved in the development process to ensure engagement, realism, and flow.
• One immediate adjustment speakers and trainers can make to better align delivery with curriculum intent.
• A practical first step organizations can take to better connect curriculum design with presentation success.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-great-designer-and-trainer-divide-Pfs_lTt_ In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• Why curriculum developers and trainers are often kept separate, and the hidden cost of that divide.
• The real-world repercussions of designing content without considering delivery.
• The key delivery questions that should be asked before a single slide or exercise is built.
• Common mistakes curriculum designers make when they’ve never stood in front of a room.
• What trainers frequently underestimate about the discipline and strategy behind strong instructional design.
• How early trainers should be involved in the development process to ensure engagement, realism, and flow.
• One immediate adjustment speakers and trainers can make to better align delivery with curriculum intent.
• A practical first step organizations can take to better connect curriculum design with presentation success.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Great Designer and Trainer Divide Rob Jolles 00:26:07 Great workshops don’t fail because the content is bad; they fail because the content and delivery were never designed to work together. When curriculum development and presentation skills live in separate silos, even strong material can fall flat in the room. Training Specialist Amanda Traeger sits down with Rob to explore what happens when one person understands both sides of the equation; designing the learning and delivering it live. Drawing from her background in instructional design and large-scale staff development, Amanda shares what breaks down when designers and trainers don’t collaborate, and what organizations can do to finally close the gap. Great workshops don’t fail because the content is bad; they fail because the content and delivery were never designed to work together. When curriculum development and presentation skills live in separate silos, even strong material can fall flat in the room. Training Specialist Amanda Traeger sits down with Rob to explore what happens when one person understands both sides of the equation; designing the learning and delivering it live. Drawing from her background in instructional design and large-scale staff development, Amanda shares what breaks down when designers and trainers don’t collaborate, and what organizations can do to finally close the gap. rob jolles, the great designer and trainer divide, robert jolles, amanda traeger, the presentation whisperer show false full 50 f4ed5d0e-d0a4-4ef9-993f-cbc8af447f41 If You're Not Measuring It; You're Missing It! In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • The fundamental gap between simply informing an audience and truly presenting with intent to influence.
  • The critical mindset shift required before crafting any measurable outcome.
  • Why presentation success must be measured, not just felt, and what that really means.
  • The data and indicators presenters should gather before, during, and after a talk.
  • The five defining differences between an ordinary presentation and a Resultation™.
  • Where presenters most often sabotage themselves; clarity, structure, or delivery.
  • How to replace “hope for the best” with measurable confidence in the room.
  • One simple success metric you can implement immediately for your very next presentation.
  • How teams can define results beyond applause or “I think it went well.”
  • How to focus on results without sacrificing authenticity or flexibility.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Website: bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com

Book a Complimentary Call: https://bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com/book-call/

Email: hello@bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-brilliant-presentation-group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bebrilliantpresentationgroup

Instagram: @bebrilliant_presentationgroup

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/if-youre-not-measuring-it-youre-missing-it-zd025Gax In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • The fundamental gap between simply informing an audience and truly presenting with intent to influence.
  • The critical mindset shift required before crafting any measurable outcome.
  • Why presentation success must be measured, not just felt, and what that really means.
  • The data and indicators presenters should gather before, during, and after a talk.
  • The five defining differences between an ordinary presentation and a Resultation™.
  • Where presenters most often sabotage themselves; clarity, structure, or delivery.
  • How to replace “hope for the best” with measurable confidence in the room.
  • One simple success metric you can implement immediately for your very next presentation.
  • How teams can define results beyond applause or “I think it went well.”
  • How to focus on results without sacrificing authenticity or flexibility.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Website: bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com

Book a Complimentary Call: https://bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com/book-call/

Email: hello@bebrilliantpresentationgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-brilliant-presentation-group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bebrilliantpresentationgroup

Instagram: @bebrilliant_presentationgroup

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> If You're Not Measuring It; You're Missing It! Rob Jolles 00:37:29 Many who speak believe they’re delivering a presentation, when in reality, they’re only delivering information. The difference isn’t volume or polish; it’s whether the message was built to produce a measurable result. Author Patti Schutte sits down with Rob to challenge the way we define presentation success and to unpack her Resultations Method™. Drawing from years of coaching leaders and shaping high-stakes events, Patti shares the structural and mindset shifts that separate ordinary talks from presentations designed to persuade, influence, and drive outcomes. Many who speak believe they’re delivering a presentation, when in reality, they’re only delivering information. The difference isn’t volume or polish; it’s whether the message was built to produce a measurable result. Author Patti Schutte sits down with Rob to challenge the way we define presentation success and to unpack her Resultations Method™. Drawing from years of coaching leaders and shaping high-stakes events, Patti shares the structural and mindset shifts that separate ordinary talks from presentations designed to persuade, influence, and drive outcomes. patti schutte, rob jolles, if you're not measuring it; you're missing it!, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 49 963a195e-5760-46ca-b83f-d6c5348760b2 How To Handle A Sniper In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

• Why responding emotionally to a hostile comment can cost you the audience
• The professional rule of thumb when inappropriate comments first surface
• How to use the “relay” technique to let the audience respond for you
• Why the audience is often more on your side than you think
• When it’s time to escalate, and how to do it without damaging your authority
• The importance of proactive preparation before you ever step in the room
• How to maintain dignity while still managing disruption
• Why public speaking isn’t stand-up comedy, and shouldn’t be treated that way
• The mindset shift that reduces anxiety about being “sniped”
• How to protect your credibility while keeping your presentation on track

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-handle-a-sniper-ux9JBlda In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

• Why responding emotionally to a hostile comment can cost you the audience
• The professional rule of thumb when inappropriate comments first surface
• How to use the “relay” technique to let the audience respond for you
• Why the audience is often more on your side than you think
• When it’s time to escalate, and how to do it without damaging your authority
• The importance of proactive preparation before you ever step in the room
• How to maintain dignity while still managing disruption
• Why public speaking isn’t stand-up comedy, and shouldn’t be treated that way
• The mindset shift that reduces anxiety about being “sniped”
• How to protect your credibility while keeping your presentation on track

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> How To Handle A Sniper Rob Jolles 00:09:28 One hostile comment can rattle an entire room, and suddenly the presentation you prepared so carefully feels like it’s slipping through your fingers. The fear isn’t forgetting your material; it’s being publicly challenged and not knowing what to do next. In this quick, nine-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through how to handle a disruptive “sniper” without losing your composure, your credibility, or the room, and what to do if the problem refuses to go away. One hostile comment can rattle an entire room, and suddenly the presentation you prepared so carefully feels like it’s slipping through your fingers. The fear isn’t forgetting your material; it’s being publicly challenged and not knowing what to do next. In this quick, nine-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through how to handle a disruptive “sniper” without losing your composure, your credibility, or the room, and what to do if the problem refuses to go away. handling aggressive behavior, how to handle a sniper, snipers, whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 48 90dd0922-5a4b-4542-a151-82c482d9ae3b Presenting Across Cultures In this episode, you'll learn:

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o The first thing speakers tend to underestimate when presenting outside their home country.

o How speaking internationally differs from addressing a diverse audience in your own country.

o The conscious adjustments Alan makes before stepping onto a stage abroad.

o How presenting in multiple languages changes preparation—not just delivery.

o What can happen when a story, analogy, or joke that works at home misses the mark overseas.

o The biggest surprise Alan encountered during his first international presentation.

o How to think carefully about cultural references, idioms, and slang when preparing for global audiences.

o Why respect for local customs accelerates credibility and audience trust.

o A common mistake that can quietly damage a speaker’s international reputation.

o The single most important mindset shift to make before delivering your first presentation abroad.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/presenting-across-cultures-oWEqW_yQ In this episode, you'll learn:

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o The first thing speakers tend to underestimate when presenting outside their home country.

o How speaking internationally differs from addressing a diverse audience in your own country.

o The conscious adjustments Alan makes before stepping onto a stage abroad.

o How presenting in multiple languages changes preparation—not just delivery.

o What can happen when a story, analogy, or joke that works at home misses the mark overseas.

o The biggest surprise Alan encountered during his first international presentation.

o How to think carefully about cultural references, idioms, and slang when preparing for global audiences.

o Why respect for local customs accelerates credibility and audience trust.

o A common mistake that can quietly damage a speaker’s international reputation.

o The single most important mindset shift to make before delivering your first presentation abroad.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Presenting Across Cultures Rob Jolles 00:42:31 A presentation that earns applause at home can fall completely flat the moment you cross a border. The problem usually isn’t the slides; it’s the assumptions you didn’t know you were making. Author and Global Speaking Fellow, Alan Berg sits down with Rob to explore what speakers must understand when presenting internationally. Drawing from experience on stages in 14 countries and in multiple languages, Alan shares how culture, language, humor, and respect shape connection, and how small adjustments can protect your credibility and elevate your impact abroad. A presentation that earns applause at home can fall completely flat the moment you cross a border. The problem usually isn’t the slides; it’s the assumptions you didn’t know you were making. Author and Global Speaking Fellow, Alan Berg sits down with Rob to explore what speakers must understand when presenting internationally. Drawing from experience on stages in 14 countries and in multiple languages, Alan shares how culture, language, humor, and respect shape connection, and how small adjustments can protect your credibility and elevate your impact abroad. alan berg, rob jolles, presenting across cultures, robert jolles, 2. presenting across cultures, the presentation whisperer show false full 47 481e7c85-438b-478b-b02b-19ea50d2992f Coaching Session: Managing The Presentation Wobble In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
o Just how common confidence struggles are for presenters, even among experienced speakers.
o How to recognize your personal relationship with confidence—and why it often feels inconsistent or unpredictable.
o What the “confidence wobble” looks and feels like when it shows up in real time.
o The early mental and physical signs that self-doubt is creeping in.
o Which common confidence-boosting strategies actually help—and which tend to backfire.
o How to navigate moments in a presentation when confidence suddenly dips.
o Practical ways to steady yourself without stopping, apologizing, or retreating.
o What happens emotionally after a presentation and how to manage post-talk self-critique.
o Where confidence tends to grow most over time for presenters who stay in the game.
o The single confidence shift that can make the biggest difference in your very next presentation.

 

To learn more about this guest:

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewinklegiulioni/

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JulieWinkleGiulioni.Author/

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPG2YOq_4GTPUUrM1n4Q1w

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/coaching-session-managing-the-presentation-wobble-rMewZxme In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
o Just how common confidence struggles are for presenters, even among experienced speakers.
o How to recognize your personal relationship with confidence—and why it often feels inconsistent or unpredictable.
o What the “confidence wobble” looks and feels like when it shows up in real time.
o The early mental and physical signs that self-doubt is creeping in.
o Which common confidence-boosting strategies actually help—and which tend to backfire.
o How to navigate moments in a presentation when confidence suddenly dips.
o Practical ways to steady yourself without stopping, apologizing, or retreating.
o What happens emotionally after a presentation and how to manage post-talk self-critique.
o Where confidence tends to grow most over time for presenters who stay in the game.
o The single confidence shift that can make the biggest difference in your very next presentation.

 

To learn more about this guest:

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewinklegiulioni/

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JulieWinkleGiulioni.Author/

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPG2YOq_4GTPUUrM1n4Q1w

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Coaching Session: Managing The Presentation Wobble Rob Jolles 00:45:37 Confidence can be deceptive and most presenters assume everyone else has it figured out, while quietly wrestling with their own self-doubt. Even seasoned performers experience the wobble; they’ve just learned how to work through it. Author and leadership expert Julie Winkle Giulioni sits down with Rob for a rare live coaching and instruction session that pulls imposter syndrome out of the shadows. Together, they explore what confidence really looks like in practice, how self-doubt shows up, and the small but powerful shifts presenters can make to steady themselves and step forward with more assurance. Confidence can be deceptive and most presenters assume everyone else has it figured out, while quietly wrestling with their own self-doubt. Even seasoned performers experience the wobble; they’ve just learned how to work through it. Author and leadership expert Julie Winkle Giulioni sits down with Rob for a rare live coaching and instruction session that pulls imposter syndrome out of the shadows. Together, they explore what confidence really looks like in practice, how self-doubt shows up, and the small but powerful shifts presenters can make to steady themselves and step forward with more assurance. live coaching: managing the presentation wobble, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, julie windle giuiloni false full 46 38792dfc-d8eb-472d-8322-0503f5e61aed Quiet Confidence: Presenting As An Introvert In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why presenting triggers anxiety for so many introverts and the misconceptions that fuel that fear.
  • Where to start when an introvert is preparing for an important presentation.
  • How introverts can reframe presenting so it feels authentic instead of exhausting.
  • Practical ways introverts can manage their energy before, during, and after a presentation.
  • The natural presentation strengths introverts often overlook or undervalue.
  • How introverts can handle unexpected questions or interruptions with confidence.
  • The role preparation plays for introverts—and how to avoid over-preparing to the point of rigidity.
  • How introverts can use storytelling without feeling like they’re performing.
  • Strategies for rebuilding confidence after a presentation that didn’t go as planned.
  • One piece of advice introverts can use to walk into their next presentation calm, grounded, and confident.

To learn more about this guest:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/speakupwithtonya

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/speakupwithtonya/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpWithTonya

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-lehman-972b9567/

Speaker website:  https://www.joylab.biz/tonyatalks

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/quiet-confidence-presenting-as-an-introvert-qA_h1WEV In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why presenting triggers anxiety for so many introverts and the misconceptions that fuel that fear.
  • Where to start when an introvert is preparing for an important presentation.
  • How introverts can reframe presenting so it feels authentic instead of exhausting.
  • Practical ways introverts can manage their energy before, during, and after a presentation.
  • The natural presentation strengths introverts often overlook or undervalue.
  • How introverts can handle unexpected questions or interruptions with confidence.
  • The role preparation plays for introverts—and how to avoid over-preparing to the point of rigidity.
  • How introverts can use storytelling without feeling like they’re performing.
  • Strategies for rebuilding confidence after a presentation that didn’t go as planned.
  • One piece of advice introverts can use to walk into their next presentation calm, grounded, and confident.

To learn more about this guest:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/speakupwithtonya

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/speakupwithtonya/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpWithTonya

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-lehman-972b9567/

Speaker website:  https://www.joylab.biz/tonyatalks

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Quiet Confidence: Presenting As An Introvert Rob Jolles 00:34:12 For some people, stepping in front of an audience feels less like an opportunity and more like a spotlight they never asked for. Even when the words are ready, the energy it takes to deliver them can feel overwhelming… especially for introverts. Educator and speaker Tonya Lehman sits down with Rob to explore how introverts can navigate high-pressure presentations without pretending to be someone they’re not. Tonya shares practical ways introverts can manage their energy, quiet the inner critic, and turn thoughtful preparation into a real communication advantage. For some people, stepping in front of an audience feels less like an opportunity and more like a spotlight they never asked for. Even when the words are ready, the energy it takes to deliver them can feel overwhelming… especially for introverts. Educator and speaker Tonya Lehman sits down with Rob to explore how introverts can navigate high-pressure presentations without pretending to be someone they’re not. Tonya shares practical ways introverts can manage their energy, quiet the inner critic, and turn thoughtful preparation into a real communication advantage. introverts speaking, quiet confidence: presenting as an introvert, tonya lehman, rob jolles, introverts giving presentations, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 45 5ec7a05a-77c7-4010-a3d8-a0e45015c2e3 What Happen When You're Not Chosen... And Should Have Been! In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why criticizing a competitor after losing a presentation almost always backfires
  • The surprising power of a single follow-up phone call after a “no”
  • How to ask for feedback without sounding defensive or salesy
  • Three specific benefits this call gives you—professionally and personally
  • Why rejection hurts more than we admit, and how to handle it without letting it define you

This episode is about restraint, courage, and playing the long game as a presenter, especially when you don’t get the win.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 5 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-happen-when-youre-not-chosen-and-should-have-been-hCz_HWBg In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why criticizing a competitor after losing a presentation almost always backfires
  • The surprising power of a single follow-up phone call after a “no”
  • How to ask for feedback without sounding defensive or salesy
  • Three specific benefits this call gives you—professionally and personally
  • Why rejection hurts more than we admit, and how to handle it without letting it define you

This episode is about restraint, courage, and playing the long game as a presenter, especially when you don’t get the win.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What Happen When You're Not Chosen... And Should Have Been! Rob Jolles 00:07:57 Rejection is part of the speaking business, but what you do after you hear “no” says more about you than you may think. Especially when the prospect chooses someone you know isn’t qualified, the temptation to warn them, or chase them, can be overwhelming. In this quick, seven-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through a smarter, more professional response to rejection; one that builds credibility, protects your reputation, and quietly sets you up for future success. That is, if you’re willing to handle the moment with restraint and courage. Rejection is part of the speaking business, but what you do after you hear “no” says more about you than you may think. Especially when the prospect chooses someone you know isn’t qualified, the temptation to warn them, or chase them, can be overwhelming. In this quick, seven-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through a smarter, more professional response to rejection; one that builds credibility, protects your reputation, and quietly sets you up for future success. That is, if you’re willing to handle the moment with restraint and courage. what happen when you're not chosen... and should have been!, rob jolles, robert jolles, whisper shot, the presentation whisperer show, rejection false full 44 63df2dc5-0ae1-429f-b6d9-7f64933fd488 Inspire Action: The Engagement Effect In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• What truly makes people lean in and want to learn from a presenter or teacher.
• Where speakers often misunderstand engagement before they even step on stage.
• How designing a presentation through a teacher’s lens changes the audience experience.
• Why shared experiences create stronger connection than one-way communication.
• Practical ways to create shared moments, even in large rooms or virtual environments.
• Why phones in the audience don’t have to signal disengagement.
• How presenters should rethink attention in a screen-filled world.
• One simple way to invite participation without losing control of the room.
• How engagement directly affects whether learning sticks long after the event.
• The first shift speakers should make if they want action, not just applause.

To learn more about this guest:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sickscience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevespangler/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stevespangler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevespangler

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/in/stevespangler

X  https://x.com/stevespangler

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 3 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/inspire-action-the-engagement-effect-P2aZaqLd In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• What truly makes people lean in and want to learn from a presenter or teacher.
• Where speakers often misunderstand engagement before they even step on stage.
• How designing a presentation through a teacher’s lens changes the audience experience.
• Why shared experiences create stronger connection than one-way communication.
• Practical ways to create shared moments, even in large rooms or virtual environments.
• Why phones in the audience don’t have to signal disengagement.
• How presenters should rethink attention in a screen-filled world.
• One simple way to invite participation without losing control of the room.
• How engagement directly affects whether learning sticks long after the event.
• The first shift speakers should make if they want action, not just applause.

To learn more about this guest:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sickscience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevespangler/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@stevespangler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevespangler

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/in/stevespangler

X  https://x.com/stevespangler

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Inspire Action: The Engagement Effect Rob Jolles 00:41:29 Have you ever noticed how some presentations spark curiosity, energy, and action, while others quietly disappear the moment they end? Engagement isn’t about performing harder or adding more slides; it’s about creating an experience people feel part of. Best-selling author and Emmy winner Steve Spangler sits down with Rob to unpack what actually makes audiences lean in and learn. Drawing from his background as a teacher and the mind behind YouTube’s first viral science video, Steve explains how shared experiences, participation, and rethinking attention can turn presentations into moments that truly stick. Have you ever noticed how some presentations spark curiosity, energy, and action, while others quietly disappear the moment they end? Engagement isn’t about performing harder or adding more slides; it’s about creating an experience people feel part of. Best-selling author and Emmy winner Steve Spangler sits down with Rob to unpack what actually makes audiences lean in and learn. Drawing from his background as a teacher and the mind behind YouTube’s first viral science video, Steve explains how shared experiences, participation, and rethinking attention can turn presentations into moments that truly stick. inspire action: the engagement effect, rob jolles, robert jolles, the engagement effect, steve spangler, the presentation whisperer show false full 43 e539c222-9fd1-42f9-88fe-ed2576359bd6 Stripping Storytelling Down To What Works In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why storytelling became overly complicated, and how that hurts presenters.
  • The most common places speakers lose their audience when telling stories.
  • The biggest myth speakers believe about what makes a story effective.
  • Why simplifying a story often increases emotional impact instead of weakening it.
  • The one essential element every story must have, regardless of audience or industry.
  • Simple ways to improve a story you’re already using without rewriting it.
  • How to tell stories without feeling like you’re performing or “acting.”
  • Where business speakers tend to overthink storytelling and how to stop.
  • The key question speakers should ask before telling any story on stage.
  • The single idea Rob hopes every listener remembers about storytelling.

To learn more about this guest…

rob@RobBiesenbach.com

LinkedIN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesenbach/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/RobBiesenbach

Book: Unleash the Power of Storytelling:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XW94M5

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/stripping-storytelling-down-to-what-works-liz267Xv In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why storytelling became overly complicated, and how that hurts presenters.
  • The most common places speakers lose their audience when telling stories.
  • The biggest myth speakers believe about what makes a story effective.
  • Why simplifying a story often increases emotional impact instead of weakening it.
  • The one essential element every story must have, regardless of audience or industry.
  • Simple ways to improve a story you’re already using without rewriting it.
  • How to tell stories without feeling like you’re performing or “acting.”
  • Where business speakers tend to overthink storytelling and how to stop.
  • The key question speakers should ask before telling any story on stage.
  • The single idea Rob hopes every listener remembers about storytelling.

To learn more about this guest…

rob@RobBiesenbach.com

LinkedIN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesenbach/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/RobBiesenbach

Book: Unleash the Power of Storytelling:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XW94M5

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Stripping Storytelling Down To What Works Rob Jolles 00:36:48 Storytelling has become crowded with formulas, frameworks, and rules that often leave speakers more confused than confident. Somewhere along the way, something meant to connect people started to feel complicated. Author Rob Biesenbach sits down with Rob to explore why simplifying storytelling actually makes it more powerful. Drawing from his experience as a speaker, writer, and performer, Rob shares a practical, stripped-down approach to storytelling that helps presenters connect naturally, stay authentic, and be remembered. Storytelling has become crowded with formulas, frameworks, and rules that often leave speakers more confused than confident. Somewhere along the way, something meant to connect people started to feel complicated. Author Rob Biesenbach sits down with Rob to explore why simplifying storytelling actually makes it more powerful. Drawing from his experience as a speaker, writer, and performer, Rob shares a practical, stripped-down approach to storytelling that helps presenters connect naturally, stay authentic, and be remembered. rob biesenbach, rob jolles, stripping storytelling down to what works, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 42 bf3aee54-04ad-47a2-883f-07f6b6c4e8df The Details Meeting Planners Notice… but Speakers Miss In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o What “invisible work” really means, and the most common things speakers overlook before stepping on stage
o How offstage preparation directly affects trust, connection, and credibility in the room
o The subtle speaker behaviors event organizers immediately notice, both positive and negative
o The delivery choices that separate speakers who feel present from those who feel transactional
o How small, almost unseen decisions can dramatically change how a presentation lands
o Practical ways to connect more deeply with an audience in the moment
o Simple post-presentation actions that help a message stick with both audiences and organizations
o How caring about the full experience, not just the speech, shapes a speaker’s reputation over time
o The single invisible habit speakers can adopt immediately to improve their next talk

To learn more about this guest:

Website: michellebgriffin.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin
Podcasts: Own Your Lane and The LinkedIn Branding Show
Email: hello@michellebgriffin.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-details-meeting-planners-notice-but-speakers-miss-V6LMRgdZ In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o What “invisible work” really means, and the most common things speakers overlook before stepping on stage
o How offstage preparation directly affects trust, connection, and credibility in the room
o The subtle speaker behaviors event organizers immediately notice, both positive and negative
o The delivery choices that separate speakers who feel present from those who feel transactional
o How small, almost unseen decisions can dramatically change how a presentation lands
o Practical ways to connect more deeply with an audience in the moment
o Simple post-presentation actions that help a message stick with both audiences and organizations
o How caring about the full experience, not just the speech, shapes a speaker’s reputation over time
o The single invisible habit speakers can adopt immediately to improve their next talk

To learn more about this guest:

Website: michellebgriffin.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin
Podcasts: Own Your Lane and The LinkedIn Branding Show
Email: hello@michellebgriffin.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Details Meeting Planners Notice… but Speakers Miss Rob Jolles 00:40:01 Great presentations aren’t remembered just for what happens on stage. What audiences and organizers notice most is often the invisible work surrounding the talk; the choices made before, during, and after the moment of delivery. Author and personal branding expert Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can elevate their impact by caring about the full presentation experience, not just the performance itself. Drawing on her rare perspective as both a former meeting planner and a seasoned podcaster, Michelle shares what truly builds trust, connection, and long-term credibility. Great presentations aren’t remembered just for what happens on stage. What audiences and organizers notice most is often the invisible work surrounding the talk; the choices made before, during, and after the moment of delivery. Author and personal branding expert Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can elevate their impact by caring about the full presentation experience, not just the performance itself. Drawing on her rare perspective as both a former meeting planner and a seasoned podcaster, Michelle shares what truly builds trust, connection, and long-term credibility. rob jolles, michelle b. griffin, robert jolles, the details meeting planners notice… but speakers miss, the presentation whisperer show false full 41 711c5d5c-326e-4d37-b953-cc7f58ad1709 What Forgotten Cufflinks Reminded Me About Problem Solving In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why many people waste time solving problems that don’t actually exist
  • How expanding your thinking helps uncover better, more creative solutions
  • When to contract your thinking and evaluate options realistically
  • Why improvisation and adaptability are essential presentation skills
  • How a simple framework can keep small problems from becoming big distractions

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:05:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-forgotten-cufflinks-reminded-me-about-problem-solving-deci4gbh In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why many people waste time solving problems that don’t actually exist
  • How expanding your thinking helps uncover better, more creative solutions
  • When to contract your thinking and evaluate options realistically
  • Why improvisation and adaptability are essential presentation skills
  • How a simple framework can keep small problems from becoming big distractions

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What Forgotten Cufflinks Reminded Me About Problem Solving Rob Jolles 00:06:01 A forgotten pair of cufflinks turned into a surprisingly powerful reminder about how we solve problems, especially under pressure. When something small goes wrong, it’s easy to rush to a solution without ever stopping to think clearly. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I break down a simple five-step problem-solving framework every presenter can use when things don’t go as planned. From expanding your thinking to choosing the right solution, this episode shows how better decisions lead to stronger presence and confidence on stage. A forgotten pair of cufflinks turned into a surprisingly powerful reminder about how we solve problems, especially under pressure. When something small goes wrong, it’s easy to rush to a solution without ever stopping to think clearly. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I break down a simple five-step problem-solving framework every presenter can use when things don’t go as planned. From expanding your thinking to choosing the right solution, this episode shows how better decisions lead to stronger presence and confidence on stage. michell griffin, rob jolles, michelle b. griffin, robert jolles, what forgotten cufflinks reminded me about problem solving, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 40 4b80dffa-8898-49f6-b948-ff8b2cecaaf8 How to Engage Today’s Audiences In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How engagement has evolved over the past decade, and why today’s audiences respond differently than they used to.
  • What makes the difference between an activity that energizes a room and one that shuts it down instantly.
  • Why viewing an audience as a community, not a crowd, fundamentally changes how presenters show up on stage.
  • Where speakers unintentionally turn audiences off while believing they’re creating engagement.
  • How to anchor the “why” behind engagement before choosing games, tools, or interaction methods.
  • Simple ways presenters can learn to read energy in real time and adjust without panic.
  • One engagement tool that works across audiences when executed with intention.
  • A practical storytelling tip that helps speakers win attention in the first 20 seconds.
  • How to handle resistant or disengaged audience members without losing the room.
  • Techniques for confidently navigating silence and low-energy moments during a presentation.

To learn more about this guest:

Instagram @RobFerre - www.instagram.com/robferre

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robferre

Email: rob@robferre.com

Website: www.robferre.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-engage-todays-audiences-bFnrJE5_ In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How engagement has evolved over the past decade, and why today’s audiences respond differently than they used to.
  • What makes the difference between an activity that energizes a room and one that shuts it down instantly.
  • Why viewing an audience as a community, not a crowd, fundamentally changes how presenters show up on stage.
  • Where speakers unintentionally turn audiences off while believing they’re creating engagement.
  • How to anchor the “why” behind engagement before choosing games, tools, or interaction methods.
  • Simple ways presenters can learn to read energy in real time and adjust without panic.
  • One engagement tool that works across audiences when executed with intention.
  • A practical storytelling tip that helps speakers win attention in the first 20 seconds.
  • How to handle resistant or disengaged audience members without losing the room.
  • Techniques for confidently navigating silence and low-energy moments during a presentation.

To learn more about this guest:

Instagram @RobFerre - www.instagram.com/robferre

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robferre

Email: rob@robferre.com

Website: www.robferre.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> How to Engage Today’s Audiences Rob Jolles 00:41:05 Audiences today get bored fast; not because they don’t care, but because they feel like they’ve heard it all. With distractions everywhere, engagement has become the real currency of effective presenting. Certified Speaking Professional Rob Ferre sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can turn passive audiences into active participants by understanding event flow, reading the room, and designing engagement with purpose. Drawing on his background as an emcee, entertainer, and performer, Rob shares practical tools to create connection without relying on gimmicks or forced interaction. Audiences today get bored fast; not because they don’t care, but because they feel like they’ve heard it all. With distractions everywhere, engagement has become the real currency of effective presenting. Certified Speaking Professional Rob Ferre sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can turn passive audiences into active participants by understanding event flow, reading the room, and designing engagement with purpose. Drawing on his background as an emcee, entertainer, and performer, Rob shares practical tools to create connection without relying on gimmicks or forced interaction. how to engage today’s audiences, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, rob ferre false full 39 42c29279-bf9e-419e-910a-ab5893f3e92a Getting Creative With The Trainers Warehouse! In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o What inspired the creation of Trainer’s Warehouse and the gap it was designed to fill for trainers and speakers.
o How an early fascination with brain science shaped a career focused on learning, memory, and engagement.
o Why presenters consistently underestimate the power of play—and how play accelerates learning.
o How studying performance in unexpected places helped refine ideas around creativity and audience connection.
o Practical ways to balance fun and professionalism without sacrificing credibility.
o One simple tool, prop, or game that can immediately improve audience engagement.
o Creative tools and techniques that translate especially well to virtual training environments.
o The first small step hesitant presenters can take to bring more creativity into their presentations.

To learn more about this guest:

www.trainerswarehouse.com

susan@trainerswarehouse.com 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/getting-creative-with-the-trainers-warehouse-5Pt2BXHf In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o What inspired the creation of Trainer’s Warehouse and the gap it was designed to fill for trainers and speakers.
o How an early fascination with brain science shaped a career focused on learning, memory, and engagement.
o Why presenters consistently underestimate the power of play—and how play accelerates learning.
o How studying performance in unexpected places helped refine ideas around creativity and audience connection.
o Practical ways to balance fun and professionalism without sacrificing credibility.
o One simple tool, prop, or game that can immediately improve audience engagement.
o Creative tools and techniques that translate especially well to virtual training environments.
o The first small step hesitant presenters can take to bring more creativity into their presentations.

To learn more about this guest:

www.trainerswarehouse.com

susan@trainerswarehouse.com 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Getting Creative With The Trainers Warehouse! Rob Jolles 00:36:10 Great presentations don’t fail because speakers lack expertise; they fail because audiences stop paying attention. The real challenge isn’t what you know, it’s how you help people experience it. On today’s show, the owner and President of Trainers Warehouse, Sue Landay, sits down with Rob to explore how brain science, play, and purposeful tools can dramatically increase engagement and retention. Together, they unpack why creativity isn’t a distraction from professionalism, but one of its most powerful allies. Great presentations don’t fail because speakers lack expertise; they fail because audiences stop paying attention. The real challenge isn’t what you know, it’s how you help people experience it. On today’s show, the owner and President of Trainers Warehouse, Sue Landay, sits down with Rob to explore how brain science, play, and purposeful tools can dramatically increase engagement and retention. Together, they unpack why creativity isn’t a distraction from professionalism, but one of its most powerful allies. trainers warehouse, rob jolles, robert jolles, getting creative with the trainers warehouse!, the presentation whisperer show false full 38 eebd14a0-930a-479e-9a6e-85df6c085611 From the Golden Age to AI: A Trainer's Journey In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o How the professional seminar industry has evolved since the “golden age” of public training companies.
o What sparked the creation of SkillPath and the entrepreneurial frustration that led to its founding.
o The early breakthroughs and obstacles involved in building a national training organization from the ground up.
o Why SkillPath began exploring AI-powered tools and the specific problems they were designed to solve.
o Where AI adds the most value in professional development—and where human trainers must still lead.
o How presenters can leverage AI without losing authenticity or their personal voice.
o Denise’s core philosophy for delivering live training that truly connects and succeeds.
o Subtle presentation habits that separate strong presenters from unforgettable ones.
o How to effectively shift delivery and presence from the stage to virtual platforms like Zoom.
o One best-practice tip every trainer and keynote speaker can use to elevate their impact—live or virtual.

To learn more about this guest.

https://denisemdudley.com 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/from-the-golden-age-to-ai-a-trainers-journey-zdCxe6Z5 In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o How the professional seminar industry has evolved since the “golden age” of public training companies.
o What sparked the creation of SkillPath and the entrepreneurial frustration that led to its founding.
o The early breakthroughs and obstacles involved in building a national training organization from the ground up.
o Why SkillPath began exploring AI-powered tools and the specific problems they were designed to solve.
o Where AI adds the most value in professional development—and where human trainers must still lead.
o How presenters can leverage AI without losing authenticity or their personal voice.
o Denise’s core philosophy for delivering live training that truly connects and succeeds.
o Subtle presentation habits that separate strong presenters from unforgettable ones.
o How to effectively shift delivery and presence from the stage to virtual platforms like Zoom.
o One best-practice tip every trainer and keynote speaker can use to elevate their impact—live or virtual.

To learn more about this guest.

https://denisemdudley.com 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> From the Golden Age to AI: A Trainer's Journey Rob Jolles 00:41:22 Building a training empire doesn’t happen by accident, and it certainly doesn’t happen without adapting to change. From the golden age of public seminars to today’s AI-powered landscape, the rules of professional development have shifted dramatically. Founder of SkillPath, and author Denise Dudley, sits down with Rob to share the origin story behind one of the most successful training organizations in the country. Together, they explore the story behind SkillPath, how AI is reshaping custom training, and why great presentation skills still depend on very human fundamentals. Building a training empire doesn’t happen by accident, and it certainly doesn’t happen without adapting to change. From the golden age of public seminars to today’s AI-powered landscape, the rules of professional development have shifted dramatically. Founder of SkillPath, and author Denise Dudley, sits down with Rob to share the origin story behind one of the most successful training organizations in the country. Together, they explore the story behind SkillPath, how AI is reshaping custom training, and why great presentation skills still depend on very human fundamentals. skillsoft, denise dudley, rob jolles, robert jolles, from the golden age to ai: a trainer's journey, the presentation whisperer show false full 37 1bbb6098-8206-46f6-a7d6-6fafabbf0a73 Knowing When to Say No to a Client In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why presenters and trainers are often tempted to say yes when they shouldn’t
  • How “almost qualified” can quietly damage your credibility
  • Why long-term trust and reputation outweigh short-term business gains

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 5 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/knowing-when-to-say-no-to-a-client-FC8Uo0Ix In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why presenters and trainers are often tempted to say yes when they shouldn’t
  • How “almost qualified” can quietly damage your credibility
  • Why long-term trust and reputation outweigh short-term business gains

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Knowing When to Say No to a Client Rob Jolles 00:06:09 Every now and then, a client asks for something that sounds tempting, flattering, and profitable... even when it’s not what you actually do. Those moments trigger a quiet internal debate where confidence, competition, and the desire to win business all start talking at once. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I share a real client request I turned down, the internal arguments I had to shut down, and why protecting your reputation matters more than saying yes to the wrong opportunity. Every now and then, a client asks for something that sounds tempting, flattering, and profitable... even when it’s not what you actually do. Those moments trigger a quiet internal debate where confidence, competition, and the desire to win business all start talking at once. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I share a real client request I turned down, the internal arguments I had to shut down, and why protecting your reputation matters more than saying yes to the wrong opportunity. rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, knowing when to say no to a client, blarticle false full 36 5325aa6a-88c0-4f19-968f-8d17dc4aade2 What It Really Takes to Build a Speaking Business In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o Why money is still such a taboo topic in the speaking business—and why that hurts speakers.

o The expectations new speakers often have that don’t match the realities of professional speaking.

o The biggest misconception Chris had before leaving a stable, well-paid career to go all in on speaking.

o How early-stage speakers can tell whether their message actually solves a real problem.

o Where speakers should really be “hunting” for work beyond websites and social media.

o Why relationship-building drives repeat business more than most speakers realize.

o How speakers can evaluate their pricing and avoid unintentionally undercutting themselves.

o The role structured planning plays in creating consistent speaking income.

o What Chris learned from his first year’s income about patience, positioning, and progress.

o The single business move speakers should focus on first if they want to grow—or survive—in the speaking business.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Speaking: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/chrisjohnson

Podcasts: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/rest-eat-move-podcast

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-it-really-takes-to-build-a-speaking-business-4s8ZhrYK In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o Why money is still such a taboo topic in the speaking business—and why that hurts speakers.

o The expectations new speakers often have that don’t match the realities of professional speaking.

o The biggest misconception Chris had before leaving a stable, well-paid career to go all in on speaking.

o How early-stage speakers can tell whether their message actually solves a real problem.

o Where speakers should really be “hunting” for work beyond websites and social media.

o Why relationship-building drives repeat business more than most speakers realize.

o How speakers can evaluate their pricing and avoid unintentionally undercutting themselves.

o The role structured planning plays in creating consistent speaking income.

o What Chris learned from his first year’s income about patience, positioning, and progress.

o The single business move speakers should focus on first if they want to grow—or survive—in the speaking business.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Speaking: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/chrisjohnson

Podcasts: https://ontargetliving.com/pages/rest-eat-move-podcast

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What It Really Takes to Build a Speaking Business Rob Jolles 00:43:04 Great speakers don’t usually fail because they can’t present; they struggle because they don’t know how to build a business around their message. Talent alone doesn’t pay the bills, and that disconnect catches many speakers off guard. Author and professional speaker Chris Johnson sits down with Rob to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make a living as a speaker. From expectations and pricing to marketing, transitions, and sustainability, Chris shares the real-world lessons he learned after walking away from a high six-figure career to bet on himself. Great speakers don’t usually fail because they can’t present; they struggle because they don’t know how to build a business around their message. Talent alone doesn’t pay the bills, and that disconnect catches many speakers off guard. Author and professional speaker Chris Johnson sits down with Rob to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make a living as a speaker. From expectations and pricing to marketing, transitions, and sustainability, Chris shares the real-world lessons he learned after walking away from a high six-figure career to bet on himself. chris johnson, rob jolles, what it really takes to build a speaking business, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 35 b16242a5-9b3c-414a-942a-b4f8cad90c95 Finding The Heart Of A Signature Talk In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why storytelling is often the missing ingredient for new speakers, and what it actually does for audience connection.
  • How to reframe self-doubt when a speaker worries their message isn’t “big enough.”
  • What changes when you’re telling a story to a room of 300 versus a smaller, familiar audience.
  • How to balance personal truth with business goals without losing authenticity.
  • Practical ways to handle rejection and missed bookings in the speaking world.
  • How failure can become a critical guidepost toward speaking success.
  • One immediate shift speakers can make to move from performance-driven talks to purpose-driven ones.
  • The most common mistake early-career speakers make with their signature story.

To learn more about this guest:

linkedin.com/in/tinabrigley

tinabrigleycoaching@gmail.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/finding-the-heart-of-a-signature-talk-PvZLQe1p In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why storytelling is often the missing ingredient for new speakers, and what it actually does for audience connection.
  • How to reframe self-doubt when a speaker worries their message isn’t “big enough.”
  • What changes when you’re telling a story to a room of 300 versus a smaller, familiar audience.
  • How to balance personal truth with business goals without losing authenticity.
  • Practical ways to handle rejection and missed bookings in the speaking world.
  • How failure can become a critical guidepost toward speaking success.
  • One immediate shift speakers can make to move from performance-driven talks to purpose-driven ones.
  • The most common mistake early-career speakers make with their signature story.

To learn more about this guest:

linkedin.com/in/tinabrigley

tinabrigleycoaching@gmail.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Finding The Heart Of A Signature Talk Rob Jolles 00:37:57 Most new speakers walk onstage thinking their job is to perform. Perform well and you might impress a room… but it’s a meaningful message that earns respect, and revenue. Storytelling Brand Strategist, coach and TEDx speaker Tina Brigley sits down with Rob to unpack what separates a polished presentation from a purpose-driven talk. Drawing from her work coaching thousands of entrepreneurs, Tina shares how speakers can move beyond slides and tactics to bring belief, clarity, and soul into a signature message that truly connects. Most new speakers walk onstage thinking their job is to perform. Perform well and you might impress a room… but it’s a meaningful message that earns respect, and revenue. Storytelling Brand Strategist, coach and TEDx speaker Tina Brigley sits down with Rob to unpack what separates a polished presentation from a purpose-driven talk. Drawing from her work coaching thousands of entrepreneurs, Tina shares how speakers can move beyond slides and tactics to bring belief, clarity, and soul into a signature message that truly connects. rob jolles, tina brigley, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, finding the heart of a signature talk false full 34 77288697-dfc1-4709-b666-d354fab3e686 Your Content Isn’t Broken; Your Strategy Is In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o How content marketing and social selling work together to attract the right audience.
o Why great content often takes longer to pay off than speakers expect—and why quitting early is so common.
o What “three gives before one ask” looks like in real-world content strategies.
o What makes a lead magnet effective in today’s crowded marketplace.
o Examples of lead magnets that have performed well for speakers and experts.
o What a content ecosystem is and why it’s critical for long-term visibility and trust.
o How to choose the right content format without overthinking blogs, video, or social posts.
o The simplest lead magnet a speaker can build without spending money.
o How to nurture leads so new contacts don’t go cold after opting in.
o How the idea that “people listen to people, not brands” should shape the way speakers show up and communicate.

To learn more about this guest:

https://www.magicmedia.io

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ido-lechner/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/your-content-isnt-broken-your-strategy-is-QlTcaqEl In this episode of the Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o How content marketing and social selling work together to attract the right audience.
o Why great content often takes longer to pay off than speakers expect—and why quitting early is so common.
o What “three gives before one ask” looks like in real-world content strategies.
o What makes a lead magnet effective in today’s crowded marketplace.
o Examples of lead magnets that have performed well for speakers and experts.
o What a content ecosystem is and why it’s critical for long-term visibility and trust.
o How to choose the right content format without overthinking blogs, video, or social posts.
o The simplest lead magnet a speaker can build without spending money.
o How to nurture leads so new contacts don’t go cold after opting in.
o How the idea that “people listen to people, not brands” should shape the way speakers show up and communicate.

To learn more about this guest:

https://www.magicmedia.io

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ido-lechner/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Your Content Isn’t Broken; Your Strategy Is Rob Jolles 00:33:11 If your content isn’t generating leads, the problem usually isn’t the content; it’s the strategy behind it. Too many speakers abandon good ideas before they’ve had the time or structure to actually work. Content creator and marketing expert Ido Lechner sits down with Rob to unpack how value-driven content, lead magnets, and long-game thinking pull the right people toward you. Together, they explore why patience matters, how “giving before asking” builds trust, and what it really takes to create a content ecosystem that supports your speaking business. If your content isn’t generating leads, the problem usually isn’t the content; it’s the strategy behind it. Too many speakers abandon good ideas before they’ve had the time or structure to actually work. Content creator and marketing expert Ido Lechner sits down with Rob to unpack how value-driven content, lead magnets, and long-game thinking pull the right people toward you. Together, they explore why patience matters, how “giving before asking” builds trust, and what it really takes to create a content ecosystem that supports your speaking business. content marketing, your content isn’t broken; your strategy is, rob jolles, lead magnets, robert jolles, ido lechner, the presentation whisperer show false full 33 57b521a6-41fd-480e-9e87-b350b0b6299c Measuring Training Beyond Short-Term Results In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why asking for a guaranteed percentage increase in sales sounds reasonable, but often leads to false conclusions
  • How context, timing, and outside factors can distort training results
  • What meaningful training measurement actually looks like, and why usage matters more than immediate outcomes

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/measuring-training-beyond-short-term-results-acAtHcFQ In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why asking for a guaranteed percentage increase in sales sounds reasonable, but often leads to false conclusions
  • How context, timing, and outside factors can distort training results
  • What meaningful training measurement actually looks like, and why usage matters more than immediate outcomes

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Measuring Training Beyond Short-Term Results Rob Jolles 00:06:48 “How will we measure the success of this program?” is one of the smartest questions a client can ask... until it’s followed by the wrong one. Too often, training effectiveness is reduced to a single number that feels concrete but tells an incomplete story. In this quick, six--minute Whisper Shot, I explain why short-term results can be a misleading way to judge training, and what leaders should be looking at instead if they want real, lasting improvement. “How will we measure the success of this program?” is one of the smartest questions a client can ask... until it’s followed by the wrong one. Too often, training effectiveness is reduced to a single number that feels concrete but tells an incomplete story. In this quick, six--minute Whisper Shot, I explain why short-term results can be a misleading way to judge training, and what leaders should be looking at instead if they want real, lasting improvement. whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 32 46727da3-d562-4269-a8eb-22fa87e93dfe Turning Presentation Feedback into Performance Data In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o Why most presenters struggle to improve without a clear system for measuring performance
o The core elements Parker believes every presenter should be evaluating during delivery
o How engagement can be broken into observable, measurable behaviors instead of gut feelings
o The risks of over-measuring, and how to avoid turning presenters into robots
o What a live presenter evaluation sheet looks for in real-time
o The most surprising behavior shifts that happen once presenters are scored on performance
o How data-based feedback changes the way presenters respond to criticism and praise
o How measurement improves not just individual delivery, but instructor and team development
o One simple step presenters can take immediately to start measuring their next presentation

To learn more about this guest

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/turning-presentation-feedback-into-performance-data-cOGSapHl In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

o Why most presenters struggle to improve without a clear system for measuring performance
o The core elements Parker believes every presenter should be evaluating during delivery
o How engagement can be broken into observable, measurable behaviors instead of gut feelings
o The risks of over-measuring, and how to avoid turning presenters into robots
o What a live presenter evaluation sheet looks for in real-time
o The most surprising behavior shifts that happen once presenters are scored on performance
o How data-based feedback changes the way presenters respond to criticism and praise
o How measurement improves not just individual delivery, but instructor and team development
o One simple step presenters can take immediately to start measuring their next presentation

To learn more about this guest

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Turning Presentation Feedback into Performance Data Rob Jolles 00:39:10 Most presenters want to improve, but without a system, improvement is just guesswork. When there’s nothing to measure, there’s nothing concrete to fix, and most speakers walk into rooms with no feedback loop at all. Training Director Parker Wyatt sits down with Rob to explore how measurable performance systems can transform presentation delivery and dramatically increase knowledge retention. Drawing from his experience building evaluation tools for instructors and presenters, Parker shares how data-driven feedback improves engagement without sacrificing authenticity. Most presenters want to improve, but without a system, improvement is just guesswork. When there’s nothing to measure, there’s nothing concrete to fix, and most speakers walk into rooms with no feedback loop at all. Training Director Parker Wyatt sits down with Rob to explore how measurable performance systems can transform presentation delivery and dramatically increase knowledge retention. Drawing from his experience building evaluation tools for instructors and presenters, Parker shares how data-driven feedback improves engagement without sacrificing authenticity. rob jolles, parker wyatt, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, turning presentation feedback into performance data false full 31 205c7094-fe14-4453-896f-9082afe1a549 Stop Talking and Start Facilitating In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why the strongest presentations often rely less on talking and more on facilitation.
  • The key differences between presenting content and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
  • How to shift from “speaker mode” to “facilitator mode” without losing control of the room.
  • Practical facilitation techniques that encourage audience participation and engagement.
  • Why memorable presentations are built in the moments between people, not on slides alone.

To learn more about this guest:

Website: www.kmhstrategy.com/www.eqdevgroup.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eqdgkarenbowen/

Email: karen@eqdevgroup.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/stop-talking-and-start-facilitating-WcDvZf_w In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why the strongest presentations often rely less on talking and more on facilitation.
  • The key differences between presenting content and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
  • How to shift from “speaker mode” to “facilitator mode” without losing control of the room.
  • Practical facilitation techniques that encourage audience participation and engagement.
  • Why memorable presentations are built in the moments between people, not on slides alone.

To learn more about this guest:

Website: www.kmhstrategy.com/www.eqdevgroup.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eqdgkarenbowen/

Email: karen@eqdevgroup.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Stop Talking and Start Facilitating Rob Jolles 00:33:57 What if the real power of a presentation isn’t how much you talk, but how much your audience talks? Many speakers focus on perfecting slides and scripts, yet overlook the moments between people where real engagement happens. Strategist and master facilitator Karen Bowen sits down with Rob to explore why facilitation, not presentation, is the skill that turns passive listeners into active participants. Drawing on her work in emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership development, Karen shares practical ways speakers can create dialogue, spark insight, and make their message memorable long after the room clears. What if the real power of a presentation isn’t how much you talk, but how much your audience talks? Many speakers focus on perfecting slides and scripts, yet overlook the moments between people where real engagement happens. Strategist and master facilitator Karen Bowen sits down with Rob to explore why facilitation, not presentation, is the skill that turns passive listeners into active participants. Drawing on her work in emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership development, Karen shares practical ways speakers can create dialogue, spark insight, and make their message memorable long after the room clears. kmh, karen bowen, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, stop talking and start facilitating false full 30 68393dd9-ed1c-4ea7-b2fb-c3699e75ef65 The Power of Getting Real on Stage In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What “getting real” with an audience actually looks like from the moment a presenter steps on stage.
  • Why hiding flaws often weakens a presentation—and how vulnerability strengthens credibility.
  • How JM learned to let go of perfection and adopt a more open, authentic presenting style.
  • How to separate what’s real from what’s fluff when emceeing or presenting.
  • Why honesty and vulnerability shape stronger conversations on podcasts and stages alike.
  • Where authenticity fits into the Align, Believe, Choose framework for speakers.
  • One small, safe step presenters can take to show up more authentically without oversharing.

To learn more about this guest

e: jm@letsgowin.com

w: www.letsgowin.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgowin 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-power-of-getting-real-on-stage-wspEs__I In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What “getting real” with an audience actually looks like from the moment a presenter steps on stage.
  • Why hiding flaws often weakens a presentation—and how vulnerability strengthens credibility.
  • How JM learned to let go of perfection and adopt a more open, authentic presenting style.
  • How to separate what’s real from what’s fluff when emceeing or presenting.
  • Why honesty and vulnerability shape stronger conversations on podcasts and stages alike.
  • Where authenticity fits into the Align, Believe, Choose framework for speakers.
  • One small, safe step presenters can take to show up more authentically without oversharing.

To learn more about this guest

e: jm@letsgowin.com

w: www.letsgowin.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgowin 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Power of Getting Real on Stage Rob Jolles 00:31:28 What happens when a presenter stops chasing perfection and starts telling the truth? When polish fades and performance drops, something far more powerful shows up; connection. Leadership coach and keynote speaker JM Ryerson sits down with Rob to explore why authenticity isn’t a risk for presenters; it’s a strategic advantage. Drawing from his experience building companies, advising executives, and hosting the Let’s Go Win podcast, JM shares how owning flaws, embracing vulnerability, and getting real with audiences leads to messages that actually stick. What happens when a presenter stops chasing perfection and starts telling the truth? When polish fades and performance drops, something far more powerful shows up; connection. Leadership coach and keynote speaker JM Ryerson sits down with Rob to explore why authenticity isn’t a risk for presenters; it’s a strategic advantage. Drawing from his experience building companies, advising executives, and hosting the Let’s Go Win podcast, JM shares how owning flaws, embracing vulnerability, and getting real with audiences leads to messages that actually stick. the power of getting real on stage, rob jolles, let's go win podcast, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, jm ryerson false full 29 7ec62cec-aa82-4705-9338-da4d3e8d9afa The Real Secret Behind Great Presentations In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why the biggest secret of effective presenting has nothing to do with slides, structure, or delivery
  • How “selling” your message early changes the way an audience listens
  • A behind-the-scenes story from delivering a keynote to over 1,100 hostage negotiators—and what made it work
  • Why spending time preparing the audience is just as important as preparing the content
  • How learning to sell within a presentation can calm nerves and build instant confidence
  • What happens when you stop avoiding the word “sell” and start embracing it as a speaking skill

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 8 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-real-secret-behind-great-presentations-6wG8RdYp In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why the biggest secret of effective presenting has nothing to do with slides, structure, or delivery
  • How “selling” your message early changes the way an audience listens
  • A behind-the-scenes story from delivering a keynote to over 1,100 hostage negotiators—and what made it work
  • Why spending time preparing the audience is just as important as preparing the content
  • How learning to sell within a presentation can calm nerves and build instant confidence
  • What happens when you stop avoiding the word “sell” and start embracing it as a speaking skill

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Real Secret Behind Great Presentations Rob Jolles 00:06:36 Most speakers believe the secret to a great presentation lives in the body of the talk. But after 40 years on stage, I’ve learned the real breakthrough happens before you ever get to your message. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I open the door to what I believe is the biggest secret of successful speaking; one that comes from learning how to utilize specific sales skills when delivering your message. Spoiler Alert: I'm going to tell you why, but not how to do this. I will however dedicate one Whisper Shot a month to this topic until I DO tell you how to do this! Most speakers believe the secret to a great presentation lives in the body of the talk. But after 40 years on stage, I’ve learned the real breakthrough happens before you ever get to your message. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I open the door to what I believe is the biggest secret of successful speaking; one that comes from learning how to utilize specific sales skills when delivering your message. Spoiler Alert: I'm going to tell you why, but not how to do this. I will however dedicate one Whisper Shot a month to this topic until I DO tell you how to do this! selling in presentations, whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer false full 28 b8336815-ac85-48f3-bd80-c1628ffd2a40 Audience-Centered Speaking: The Secret to Mic Drop Moments In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What a true mic drop moment is — and how speakers actually create them.
  • Whether anyone can become an audience-centered storyteller and consistently earn those moments.
  • The five core story archetypes audiences want to hear and how they were first discovered.
  • How to determine which archetype is right for your audience before you walk on stage.
  • Where presenters unintentionally go wrong when choosing stories — including length and focus.
  • A practical technique to shift immediately from “my story” thinking to “their story” thinking.
  • A real keynote example where an audience-centered story dramatically changed the outcome.
  • The one insight our guest wishes they heard earlier after speaking around the world.
  • The single best place to start if you want to become more audience-centered in your very next talk.

To learn more about this guest:

BillCarmody.com. 

www.linkedin.com/in/billcarmody/ 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 6 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/audience-centered-speaking-the-secret-to-mic-drop-moments-2t57bJmG In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What a true mic drop moment is — and how speakers actually create them.
  • Whether anyone can become an audience-centered storyteller and consistently earn those moments.
  • The five core story archetypes audiences want to hear and how they were first discovered.
  • How to determine which archetype is right for your audience before you walk on stage.
  • Where presenters unintentionally go wrong when choosing stories — including length and focus.
  • A practical technique to shift immediately from “my story” thinking to “their story” thinking.
  • A real keynote example where an audience-centered story dramatically changed the outcome.
  • The one insight our guest wishes they heard earlier after speaking around the world.
  • The single best place to start if you want to become more audience-centered in your very next talk.

To learn more about this guest:

BillCarmody.com. 

www.linkedin.com/in/billcarmody/ 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Audience-Centered Speaking: The Secret to Mic Drop Moments Rob Jolles 00:38:24 Most presenters fall in love with their own story, but the audience may be craving a different one entirely. The ability to understand what your audience needs to hear, rather than what you want to say, is often what separates a forgettable talk from a transformational one. Author and international keynote speaker Bill Carmody sits down with Rob to explore audience-centered storytelling, and how shifting your focus can elevate every message you deliver. Bill reveals how mic drop moments are created, not stumbled into, and why the most powerful story isn’t always yours, but the one your audience sees themselves in. Most presenters fall in love with their own story, but the audience may be craving a different one entirely. The ability to understand what your audience needs to hear, rather than what you want to say, is often what separates a forgettable talk from a transformational one. Author and international keynote speaker Bill Carmody sits down with Rob to explore audience-centered storytelling, and how shifting your focus can elevate every message you deliver. Bill reveals how mic drop moments are created, not stumbled into, and why the most powerful story isn’t always yours, but the one your audience sees themselves in. audience-centered speaking: the secret to mic drop moments, bill carmody, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer false full 27 655d7e2c-7681-4f5a-995a-7eb3ef5d0230 What Today’s Students Really Need From Presenters In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • The first thing a presenter should focus on when stepping in front of a distracted student audience.
  • What today’s university students need most from the person at the front of the room.
  • What truly motivates the modern student and how to sustain their interest.
  • How to recognize when your delivery isn’t connecting — and how to adjust in the moment.
  • How to read the energy of the room early and identify when you’re winning or losing the audience.
  • Strategies for making complex or dry topics relevant, memorable, and actionable.
  • The key mindset or technique every presenter needs when speaking to students for the first time.

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lloydbruce1

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 1 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-todays-students-really-need-from-presenters-v2EBNh6T In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • The first thing a presenter should focus on when stepping in front of a distracted student audience.
  • What today’s university students need most from the person at the front of the room.
  • What truly motivates the modern student and how to sustain their interest.
  • How to recognize when your delivery isn’t connecting — and how to adjust in the moment.
  • How to read the energy of the room early and identify when you’re winning or losing the audience.
  • Strategies for making complex or dry topics relevant, memorable, and actionable.
  • The key mindset or technique every presenter needs when speaking to students for the first time.

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lloydbruce1

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What Today’s Students Really Need From Presenters Rob Jolles 00:34:08 Capturing attention is one thing; holding it is another. Today’s students are juggling demanding schedules, competing priorities, and digital distractions that never switch off. Simply knowing your topic isn’t enough; presenters must earn, sustain, and reinforce attention with intention. Adjunct professor Lloyd Bruce sits down with Rob to discuss what speakers must understand about the modern student, and how to deliver in a way that makes the message land. Drawing from his work as a visionary business coach, professional speaker, and adjunct instructor known for dynamic, real-world engagement, Lloyd shares practical strategies for staying relevant, creating connection, and becoming the presenter students don't ignore. Capturing attention is one thing; holding it is another. Today’s students are juggling demanding schedules, competing priorities, and digital distractions that never switch off. Simply knowing your topic isn’t enough; presenters must earn, sustain, and reinforce attention with intention. Adjunct professor Lloyd Bruce sits down with Rob to discuss what speakers must understand about the modern student, and how to deliver in a way that makes the message land. Drawing from his work as a visionary business coach, professional speaker, and adjunct instructor known for dynamic, real-world engagement, Lloyd shares practical strategies for staying relevant, creating connection, and becoming the presenter students don't ignore. rob jolles, what today’s students really need from presenters, robert jolles, lloyd bruce, the presentation whisperer show false full 26 f83da3b3-703e-4e95-9de8-4de92c4ac26e A Stuntman's Secrets for Conquering Fear In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Whether stuntmen still get scared — and why fear doesn’t disappear even with experience.
  • How fear followed Brett from the stunt world to the speaking stage, and whether it ever fully goes away.
  • The discipline and mindset stunt preparation and keynote preparation share, including rehearsal and improv.
  • The concept of an “emotional dashboard,” and how presenters can monitor it in real time while speaking.
  • Why moments that appear chaotic are usually meticulously rehearsed, and how that translates to confident delivery.
  • Techniques for staying fully present when adrenaline threatens to take control on stage.
  • How to direct your focus before and during a presentation, especially when fear tries to scatter it.
  • Why physical movement should be intentional on stage, not mistaken for confidence.
  • The power of visualization in both dangerous stunts and high-stakes presentations.
  • One “stuntman’s rule” every nervous speaker should adopt immediately, and why it works.

To learn more about this guest:

www.AStuntmansGuide.com

www.LinkedIn.com/in/brettsolomano

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/a-stuntmans-secrets-for-conquering-fear-pPsTXIwY In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Whether stuntmen still get scared — and why fear doesn’t disappear even with experience.
  • How fear followed Brett from the stunt world to the speaking stage, and whether it ever fully goes away.
  • The discipline and mindset stunt preparation and keynote preparation share, including rehearsal and improv.
  • The concept of an “emotional dashboard,” and how presenters can monitor it in real time while speaking.
  • Why moments that appear chaotic are usually meticulously rehearsed, and how that translates to confident delivery.
  • Techniques for staying fully present when adrenaline threatens to take control on stage.
  • How to direct your focus before and during a presentation, especially when fear tries to scatter it.
  • Why physical movement should be intentional on stage, not mistaken for confidence.
  • The power of visualization in both dangerous stunts and high-stakes presentations.
  • One “stuntman’s rule” every nervous speaker should adopt immediately, and why it works.

To learn more about this guest:

www.AStuntmansGuide.com

www.LinkedIn.com/in/brettsolomano

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> A Stuntman's Secrets for Conquering Fear Rob Jolles 00:32:15 High-pressure moments sometimes reveal us at our strongest, sometimes at our most rattled. Whether it’s stepping onto a stage or stepping into a fire stunt, fear has a way of testing focus, preparation, and presence. Author, speaker, and former stuntman Brett Solomano sits down with Rob to unpack the surprising overlap between stunt performance and public speaking. With 15 years in film and TV as a stuntman, and a former Guinness World Record for a stunt he worked on, Brett shares how what appears dangerous is often the result of rehearsal, emotional awareness, and intentional control. High-pressure moments sometimes reveal us at our strongest, sometimes at our most rattled. Whether it’s stepping onto a stage or stepping into a fire stunt, fear has a way of testing focus, preparation, and presence. Author, speaker, and former stuntman Brett Solomano sits down with Rob to unpack the surprising overlap between stunt performance and public speaking. With 15 years in film and TV as a stuntman, and a former Guinness World Record for a stunt he worked on, Brett shares how what appears dangerous is often the result of rehearsal, emotional awareness, and intentional control. rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, brett solamano false full 25 87fbf6b3-433a-42f4-980d-7b7563f9eafe The Presentation Skill Nobody Teaches: Accepting Praise In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why so many presenters instinctively deflect or minimize compliments.
  • How rejecting praise quietly undermines confidence and professional presence.
  • The difference between modesty and self-sabotage when responding to feedback.
  • Why accepting a compliment is actually a gift to the person giving it.
  • A simple mindset shift that reframes praise from awkward to meaningful.
  • One easy phrase you can use immediately to accept compliments with confidence and grace.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-presentation-skill-nobody-teaches-accepting-praise-ejnupvmC In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why so many presenters instinctively deflect or minimize compliments.
  • How rejecting praise quietly undermines confidence and professional presence.
  • The difference between modesty and self-sabotage when responding to feedback.
  • Why accepting a compliment is actually a gift to the person giving it.
  • A simple mindset shift that reframes praise from awkward to meaningful.
  • One easy phrase you can use immediately to accept compliments with confidence and grace.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Presentation Skill Nobody Teaches: Accepting Praise Rob Jolles 00:04:59 When was the last time someone complimented you after a presentation... and you actually accepted it? Most speakers deflect, downplay, or apologize, and without realizing it, weaken their credibility in the very moment they should be strengthening it. In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll explore why saying “thank you” is one of the most overlooked presentation skills there is, and how accepting praise with grace demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and respect for the person offering it. When was the last time someone complimented you after a presentation... and you actually accepted it? Most speakers deflect, downplay, or apologize, and without realizing it, weaken their credibility in the very moment they should be strengthening it. In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll explore why saying “thank you” is one of the most overlooked presentation skills there is, and how accepting praise with grace demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and respect for the person offering it. the presentation skill nobody teaches: accepting praise, accepting a compliment, whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 24 d1b5da15-d961-414a-ab26-11774bdf5c59 From Good to Great: What Separates Top-Tier Speakers In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How a good speaker becomes great, and the mindset shift that drives that growth.
  • Whether greatness on stage is rooted more in natural talent — or learned technique.
  • The essential ingredients of an unforgettable presentation, including timing.
  • Why the opening and closing moments matter more than most speakers realize — and how to sharpen both.
  • The common bad habit many speakers don’t realize they have… but every audience does.
  • One actionable change a speaker can make before tomorrow’s presentation that makes an immediate difference.

To learn more about this guest, visit: 

YouTube.com/PatriciaFripp

https://www.linkedin.com/in/executivespeechcoach/

X @pfripp

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/from-good-to-great-what-separates-top-tier-speakers-IE6Lxlql In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How a good speaker becomes great, and the mindset shift that drives that growth.
  • Whether greatness on stage is rooted more in natural talent — or learned technique.
  • The essential ingredients of an unforgettable presentation, including timing.
  • Why the opening and closing moments matter more than most speakers realize — and how to sharpen both.
  • The common bad habit many speakers don’t realize they have… but every audience does.
  • One actionable change a speaker can make before tomorrow’s presentation that makes an immediate difference.

To learn more about this guest, visit: 

YouTube.com/PatriciaFripp

https://www.linkedin.com/in/executivespeechcoach/

X @pfripp

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> From Good to Great: What Separates Top-Tier Speakers Rob Jolles 00:38:12 What separates a good speaker from a truly unforgettable one? Sure, there’s talent involved, but greatness is far more often earned than gifted. The difference lies in technique, discipline, and the ability to command a room with intentionality. Author and Hall of Fame speaker Patricia Fripp sits down with Rob to explore how speakers evolve from delivering information to delivering impact. As a speaker and award-winning speechwriter, Patricia shares lessons from decades on stages around the world, revealing the habits, structures, and strategies that elevate presentations from memorable to masterful. What separates a good speaker from a truly unforgettable one? Sure, there’s talent involved, but greatness is far more often earned than gifted. The difference lies in technique, discipline, and the ability to command a room with intentionality. Author and Hall of Fame speaker Patricia Fripp sits down with Rob to explore how speakers evolve from delivering information to delivering impact. As a speaker and award-winning speechwriter, Patricia shares lessons from decades on stages around the world, revealing the habits, structures, and strategies that elevate presentations from memorable to masterful. deliver unforgettable presentations, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, patricia fripp, from good to great: what separates top-tier speakers false full 23 5620e9dc-ed1e-4cf8-b55a-5897deaaa271 Not Just Good On Camera... Magnetic! In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:


o The biggest mistakes speakers make when they treat virtual presentations like in-person events.
o The difference between confidence on camera and a magnetic virtual presence that pulls people in.
o How years behind and in front of the camera shaped Shirlee’s approach to virtual communication.
o The first impression checklist — what to adjust the moment the camera turns on.
o Which technical choices have the greatest influence on onscreen credibility.
o How storytelling must shift when you're speaking to a lens and not a live crowd.
o Strategies for increasing energy and presence without feeling fake or forced.
o The key qualities that separate compelling virtual speakers from the ones who fall flat.

 

To learn more about this guest:

platform: https://www.youtube.com/@ShirleeEngel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlee-engel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magneticonvideo

TikTok (new channel): https://www.tiktok.com/@magneticonvideo

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/not-just-good-on-camera-magnetic-ccGsQVHw In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:


o The biggest mistakes speakers make when they treat virtual presentations like in-person events.
o The difference between confidence on camera and a magnetic virtual presence that pulls people in.
o How years behind and in front of the camera shaped Shirlee’s approach to virtual communication.
o The first impression checklist — what to adjust the moment the camera turns on.
o Which technical choices have the greatest influence on onscreen credibility.
o How storytelling must shift when you're speaking to a lens and not a live crowd.
o Strategies for increasing energy and presence without feeling fake or forced.
o The key qualities that separate compelling virtual speakers from the ones who fall flat.

 

To learn more about this guest:

platform: https://www.youtube.com/@ShirleeEngel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlee-engel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magneticonvideo

TikTok (new channel): https://www.tiktok.com/@magneticonvideo

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Not Just Good On Camera... Magnetic! Rob Jolles 00:36:08 Most presenters assume that if they’re great in person, they’ll be great on camera — but virtual audiences play by different rules. What works on a stage doesn’t always translate through a lens, and the presenters who ignore that risk losing attention faster than they realize. Magnetic on Video, CEO Shirlee Engel sits down with Rob to reveal what it really takes to become magnetic on video; not just confident, but compelling. With years of experience reporting live on national TV and helping entrepreneurs shine online, Shirlee breaks down the strategies that keep virtual audiences glued to the screen. Most presenters assume that if they’re great in person, they’ll be great on camera — but virtual audiences play by different rules. What works on a stage doesn’t always translate through a lens, and the presenters who ignore that risk losing attention faster than they realize. Magnetic on Video, CEO Shirlee Engel sits down with Rob to reveal what it really takes to become magnetic on video; not just confident, but compelling. With years of experience reporting live on national TV and helping entrepreneurs shine online, Shirlee breaks down the strategies that keep virtual audiences glued to the screen. rob jolles, robert jolles, not just good on camera... magnetic!, the presentation whisperer show, shirlee engel false full 22 40c69ca9-a354-44c5-8b58-c8a453823b4b Speaking Across Generations: How to Reach Every Audience In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Stephanie’s “a-ha moment” that revealed the importance of speaking across generations — and why the message found her.
  • The biggest mistake presenters make when speaking to mixed-generation or mixed-culture audiences.
  • How Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers each process information differently — and what those differences mean for presenters.
  • How the “what’s in it for me?” shifts depending on generational needs, and why authenticity still matters most.
  • Practical tools and techniques presenters can use to “read the room” across different age groups in real time.
  • How generational understanding strengthens trust, credibility, and immediate connection with an audience.
  • Common generational myths speakers often fall for — and the truth behind them.
  • How leveraging generational response patterns can help presenters move audiences from attention to action.
  • Stephanie’s key takeaway for every presenter who wants to deliver messages that land across ages, cultures, and contexts.

To learn more about this guest:

www.theservantedge.com

stephanie@theservantedge.com

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/smikulasek/

Substack: https://substack.com/@stephaniemikulasek

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/speaking-across-generations-how-to-reach-every-audience-xex6YGc5 In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Stephanie’s “a-ha moment” that revealed the importance of speaking across generations — and why the message found her.
  • The biggest mistake presenters make when speaking to mixed-generation or mixed-culture audiences.
  • How Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers each process information differently — and what those differences mean for presenters.
  • How the “what’s in it for me?” shifts depending on generational needs, and why authenticity still matters most.
  • Practical tools and techniques presenters can use to “read the room” across different age groups in real time.
  • How generational understanding strengthens trust, credibility, and immediate connection with an audience.
  • Common generational myths speakers often fall for — and the truth behind them.
  • How leveraging generational response patterns can help presenters move audiences from attention to action.
  • Stephanie’s key takeaway for every presenter who wants to deliver messages that land across ages, cultures, and contexts.

To learn more about this guest:

www.theservantedge.com

stephanie@theservantedge.com

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/smikulasek/

Substack: https://substack.com/@stephaniemikulasek

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Speaking Across Generations: How to Reach Every Audience Rob Jolles 00:32:42 Every generation listens differently, and that means every presenter must learn to adjust. What resonates with Boomers may fall flat with Gen Z, and what motivates Millennials may completely miss with Gen X. The message may stay the same, but the delivery can’t. Author Stephanie Muculasek sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can read generational cues, tailor their tone, and adapt their communication in real time. Drawing from her global experience as a diplomat, executive coach, and leadership trainer, Stephanie breaks down the patterns, preferences, and psychological drivers that shape how audiences of all ages respond. Every generation listens differently, and that means every presenter must learn to adjust. What resonates with Boomers may fall flat with Gen Z, and what motivates Millennials may completely miss with Gen X. The message may stay the same, but the delivery can’t. Author Stephanie Muculasek sits down with Rob to explore how speakers can read generational cues, tailor their tone, and adapt their communication in real time. Drawing from her global experience as a diplomat, executive coach, and leadership trainer, Stephanie breaks down the patterns, preferences, and psychological drivers that shape how audiences of all ages respond. speaking across generations: how to reach every audience, rob jolles, stephanie mikulasek, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 21 698a9ff5-f24c-4179-b60a-afd00808eaf9 When The Stage Gets Bigger Than You Expected... In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • The hidden challenges of stepping in when expectations are stacked against you.
  • Why preparation, adaptability, and resilience matter more than the spotlight you walk into.
  • How a tough assignment, even one set up to fail, can become a defining moment in your speaking journey
  • And a few techniques that will help you remind an audience not what you are going to be talking about, but why

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/when-the-stage-gets-bigger-than-you-expected-JkBGHGpM In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • The hidden challenges of stepping in when expectations are stacked against you.
  • Why preparation, adaptability, and resilience matter more than the spotlight you walk into.
  • How a tough assignment, even one set up to fail, can become a defining moment in your speaking journey
  • And a few techniques that will help you remind an audience not what you are going to be talking about, but why

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> When The Stage Gets Bigger Than You Expected... Rob Jolles 00:06:45 There are moments in a speaking career when the assignment looks impossible; when the expectations are sky-high and the audience is expecting someone who isn’t you. Those are the moments that test not your confidence, but your resilience. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll share the story of the time I stepped in for a keynote speaker whose name carried just a little more weight than mine... former President Bill Clinton. What unfolded became one of the most challenging and defining moments of my career. Make sure you stick around for the ending of this one... There are moments in a speaking career when the assignment looks impossible; when the expectations are sky-high and the audience is expecting someone who isn’t you. Those are the moments that test not your confidence, but your resilience. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll share the story of the time I stepped in for a keynote speaker whose name carried just a little more weight than mine... former President Bill Clinton. What unfolded became one of the most challenging and defining moments of my career. Make sure you stick around for the ending of this one... bill clinton and me, when the stage gets bigger than you expected, whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 20 a1b68f9c-1731-4938-87ef-b52251e308ca Trust At A Distance: Tips On Presenting Virtually In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • What happens cognitively and psychologically when communication becomes digital — and why trust becomes harder to build through a screen.
  • Insights from Peggy’s book Trust at a Distance, including practical strategies for managing and presenting in remote environments.
  • The four most common mistakes presenters make when moving from an in-person room to the virtual ZOOM stage, and how to fix them.
  • How technology reshapes communication by removing context, adding distractions, reframing relationships, and increasing passivity.
  • The biggest misconceptions presenters have about virtual and hybrid environments — and how to overcome them.
  • How changes in technology have shifted the way audiences engage over the past 25 years.
  • What presenters can do to capture attention spans in a noisy, tech-driven world.
  • Why more slides rarely help — and the strategies that create real virtual interaction instead of visual clutter.
  • The single most important mindset shift presenters need to thrive as communicators in today’s tech-saturated environment.

To learn more about this guest:

Email: p-kendall@bethel.edu 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 9 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/trust-at-a-distance-tips-on-presenting-virtually-NFUUqvKo In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • What happens cognitively and psychologically when communication becomes digital — and why trust becomes harder to build through a screen.
  • Insights from Peggy’s book Trust at a Distance, including practical strategies for managing and presenting in remote environments.
  • The four most common mistakes presenters make when moving from an in-person room to the virtual ZOOM stage, and how to fix them.
  • How technology reshapes communication by removing context, adding distractions, reframing relationships, and increasing passivity.
  • The biggest misconceptions presenters have about virtual and hybrid environments — and how to overcome them.
  • How changes in technology have shifted the way audiences engage over the past 25 years.
  • What presenters can do to capture attention spans in a noisy, tech-driven world.
  • Why more slides rarely help — and the strategies that create real virtual interaction instead of visual clutter.
  • The single most important mindset shift presenters need to thrive as communicators in today’s tech-saturated environment.

To learn more about this guest:

Email: p-kendall@bethel.edu 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Trust At A Distance: Tips On Presenting Virtually Rob Jolles 00:33:17 Technology has reshaped the way we communicate, sometimes helping us connect, sometimes getting in the way, and often changing the psychology of trust without us realizing it. Understanding what happens when a screen sits between you and your audience has become a new essential skill for every presenter and leader. Author Peggy Kendall sits down with Rob to explore how digital communication affects trust, attention, engagement, and the way audiences receive messages. Drawing from her 25 years as a communication and leadership professor, Peggy breaks down the shifts she’s seen in both presenters and audiences, and the practical adjustments speakers must make to connect in a tech-driven world. Technology has reshaped the way we communicate, sometimes helping us connect, sometimes getting in the way, and often changing the psychology of trust without us realizing it. Understanding what happens when a screen sits between you and your audience has become a new essential skill for every presenter and leader. Author Peggy Kendall sits down with Rob to explore how digital communication affects trust, attention, engagement, and the way audiences receive messages. Drawing from her 25 years as a communication and leadership professor, Peggy breaks down the shifts she’s seen in both presenters and audiences, and the practical adjustments speakers must make to connect in a tech-driven world. rob jolles, trust at a distance: 6 strategies for managing in remote workspaces, peggy kendall, robert jolles, trust at a distance: tips on presenting virtually, the presentation whisperer show false full 19 3ed5571d-ef45-4c95-a73c-2c8c53d29dd6 From NFL Sundays to Center Stage: The Art of the Story In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What Markus discovered transitioning from professional sports to professional speaking—and why game day prep matters on both fields.
  • Why storytelling is more than entertainment, and how Markus defines true connection from the stage.
  • Why stories remain powerful in a world full of data, metrics, and shrinking attention spans.
  • How Markus chooses which personal stories belong in his keynotes—and which ones don’t make the cut.
  • Whether great stories should be adapted to each audience or whether universality wins.
  • What the “custom suit story” is, and how it reinforces Markus’s broader message about authenticity and preparation.
  • The most common storytelling mistake presenters make when trying to weave stories into their talks.
  • How Markus’s journey from the NFL to speaking to coaching shaped his entire communication philosophy.
  • How storytelling fits into the core principles of The Success Cycle and why it drives goal achievement.
  • The single mindset shift Markus wants every presenter to embrace before their next presentation.

To learn more about this guest:

http://www.marquesogden.com

valerie@crdle.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 4 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/from-nfl-sundays-to-center-stage-the-art-of-the-story-O6Zb2Qdi In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What Markus discovered transitioning from professional sports to professional speaking—and why game day prep matters on both fields.
  • Why storytelling is more than entertainment, and how Markus defines true connection from the stage.
  • Why stories remain powerful in a world full of data, metrics, and shrinking attention spans.
  • How Markus chooses which personal stories belong in his keynotes—and which ones don’t make the cut.
  • Whether great stories should be adapted to each audience or whether universality wins.
  • What the “custom suit story” is, and how it reinforces Markus’s broader message about authenticity and preparation.
  • The most common storytelling mistake presenters make when trying to weave stories into their talks.
  • How Markus’s journey from the NFL to speaking to coaching shaped his entire communication philosophy.
  • How storytelling fits into the core principles of The Success Cycle and why it drives goal achievement.
  • The single mindset shift Markus wants every presenter to embrace before their next presentation.

To learn more about this guest:

http://www.marquesogden.com

valerie@crdle.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> From NFL Sundays to Center Stage: The Art of the Story Rob Jolles 00:31:06 Not every story connects, and when it doesn’t, the audience can feel it immediately. But when a story lands with purpose, it can transform a message, a moment, and even a mission. Former NFL player, Author, and Professional Speaker Marques Ogden sits down with Rob to explore how storytelling becomes a strategic tool for influence, alignment, and action. Drawing from his remarkable journey from the NFL to the keynote stage, Markus shares how the right story, told the right way, can elevate a presentation from average to unforgettable. Not every story connects, and when it doesn’t, the audience can feel it immediately. But when a story lands with purpose, it can transform a message, a moment, and even a mission. Former NFL player, Author, and Professional Speaker Marques Ogden sits down with Rob to explore how storytelling becomes a strategic tool for influence, alignment, and action. Drawing from his remarkable journey from the NFL to the keynote stage, Markus shares how the right story, told the right way, can elevate a presentation from average to unforgettable. story telling, marques ogden, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, storytelling, from nfl sundays to center stage: the art of the story false full 18 5c458791-b89a-4c85-9c1e-d6ae18ed18b1 Taking Your Business To The Next Level; Live Coaching In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• How Craig currently delivers his talk, why it resonates locally, and what needs to shift for a corporate audience.

• The core message he feels called to share, and why it holds value for organizations, executives, and teams.

• The universal elements that work in both faith-based and professional environments, and how to amplify those moments.

• Which stories and leadership experiences translate well for corporate groups, given Craig’s background in sales and adversity leadership.

• How to adapt a personal, vulnerable message for business settings without losing authenticity or emotional impact.

• Ways to enhance a presentation to sustain interest, including structure, pacing, and nonverbal techniques.

• How to package a personal story as a value-driven solution that decision-makers can immediately see and apply.

 

To learn more about this guest…

Email: craig@craigdbrown.com

 

Websites

www.stophidngstarthealing.org

www.craigdbrown.com

 

Coaching
https://stophidingstarthealing.org/coaching-and-support/

Podcast
https://bit.ly/‎StopHidingStartHealingonApplePodcasts 

YouTube
https://youtube.com/@craigbrownauthorspeaker?si=xfLR2Uf9T3LBksjs

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/craig.brown2

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrown33/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 2 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/taking-your-business-to-the-next-level-live-coaching-RfvaF2_4 In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• How Craig currently delivers his talk, why it resonates locally, and what needs to shift for a corporate audience.

• The core message he feels called to share, and why it holds value for organizations, executives, and teams.

• The universal elements that work in both faith-based and professional environments, and how to amplify those moments.

• Which stories and leadership experiences translate well for corporate groups, given Craig’s background in sales and adversity leadership.

• How to adapt a personal, vulnerable message for business settings without losing authenticity or emotional impact.

• Ways to enhance a presentation to sustain interest, including structure, pacing, and nonverbal techniques.

• How to package a personal story as a value-driven solution that decision-makers can immediately see and apply.

 

To learn more about this guest…

Email: craig@craigdbrown.com

 

Websites

www.stophidngstarthealing.org

www.craigdbrown.com

 

Coaching
https://stophidingstarthealing.org/coaching-and-support/

Podcast
https://bit.ly/‎StopHidingStartHealingonApplePodcasts 

YouTube
https://youtube.com/@craigbrownauthorspeaker?si=xfLR2Uf9T3LBksjs

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/craig.brown2

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrown33/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Taking Your Business To The Next Level; Live Coaching Rob Jolles 00:53:21 Some stories change lives, but only if they’re told in the right room, to the right audience. And sometimes the hardest part isn’t crafting the message… it’s learning how to elevate it beyond the place where it was born. Author Craig Brown, sits down with Rob for a dynamic, live coaching session to uncover how a deeply personal, faith-based message can be transformed into a powerful corporate presentation. Together, they explore what resonates universally, what needs reframing, and how an authentic origin story can create national impact when shaped with intention and skill. Some stories change lives, but only if they’re told in the right room, to the right audience. And sometimes the hardest part isn’t crafting the message… it’s learning how to elevate it beyond the place where it was born. Author Craig Brown, sits down with Rob for a dynamic, live coaching session to uncover how a deeply personal, faith-based message can be transformed into a powerful corporate presentation. Together, they explore what resonates universally, what needs reframing, and how an authentic origin story can create national impact when shaped with intention and skill. craig brown, rob jolles, taking your business to the next level; live coaching, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 17 35a4af76-aeac-40b4-ad96-7bbcfe607fb7 Breaking the Worry Habit In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • How worry hijacks your thinking by defaulting to negative “what if” scenarios.
  • Why deliberate positive thinking is not denial—it’s a productive mental reset.
  • A practical way to build positive habits using everyday headlines and situations.
  • How “Positive Thinking, Positive Habits, Positive Results” becomes a repeatable system that reduces worry over time.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/breaking-the-worry-habit-kwNwpJap In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • How worry hijacks your thinking by defaulting to negative “what if” scenarios.
  • Why deliberate positive thinking is not denial—it’s a productive mental reset.
  • A practical way to build positive habits using everyday headlines and situations.
  • How “Positive Thinking, Positive Habits, Positive Results” becomes a repeatable system that reduces worry over time.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Breaking the Worry Habit Rob Jolles 00:07:46 Worry has a way of pulling our minds straight into the negative, especially when we’re preparing to present. But what if you could interrupt that slide and retrain your brain to look in a different direction? In this quick, eight-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through the simple, systematic process I use to stop worry before it takes over. You’ll hear how shifting your mindset toward the positive, with purpose, can reduce anxiety, restore confidence, and steady you before you step up to speak. Worry has a way of pulling our minds straight into the negative, especially when we’re preparing to present. But what if you could interrupt that slide and retrain your brain to look in a different direction? In this quick, eight-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through the simple, systematic process I use to stop worry before it takes over. You’ll hear how shifting your mindset toward the positive, with purpose, can reduce anxiety, restore confidence, and steady you before you step up to speak. whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, breaking the worry habit, the presentation whisperer show false full 16 e7246a49-0865-4b0e-b3e1-8db97cbdc953 What the Top 10% of Speakers Do Differently In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why fewer than 10% of speakers ever make a living doing what they love — and what separates the top performers from the rest.
  • The defining behaviors and mindset that consistently show up in successful speakers.
  • The essential presentation skills great speakers master that most others overlook.
  • How confidence is built — not born — and the role preparation plays in transforming it.
  • What “real commitment” looks like for someone determined to turn speaking into a career.
  • Why having a great talk isn’t enough — and how building a following or brand changes everything.
  • The truth about whether writing a book is a credibility booster or a modern necessity.
  • The biggest mistakes talented speakers make when trying to turn passion into income — and how to correct them.
  • What top-tier speakers refuse to waste time on (and why that matters).
  • The one powerful commitment any aspiring speaker can make today to start crossing the line from passionate to professional.

To learn more about this guest, visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertreish/

https://www.bobreish.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/what-the-top-10-of-speakers-do-differently-pz6X2yYG In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why fewer than 10% of speakers ever make a living doing what they love — and what separates the top performers from the rest.
  • The defining behaviors and mindset that consistently show up in successful speakers.
  • The essential presentation skills great speakers master that most others overlook.
  • How confidence is built — not born — and the role preparation plays in transforming it.
  • What “real commitment” looks like for someone determined to turn speaking into a career.
  • Why having a great talk isn’t enough — and how building a following or brand changes everything.
  • The truth about whether writing a book is a credibility booster or a modern necessity.
  • The biggest mistakes talented speakers make when trying to turn passion into income — and how to correct them.
  • What top-tier speakers refuse to waste time on (and why that matters).
  • The one powerful commitment any aspiring speaker can make today to start crossing the line from passionate to professional.

To learn more about this guest, visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertreish/

https://www.bobreish.com

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> What the Top 10% of Speakers Do Differently Rob Jolles 00:35:09 Fewer than 10% of professional speakers ever earn more than $10,000 a year. So what separates the top performers from everyone else? Is it talent, timing, or something far deeper? Author and speaker Bob Reish sits down with Rob to explore what it really takes to break through in the speaking business. Drawing on over 17,500 hours on stage and three decades of coaching leaders, Bob shares the traits, choices, and commitments that consistently define the top 10%. Fewer than 10% of professional speakers ever earn more than $10,000 a year. So what separates the top performers from everyone else? Is it talent, timing, or something far deeper? Author and speaker Bob Reish sits down with Rob to explore what it really takes to break through in the speaking business. Drawing on over 17,500 hours on stage and three decades of coaching leaders, Bob shares the traits, choices, and commitments that consistently define the top 10%. what the top 10% of speakers do differently, rob jolles, robert jolles, bob reish, the presentation whisperer show false full 15 926a489e-3cc1-4587-99bf-124257d5dc4a Nervous? Not in My Vocabulary In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why “nervous” is one of the least helpful words a presenter can use
  • How a single vocabulary change can alter your mindset under pressure
  • The difference between destructive nervousness and productive anxiousness
  • How to channel that anxious energy into focus, readiness, and stronger performance

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/nervous-not-in-my-vocabulary-TsVdtYoB In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • Why “nervous” is one of the least helpful words a presenter can use
  • How a single vocabulary change can alter your mindset under pressure
  • The difference between destructive nervousness and productive anxiousness
  • How to channel that anxious energy into focus, readiness, and stronger performance

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Nervous? Not in My Vocabulary Rob Jolles 00:04:43 Some people insist you should calm your nerves before a big presentation, but what if nerves aren’t actually the problem? What if the issue is the word you’re using to describe how you feel? In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll show you why I removed the word one simple, and overused word from my vocabulary years ago, and how replacing it with another simple word changed the way I prepare, perform, and handle pressure. You’ll hear how this shift can help you transform anxiety into focus and bring out your best when the stakes are high. Some people insist you should calm your nerves before a big presentation, but what if nerves aren’t actually the problem? What if the issue is the word you’re using to describe how you feel? In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll show you why I removed the word one simple, and overused word from my vocabulary years ago, and how replacing it with another simple word changed the way I prepare, perform, and handle pressure. You’ll hear how this shift can help you transform anxiety into focus and bring out your best when the stakes are high. nervous? not in my vocabulary!, whisper shots, rob jolles, robert jolles, blarticle®, me nervous? never!, the presentation whisperer show false full 14 776b63f6-24f1-4548-8f9f-6073dbe6c4cb Dead Room? No Problem! In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How to respond when your opening story or icebreaker lands flat.
  • Why starting with a humorous video can be a powerful tool to gauge audience energy.
  • What to do if your opening video or joke doesn’t get the reaction you expected.
  • Why presenters often take a “dead room” personally — and how to avoid that trap.
  • How “turning up the volume” can backfire and what to do instead.
  • Creative questioning techniques that help thaw a cold or unresponsive audience.
  • How to maintain composure when audience energy is low due to fatigue, bad news, or cultural norms.
  • Lessons learned from personal mistakes when trying to wake up a dead room.
  • Best practices for walking into a presentation knowing audience energy will be low.

 

To learn more about this guest, visit:

bfg3@directcon.net


Stores.eBay.com/Ronzonebooks 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengayiii/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/dead-room-no-problem-EOyOHcsl In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How to respond when your opening story or icebreaker lands flat.
  • Why starting with a humorous video can be a powerful tool to gauge audience energy.
  • What to do if your opening video or joke doesn’t get the reaction you expected.
  • Why presenters often take a “dead room” personally — and how to avoid that trap.
  • How “turning up the volume” can backfire and what to do instead.
  • Creative questioning techniques that help thaw a cold or unresponsive audience.
  • How to maintain composure when audience energy is low due to fatigue, bad news, or cultural norms.
  • Lessons learned from personal mistakes when trying to wake up a dead room.
  • Best practices for walking into a presentation knowing audience energy will be low.

 

To learn more about this guest, visit:

bfg3@directcon.net


Stores.eBay.com/Ronzonebooks 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengayiii/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Dead Room? No Problem! Rob Jolles 00:44:05 What do you do when your best opening story lands with a thud… when your “surefire” icebreaker melts before it hits the room? For many, panic can set in fast, but it doesn’t have to. Author, and legendary professional speaker, Ben Gay III sits down with Rob to explore how to read a room, adjust on the fly, and revive a dead audience without losing confidence or composure. Drawing from over 50 years in professional selling and more than 5,000 speaking events, Ben shares techniques that keep presenters calm, connected, and in control, even when the audience’s energy tank hits empty. What do you do when your best opening story lands with a thud… when your “surefire” icebreaker melts before it hits the room? For many, panic can set in fast, but it doesn’t have to. Author, and legendary professional speaker, Ben Gay III sits down with Rob to explore how to read a room, adjust on the fly, and revive a dead audience without losing confidence or composure. Drawing from over 50 years in professional selling and more than 5,000 speaking events, Ben shares techniques that keep presenters calm, connected, and in control, even when the audience’s energy tank hits empty. dead room? no problem!, ben gay iii, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 13 004b9ffd-5ab7-4a0f-ab85-2a375b080ff0 The Two-Word Fix for Stage Jitters In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • The real difference between “nervousness” and “anxiousness” — and why words matter
  • The two-word mindset shift that transforms pressure into performance
  • How to draw confidence from your personal track record of success
  • Why channeling anxious energy can actually make your presentations stronger

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-two-word-fix-for-stage-jitters-cOrvKfkQ In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • The real difference between “nervousness” and “anxiousness” — and why words matter
  • The two-word mindset shift that transforms pressure into performance
  • How to draw confidence from your personal track record of success
  • Why channeling anxious energy can actually make your presentations stronger

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Two-Word Fix for Stage Jitters Rob Jolles 00:05:29 Ever told yourself, “If I could just calm down, I’d do better”? You’re not alone, but you might be approaching that feeling the wrong way. What if the key to staying calm under pressure wasn’t about fighting your anxiety… but reframing it? In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll reveal two simple words that can help you shift from anxious to assured in any high-stakes moment. You’ll hear how those words have helped my clients, my family, and me, perform with confidence when it matters most. Ever told yourself, “If I could just calm down, I’d do better”? You’re not alone, but you might be approaching that feeling the wrong way. What if the key to staying calm under pressure wasn’t about fighting your anxiety… but reframing it? In this quick, five-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll reveal two simple words that can help you shift from anxious to assured in any high-stakes moment. You’ll hear how those words have helped my clients, my family, and me, perform with confidence when it matters most. rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, the secret to performing under pressure false full 12 63647f60-a920-455a-96b9-0db8751811b3 The Great, The Bad, And The Ugly In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How to spot topics “on the horizon” and uncover ideas no one else is covering.
  • What truly separates the most memorable presentations from those that fade fast.
  • The essential ingredients — structure, story, and delivery — that make a talk click.
  • How to use humor effectively without letting it overshadow your message.
  • The subtle cues seasoned speakers look for to spot true mastery on stage.
  • How to read an audience in real time and adjust your delivery to reengage them.
  • Simple strategies to keep long-running material feeling fresh and alive.
  • One powerful change you can make today to make your next presentation unforgettable.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Website :https://www.klein-strategies.com/

Email: dana@klein-strategies.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-klein57/ 

Calendar : https://calendly.com/dana-klein-strategies/30-minute-zoom-meeting?month=2025-10

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/the-great-the-bad-and-the-ugly-EmU8btik In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • How to spot topics “on the horizon” and uncover ideas no one else is covering.
  • What truly separates the most memorable presentations from those that fade fast.
  • The essential ingredients — structure, story, and delivery — that make a talk click.
  • How to use humor effectively without letting it overshadow your message.
  • The subtle cues seasoned speakers look for to spot true mastery on stage.
  • How to read an audience in real time and adjust your delivery to reengage them.
  • Simple strategies to keep long-running material feeling fresh and alive.
  • One powerful change you can make today to make your next presentation unforgettable.

 

To learn more about this guest:

Website :https://www.klein-strategies.com/

Email: dana@klein-strategies.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-klein57/ 

Calendar : https://calendly.com/dana-klein-strategies/30-minute-zoom-meeting?month=2025-10

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> The Great, The Bad, And The Ugly Rob Jolles 00:42:26 What separates a good presentation from one that lingers in your audience’s memory for years? Some talks soar, others stumble… and every presenter can learn from both. Professional speaker Dana Klein sits down with Rob to explore The Great, The Bad, and the Ugly of presentations. With over three decades of experience on stages of all sizes, he shares insights on structure, story, style, and how being bold, original, and just a bit humorous can make a message unforgettable. What separates a good presentation from one that lingers in your audience’s memory for years? Some talks soar, others stumble… and every presenter can learn from both. Professional speaker Dana Klein sits down with Rob to explore The Great, The Bad, and the Ugly of presentations. With over three decades of experience on stages of all sizes, he shares insights on structure, story, style, and how being bold, original, and just a bit humorous can make a message unforgettable. the good the bad and the ugly, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show, dana klein false full 11 9f6ac300-a5ab-49e8-9c74-51cff9de6cc3 Polarizing… On Purpose In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why accepting that “not everyone will like you” can actually make you a stronger, more confident presenter.
  • What authentic speakers have in common — and how they maintain composure under pressure.
  • How presenting to a Vistage audience differs from speaking to a typical corporate crowd.
  • The fine line between confidence and humility when taking feedback from your audience.
  • A real-world story of when staying true to a controversial approach paid off.
  • How over-adjusting to please an audience can backfire, and what to learn from it.
  • Practical ways to use audience feedback without letting it dilute your message or personality.
  • What it really takes to earn respect in a tough room, and why Vistage is a proving ground for pros.
  • Mark’s best advice for anyone determined to stay true to their voice, even if it means not being everyone’s favorite.

To learn more about this guest, visit:

Email: markparrott@nxteconomy.com

www.nxteconomy.com

www.linkedin.com/in/businessownercoach/

www.youtube.com/channel/metatrends

www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Parrott/author/B078S97WGD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/polarizing-on-purpose-ze6WajOS In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • Why accepting that “not everyone will like you” can actually make you a stronger, more confident presenter.
  • What authentic speakers have in common — and how they maintain composure under pressure.
  • How presenting to a Vistage audience differs from speaking to a typical corporate crowd.
  • The fine line between confidence and humility when taking feedback from your audience.
  • A real-world story of when staying true to a controversial approach paid off.
  • How over-adjusting to please an audience can backfire, and what to learn from it.
  • Practical ways to use audience feedback without letting it dilute your message or personality.
  • What it really takes to earn respect in a tough room, and why Vistage is a proving ground for pros.
  • Mark’s best advice for anyone determined to stay true to their voice, even if it means not being everyone’s favorite.

To learn more about this guest, visit:

Email: markparrott@nxteconomy.com

www.nxteconomy.com

www.linkedin.com/in/businessownercoach/

www.youtube.com/channel/metatrends

www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Parrott/author/B078S97WGD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Polarizing… On Purpose Rob Jolles 00:38:52 Some presenters work hard to please everyone and end up connecting with no one. But the speakers who truly stand out? They’re the ones who embrace a distinct style, even when it makes a few people uncomfortable. Author Mark Parrott sits down with Rob to talk about the courage it takes to commit to your unique voice as a presenter. Drawing from decades in financial services and thousands of presentations to some of the toughest audiences, including Vistage groups, Mark shares how to value feedback without losing authenticity, and why staying true to your style is the key to lasting impact. Some presenters work hard to please everyone and end up connecting with no one. But the speakers who truly stand out? They’re the ones who embrace a distinct style, even when it makes a few people uncomfortable. Author Mark Parrott sits down with Rob to talk about the courage it takes to commit to your unique voice as a presenter. Drawing from decades in financial services and thousands of presentations to some of the toughest audiences, including Vistage groups, Mark shares how to value feedback without losing authenticity, and why staying true to your style is the key to lasting impact. polarizing… on purpose, rob jolles, mark parrott, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 10 7658aeb7-8b7f-4ea6-84be-714d0e5677eb Who's Flat; The Audience Or You? In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
- How to take the temperature of the audience, and test whether the audience or you are off your game.
- Why overreacting or forcing energy can make things worse.
- What to do to regain control and connection when the room feels flat.

Because every presentation matters.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Fri, 7 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/whos-flat-the-audience-or-you-ykgd_q8D In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
- How to take the temperature of the audience, and test whether the audience or you are off your game.
- Why overreacting or forcing energy can make things worse.
- What to do to regain control and connection when the room feels flat.

Because every presentation matters.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Who's Flat; The Audience Or You? Rob Jolles 00:05:43 Ever stand in front of an audience and feel like you left your “A” game backstage? That sinking feeling can shake even the most seasoned presenters, but it’s not always your fault. Sometimes, the problem isn’t you at all. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through how to tell whether it’s you or your audience that’s having the off day, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to test the energy in the room, read the signs correctly, and respond without losing your confidence or control. Because every presentation matters. Ever stand in front of an audience and feel like you left your “A” game backstage? That sinking feeling can shake even the most seasoned presenters, but it’s not always your fault. Sometimes, the problem isn’t you at all. In this quick, six-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll walk you through how to tell whether it’s you or your audience that’s having the off day, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to test the energy in the room, read the signs correctly, and respond without losing your confidence or control. Because every presentation matters. is it the audience, how to take the temperature of an audience, rob jolles, is it the audience or is it me?, robert jolles, who's flat; the audience... or is it you?, the presentation whisperer show false full 9 1c240a49-7f49-4fd4-9ae2-335d238644f9 Mastering the High-Stakes Presentation In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What truly defines a “high-stakes” presentation — and why it’s about more than money or audience size.
  • How to prepare for high-stakes presentations or facilitation engagements with essential stakeholders.
  • Why audiences remember certain elements more than others, and how to emphasize what truly counts.
  • A practical process or methodology for shaping impactful, high-pressure presentations.
  • The common behaviors and mindsets top leaders share when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
  • How preparation differs between high-stakes and routine presentations.
  • Effective strategies for managing nerves when the audience feels “too important.”
  • How to balance control of the room with flexibility when the unexpected happens.
  • And, for anyone stepping up to the mic under pressure, how to walk to the front of the room with confidence and clarity.

To learn more about this guest:

Email is Petrausch@sbcglobal.net

Cell is 860-318-6718

LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/dr.robertpetrausch

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 6 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mastering-the-high-stakes-presentation-AuM8QgaM In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

  • What truly defines a “high-stakes” presentation — and why it’s about more than money or audience size.
  • How to prepare for high-stakes presentations or facilitation engagements with essential stakeholders.
  • Why audiences remember certain elements more than others, and how to emphasize what truly counts.
  • A practical process or methodology for shaping impactful, high-pressure presentations.
  • The common behaviors and mindsets top leaders share when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
  • How preparation differs between high-stakes and routine presentations.
  • Effective strategies for managing nerves when the audience feels “too important.”
  • How to balance control of the room with flexibility when the unexpected happens.
  • And, for anyone stepping up to the mic under pressure, how to walk to the front of the room with confidence and clarity.

To learn more about this guest:

Email is Petrausch@sbcglobal.net

Cell is 860-318-6718

LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/dr.robertpetrausch

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mastering the High-Stakes Presentation Rob Jolles 00:36:06 When every word matters and the room is watching, how do you communicate with absolute impact? High-stakes presentations can define careers, shape decisions, and alter relationships in a single moment... and they demand more than just good slides and clear speech. Author, professional speaker, and professor, Dr. Robert J. Petrausch sits down with Rob to unpack what separates high-stakes communication from the everyday kind. Drawing on experience as a U.S. Air Force Captain, Fortune 500 communications executive, and seasoned facilitator, he reveals how to prepare, perform, and stay poised when the pressure is on, and the outcome truly matters. When every word matters and the room is watching, how do you communicate with absolute impact? High-stakes presentations can define careers, shape decisions, and alter relationships in a single moment... and they demand more than just good slides and clear speech. Author, professional speaker, and professor, Dr. Robert J. Petrausch sits down with Rob to unpack what separates high-stakes communication from the everyday kind. Drawing on experience as a U.S. Air Force Captain, Fortune 500 communications executive, and seasoned facilitator, he reveals how to prepare, perform, and stay poised when the pressure is on, and the outcome truly matters. rob jolles, robert jolles, mastering the high-stakes presentation, the presentation whisperer show, dr. robert j. petrausch false full 8 222a8e20-ade8-442e-813b-7f4cbba1fb25 Mastering the Room: What Comedians Know About Reading Audiences In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • What behavioral science really means in the world of comedy, and how it influences the way audiences think, feel, and respond in the moment.
  • How comedians turn failure, those inevitable “bombs," into valuable lessons, and what business professionals can learn about resilience and recovery from it.
  • Why Kevin calls comedy skills “professional superpowers,” and how humor, timing, and presence translate directly into sharper communication and stronger leadership.
  • The boundaries comedians draw on stage, and what that teaches corporate presenters about reading a room and respecting audience lines.
  • How adaptability becomes a speaker’s ultimate edge, and the techniques comedians use to manage their emotions when an audience’s energy runs low.

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hubschmannn

Laugh.Rx Newsletter - https://laughrx.laugh.events

Laugh.Events website - https://www.laugh.events

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mon, 3 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mastering-the-room-what-comedians-know-about-reading-audiences-adXNkI_B In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • What behavioral science really means in the world of comedy, and how it influences the way audiences think, feel, and respond in the moment.
  • How comedians turn failure, those inevitable “bombs," into valuable lessons, and what business professionals can learn about resilience and recovery from it.
  • Why Kevin calls comedy skills “professional superpowers,” and how humor, timing, and presence translate directly into sharper communication and stronger leadership.
  • The boundaries comedians draw on stage, and what that teaches corporate presenters about reading a room and respecting audience lines.
  • How adaptability becomes a speaker’s ultimate edge, and the techniques comedians use to manage their emotions when an audience’s energy runs low.

To learn more about this guest:

LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hubschmannn

Laugh.Rx Newsletter - https://laughrx.laugh.events

Laugh.Events website - https://www.laugh.events

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mastering the Room: What Comedians Know About Reading Audiences Rob Jolles 00:38:52 What if the real skill in presenting isn’t in what you say, but how you respond to the moment? In this episode, we explore how comedians master adaptability, using timing, energy, and audience awareness to transform even missteps into connection. Great presenters don’t just deliver; they adjust, and that’s where the magic happens. Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hubschmann sits down with Rob to share how his world of stand-up, improv, and behavioral science blends into powerful lessons for any speaker or business professional. Together they unpack what it means to read the room, pivot on the fly, and stay present when things don’t go exactly as planned. Whether you’re on stage or in a meeting, this episode will help you build the kind of adaptability that wins audiences over every time. What if the real skill in presenting isn’t in what you say, but how you respond to the moment? In this episode, we explore how comedians master adaptability, using timing, energy, and audience awareness to transform even missteps into connection. Great presenters don’t just deliver; they adjust, and that’s where the magic happens. Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hubschmann sits down with Rob to share how his world of stand-up, improv, and behavioral science blends into powerful lessons for any speaker or business professional. Together they unpack what it means to read the room, pivot on the fly, and stay present when things don’t go exactly as planned. Whether you’re on stage or in a meeting, this episode will help you build the kind of adaptability that wins audiences over every time. rob jolles, kevin hubschmann, robert jolles, mastering the room: what comedians know about reading audiences, the presentation whisperer show false full 7 6f284c14-3ed6-473b-9788-b154d50bea6c Mastering Body Language for Powerful Presentations In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • The measurable impact body language has on audience connection — and what research says to silence the skeptics.
  • How our bodies “broadcast” silent messages that reveal more than we think, and how to control the signals we send.
  • Why business professionals often underestimate the power of body language in shaping credibility and trust.
  • Real examples of presenters whose physical cues contradicted their words — and what that did to their message.
  • The most common body language mistakes leaders and presenters make that quietly undermine their authority.
  • Which traits — confidence, credibility, or charisma — show up most clearly through body language, and how to project them with purpose.
  • The key differences between body language in virtual and in-person settings, and how to adjust for both.
  • One essential body language behavior every professional should master to immediately elevate their presence.

To learn more about this guest:

Information - www.martinbrooks.me

LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-brooks-94566312/ , 

Instagram, @martinbrooks1968 , 

E: martin@accoladeconsulting.co.uk 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/mastering-body-language-for-powerful-presentations-DMjB0uuU In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • The measurable impact body language has on audience connection — and what research says to silence the skeptics.
  • How our bodies “broadcast” silent messages that reveal more than we think, and how to control the signals we send.
  • Why business professionals often underestimate the power of body language in shaping credibility and trust.
  • Real examples of presenters whose physical cues contradicted their words — and what that did to their message.
  • The most common body language mistakes leaders and presenters make that quietly undermine their authority.
  • Which traits — confidence, credibility, or charisma — show up most clearly through body language, and how to project them with purpose.
  • The key differences between body language in virtual and in-person settings, and how to adjust for both.
  • One essential body language behavior every professional should master to immediately elevate their presence.

To learn more about this guest:

Information - www.martinbrooks.me

LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-brooks-94566312/ , 

Instagram, @martinbrooks1968 , 

E: martin@accoladeconsulting.co.uk 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Mastering Body Language for Powerful Presentations Rob Jolles 00:47:06 Have you ever stopped to think that your audience might be reading more from your posture than your PowerPoint? Every gesture, stance, and micro-expression tells a story... sometimes louder than your words ever could. Your body language as a presenter can either build instant connection or quietly push an audience away. Author Martin Brooks sits down with Rob to unpack how nonverbal cues shape the way your message lands. With over 23 years of experience coaching executives, Martin shares how subtle adjustments in movement and expression can amplify credibility, warmth, and persuasion. Drawing from his acclaimed book Body Language Decoder, he reveals the secrets behind mastering your physical presence to create true impact every time you speak. Have you ever stopped to think that your audience might be reading more from your posture than your PowerPoint? Every gesture, stance, and micro-expression tells a story... sometimes louder than your words ever could. Your body language as a presenter can either build instant connection or quietly push an audience away. Author Martin Brooks sits down with Rob to unpack how nonverbal cues shape the way your message lands. With over 23 years of experience coaching executives, Martin shares how subtle adjustments in movement and expression can amplify credibility, warmth, and persuasion. Drawing from his acclaimed book Body Language Decoder, he reveals the secrets behind mastering your physical presence to create true impact every time you speak. martin brooks, rob jolles, mastering body language for powerful presentations, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 6 7b59b9b5-0f6d-4a74-a48f-5f3f0aa77f83 One Quick Way To Lose An Audience In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • What it means to “break the fourth wall” and why audiences never recover when you do.
  • How to handle unexpected distractions, mistakes, or technical issues without losing your audience’s trust.
  • Why the best presenters, and performers, never let the audience see them sweat.

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/one-quick-way-to-lose-an-audience-iM5CBs2R In this Whisper Shot, you’ll learn:

  • What it means to “break the fourth wall” and why audiences never recover when you do.
  • How to handle unexpected distractions, mistakes, or technical issues without losing your audience’s trust.
  • Why the best presenters, and performers, never let the audience see them sweat.

 

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> One Quick Way To Lose An Audience Rob Jolles 00:07:43 A small mistake onstage can turn a great performance into an awkward moment. I watched it happen to a very well known actor on Broadway, and it’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten. In this quick, eight-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll share what this major Hollywood actor did that no professional performer, or presenter should ever do, and what it taught me about the one thing an audience will not recover from. A small mistake onstage can turn a great performance into an awkward moment. I watched it happen to a very well known actor on Broadway, and it’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten. In this quick, eight-minute Whisper Shot, I’ll share what this major Hollywood actor did that no professional performer, or presenter should ever do, and what it taught me about the one thing an audience will not recover from. rob jolles, robert jolles, whisper shot, one quick way to lose an audience, the one thing an audience will never forgive, the presentation whisperer show, blarticle false full 5 9db9a81c-b3ee-4a6b-bb95-0ed7647dc736 Creating Moments… Not Just Messages In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • How Alvin opened with his personal journey and mmediately showing what it means to turn obstacles into boundless possibilities.
  • Why he calls what he does a show—not a speech—and how that subtle shift changes everything about audience engagement.
    The biggest mistakes speakers make when trying to inspire, and what it really takes to move people emotionally rather than just talk at them.
  • How to set the tone from the moment you walk on stage, filling the room with energy and heart before saying a word.
  • What Alvin has discovered after performing thousands of shows about creating moments that linger long after the lights go down.
  • How he balances storytelling with performance so the audience experiences the message instead of merely hearing it.
  • A simple but profound shift any presenter can make to move from presenting to inspiring.

To learn more about this guest:

https://alvinlaw.com
403-873-8149

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/creating-moments-not-just-messages-ztuaMFaE In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:

  • How Alvin opened with his personal journey and mmediately showing what it means to turn obstacles into boundless possibilities.
  • Why he calls what he does a show—not a speech—and how that subtle shift changes everything about audience engagement.
    The biggest mistakes speakers make when trying to inspire, and what it really takes to move people emotionally rather than just talk at them.
  • How to set the tone from the moment you walk on stage, filling the room with energy and heart before saying a word.
  • What Alvin has discovered after performing thousands of shows about creating moments that linger long after the lights go down.
  • How he balances storytelling with performance so the audience experiences the message instead of merely hearing it.
  • A simple but profound shift any presenter can make to move from presenting to inspiring.

To learn more about this guest:

https://alvinlaw.com
403-873-8149

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Creating Moments… Not Just Messages Rob Jolles 00:36:50 He’s performed on five continents, spoken to over two million people, and delivered more than 3,500 shows, yes, shows, because what he does goes far beyond traditional speaking. With a mix of humor, music, and heart, he connects with audiences in ways that fill the soul and move people to action. International keynote speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Alvin Law sits down with Rob to share how he’s turned challenges into purpose and performance. A two-time Hall of Fame recipient in both the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame and the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, and winner of the 2022 Peter Legge Philanthropic Award, Alvin’s raised over $225 million for charity and continues to inspire by showing what’s possible when we choose to see ability over limitation. He’s performed on five continents, spoken to over two million people, and delivered more than 3,500 shows, yes, shows, because what he does goes far beyond traditional speaking. With a mix of humor, music, and heart, he connects with audiences in ways that fill the soul and move people to action. International keynote speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Alvin Law sits down with Rob to share how he’s turned challenges into purpose and performance. A two-time Hall of Fame recipient in both the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame and the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, and winner of the 2022 Peter Legge Philanthropic Award, Alvin’s raised over $225 million for charity and continues to inspire by showing what’s possible when we choose to see ability over limitation. rob jolles, alvin law, robert jolles, creating moments… not just messages, the presentation whisperer show false full 4 eff6e157-5f5f-4c97-964b-8bc84542e142 Moving Past Logic to Help Unlock Original Ideas Mark opened with his personal journey and landed it perfectly in the sweet spot at two minutes and twenty-five seconds.  Challenge met!

  • In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:
  • When he first discovered that logic can actually block originality—and the case studies that proved it.
  • o A real example of how linear thinking caused a presentation to blend in rather than stand out.
  • o The mindset shift speakers need to make before they can move beyond logic with confidence.
  • A go-to engagement technique he relies on to draw audiences in and keep them with him.
  • One of his most creative presentation moves—and why it worked.
  • A creative swing that backfired, and what it taught him about taking risks.

To learn more about this guest:

LevyInnovation.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/levyinnovation/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/moving-past-logic-to-help-unlock-original-ideas-QTKQHln3 Mark opened with his personal journey and landed it perfectly in the sweet spot at two minutes and twenty-five seconds.  Challenge met!

  • In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you'll learn:
  • When he first discovered that logic can actually block originality—and the case studies that proved it.
  • o A real example of how linear thinking caused a presentation to blend in rather than stand out.
  • o The mindset shift speakers need to make before they can move beyond logic with confidence.
  • A go-to engagement technique he relies on to draw audiences in and keep them with him.
  • One of his most creative presentation moves—and why it worked.
  • A creative swing that backfired, and what it taught him about taking risks.

To learn more about this guest:

LevyInnovation.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/levyinnovation/

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Moving Past Logic to Help Unlock Original Ideas Rob Jolles 00:42:18 Too many presenters cling to logic as their secret weapon for standing out. But what if logic is actually the trap that keeps your message predictable, familiar, and forgettable? To create something truly distinctive; a talk, a brand, a policy, or a book, you may need to step outside the lines of linear thinking. Author and founder of Levy Innovation, Mark Levy sits down with Rob to explore how embracing the unexpected can unlock originality and impact. He shares why logic loops us back to what already exists, and how illogical thinking, done with intention, can spark bold ideas, unforgettable presentations, and genuine differentiation. Too many presenters cling to logic as their secret weapon for standing out. But what if logic is actually the trap that keeps your message predictable, familiar, and forgettable? To create something truly distinctive; a talk, a brand, a policy, or a book, you may need to step outside the lines of linear thinking. Author and founder of Levy Innovation, Mark Levy sits down with Rob to explore how embracing the unexpected can unlock originality and impact. He shares why logic loops us back to what already exists, and how illogical thinking, done with intention, can spark bold ideas, unforgettable presentations, and genuine differentiation. moving past logic to help unlock original ideas, mark levy, rob jolles, robert jolles, the presentation whisperer show false full 3 271c751e-f276-4ede-9b1d-4e4cc7eec2d4 Authenticity Over Applause In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
o Why authenticity matters more than ever, and how speakers can prove they are who they say they are.
o How sharing experience over ego builds trust with audiences and clients.
o What makes sales audiences unique and how to design workshops that truly land with them.
o Specific techniques Coach Dan Gordon uses to engage, teach, and persuade in sales environments.
o How he books speaking gigs—whether through bureaus, referrals, or reputation.
o Practical advice for speakers looking to go pro in today’s marketplace.
o An example of a signature move he uses that most presenters overlook or underestimate.
o The most common mistake new speakers make—and how to avoid it.

To learn more about this guest:

website: DanGordonEnterprise.com

LinkedIn: gordon.coach/linkedIn

YouTube: gordon.coach/youtube

Instagram: gordon.coach/instagram

TikTok: gordon.coach/tiktok

Facebook: gordon.coach/facebook

Book a call with Coach Dan: Text HELP to 213.409.8366

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/authenticity-over-applause-ABwVEn9m In this Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:
o Why authenticity matters more than ever, and how speakers can prove they are who they say they are.
o How sharing experience over ego builds trust with audiences and clients.
o What makes sales audiences unique and how to design workshops that truly land with them.
o Specific techniques Coach Dan Gordon uses to engage, teach, and persuade in sales environments.
o How he books speaking gigs—whether through bureaus, referrals, or reputation.
o Practical advice for speakers looking to go pro in today’s marketplace.
o An example of a signature move he uses that most presenters overlook or underestimate.
o The most common mistake new speakers make—and how to avoid it.

To learn more about this guest:

website: DanGordonEnterprise.com

LinkedIn: gordon.coach/linkedIn

YouTube: gordon.coach/youtube

Instagram: gordon.coach/instagram

TikTok: gordon.coach/tiktok

Facebook: gordon.coach/facebook

Book a call with Coach Dan: Text HELP to 213.409.8366

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Authenticity Over Applause Rob Jolles 00:41:03 Most presenters spend more energy performing than connecting, and audiences can feel the difference. Chasing applause might look impressive, but it rarely builds trust, influence, or lasting impact. The real power comes from easing back on the performing and showing up with honesty and intention. Professional speaker and author Coach Dan Gordon sits down with Rob to unpack what authentic delivery actually looks like. With nearly 30 years of experience as a leadership strategist and former Hollywood screenwriter, he shares how presenters, coaches, and entrepreneurs can transform fear into confidence, and create meaningful connection by being themselves. Most presenters spend more energy performing than connecting, and audiences can feel the difference. Chasing applause might look impressive, but it rarely builds trust, influence, or lasting impact. The real power comes from easing back on the performing and showing up with honesty and intention. Professional speaker and author Coach Dan Gordon sits down with Rob to unpack what authentic delivery actually looks like. With nearly 30 years of experience as a leadership strategist and former Hollywood screenwriter, he shares how presenters, coaches, and entrepreneurs can transform fear into confidence, and create meaningful connection by being themselves. dan gordon, authenticity over applause, rob jolles, robert jolles, coach dan gordon, the presentation whisperer show false full 2 851c9610-8131-4b85-b328-d79af7288bc0 Welcome to The Presentation Whisperer Step inside the world of presentations with professional speaker and bestselling author Rob Jolles.

A show for anyone who wants to speak with impact.

Through expert interviews, real-time coaching, and over three decades of battle-tested experience, Rob reveals what makes presentations truly resonate.

Whether you're a professional speaker, trainer, or simply someone who wants to do your very best, you'll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate any delivery.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes. 

Subscribe now and discover why every presentation matters—including yours.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

]]> Tue, 7 Oct 2025 01:41:05 +0000 rob@jolles.com (Rob Jolles) https://the-presentation-whisperer-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/welcome-to-the-presentation-whisperer-7LWzq_sC Step inside the world of presentations with professional speaker and bestselling author Rob Jolles.

A show for anyone who wants to speak with impact.

Through expert interviews, real-time coaching, and over three decades of battle-tested experience, Rob reveals what makes presentations truly resonate.

Whether you're a professional speaker, trainer, or simply someone who wants to do your very best, you'll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate any delivery.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes. 

Subscribe now and discover why every presentation matters—including yours.

Hosted by Rob Jolles; professional speaker, bestselling author, and four-decade veteran of the stage and training room.

Learn more about Rob’s books, training programs, and keynote work at ThePresentationWhisperer.com, or Jolles.com.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn  or follow Rob’s LinkedIn Newsletter, When Every Word Matters

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