Category: Presenting

Categories
Communications Marketing Podcast Presenting

The Business of Business Storytelling

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, with your host, Dan Keldsen.

Welcome back to “Next Future Today,” the go-to podcast for career insights and forward-thinking ideas. I’m your host, Dan Keldsen, and in today’s episode titled “The Business of Business Storytelling,” we dive deeper into the waters of storytelling for business.

With over two decades of expertise, Patti Sanchez is a master at using storytelling to engage and persuade diverse audiences for various business purposes. From the importance of storytelling in enhancing brand affinity and internal culture at mega-brands like Nike to the strategic use of storytelling to overcome customer objections and resistance to change, Patti unpacks how storytelling is pivotal at every stage of the customer journey. Whether you’re looking to refine your business communication or seeking fresh ways to pitch to potential investors, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Join us as we explore how to use the traditional three-act structure in storytelling to craft compelling narratives that captivate and motivate, the challenges of change and how stories can be a transformative tool to address them. Don’t miss out as Patti shares her valuable perspective on not just the how of storytelling, but the critical whys behind it.

So, tune in, as we learn to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through the power of storytelling.

Timestamps:
00:00 Interview about storytelling in business and communication.
06:27 Using stories in business communication builds trust.
09:06 Internal vs External focus in business storytelling.
11:30 Many companies value internal storytelling expertise.
17:03 Interview process to understand customer’s journey.
18:36 Tech startups overhyped, struggle with initial success.
22:50 Marketing funnels guide content for specific audiences.
24:40 Legacy systems broken, need for automation explained.
28:06 Understanding people is key to driving change.
30:54 Writing fictional stories helps visualize and plan future.

PS: Are you applying the strategies discussed in our episodes? Share how NextFutureToday has influenced your approach to technology and behavior on our social media channels or by replying through any social channel you’ve found this episode on! 🚀

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Find out more about Dan and Patti:

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/
Next Future Today – https://nextfuturetoday.com/

Patti Sanchez – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattisan/

Categories
Communications Marketing Podcast Presenting

Making a Career Out of Speechwriting and Ghostwriting

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, with your host, Dan Keldsen.

Welcome back to “Next Future Today,” the go-to podcast for career insights and forward-thinking ideas. I’m your host, Dan Keldsen, and in today’s episode titled “Making a Career Out of Speechwriting and Ghostwriting,” we dive into the often-overlooked world of professional writing that influences and shapes public discourse.

Joining me is the distinguished Michael Franklin, a seasoned speechwriter and ghostwriter, who also spearheads the organization Speechwriters of Color. This conversation illuminates the pathways for those looking to carve out a career in speechwriting, especially for individuals of color who are notably underrepresented in this field.

Michael opens up about the need for formal training and greater visibility for speechwriters of color and shares his initiatives like the launching of a fellowship program and the speechwriters of color conference aimed at providing hands-on experience and education on the differing roles of speechwriters.

We discuss the intricacies and challenges faced by those who ghostwrite, including issues of credit and recognition, during their negotiation processes. Michael also provides insight from his experience at the Gathering of the Ghost conference, shining a light on the diversity issues and identity crises within the profession.

In a field mistakenly limited to politics, Michael breaks down the barriers, explaining the transition potential between speechwriting and ghostwriting, and emphasizing a strong grasp of storytelling as a key skill. We also talk about how the terminology used to describe one’s work can greatly impact career opportunities for writers of color.

Adding layers to the discussion, we touch upon the contributions of political writers George Lakoff and Frank Luntz, and Michael hands out some valuable tools for framing and structuring speeches. He also recommends several resources for aspiring speechwriters to hone their craft, showcasing his organization’s success in fostering over 500 members and securing influential partnerships.

If you have ever been intrigued by the hidden architects of communication or if you’re looking for alternative career pathways in writing, this episode will leave you enlightened and inspired. Make sure to stay tuned till the end for Michael’s contact information and the exciting possibilities for future collaboration.

Now, let’s unravel the behind-the-scenes world of the words that move us, as we welcome Michael Franklin on “Next Future Today.”

Recommended reading:

Political Speechwriter’s Handbook

Sister Outsider and

Speaking While Female

Timestamps:

00:00 Interview with Michael Franklin on speech writing.

04:53 Conference covered diversity and identity crisis issues.

06:33 Ghostwriters and speechwriters seek public recognition changes.

10:45 Encouraging people of color to claim their role.

15:00 Legal communications major emphasizes ability to explain law.

18:10 Focuses on framing and progressive democrat communication.

20:34 Structure Technique: Name villain, uplift victories, call to action.

25:51 Launching virtual writing program, hosting in-person conference.

29:19 Reach out to diverse speech writers for opportunities.

30:27 Seek opportunities, ask for help, diverse options.

PS: Are you applying the strategies discussed in our episodes? Share how NextFutureToday has influenced your approach to technology and behavior on our social media channels or by replying through any social channel you’ve found this episode on! 🚀

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Find out more about Dan and Matt:

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/

Next Future Today – https://nextfuturetoday.com/

PlexiCam – https://www.plexicam.com/

Michael Franklin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfranklin628/

Categories
Podcast Presenting Remote Work

You Aren’t a Born Communicator

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, with your host, Dan Keldsen.

In a world where ideas are the bedrock of innovation and progress, how we convey those ideas can be the difference between being heard and being overlooked. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest episode, “You aren’t a born communicator”, featuring a master of the spoken word, Matt Kohut of KNP Communications, and hosted as always by the infinitely curious Dan Keldsen.

🧠 Left Brain, Right Brain – Finding the Balance in Business Explore the necessity of blending logical and creative thinking with Dan and Matt as they delve into the realm of effective business communication. Understand why it’s essential to break free from traditional molds and foster an environment where innovation thrives.

🚀 NASA and the Struggle for Change Learn about the challenges organizations like NASA face when altering entrenched cultures and presentation styles. Discover why Guy Kawasaki’s presentation rule and storytelling are not just for authors and filmmakers but are critical tools for businesses and technical organizations alike.

🗣️ The Art and Science of Communication Matt Kohut illuminates the path from being a rough communicator to excelling in conveying your message. Take cues from the greats like Martin Luther King and Steve Jobs (both are talked about as though they were literally born to speak, but they both spent FAR more time and effort than you probably think, to become true masters), and hear about the hard work behind captivating speeches.

💡 Storytelling – Your Tool for Persuasion Find out why anecdotes and personal stories can transform a mundane presentation into a persuasive, emotional journey. Matt discusses the hurdles of making the case for storytelling within technical organizations and how it can lead to a significant shift in professional communication.

📚 Speaking Out Anticipate Matt Kohut’s upcoming book “Speaking Out: New Rules of Business Leadership Communication” and get a sneak peek into how executives are navigating the complex landscape of political and social issues through their communications.

🔧 Tools for Improvement

And a quick aside – Rethink your approach to virtual meetings and learn about Poised—a real-time app that offers immediate feedback on your speaking skills. Plus, discover the importance of recording and reviewing your presentations for continuous self-improvement.

Connect with Matt Kohut on LinkedIn or via KNP Communications for personal advice on professional communication.

This episode of Next Future Today is more than just a podcast—it’s a step towards transforming how you interact with the world around you. Let Dan and Matt guide you on this journey of communication mastery.

Tune in now and remember, while you might not be a born communicator, with persistence and the right guidance, you can become a captivating one.

Let’s start the conversation, right now, on *Next Future Today*.

00:00 Matt Kohut discusses professional communication and NASA.

03:25 Non-linear path to speech writing career.

09:02 Success takes work, internalize beyond mere memorization.

11:50 Stories elicit emotions, analysis is logic.

13:35 Professional stories can be small and anecdotal.

16:28 Encouraging a whole mind for innovation and value.

20:49 Agrees with point, flexibility in presentation size.

24:20 Effective communication requires memorable, impactful messages.

26:47 Real-time app gives feedback during meetings.

30:17 Sneak peek of Matt’s next book.

PS: Are you applying the strategies discussed in our episodes? Share how NextFutureToday has influenced your approach to technology and behavior on our social media channels or by replying through any social channel you’ve found this episode on! 🚀

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Find out more about Dan and Matt:

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/

Next Future Today – https://nextfuturetoday.com/

PlexiCam – https://www.plexicam.com/

Matt Kohut – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kohut-00b64b4/

KNP Communications – https://www.knpcommunications.com/

Categories
Innovation Podcast Presenting Remote Work

The Magic of Conversational Presenting

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, with your host, Dan Keldsen.

And in today’s episode of Next Future Today, Episode 20, “The Magic of Conversational Presenting,” we’re diving into the transformative world of presentation skills with none other than Spencer Waldron, a maestro of engaging communication with over 15 years under his belt.

Spencer, a former long-time Prezi employee who helped bring Prezi Video into the world, now brings his expertise to cenrox.com, advocating for the power of virtual connections that can be as strong as any live event – or even stronger!

We’ll be touching on the Steve Jobs’ level of preparation (and what would Steve have done during COVID?), the storytelling secrets that could rival Pixar, and the impact of COVID-19 on our virtual presentation landscape.

As we all navigated the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Spencer adapted his approach, sharpening his already impressive presentation strategies. He’ll share his insights on the necessity of intimate Zoom engagement over broad-cast webinars, the tactical use of questions to tailor your message, and even a fascinating “periodic table of emotions” that could drastically improve how we understand and deliver our content.

Looking ahead, Spencer is excited about the potential of AI in crafting presentations and is eager to discuss his new platform, CENROX. He’s also very approachable on LinkedIn for those who’d like to connect.

So sit tight as we explore how to harness the interactive power of “conversational presenting,” learn from WebEx’s missed shots, and find out why Zoom became the king of virtual communication. Perhaps most importantly, we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a virtual presentation not just work, but resonate powerfully—even down to your choice of background and the “20% rule” for enhancing your on-screen presence.

This episode isn’t just a look into the future of presenting—it’s an essential guide for anyone looking to slingshot their communication skills into new dimensions in 2024 and beyond. Join us for this insightful journey into the heart of effective presentation—let’s start the conversation, right now, on Next Future Today.

Thank you for your loyal listening, and remember to subscribe and share your thoughts on today’s episode. Your feedback powers the future of our content.

Stay tuned for the next wave of insights…
Dan Keldsen, Next Future Today Founder and Host

PS: Are you applying the strategies discussed in our episodes? Share how NextFutureToday has influenced your approach to technology and behavior on our social media channels or by replying through any social channel you’ve found this episode on! 🚀

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Find out more about Dan and Spencer:

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/
Spencer Waldron – https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerwaldron/ and his company, Cenrox, https://www.cenrox.com/

Categories
AI Behavioral Science Innovation Neuroscience Podcast Presenting Remote Work

The Fight Between Your Ancient Brain and Your Modern Brain

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, your go-to podcast for exploring what’s coming, and how you can purposefully create your next future… today!

🧠 Episode 19: The Fight Between Your Ancient Brain and Your Modern Brain with Dr. Abbie Morano and Host Dan Keldsen

Hosted by Dan Keldsen, NextFutureToday dives deep into conversation with Dr. Abbie Morano, PhD, director of training and education at Social Engineer, LLC, and an advisory board member at Virtual Sapiens. Don’t miss this comprehensive discussion on the role of nonverbal communication in our increasingly virtual interactions.

Key Takeaways:

– Understand behavioral science in layperson’s terms and its practical applications in every day life, and in cybersecurity specifically.

– Learn why nonverbal cues such as eye contact and body language are even more crucial in virtual settings (and where you’re probably damaging your perceived expertise with sloppy on-screen habits)

– Discover how to overcome ‘Zoom fatigue’ through effective nonverbal communication strategies.

– Gain valuable insights into navigating career pathways, resilience, and the role of ethical behavior in professional growth.

👀 Virtual Sapiens – The Tool for On-Camera Mastery

Dr. Morano and our host will also introduce you to Virtual Sapiens – a software platform revolutionizing the way we self-analyze and enhance our presence in virtual communications.

🎙️A Personal Journey Revealed

Dr. Morano shares her personal career journey and the hard work that led to her becoming a reputable figure in behavioral science. Her dedication to understanding the subtleties of human interaction provides invaluable lessons for all professionals navigating the digital space.

💡 Nonverbal Nuances, Social Engineering & Technology

Learn how the limbic system of our brains reacts to virtual communication, and hear exciting thoughts on new technology connecting neuroscience and biology to our online interactions.

🔗 Don’t Miss Out

Click here to listen to NFT Episode 19 with Dr. Abbie Morano, an engaging session filled with actionable knowledge that could transform the way you interact online and safeguard your privacy.

Thank you for your loyal listening, and remember to subscribe and share your thoughts on today’s episode. Your feedback powers the future of our content.

Stay tuned for the next wave of insights…
Dan Keldsen, Next Future Today Founder and Host

PS: Are you applying the strategies discussed in our episodes? Share how NextFutureToday has influenced your approach to technology and behavior on our social media channels or by replying through any social channel you’ve found this episode on! 🚀

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FOLLOW DAN KELDSEN AND DR. ABBIE

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/
Dr. Abbie Maroño, PhD – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-abbie-maro%C3%B1o-phd-35ab2611a/

Categories
AI Innovation Podcast Presenting Remote Work Software

Mind-blowing Secrets of Fandom and Virtual Events Unveiled

Dear Enthusiasts of the Future,

Welcome back to Next Future Today, your go-to podcast for exploring what’s coming, and how you can purposefully create your next future… today!

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting David Meerman Scott, the renowned author of “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” and “Fanocracy.”

Our conversation delved into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, virtual events, and the evolution of fan engagement.

Here are some highlights from our engaging discussion:

1. The Neuroscience Behind Fandom and Tribal Behavior:

– We explored the impact of eye contact, mirror neurons, and proximity on the human brain, shedding light on the neuroscience behind why individuals seek communities and connections with like-minded people.

2. Evolution of Virtual Events:

– David shared insights into how the pandemic forced a shift from in-person to virtual events, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling virtual experiences that engage and captivate participants.

3. Hybrid Event Success:

– We discussed successful examples of hybrid events, highlighting Tony Robbins’ seamless transition to a hybrid format, leveraging innovative communication technology.

4. Technology Innovation Acceleration:

– Recognizing the accelerated pace of technology innovation during the pandemic, we explored how it condensed years of technological advancement into a remarkably short period.

Our conversation with David Meerman Scott provided invaluable insights into the future of fan engagement, the impact of virtual events, and the rapid evolution of technology. We’re thrilled to share this enriching episode with you.

Next Future Today is committed to exploring the most cutting-edge developments in technology and their impact on various industries. We hope you find this episode as enlightening and thought-provoking as we did.

Tune in to Next Future Today and join us as we explore the trends, technologies, and ideas that are shaping the future.

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FOLLOW DAN AND DAVID

Dan Keldsen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeldsen/
David Meerman Scott – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeermanscott/

Categories
Podcast Presenting

Revolutionizing Events in a Hybrid World

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Welcome to Next Future Today, hosted by Dan Keldsen.

Find more episodes at https://NextFutureToday.com, on YouTube, or in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode host Dan Keldsen interviews Jon Harris, the CEO and co-founder of BuzzIt, a platform designed to enhance attendee engagement and overall event experience.

It’s a tale of a pivot – dodging and weaving from one idea, connecting college students in big, anonymous classrooms, to much more… watch/listen for the details, in the meantime, here’s the quick summary.

Three Key Takeaways from BuzzIt’s Journey

  1. The initial idea for BuzzIt was to create a location-based messaging product.
  2. BuzzIt pivoted to focus on improving attendee engagement and experience at events.
  3. The platform aims to cater to the unique needs of smaller, more frequent events.

A Step-by-Step Process to BuzzIt’s Evolution

  1. Initial concept: John Harris was inspired to create a location-based messaging product after a bad experience with a food vendor.
  2. Pivot to classrooms: Realizing the potential for this product in educational settings, Harris and his team started using it in classrooms to help students connect.
  3. Transition to events: BuzzIt shifted to events, where it found a better market fit and started focusing on helping event organizers create better experiences for attendees.
  4. Covid-19 impact: The pandemic forced event organizers to adapt to virtual and hybrid events, and BuzzIt evolved alongside these changes to provide solutions for a niche market.
  • 📱 Buzzit began as a location-based messaging product
  • 🎓 Initially focused on classrooms for better communication
  • 🚀 Shifted focus to events and event organizers
  • 🌐 Adapted to online events during the Covid-19 pandemic
  • 🤝 Helps both attendees and hosts for better event experiences
  • 💼 Target audience: smaller, frequent events (75-150 people)
  • ⏳ Saves setup time for event organizers
  • 🌉 Bridges the gap between in-person and virtual attendees
  • 🎯 Not a one-size-fits-all solution,  tailored to a niche market
  • 🗣️ Strong engagement with clients to understand their needs

More about BuzzIT at:
https://www.buzzit.ca/

Categories
Entrepreneurism Podcast Presenting Remote Work

Start.Suck.Get Better. with Desiree Rose and Dan Keldsen

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Welcome to Next Future Today, hosted by Dan Keldsen. Find more episodes at https://NextFutureToday.com, on YouTube, or in your favorite podcast app.

This is Season 1, Episode 8, and the topic is “Start.Suck.Get Better.”

In this interview, I chatted with Desiree Rose from  @All-In-One Social Media about her newest book ( Start.Suck.Get Better. ), social media for individual/personal brands, small businesses, and well… anyone.

She started her career in social media and video specifically roughly 6 years ago, and has built quite a reputation as a content creator, and in her work with and as a military spouse, and female entrepreneurs as a whole.

If you’ve been listening to previous Next Future Today episodes, the core idea of Start.Suck.Get Better. fits fantastically with the key concept of Next Future Today… it’s not just gaining knowledge, but taking ACTION, quickly, that’s the key to empowering yourself as well as your team.

The sooner you start chipping away at making change happen, the sooner you’ll see the results!

Find out more about her work at:
https://www.allinonesocialmedia.com/
https://mrsdesireerose.com/

Fun fact: Desiree was the very first person to upload an unboxing video of our products at PlexiCam.com. That video was an early sign that the word was getting out that there was a real problem out in the world, cringingly bad eye contact on Zoom calls, interviews, recorded videos, you name it – and we were being seen as the solution.

Alright, let’s dive on into it with Desiree!

Categories
Creativity Innovation Podcast Presenting Sales

Here Be Dragons with Rich Mulholland and Dan Keldsen

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Time for another episode of Next Future Today!

Find more episodes at NextFutureToday.com, on YouTube, or in your favorite podcast app.

This is Season 1, Episode 6, and the topic is “Here Be Dragons.” My guest is Rich Mulholland, who is a professional speaker, a salesperson, an author, has a pro music/entertainment background supporting a variety of internationally known rock bands, he’s a sales and speaking trainer, and perhaps most importantly, one heck of a storyteller.

Rich’s approach to explaining not just that storytelling is important, but HOW TO CREATE WELL CRAFTED STORIES, is among the best I’ve found.

I know I’ve found gold when I read a book and follow someone’s social feed, when most of the resources they mention are not the same old list that every one refers to.

And his latest book, “Here Be Dragons” is an incredibly compelling read, chock full of memorable nuggets.

More about Rich and his work:
msnglnk.com
linkedin.com/in/richardmulholland

His latest book:
https://amzn.to/3HU2JF1

And my company, and the product we discussed early in the conversation is:
plexicam.com

Thanks to Rich for his humor, insights and support – he’s serving a very similar audience in the same spirit as we are – there’s power in simplicity, and in making compelling presentations a normality rather than a rarity.