Episode 25: Beyond the Stage: Refining Your Message for Maximum Impact

2025-03-28

Episode 25: Beyond the Stage: Refining Your Message for Maximum Impact In this engaging episode of "Positively Altered," Dr. Cindy Howard welcomes veteran speaking industry expert Ivy Gustafson for a lively conversation about effective communication and creating meaningful impact. With twenty-five years of experience placing speakers on stages worldwide, Ivy shares invaluable insights on crafting messages that resonate and stick. The discussion weaves through practical strategies for balancing life's demands, the power of intentional self-care, and what makes truly great speakers stand out. Between humorous anecdotes about thong ...

Episode 25: Beyond the Stage: Refining Your Message for Maximum Impact

In this engaging episode of "Positively Altered," Dr. Cindy Howard welcomes veteran speaking industry expert Ivy Gustafson for a lively conversation about effective communication and creating meaningful impact. With twenty-five years of experience placing speakers on stages worldwide, Ivy shares invaluable insights on crafting messages that resonate and stick. The discussion weaves through practical strategies for balancing life's demands, the power of intentional self-care, and what makes truly great speakers stand out. Between humorous anecdotes about thong underwear mishaps and teenage driving lessons, Ivy reveals how authentic storytelling and audience-centered approaches create lasting connections, whether addressing thousands from a stage or simply communicating with family at home.

In this episode, we cover:

(4:45) We are all speaking to be heard.
(7:21) General Colin Powell’s life lessons.
(9:15) Listening to your body and finding what works for you.
(12:07) Take care of “The Product.”
(16:34) Life looks like a blender at times!
(18:40) Calendar Stacking
(26:03) What’s a deal breaker when looking for speakers?
(29:42) The best speakers are the best listeners.
(36:29) Rapid-fire questions

Dr. Cindy’s Socials:

https://linktr.ee/drcindyspeaks

Dr. Cindy’s Partners:

Professional Health Products: http://www.phpltd.com

Stopain Clinical: https://www.stopainclinical.com/

Infinedi: https://infinedi.net/

About Ivy Gustafson:

Ivy Gustafson is Vice President of Coaching and Speaker Development at Impact Eleven.

She brings over 25 years of experience in the speaking industry, with a standout career at the Washington Speakers Bureau and Gotham Artists.

At Impact Eleven, Ivy helps speakers refine their messaging, elevate their brands, and amplify their impact through a supportive community and expert coaching.

She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her family of redheads, including the family dog.

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