I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Conquering Stage Fright: Expert Tips and Techniques In this episode, I dive deep into overcoming stage fright, drawing from my early experiences of stepping onto the stage with nerves and sharing fascinating historical facts like Thomas Jefferson's aversion to public speaking. We discuss common fears such as being judged, forgetting your lines, and handling small versus large audiences. I provide you with actionable tips and p...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text This week, we dive into the best of episodes from the Take the Stage podcast, focusing on the essentials of message and story development for speakers and storytellers. We'll cover actionable steps like understanding your message's audience, creating a powerful opening, finding a connection point, and delivering a transformational journey. Plus, I'll share pro tips on crafting a sticky statement and effective closing techniques.&nbs...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Finding and Crafting Stories That Inspire Change In this episode, we're diving into sourcing and crafting impactful stories. Discover how to transform a seemingly dry tale of saving a river, like the Lily River, into a powerful narrative that resonates with personal memories and emotions. We'll explore how to pivot from discussing policies to engaging with heartfelt experiences that bring life to your stories. Plus, we'll discuss h...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Mastering Pre-Stage Storytelling: Essential Prep Tips!In today’s episode, we dive into the crucial prep work before stepping onto the stage. Discover how to understand your audience, perfect your delivery, and know your space to ensure your storytelling is impactful and engaging. From avoiding the pitfalls of under-prepping to striking the right balance with practice, this episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your storytell...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text In this episode, I'm thrilled to discuss the crucial role of the story receiver – your audience. We'll explore how essential it is to understand your listeners, their needs, and tailor your message to spark meaningful change. I share my expert tips and actionable advice on creating powerful, impactful stories that genuinely resonate with people and inspire them to take action. Using real-life examples and personal ane...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Unleashing the Power of Authentic Storytelling: The Messy, Glorious JourneyWe're diving into the glittery, gutsy world of authentic storytelling! We're talking no holds barred honesty, raw vulnerability, and that totally relatable messy middle. I'll spill the beans on a crazy on-stage mishap that taught me how going off-script and keeping it real can create heart-thumping connections with your audience. Science backs this up, folk...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Nail Your Story Finale: Stick the Landing! In this episode, we're diving into the art of 'sticking the landing.' Yup, just like those gymnasts at the Olympics. I'll share a tale about a pastor who missed the crucial call-to-action during a fundraising speech. Big oops! We’ve got to make sure our audience knows what to do next—be it whipping out their wallets, joining a cause, or taking a personal leap. I Stories need ...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Mastering the Art of Passionate StorytellingThis episode is packed with expert advice, tips, and actionable frameworks for speakers and leaders to craft engaging and passionate narratives. Mary illustrates her points with examples, including the Gettysburg Address, and shares her own experience of improvising a powerful story in just 24 hours. Plus, there's a reminder to subscribe to the weekly StorySpire newsletter for more inspiring conten...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Today, we're diving into the juicy, soul-stirring power of your story. Whether you're a speaker, nonprofit leader, or just someone with a story to share, I’ve got the tips and pep talk you need! Wondering if your story matters? Spoiler alert: It totally does! I’ll share heartwarming examples and show you how to find significance in the everyday magic. Plus, I've got a fun homework challenge to kickstart your storyte...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Connecting Hearts Through StorytellingHey, welcome to the StorySpire podcast with your host and storytelling guru, Mary R. Snyder! Dive into the magic of emotional connection in storytelling and why it's a game-changer. Mary spills the beans on how emotions drive our decisions, make stories stick, and inspire us to take action. Hear about the nerdy science stuff like mirror neurons and the amygdala that makes our brain tick during story...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Unlock the Stage: Your Guide to Getting BookedJump into the StorrySpire podcast with Mary R. Snyder, your go-to storytelling strategist, as she dishes out savvy advice for aspiring speakers. She breaks down the journey of getting booked to share your story—it's not about shortcuts, but smart strategies! Mary chats on making yourself known, from grass-roots networking to crafting an irresistible speaker one sheet. Whether you're sen...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Pause Like a Pro: The Secret Weapon of Masterful StorytellingBuckle up as we dive into the underrated yet game-changing 'Power of the Pause.' Discover how these expertly timed silences can skyrocket your storytelling skills, keeping your audience hanging on every word. Mary shares personal anecdotes, no-nonsense scientific insights, and killer tips to perfect your pause game. Get ready to plan, practice, and rock those pauses like a st...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Storytelling with Integrity: Inspire, Don't ManipulateJoin Mary as she delves into the true power of storytelling and the fine line between inspiration and manipulation. Drawing from personal experiences and years in the nonprofit sector, Mary passionately advocates for authentic, inspiring narratives that motivate genuine action. With actionable tips and expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for authors, speakers, fu...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Mastering the Art of Storytelling: The Power of the Opening In this episode, Mary emphasizes the critical importance of a captivating story opening. She introduces the 'stand and start' technique, urging storytellers to dive directly into the story to immediately hook the audience. Avoid generic thank yous and small talk that can lead to disengagement. Instead, start with compelling, descriptive scenes or thought-provoking questions.&nb...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Join Mary as she delves into the fascinating world of storytelling. Drawing from personal anecdotes and nostalgic memories, Mary emphasizes the power of conversation in storytelling. Learn practical tips for making your stories resonate with your audience, whether on stage, in a newsletter, or video. Rediscover the intimate art of connecting through words, and transform your storytelling approach to inspire and engage hearts and minds e...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text In this episode, Mary shares expert advice and actionable tips to create powerful stories that inspire hearts and minds. She discusses the StorySpire™ process, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience and their needs. Mary breaks down the three crucial components of impactful storytelling: what you want your audience to feel, know, and do. From handling various audience types to creating compelling calls to action...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text In this episode of the StorySpire podcast, host Mary explores the profound impact of storytelling. She delves into the importance of stories in our lives, highlighting childhood fables like 'The Tortoise and the Hare', cautionary urban legends, and historical poems such as Longfellow's 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere'. Mary emphasizes how stories teach, inspire, and drive change, sharing powerful examples including the Chicago T...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text Kick off the new StorySpire podcast with your host, Mary R. Snyder! Mary spills the tea on her mission to merge her expertise in coaching speakers and working with nonprofits into one dynamite show. Get ready for a whirlwind of storytelling magic, where Mary dishes out pro tips and mind-blowing insights to help you captivate hearts and minds. Say goodbye to boring details and hello to stories that move mountains. Tune in, because ...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text This is a very different episode, and I'll be honest...I've been putting off recording this because it is a tough one. I can't believe we've gone through 179 episodes together. From the beginning, the goal has been to encourage and equip you on your speaking journey, and it's been a privilege to witness the growth and impact of this community. It's been an absolute joy to serve you.Don't worry - I'm not going anywhere! In this episode, you w...

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text I know you might think we've talked about this topic quite a few times on the podcast, but stick with me. Are you ready to explore what it means to be called to do the work you love? Or, maybe you're not sure how to navigate the twists and turns in your journey. Today, I'm sharing insights on understanding and embracing your unique calling. It's not about fame or accolades but about serving the one you're meant to serve. In this episode...