What if you could captivate an audience the way a game show host does, while still delivering a powerful message? Join Mike on The Speaker Lab podcast as we deep dive into the thrilling world of professional speaking. Mike has an impressive portfolio, juggling hosting game shows, conducting sales training, and orchestrating energy-driving events for powerhouses like Google and Facebook. He opens up about his exciting journey and gives us a peek into his unique methods of engaging an audience.
Striking the perfect balance between a full-time job and a speaking career is no easy feat. Mike shares invaluable insights into how he successfully navigates between his day job at Sandler, and his personal speaking engagements, emphasizing the importance of clear boundaries and agreements. Mike also lets us in on the perks of being self-employed in the speaking business. But that’s not all. He breaks down his techniques on incorporating games and interactions into his keynotes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the audience.
And for those aspiring to make it big in the speaking industry, you’re in for a treat. Take note as Mike Montague gives us the lowdown on how to maximize success, from booking more gigs to scaling a speaking business to multiple six figures. He also shares his approach to handling unexpected audience reactions and how to keep the crowd engaged with clever methods of participation. So buckle up and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business.
(0:00:00) – Mike’s Speaking Journey (13 Minutes)
Mike Montague has a lot of experience in the speaking business, hosting game shows for major companies, doing sales training, and providing energy-building and team-building events. We learn about Mike’s past life and his journey to becoming a full-time speaker and performer. Mike shares his tips for engaging an audience and how he manages his busy calendar with all the gigs he has going on.
(0:13:08) – Balancing Speaking Engagements and Full-Time Employment (9 Minutes)
Mike Montague shares his experience working in the speaking business, including hosting game shows for major companies, doing sales training, and providing energy-building keynotes for audiences. We discuss how he navigates between his day-to-day nine-to-five job and his own speaking engagements, and the importance of having clear boundaries and agreements from the outset. He works with his core company, Sandler, and two additional companies to book speaking engagements on the side. Mike also shares the advantages of being self-employed in the speaking business.
(0:22:31) – Interacting With Audience in Keynote Presentations (6 Minutes)
Mike shares his tips on working with content relevant to the client, and the risks and rewards of involving the audience. He explains how to structure talks, select the right games for the audience, and handle unexpected reactions from the crowd. He also discusses multiple methods for audience participation, such as polls, catch boxes, and team discussions. Finally, he shares a ninja move on how to quickly get an audience member to stop talking.
(0:28:51) – Incorporating Games and Interactions in Speeches (6 Minutes)
Mike Montague shares his experience in the speaking business, including hosting game shows for major companies, doing sales training, and providing energy-building activities. He shares his tips on gamifying keynote speeches, working in content relevant to the client, and the risks and rewards of involving the audience. Mike also shares his tips on getting the audience to participate, such as having the leader dress up in a funny costume, clapping twice to get people’s attention, and talking without waiting for the audience to be quiet. Finally, he encourages listeners to practice and start speaking, even if it means doing it for free.
