What You Need To Grow

Chris Hanlon: The Secret to Becoming a Compelling Communicator

Episode Summary

You don't have to be a natural-born public speaker to become a compelling communicator—and you don't have to sound like everyone else, either. In this episode, Jennie Bellinger sits down with Chris Hanlon, a speaking coach who has spent more than a decade selecting and coaching TEDx speakers. After coaching more than 100 TEDx speakers, Chris has developed a process designed to help speakers clarify their message, structure it effectively, memorize it naturally, and ultimately deliver it in a way that feels authentic to them. He shares why great coaching shouldn't force everyone into the same speaking style and why your individual strengths should shape the way you communicate. Chris and Jennie also explore lessons from TEDx that apply far beyond the TEDx stage. From networking introductions to business presentations, Chris explains how leading with emotion can make your message more memorable, why clarity must come before performance, and how preparation can actually make you more present when you're speaking. Whether you're dreaming of giving a TEDx talk or simply want to feel more confident talking about your business, this conversation offers practical strategies you can start using immediately.

Episode Notes

Episode Summary

You don't have to be a natural-born public speaker to become a compelling communicator—and you don't have to sound like everyone else, either.

In this episode, Jennie Bellinger sits down with Chris Hanlon, a speaking coach who has spent more than a decade selecting and coaching TEDx speakers. After coaching more than 100 TEDx speakers, Chris has developed a process designed to help speakers clarify their message, structure it effectively, memorize it naturally, and ultimately deliver it in a way that feels authentic to them. He shares why great coaching shouldn't force everyone into the same speaking style and why your individual strengths should shape the way you communicate.

Chris and Jennie also explore lessons from TEDx that apply far beyond the TEDx stage. From networking introductions to business presentations, Chris explains how leading with emotion can make your message more memorable, why clarity must come before performance, and how preparation can actually make you more present when you're speaking. Whether you're dreaming of giving a TEDx talk or simply want to feel more confident talking about your business, this conversation offers practical strategies you can start using immediately.

Three Topics Discussed

• What it really takes to prepare for and deliver a successful TEDx talk.
• Why speaking coaches shouldn't force every speaker into the same formula or style.
• Chris's four-part process of clarity, structure, flow, and performance.

Three Key Takeaways from Chris Hanlon

1. Your goal isn't always to teach everything you know. A compelling talk can spark curiosity and make people want to continue learning from you.
2. Great speaking should sound like you. Techniques that work for one speaker may not work for another, so build around your natural strengths rather than copying someone else's formula.
3. Lead with your audience instead of yourself. Starting a networking introduction with a question such as "Have you ever...?" can create an emotional connection before you explain what you do.

Connect with Chris Hanlon

TEDx Speaker Coach | Compelling Communication Coach

Chris has coached more than 100 TEDx speakers and also works with startup founders to help them craft and deliver compelling investor pitches.

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