Words that Change Lives

Today’s episode is all about crafting your signature keynote talk. Whether you're looking to inspire, educate, or mobilise an audience, a well-structured keynote can be your greatest tool. 

Keynotes have been a cornerstone of human history, from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. These talks are about setting the tone, providing leadership, and inspiring action. We'll be breaking down the essential elements — the “big remedy” and “real remedy” sections, using personal stories or case studies, and creating memorable "golden nuggets." We'll also dive into the importance of a big bang opening...

Today we're exploring the art of storytelling. A tool I've leveraged throughout my career to help introverted leaders, coaches, and small business owners alike. In this episode, we'll unravel 11 story structures that can elevate your social media content, presentations, and keynote talks. From sequential storytelling to case studies, analogies, and more, today's insights will provide you with actionable tips to captivate and connect with your audience. Tune in, and let's harness the power of stories to change lives!

Here are the highlights:

01:15 Utilise storytelling to engage and convert audiences effectively.

03:31 Engage your audience th...

Today Helen explores the pivotal “pit moments” that define our stories and shape our lives with Jason Archdale. Jason is a mental wellness life coach and professional speaker, who shares his own journey through overwhelming challenges, including mental health struggles and a suicide attempt. He opens up about his transition from a proud soldier to facing the intricacies of civilian life, dealing with difficult relationships, financial troubles, and custody battles. 

Helen and Jason explore the societal expectations placed on men, the pressure to fulfill others' visions, and how these can exacerbate mental health issues. Jason reveals his turni...

Welcome to a special reflective episode of the Words That Change Lives podcast. I am taking a moment to look back at the incredible journey of the podcast so far. With 17 episodes under our belt, I take a moment to share insights, learning experiences, and vulnerabilities encountered along the way. 

I discuss the importance of having a vision, evaluating and evolving your content, finding inspiration, and understanding your purpose for creating a podcast. 

Whether you're curious about starting your own podcast or looking to refine your message, tune in to hear valuable reflections and practical ad...

Host Helen Packham explores the art of productive disagreement with special guest Ian Leslie, author of "How to Disagree." 

Today's conversation covers the defensive nature of disagreement, the importance of viewpoint diversity, and the need to balance competitiveness with collaboration. 

Ian shares insights from his extensive work on human behaviour, workplace culture, and his compelling views on creating an environment that fosters honest and safe disagreements. 

Get ready to learn how to turn conflict into a catalyst for growth and innovation. 

Here are the highlights:

03:58 Encouraging workplace discussion and embr...

In this bite-sized episode, Helen shares a unique and captivating strategy for landing corporate gigs. Inspired by the iconic scene from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," she walks you through a four-step approach that takes you from crafting your expert method to building long-term relationships with corporate clients. 

Whether you're looking to break into the corporate world or enhance your current offerings, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you open doors and leave a lasting impression. Let's turn your expertise into the golden ticket for success!

Here are the highlights:

In today's episode, Helen and her special guest Jo Twiselton explore the world of effective communication. Jo is an expert in organisational change, drawing from a rich background in PR, marketing, and coaching leaders across diverse sectors. 

Jo shares her innovative "4 Fundamentals of Human Change" method, a comprehensive framework designed to enhance well-being, resilience, connection, and people readiness within organisations. They also explore the power of clear and impactful communication, as Jo reveals her strategies for making complex expertise accessible and engaging.

Join Jo and Helen as they uncover practical tips for articulating your skills a...

In this episode, Helen discusses the importance of confidently articulating your message without relying on scripts or prompts, and how this can lead to a more impactful connection with your audience. Expert to learn the psychology behind encoding, storing, and retrieving information to help you speak authentically and engage effectively without the need for notes or visual aids. Tune in to discover practical techniques to enhance your public speaking skills and make a lasting impression with your words.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Deliver confidently without relying on notes.

04:09 Overreliance on notes can cause...

In today’s episode, Helen is joined by Michelle Patel, Deputy Director of Analysis at the Food Standards Agency. In this episode, they explore a crucial component of effective communication and leadership - trust.

Michelle brings a wealth of experience from her tenure in the civil service, emphasising trust's pivotal role, especially in sectors as critical as food safety.  She shares compelling examples and stresses the importance of consistency, visibility, and vulnerability in building trust within organizations and communities. From handling crises transparently to fostering a culture aligned with organisational values, they  cover the spectrum of strategies that...

In this episode of Words That Change Lives, Helen delves into the world of TEDx talks and the process of landing a TEDx speaking gig. Drawing from her experience as a TEDx speaker and coach, she shares insights on overcoming internal barriers, nailing down the idea worth spreading and understanding the external obstacles in the application process. By cracking the TEDx code, she provides guidance for aspiring speakers to make their dreams of delivering a powerful TEDx talk a reality. 

Here are the highlights:

03:33 Gave TEDx talk, gained confidence, and became TEDx curator.

09:40 C...