Mic Drop Mindset

How to Know You’re Speaker Bureau Ready: Fees, Materials, Reputation, and Consistency

The episode explains why speakers shouldn’t approach a speakers bureau until they’re “bureau ready,” noting bureaus typically want speakers already booking plenty of work and consistently earning about $7,500–$12,500 per talk, and that some speakers sign with bureaus yet book nothing. 

Jenn outlines key readiness factors: professional speaker materials (a speaker kit/portfolio with a clear signature talk, audience takeaways, bios, professional headshots, testimonials, and both editable drafts and polished PDFs so bureaus can add logos), reputation (responsiveness, warm referrals, industry relationships...

Find Your Authentic Speaking Style: From Formal to Facilitator

This episode explores how a speaker’s authenticity is connected to their unique speaking style and how to identify it. It suggests starting with outward cues like stage wardrobe (formal vs. informal) and aligning dress with language and delivery to avoid disconnects. 

Jenn outlines four core speaker personas—informative (data-driven), narrative (storytelling/performance techniques), entertainer (physicality, props, magic), and facilitator (co-creating interactive experiences)—and notes people may blend elements of each. 

Jenn also discusses vocal and cultural nuances, especially among women and women of color, i...

How to Get Useful Speaking Feedback: From Worst to Best Sources

Jenn explains why speakers should actively solicit feedback to iterate on their talks, improve performance, and earn rebookings and referrals. She contrasts helpful feedback with a negative experience watching a competitor’s webinar where a volunteer speaker was repeatedly interrupted and bluntly criticized in front of hundreds, advocating instead for supportive, end-of-presentation feedback like Toastmasters and her Mic Drop Moments process. 

She recommends using Talkadot to collect immediate audience “smile report” data, quotes, and social graphics, and then ranks feedback sources from worst to best: s...

How to Write an Expert Speaker Biography (Without Imposter Syndrome)

Jenn explains how to develop an expert speaker biography by first giving yourself permission to be an expert, even if you work adjacent to a credentialed industry and feel imposter syndrome. 

She recommends reviewing and editing existing bios (website About Me page or social profiles) to ensure they clearly state who you are, what you do, who you help, and how you help, while removing unnecessary length and clutter. 

She discusses balancing education, certifications, and training with experience and personal connection to the to...

Finding a Call to Action That Feels Authentic for Keynote Speakers

On Mic Drop Mindset, Jenn coaches keynote speaker and bestselling author Steve Fredlund, a former actuary, on how to include a call to action without feeling like he’s “selling from the stage” or shifting the spotlight onto himself. 

Steve shares discomfort with QR codes, newsletters, and book pitches, partly driven by sensitivity to seeming arrogant or manipulative, and he wants audiences primarily to apply what they learned. 

Jenn helps him explore what he wants people to do, why a call to action m...

Write a Signature Talk Outline without Memorizing the Whole Thing!

In this episode of Mic Drop Mindset, Jenn challenges listeners to write a business speech in 15 minutes by using a practical framework rather than traditional school speech rules. 

She defines a business presentation as any talk that leads to a program or service and says the framework works for formats from short breakouts to half-day trainings. 

Jenn starts with defining success and “beginning with the ending in mind,” emphasizing that audiences remember how you close and that the conclusion should deliver a deliberate emotio...

In this Mic Drop Mindset episode on presentation skills, speaking coach Jenn coaches client Jamie Ryan.

Jamie shares her signature talk, “Swag to Swagger” (SWAG: Scientific Wild Ass Guess), using a Toyota Supra break-in metaphor and a COVID test company example to show how founders can overfocus on “cool tech” without proving differentiation and value. She advises doing competitor landscape analysis via patents, PitchBook/Crunchbase, and startup news, tracking findings in a spreadsheet, and validating whether buyers will pay for added cost/complexity. 

Jenn praises Jamie’s storytelling, clear structure, memorable opening/closing, and strong time manage...

Rehearse Like a $10,000 Speaker: The 7-Step Process for Confident, Professional Talks

The episode explains how to rehearse like a “$10,000 speaker,” emphasizing that rehearsal effort should be consistent whether a talk is paid or free because every stage builds reputation, from small unpaid events and podcasts to larger engagements. 

Jenn discusses speaking fees as an ideal number and notes advice to avoid starting pricing conversations too early. On rehearsal frequency, she cites guidance ranging from at least 10 run-throughs to TED/TEDx’s often-quoted 100 practices, then shares her own approach: 

Rehearse until you can clearly begin, e...

Mic Drop Mindset introduces a new episode format featuring live, on-camera coaching, welcoming Dr. Theresa B. Skaar (Dr. T), a social psychologist and mindfulness-based workplace facilitator who helps high-stress, helping professionals reduce burnout and improve communication. 

Dr. T delivers a brief talk on mindful listening, defining mindfulness as paying attention on purpose in the present moment, nonjudgmentally, and leads a simple breath practice plus an everyday-activity exercise (like handwashing) to build active attention before bringing it into conversations. 

Jenn then coaches Dr. T on strengths and improvements, praising her growing comfort, relatability, clear references, humor, an...

In this interactive episode of Mic Drop Mindset, host Jenn Espinosa-Goswami welcomes a special guest into the studio for a live mini coaching session. Joined by virtual mindset decluttering coach Michelle Hoff, listeners get an inside look at how to refine a speaking message for both impact and business growth.

Michelle shares her unique A.L.I.G.N. Method™ and introduces her “team decluttering” approach—a collaborative model designed to transform client outcomes while helping professional organizers expand their services and revenue.

As Michelle delivers a 5 minute segment of her talk, Jenn provides real-time, strength...

In this episode, Jenn shares some of the lessons she learned in the beginning of her speaking business, before she knew the myths and realities of the industry.

The difference between a signature speech and a program, and why this makes the biggest difference between being a motivational speaker and a professional who gets paid.

Different types of speaking format- from keynote to fireside chat, and a short visualization exercise to identify what the best format is for you.

Lifestyle of professional speakers, including travel, pre-event planning and ability to fulfill a bigger...

How do you know if you're a good speaker? In this episode, Jenn shares how to become a better professional speaker using the 3 E's.

Most speakers are strong in one of these, and neglect the other 2. 

She also shares a free guide to self-assess how well you include all of the 3 E's.

Which E are you strongest in as a speaker, and which E would you like to improve upon?

Great speakers take time to rehearse, ideally with feedback from other speakers. Join the new Mic Drop Moments rehearsal g...

How do you choose your signature speech? If you listen to Episode 2, you heard how Jenn started with her signature story. Today, let's talk about why it's important to stop telling stories and start delivering speeches that matter.

First, you look at your speaking topic(s). 

Then, you determine the relevance of your speech through the lens of UVP. Mindset tip: you may be asking the wrong question here.

This is where the turning point between motivational speaking and professional speaking lies.

Remember who the hero of your speech i...

In this episode, Jenn shares why she decided to host a podcast after years of podcast guesting and speaking on stages.

She also shares the importance of Mic Drop Moments, what mindset means to her when it comes to speaking, and the first and last Mic Drop Moments (MDM) she's experienced while on stage.

Want to share your own MDM? Comment on this episode.

Have a question or suggestion for a future episode topic? Email me jenn@jennspingo.com.

Ready to deliver mic drop moments in your next presentation? Schedule a...

The number one question people ask me is, "Jenn, how did you start speaking?" Today's episode is gonna be about how my speaking journey began. My hope is that you'll hear some insights there that will help you begin your own speaking journey. 

My first signature story revolved around my experiences with being a big loser.

But, there's a difference b...

Welcome to Mic Drop Mindset, hosted by Jenn Espinosa-Goswami (jennspingo). This podcast is for entrepreneurs and professional speakers who want to turn their message into a movement. Listen in for biweekly episodes on mindset and mechanics to grow your speaking brand.

This show is especially for those who aren't your typical keynote speakers, this includes multiracial women, BIPOC friends, the queer community and beyond. Your mic drop is as unique as you are. 

Let's discover your custom speaking journey through solo episodes, live coaching, and much, much more.

Don't forget to subscribe and r...