In this conversation, we're walking you through what compels a person to make a purchase. Ryan recently helped our daughter buy a car, so he shares exactly why he chose the salesperson and car he did. Listen in to learn what to do if you want to make more sales! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you …

In this conversation, we explain why saying thank you is necessary and the consequences of not saying it. You may think you've heard this all before and don't need to listen, but trust us: You need to listen. Thank you. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking…

In this conversation, we discuss the EF-3 tornado that recently rocked our small Gaylord community and how that brought about the best in communication. We are #GaylordStrong. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Your first month of membership is …

In this conversation, we tell how to make a good first impression. Dresses factor in, and so does a grocery store greeter. When you listen, you'll see how that all makes perfect sense. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Your first month of membe…

In this conversation, we walk through Ryan's workflow for making a sale. Selling is simple when you follow the steps we describe. This conversation is part of a sales training that was previously featured in the Speaking Society. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join th…

In this conversation, we talk about the bunny mentality as it relates to public speaking and networking. Based on observations from our yard, you'll learn how being the bunny can take you to all new heights of confidence. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaki…

In this conversation, we discuss the limitations of communicating via Snapchat and other written messages. We encourage listeners to know when to text and when to have a verbal or face-to-face conversation instead. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Soci…

In this conversation, we share how urethras tripped up two Sharpes in the same weekend. Believe it or not, hearing this story and knowing this information will vastly improve your communication skills! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Your fir…

In this conversation, we recount what went wrong with a date we witnessed at a restaurant. Listen in to hear about this cringe-worthy encounter and to learn what a good first date conversation should sound like. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society…

In this conversation, we describe mistakes we've seen in recent messaging. We mention specific examples from current political candidates, and we explain Carrie's eyebrow test that determines whether a message has gone awry. We mentioned the following during our conversation: Elissa Slotkin "braving the cold" Elissa Slotkin in her unmasked selfie S…

In this conversation, we discuss the current vibe of vitriol online and encourage listeners to be intelligent and kind (or, in the alternative, to just shut up). For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Your first month of membership is FREE. Connect …

In this conversation, Maguire Sharpe explains how understanding yourself, understanding others, and knowing your audience are all vital components of effective communication. Maguire is our eldest son, so we take full credit for the wealth of information he shares in this episode (haha). Maguire Sharpe is a daily content creator for his accounts on…

In this conversation, Madison Sharpe explains why effective communication skills are vital to success in a professional setting. Madison is our eldest daughter, so we take full credit for the tremendous insight she shares in this discussion (haha). Madison Sharpe is a recent graduate of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and was accepted into the p…

In this conversation, Chris DenHerder shares why it's important to communicate in an authentic way. He talks about keeping the humanity and emotion in communication, even in professional settings, to develop connections. Chris DenHerder is the Business Development Lead at E3M Solutions where he oversee the sales and business development as well as …

In this conversation, Dr. Jennie Sweet-Cushman continues our Communication Foundations Series with insight into building rapport, political knowledge, and community. Late-night burger runs and RBG may or may not be mentioned, too. Jennie Sweet-Cushman, Ph.D., received her doctorate in political science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michig…

In this conversation, we continue our Communication Foundation Series with Matthew Murawski, who shares how our backgrounds and upbringings shape the way we communicate in marriage, in business, and with friends and family. Matthew Murawski is a financial planner at Goodstein Wealth Management and in his role, he helps manage the firm’s 401(k) clie…

In this conversation, we kick off our Communication Foundation Series with Shelly Longenecker, who teaches us that the basis of effective communication is making it all about the other person. Shelly Longenecker is a wife, mother of 4, author, and founder of Dinner for a Dollar. When her son was diagnosed 10 years ago with several food allergies, s…

In this conversation, we recount painting projects that led to communication derailment. You'll discover ways to overcome communication issues in the midst of challenges, struggles, and seemingly harmless activities like painting. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join t…

In this conversation, we celebrate Star Wars Day by applying quotes from the movie characters to real-life situations. You'll hear both hilarious and serious lessons, so listen in and celebrate Star Wars Day with us any day. May the 4th be with you! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find an…

In this conversation, we explore what's wrong with "full-contact sales" and what you can do to sell in a way that is professional and productive. We talk about why aggressive tactics don't work and why the goal of sales should be to solve the buyer's problem. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won…

In this conversation, we discuss how Josh Wine Cellars successfully utilized stories to compel us to be lifelong consumers of their wine. Listen in to discover how stories sell more effectively than facts, figures, and statistics. Harness the power of storytelling, and your clients and customers will be loyal for life. Click here to view the Josh C…

In this conversation, we share a fail-safe plan for hosting Zoom calls that are exciting, engaging, and effective. Follow our simple strategy, and you'll have happy viewers who are eager to hop on your Zoom calls! During this conversation, we referenced the following article: Stop Tormenting Your Online Audience with Slides For exclusive extras, LI…

In this conversation, we chat about Zoom calls. If you're feeling inundated with conference calls, online summits and conferences, and Zoom meetings, this conversation is for you. We share tips for overcoming Zoom fatigue and best practices so Zoom can be great once again. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication res…

In this conversation, we explain how to choose which topics are most relevant for your audience right now. Listen in to learn which three simple questions to ask yourself to brainstorm your best speaking topics for the year ahead! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join t…

In this conversation, we question what our brand is communicating to the world. We talk about how focusing in on our brand's values and messaging will both attract the right clients and repel the wrong ones. Are you communicating your values? Listen in to learn why you need to! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communicatio…

In this conversation, we explain how some emails are intrusions in our inboxes. Listen in to learn how to send emails that will have the recipients welcoming you in with open arms! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Your first month of membershi…

In this conversation, we kick off 2021 with a discussion about cancel culture. Saying "I refuse to work with ____" can damage your business and image, so we talk about ways to work with people you disagree with. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society…

In this conversation, we highlight the best parts of our 2020. There actually were good things that happened in 2020. We promise. Highlighted in this conversation were the following episodes (featured in this order): 002. Disagree Does Not Equal Dislike 005. Better Than Buttah 008. Surviving Your Person Aversion 014. Your 3-C Elevator Pitch 019. Wh…

In this conversation, we roll up our sleeves and jump into planning 2021. As we eagerly slam the door on 2020, it's vital that we lay the foundation for a successful new year. Listen in to discover how to plan with the necessary flexibility for a triumphant 2021. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you…

In this conversation, we explain the three aspects of communication that you need to evaluate before making plans for 2021. Listen in to learn how to analyze this year in order to prepare for next year. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect…

In this conversation, we reveal which words and phrases we'd banish from the English language right now if we could. Word choice matters when it comes to all types of public speaking or sales, so listen in to discover what not to say! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, jo…

In this conversation, we reflect on the 2020 election season and mull over ways to cure our election season hangover. Election season can be grueling for everyone, so listen in as we talk about ways to move on, find peace, and communicate without killing anyone. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you …

In this conversation, we discuss how to develop your presidential voice as a public speaker. You'll hear how to curate the individual style and confidence that defines your presidential voice. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect with us: …

In this conversation, we lay out the framework for talking about politics in a peaceful way. Politics is not a taboo topic if discussed properly. Follow our simple plan to discuss politics with coworkers, family members, or friends with ease. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere …

In this conversation, we analyze the first presidential debate of the 2020 election season. We break down what went well and what didn't. It was a doozy of a debate, so tune in to hear all about it! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect wit…

In this conversation, we mull over the pros and cons to a business or brand politicking. You'll hear how to decide whether to be politically active as your brand and how to politick effectively. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect with us…

This conversation kicks off our 2020 election season series. We share our favorite options for handling politics on social media to help you maintain your sanity and keep your friends during election season. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Co…

In this conversation, we explain how to get extraordinary results from your podcast interviews. You're putting in the time to be interviewed on podcasts, so tune in to hear how to get the most mileage from your episodes! For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speakin…

In this conversation, we talk about how Ryan found an amazing metal detector through a metal detecting podcast, which is an example of how podcasting can benefit your career or business. You'll learn how being a guest on a podcast expands your audience, grows your know-like-trust factor, and establishes your expertise without ever leaving home! For…

In this conversation, we talk about nonverbal communication like body language. You'll hear why it's important to know what your body is saying, and you'll learn how to make sure your physical message lines up with your verbal message. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, j…

In this conversation, we discuss the active listening skills used by Carrie's cousin, Richard, to determine an activity our son, Maverick, would love. Listening skills are vital in every aspect of life, and here you'll learn how to hone yours. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere…

In this conversation, we talk about how the use of props, slides, and other extras can either enhance a speech or become total distractions. You'll learn how to determine which extras to use and which to leave out to keep your speeches simple and effective. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't…

In this conversation, we discuss a presentation gone wrong. One of Carrie's clients gave permission for us to reference their speech as we chat about how to keep speeches simple. We share how to determine a takeaway that keeps a presentation on track. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find …

In this conversation, we revisit our words of the year. You'll hear how we're analyzing our current situation to adjust our goals for the second half of the year to end 2020 strong. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect with us: Facebook: S…

In this conversation, we share the main reasons sales fail. Regardless of your industry, if you desire to make more sales, listen to this conversation to discover the one thing you absolutely must do in your next sales meeting. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the …

In this conversation, we chat about Ryan's no-fail ways to break the ice at sales meetings. You'll learn how to be comfortable initiating a conversation and transitioning naturally to a sale. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect with us: F…

In this conversation, we talk about how to connect with people when you can't be face to face. This conversation occurred during the coronavirus lockdown but is applicable anytime you need to connect primarily online. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking S…

In this conversation, we talk about what makes an excellent online meeting. You'll also discover how to avoid common mistakes, bloopers, and mishaps that can destroy your meetings. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't find anywhere else, join the Speaking Society! Connect with us: Facebook: Sp…

In this conversation, we chat about why it's important to know who your audience is and where those people are. You don't want to waste your valuable time in the wrong places, so tune in to learn where you should do public speaking, networking, and selling. For exclusive extras, LIVE chats with Ryan and Carrie, and communication resources you won't…