voicequestagency

Stop Selling Topics. Start Solving Problems.

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:21:39 GMT

Stop Selling Topics.
Start Solving Problems.

One of the questions I get asked most often from speakers is, "What are companies and event planners booking right now?"

Most people expect me to hand them a list of hot topics like leadership, communication, resilience, burnout, or AI. And yes, those topics are absolutely in demand.

But the truth is ... c ompanies and meeting planners aren't booking topics, they're booking solutions.

Think about it from the perspective of the person hiring you. The VP of HR isn't sitting at their desk thinking, "I really hope I find a resilience speaker today." They're thinking, My managers are exhausted. We're struggling to retain great employees. Our leaders avoid difficult conversations. AI is changing everything and my employees are nervous. Those are business problems.

Your keynote is simply one possible solution. When people ask me what companies are booking, they're really asking, "What problems are organizations or people in general trying to solve?" Across almost every industry, I continue to see organizations investing in speakers who can help solve challenges in leadership, communication, change, workplace culture, well-being, high performance, and the future of work. You need to be more specific.

Here's what that actually looks like.

Instead of saying Leadership

Leading through uncertainty
Building trust within teams
Accountability without micromanaging
Coaching instead of managing
Having difficult conversations
Creating psychological safety
Developing future leaders

Instead of saying Communication

Giving and receiving feedback
Cross-generational communication
Influence without authority
Active listening
Storytelling in business
Communicating through conflict
Presenting ideas with confidence

Instead of saying Change & Adaptability

Leading through organizational change
Navigating uncertainty
Decision-making under pressure
Practical resilience
Helping teams adapt more quickly
Embracing change instead of resisting it

Instead of saying the Future of Work

AI and the human side of work
Productivity in a distracted world
Innovation
Curiosity as a competitive advantage
Continuous learning
Future-ready leadership

Instead of saying Workplace Culture

Belonging and inclusion
Employee engagement
Collaboration on your team
Building high-performing teams
Employee retention solutions
Strengthening workplace relationships
Creating cultures people want to stay in

Instead of saying Well-Being

Burnout prevention
Stress management
Energy management
Sustainable performance
Mental well-being in the workplace
Work-life integration
Preventing compassion fatigue

Instead of saying High Performance

Performing at your best under pressure
Building confidence through action
Sustaining peak performance without burnout
Strengthening focus in a distracted workplace
Creating habits that drive consistent results
Developing executive presence and influence
Managing energy instead of simply managing time
Turning goals into measurable execution
Building discipline that lasts longer than motivation
Taking ownership and personal accountability

Do you notice something? These aren't really speaking topics. They're organizational challenges. That's why they continue to get booked.

Where I see many speakers struggle is that they stop at the category. They tell me they speak on leadership. Or communication. Or resilience. Unfortunately, so do thousands of other speakers. The opportunity isn't choosing a different topic. The opportunity is getting more specific about the problem you solve.

Instead of telling me you speak on communication, tell me you help leaders have difficult conversations that improve trust and accountability. Instead of saying you speak on resilience, tell me you help healthcare professionals prevent burnout or help sales teams recover from rejection without losing momentum. The topic didn't change, but suddenly I understand why an organization would hire you.

Even speakers with niche topics should think this way. Take perimenopause, for example. That's certainly more specialized than leadership or communication, but it's still just a topic. The better question is, what business problem does this solve?

Maybe you help employers retain experienced women during a significant life transition. Maybe you reduce absenteeism through education and awareness. Maybe you give leaders practical tools to better support employees while creating a healthier workplace culture.

The topic didn't change. The value became obvious.

One thing I tell speakers all the time is this:

Your story builds credibility.

Your expertise creates the solution.

Your solution gets you hired.

Stories absolutely matter. They're what make you memorable. They're what connect you to an audience. But event organizers aren't hiring your story. They're hiring the outcome their audience will experience because of your story.

The next time you update your website, keynote descriptions, speaker reel, or one-sheet, don't ask yourself, "What do I speak about?"

Instead, ask yourself,

"What business problem do I solve?"

Because companies aren't buying another leadership speaker. They're buying someone who can help their leaders lead better. They aren't buying another communication speaker.

They're buying someone who can improve how their teams work together. And they aren't buying another inspirational story. They're buying a result.

Job Hugging

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:57:54 GMT

Job Hugging:
Why Fear Is Keeping People in Roles They Do Not Love

I just learned a new term, “job hugging.” I know I might be behind the times, but don’t judge.

So, this term is being used to describe people who are staying in their jobs right now not because they love them, but because the job market is, let’s face it, brutal.

And I totally get it. I have friends who are extremely qualified. They are so brilliant, they have strong resumes and are proven leaders in their field and are still looking for work a year later.

I remember a few years ago reading an article that started changing jobs every few years was the fastest way to increase your salary and career growth. And now, that advice has shifted because the market has shifted. So, people are staying. People are “job hugging”. But, they are staying in jobs they do not love.

Staying in roles where leadership doesn’t value them and they know they could easily be replaced because 100 other people want their job. They are staying because fear feels safer than uncertainty and the unknown.

But, that does NOT give leadership the right to treat employees like crap.

I have a friend whose company has been remote since COVID. Productivity went up, results improved, work got done. Their new leadership is now requiring everyone to come back into the office two days a week. But here is the kickers, they downsized their office space, so not everyone even has a desk.

And their teams are spread across the country so ALL of their meetings are still on Zoom! People are sitting alone in cubicles, not collaborating, simply proving their bodies are in a seat.

That’s not about teamwork. That’s about control.

Don’t get me wrong, there absolutely are roles, teams, and moments where being in-person matters. Hybrid work can be powerful. So can collaboration, connection, and face-to-face time.

But when remote work is clearly working for your people, and leadership knows employees are too afraid to speak up because they are job hugging, that crosses into something else. It becomes decision-making driven by power instead of performance.

Why default back to a rigid 9–5 simply because “that’s how it’s always been”? The traditional 9–5 workday was designed over a century ago for factory labor, built around industrial production, physical presence, and shift efficiency. It was never designed for knowledge work, creative work, or globally distributed teams.

Work has evolved. Technology has evolved. People’s lives have evolved. Leadership should evolve too.

And regardless of where someone works — at home, hybrid, or in-office — that does not give leadership the right to treat employees poorly, overload them, or ignore burnout simply because they know people are holding onto their jobs like they are white water rafting.

Respect, trust, and accountability should exist in every work model.

When leaders treat adults like adults, people show up, perform, and stay for the right reasons.

And if you are “job hugging” right now because of benefits you can’t afford to lose, health insurance for your family, age discrimination in hiring, burnout from job searching itself, or simply the emotional cost of starting over—please know I am not telling you to quit your job.

But if you are being given more work with no pay increase, spoken to disrespectfully, burned out and ignored, not being valued or treated as disposable because “you should just be grateful”…

Do not hug your job at the expense of your dignity.

Start paying attention. Start quietly exploring options. Start remembering your worth.

I am all about love and hugging, but not this type of hugging.

And for leaders reading this, this is exactly why organizations bring in outside voices. Many of the speakers we work with at VoiceQuest talk about:
• Sustainable leadership
• Burnout and overload
• Managing humans, not just output
• Why fear-based management never works long-term

Because when the market shifts again, and it will, people will remember exactly how they were treated when they felt stuck. And that’s when they leave.

To learn more about working with VoiceQuest Agency and brining in a speaker for professional development day, leadership workshop or to motivate and inspire your team, learn more at voicequestagency.com

Speaking to Sell: How Entrepreneurs Can Use Their Voice to Grow Their Business

Fri, 23 May 2025 15:00:05 GMT

Speaking to Sell: How Entrepreneurs Can Use Their Voice to Grow Their Business

By: Marta Sprik

If you’re a coach, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, you’ve likely been told that public speaking is a great way to build authority.

But what if I told you that speaking isn’t just a visibility tool — it’s a powerful sales strategy?

As a TEDx speaker, performance coach, and visibility mentor, I work with business owners every day who feel stuck when it comes to using their voice strategically. They’re creating content, attending events, maybe even doing podcasts — but they’re not seeing results.

That’s because they haven’t learned how to Speak to Sell .

In this article, I’ll break down what that really means, why most entrepreneurs are doing it backwards, and how you can start speaking in a way that actually grows your business.

What Is Speaking to Sell?

Speaking to Sell is the ability to use your voice — whether on stage, on Zoom, or on social media — to create connection, build trust, and guide your audience toward working with you.

It’s not about pitching all the time.

It’s about learning how to:

Share your story in a way that positions you as the expert
Deliver a message that resonates deeply with your ideal clients
Tie your visibility efforts directly to your offers and business goals

When done right, speaking becomes the fastest path to brand awareness, lead generation, and consistent sales.

Three Speaking Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients

Let’s look at the most common ways entrepreneurs unintentionally sabotage their speaking strategy.

1. Believing Speaking Only Happens on Big Stages

This is one of the most limiting beliefs I see: the idea that you have to “make it” before you can start speaking.

The truth is, you don’t need a TED Talk or a paid keynote to grow your business with your voice.

Speaking happens everywhere — in your Instagram stories, your DMs, your podcast interviews, and at your local networking group.

When you stop waiting for the perfect stage and start using the platforms you already have, you begin to create consistent traction.

2. Treating Speaking and Marketing as Separate Things

Many entrepreneurs treat speaking as optional — a side project that sits outside their core marketing efforts.

But if you want people to buy from you, they need to hear your message over and over in a clear, compelling way. That’s what speaking — and especially your signature talk — does.

Your talk becomes your content engine: you can repurpose it into emails, social posts, podcast pitches, and more. It becomes the foundation of your visibility and sales funnel.

3. Waiting for Paid Speaking Gigs Instead of Converting Free Ones

Getting paid to speak is exciting, but if you’re not turning free speaking opportunities into clients, you’re not ready to monetize the stage.

Free opportunities — like workshops, guest trainings, or interviews — can lead directly to sales when you know how to present your message and make aligned offers.

This is where a signature talk that converts becomes essential.

The Three Keys to a Speaking Strategy That Sells

If you want to use speaking to grow your business, stop chasing “big breaks” and start building these three foundational elements.

A Dialed-In Message

What you believe, who you help, and how you help them — spoken with clarity and conviction.

A Clear, Confident Offer

An offer you can invite people into naturally when you speak — with no pressure, just alignment.

A Signature Talk That Converts

A strategic, story-driven talk that moves your audience from “interested” to “I need this.”

When these three elements work together, every platform becomes the right stage, and every talk becomes a growth opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Speak with Purpose, Not Just Passion

You don’t need more content.
You don’t need a massive audience.
And you definitely don’t need to wait for someone to hand you a mic.

What you need is clarity, confidence, and a strategy behind your message.

When you learn to Speak to Sell, you stop hoping people “get” what you do — and start guiding them to say yes.

About the Author

Marta Spirk is a TEDx speaker, recording artist, and visibility and performance coach. She helps entrepreneurs grow their confidence, clarity, and client base by using their voice — online and on stage. Learn more at www.martaspirk.com

Why Your Speech Isn’t Hitting Home (And How to Fix It)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:24:29 GMT

Spot the Signs, Make the Fixes, and Turn Your Talks from Forgettable to Unforgettable

Have you ever left the stage feeling like something didn’t quite click? You prepared your content, practiced your delivery, and showed up ready to inspire. Yet, as you scanned the room, you couldn’t help but notice the audience looked… distracted. Maybe some were scrolling through their phones. Others wore polite smiles but showed no real engagement.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Even the best speakers have off days or moments when their message doesn’t resonate as intended. The key is recognizing the signs and knowing how to adjust.

The truth is, speaking isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about creating a connection. It’s about telling a story, inspiring action, and holding your audience’s attention from the first word to the last. But how do you know if your speech isn’t landing?

Here’s the good news, there are telltale signs when a talk falls flat, and each one comes with a clear fix. Whether it’s fine-tuning your tone, adding a dash of humor, or mastering the art of the pause, small changes can make a big difference in how your audience perceives and remembers your message.

Let’s explore the 10 signs your speech might be missing the mark—and how you can turn things around to make your next talk unforgettable.

1. People Are More Interested in Their Phones

The Symptom: You’re competing with TikTok, emails, or scrolling fingers.
The Fix: Start with a powerful hook. Share a surprising fact, tell a short story, or ask a thought-provoking question. Engage them right away, and they’ll be less likely to wander.

2. Your Body Is Having Its Own Performance

The Symptom: You’re pacing like a lost tourist, gesturing like you’re playing charades, or standing so still you might be mistaken for a statue.
The Fix: Be intentional with your movements. Walk with purpose to emphasize transitions, and keep gestures natural and aligned with your words. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to see if your movements match your message—or if they’re unintentionally upstaging it.

3. Your Slides Are Stealing the Spotlight

The Symptom: Your PowerPoint is basically a novel, and your audience is squinting to read it.
The Fix: Less is more. Stick to visuals, key phrases, or bold stats that reinforce your message, and let your words do the talking. Your slides are the sidekick, not the hero.

4. You’re Talking at Warp Speed

The Symptom: Your speech feels like an auctioneer’s highlight reel, and no one can keep up.
The Fix: Slow. Down. Use pauses to emphasize key points and give your audience time to digest what you’re saying. Plus, it makes you seem way more confident.

5. Your Audience Looks Confused

The Symptom: Faces look blank, brows are furrowed, and someone might’ve just whispered, “What’s happening?”
The Fix: Simplify your ideas. Avoid jargon, use analogies, and make sure your message is crystal clear—even to someone who doesn’t work in your industry.

6. You’re Delivering a Vocal Lullaby

The Symptom: Your voice has one setting: monotone. And it’s putting people to sleep faster than white noise.
The Fix: Vary your tone, pitch, and pace. Get louder for emphasis, slow down for dramatic effect, and show some enthusiasm. Passion in your voice keeps people hooked.

7. You’re All Data, No Drama

The Symptom: Your speech is a parade of stats, bullet points, and pie charts, with no personal touch.
The Fix: People connect with stories, not spreadsheets. Sprinkle in anecdotes, case studies, or real-world examples to humanize your message.

8. You’ve Forgotten the Audience Is There

The Symptom: Your speech feels like a soliloquy, and the audience feels like wallpaper.
The Fix: Make it a two-way street. Ask questions, encourage participation, and make eye contact. When people feel involved, they’ll stay engaged.

9. Your Content Could Be Anyone’s

The Symptom: Your points are so generic, they could apply to any speaker in any industry.
The Fix: Tailor your message to this audience. Use specific examples, references, or humor that speaks directly to them.

10. You Seem Like You’d Rather Be Anywhere Else

The Symptom: You’re stiff, rehearsed, or visibly counting down the minutes until it’s over.
The Fix: Relax, smile, and remind yourself why you’re there. When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, it’s contagious—and your audience will feel it.

Public speaking isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. Your audience doesn’t need you to be flawless—they need you to be real, relatable, and engaging.

By recognizing these signs and making a few adjustments, you can turn any speech into an experience your audience won’t forget. Start small. Focus on one or two areas to improve, and keep experimenting. With practice, you’ll not only feel more confident, but you’ll see the shift in your audience’s energy as they lean in, nod, and hang on your every word.

So, the next time you step on stage, remember: your voice matters, your story is unique, and you’ve got what it takes to captivate the room. Now go out there and own it!

Mastering the Micro Talk

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:40:42 GMT

Confidence, Connection, and Clarity in Just Minutes

Public speaking is one of the most empowering skills you can develop, but there’s a unique challenge that comes with short talks—those 5-to-10-minute presentations where every word counts. Unlike a keynote, where you have time to build rapport, develop ideas, and close strong, a micro talk forces you to be laser-focused. It’s high-pressure, but it’s also high-reward if you can master it.

Here’s how to transform the fear of short presentations into an opportunity to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Why Micro Talks Are So Challenging

Short talks are challenging because they demand clarity, confidence, and creativity within a tight timeframe. There’s no room for fluff or over-explaining. You have to:

Distill your message: What’s the one thing you want your audience to walk away with?
Engage immediately: There’s no time for a slow build-up. You have seconds to grab attention.
Close with impact: Your final moments need to be just as strong as your opening—if not stronger.

Confidence Is Your Superpower

One of the biggest obstacles to delivering a great micro talk is fear. Fear of forgetting your words, fear of judgment, or fear of not having enough time to explain your ideas. But here’s the secret: confidence comes from knowing your topic and trusting yourself.

Know your topic deeply: When you fully understand your subject, you can simplify without losing impact.
Practice, but don’t overprepare: Overpreparation can lead to rigidity. Instead, focus on understanding your key points and let your delivery flow naturally.
Reframe nervousness as excitement: That adrenaline you feel? It’s energy—use it to fuel your enthusiasm.

How to Structure a Micro Talk

A clear structure is essential for a successful short talk. Try this simple formula:

Hook (30 seconds): Start with a powerful story, question, or surprising fact to grab attention.
Core Message (3-5 minutes): Share the main point you want your audience to remember. Use one or two compelling examples or stories to illustrate it.
Call to Action (30 seconds): End with a memorable takeaway or challenge for your audience. What should they do, feel, or think differently after hearing you?

Tips to Engage Your Audience

Make eye contact: Even in a short talk, connecting with individuals in the audience makes your message more personal and powerful.
Use your voice effectively: Vary your tone and pace to keep your audience’s attention.
Incorporate storytelling: A short, relevant story can make your talk memorable and relatable.
Pause strategically: Pausing not only emphasizes key points but also gives you time to breathe and stay grounded.

My Journey to Mastering Micro Talks

When I first started speaking, I thought longer presentations were more difficult. But the more I’ve spoken, the more I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenge of short talks. They’ve pushed me to focus, connect more authentically, and trust myself. I’ve learned that it’s not about cramming as much information as possible into a few minutes but about delivering one clear, impactful message.

Shine in Your Short Talk

Mastering the micro talk is about more than speaking skills; it’s about confidence, clarity, and connection. When you focus on your message, trust yourself, and engage your audience, even a few minutes can leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re stepping onto a stage or presenting to a small group, remember: your voice matters, and your audience is waiting to hear it.

voicequestagency

Stop Selling Topics. Start Solving Problems.

Stop Selling Topics. Start Solving Problems.

Instead of saying Leadership

Instead of saying Communication

Instead of saying Change & Adaptability

Instead of saying the Future of Work

Instead of saying Workplace Culture

Instead of saying Well-Being

Instead of saying High Performance

Job Hugging

Job Hugging: Why Fear Is Keeping People in Roles They Do Not Love

Speaking to Sell: How Entrepreneurs Can Use Their Voice to Grow Their Business

Speaking to Sell: How Entrepreneurs Can Use Their Voice to Grow Their Business

By: Marta Sprik

What Is Speaking to Sell?

Three Speaking Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients

1. Believing Speaking Only Happens on Big Stages

2. Treating Speaking and Marketing as Separate Things

3. Waiting for Paid Speaking Gigs Instead of Converting Free Ones

The Three Keys to a Speaking Strategy That Sells

A Dialed-In Message

A Clear, Confident Offer

A Signature Talk That Converts

Final Thoughts: Speak with Purpose, Not Just Passion

About the Author

Why Your Speech Isn’t Hitting Home (And How to Fix It)

Spot the Signs, Make the Fixes, and Turn Your Talks from Forgettable to Unforgettable

Let’s explore the 10 signs your speech might be missing the mark—and how you can turn things around to make your next talk unforgettable.

1. People Are More Interested in Their Phones

2. Your Body Is Having Its Own Performance

3. Your Slides Are Stealing the Spotlight

4. You’re Talking at Warp Speed

5. Your Audience Looks Confused

6. You’re Delivering a Vocal Lullaby

7. You’re All Data, No Drama

8. You’ve Forgotten the Audience Is There

9. Your Content Could Be Anyone’s

10. You Seem Like You’d Rather Be Anywhere Else

Mastering the Micro Talk

Confidence, Connection, and Clarity in Just Minutes

Why Micro Talks Are So Challenging

Confidence Is Your Superpower

How to Structure a Micro Talk

Tips to Engage Your Audience

My Journey to Mastering Micro Talks

Shine in Your Short Talk

Stop Selling Topics.
Start Solving Problems.

Job Hugging:
Why Fear Is Keeping People in Roles They Do Not Love