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Unlock the power of storytelling to inspire change with StorySpire. Host Mary R Snyder delivers actionable tips and expert advice to help you craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences and drive them to meaningful action. Whether you're a speaker, leader, or changemaker, this podcast will equip you with the storytelling strategies to inspire hearts and minds and change the world.
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This is a very different episode, and I'll be honest...I've been putting off recording this because it is a tough one. I can't believe we've gone through 179 episodes together. From the beginning, the goal has been to encourage and equip you on your speaking journey, and it's been a privilege to witness the growth and impact of this community. It's…
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I know you might think we've talked about this topic quite a few times on the podcast, but stick with me. Are you ready to explore what it means to be called to do the work you love? Or, maybe you're not sure how to navigate the twists and turns in your journey. Today, I'm sharing insights on understanding and embracing your unique calling. It's no…
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I was recently asked - "Mary, you always have a story. Why do you always have a story about everything?" My first thought was it's because I'm a storyteller, but it's more than that. I look at life differently, and I want you to do the same. Do you ever feel like you don't have any interesting stories to share? Maybe you think your life is too mund…
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Alright, so we all know that building a speaking business can be lonely, right? Do you ever feel like you're on this journey alone, craving a community of like-minded individuals who understand and support your passion for speaking and storytelling? You're in luck because, in this episode, I'm sharing the importance of finding your community and sh…
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Do you struggle to get a response from event planners? Maybe you've experienced the frustration of being ghosted after reaching out via email or DM. In this episode, we will cover crafting an email that elicits a response and shares a powerful method for re-engaging prospects. This episode is for you if you want to learn how to effectively communic…
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Do you have a powerful keynote message that you're not sure how to repurpose for a workshop or social media content? Maybe you want to learn how to engage your audience in an interactive and impactful way. We'll explore how to repurpose your message for various platforms and audiences. If you want to expand the reach of your message and connect wit…
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Do you want to learn how to invest in yourself and your speaking journey? Maybe you're feeling stuck and need some understanding on why your message really matters. In this episode, I discuss the importance of investing in yourself as a speaker and how it directly impacts your audience. If you are ready to invest in your gift and story in the same …
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Do you have a message burning inside you, and you're waiting to share it with the world? Maybe you've been dreaming of stepping onto the speaking stage, but you're not sure where to start. In this episode, I'll dive into the essential steps you need to take to make 2024 your year as a speaker. In this episode, you will: Reflect on your speaking goa…
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Do you want to create a speaker one-sheet that grabs attention and gets you noticed by event planners? Maybe you've struggled to figure out what to include and how to make your one sheet stand out. In this episode, I'm diving into the essential elements of a speaker one sheet and how to make it a powerful tool for getting booked. This episode is fo…
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Welcome back to "5 Minutes with Mary." In this episode, I discuss the intricacies of asking an event planner to book you as a speaker. I'll share my personal experiences and offer valuable insights on approaching this challenging conversation. We'll cover the importance of being spiritually attuned to discern if the opportunity aligns with God's pl…
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On today's episode, we dive into the art of connecting with your audience. I emphasize the importance of approaching public speaking as a two-way conversation and share practical tips for creating a deep and meaningful connection with your listeners. From the power of using inclusive language to the impact of speaking directly to individuals, these…
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Are you looking to enhance your presentation skills and captivate your audience? Look no further! In this week's episode of the new series, 5 Minutes with Mary, I'm diving into practical tips on how to deliver a powerful message. In this episode, you will: Learn how to deliver a message effectively. Understand the importance of presentation skills.…
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Do you want to find your message and make a powerful impact when you speak? Maybe you have a story to share but aren't sure how to turn it into a meaningful message. In what I'm calling "5 minutes with Mary" - I'm diving into the importance of finding your message and discovering what problem it solves. Ready to learn how to communicate your story …
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Do you struggle to confidently articulate what you do as a speaker? Maybe you stumble over your words when someone asks, "So, what do you do?" If so, don't worry, I've got you! Today, we will dive into crafting a persuasive pitch story that will captivate our audience and open doors to exciting opportunities. This episode is for you if you're ready…
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Finally, the big announcement I've been hinting at has arrived: learn about the premiere in-person coaching event, Activate Live, where I will coach you with my powerful Activate program, but live and in-person, so you can grow your speaking skills and connect with other like-minded Christian communicators! In this episode, learn about the Activate…
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Are you afraid to admit your big, audacious dreams out loud? Do you realize that those big dreams are God-given and there’s tremendous power in embracing and pursuing them? In this episode, you’ll be encouraged as I share examples and biblical encouragement through my own journey of living out my dream of coaching people to tell their stories. List…
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Have you considered transforming your keynote message into an interactive workshop? In this episode, let's explore the process of turning a keynote message into an interactive workshop and gaining practical tips for engaging with audiences in a workshop setting. Learn to identify clear takeaways from your message and reverse engineer the content to…
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In this episode, we’re exploring the true meaning of influence and how it's not just about numbers on social media. Discover the impact you can have with just one person and how to effectively share your message. Remember, influence is about how you use what God has given you to make a difference in someone's life! Listen in to gain insights on how…
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Have you ever felt hurt or disappointed when you weren’t invited to speak at an event or after being uninvited by an event planner? Listen as I share stories of being excluded from speaking engagements and the impact it had on me. Hear my best advice on how to handle either scenario, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and self-reflec…
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Do you ever feel like you pour out so much for others but rarely take the time to fill yourself up? Have you ever considered going on a retreat? Discover the four things that can make a retreat powerful for Christian speakers and other creatives. Learn the benefits of recharging and leaning into your relationship with God and others. You can experi…
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In this second half of our “The Top Ten Things I've Learned as a Christian Speaker” series, I'll provide you with even more practical wisdom for how we can better connect with our audiences through our openings, body language and vocal inflection. Listen closely for experienced insight on these topics and more, especially if you're eager to enhance…
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Would you like to gain a deeper understanding of the art of effective speaking and discover how to connect with your audience, prepare with confidence, and make a lasting impact? Today, I’ll share with you five of my top ten valuable lessons learned over my extensive experience as a Christian speaker. Each of them provides valuable insights that an…
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As a speaker, have you ever experienced that moment of panic where you’ve forgotten everything on stage or struggled with a difficult audience? Been baffled by how to connect your message to your audience? Listen as Mary provides candid answers to these and more of the common questions asked in our kind and supportive speaker Facebook group, “Take …
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Do you have burning questions about becoming a professional speaker, such as how to refine your message, narrow down your focus, or navigate event planning? In these “Ask Mary” episodes of "Take the Stage," Mary dives into your listener questions and shares practical tips, from how to start and best practices in crafting your message to how to set …
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Are you wondering what it takes to become a professional speaker? In this episode, I’ll tackle the question head-on and reveal the truth behind common misconceptions. We’re going to challenge the notion that there are certain prerequisites and emphasize the importance of staying true to your calling. Whether your message is a story of triumph or a …
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Are you self-conscious about telling the world you're a speaker? Do you find it challenging to own your calling and share it with others? Being a speaker is not dependent on having a full-time job or extensive stage experience, but rather on the calling God has placed on your heart! In today’s episode, I'll explain the importance of embracing your …
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Are you ready to “chase the dream” God has given you? In this episode, we’ll explore what it truly means to pursue your calling as a speaker. Join me as I break down the essential steps to chasing your dream of being a successful Christian speaker. The journey as a speaker won't always be easy, but remember, God has called you and will equip you fo…
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Are you currently feeling discouraged or on the verge of giving up on your calling? Do you sometimes question if all your efforts and hard work are worth it? In this episode, join Mary as she shares her personal journey of almost quitting and how it led her to a powerful realization. Get ready to be inspired and encouraged as Mary delves into the i…
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You've invested time, money, and energy in attending a conference, but what's next? How do you ensure all the knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained during the event translate into real-world success? In this episode, Mary guides you through the essential steps of post-conference follow-through. Discover how to turn those conference notes i…
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In this episode, we'll dive into the theme of facing rejection and finding strength through God's guidance. I'll share my experiences and encourage you to seek support to navigate challenging times. With an emphasis on the importance of staying positive and not giving up on one's goals, even in the face of setbacks, I'll offer practical steps to ov…
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Are there legitimate reasons you should decline a speaking opportunity? Listen as Mary shares practical advice on how to gracefully decline invitations that don't align with your calling as a speaker. Learn how to discern if an opportunity is the right fit for your unique gifts. Discover great benefits in building a supportive network with fellow s…
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Not sure how to discuss money with potential clients? Wish you could confidently navigate fee conversations as a professional speaker would? Join us as we delve into the art of speaker fee negotiation. You will learn how to confidently approach these conversations to ensure a win-win outcome for everyone involved. Top reasons to listen to the entir…
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Are you looking to connect with event planners for more effective conversations and to book more speaking engagements with them? In this episode, Mary dives into the art of having more meaningful conversations with event planners. Discover key insights and strategies to make memorable impressions, build relationships, and secure more speaking oppor…
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Did you know that smart time management is a key part of any good speaker's life? Discover how you can prioritize tasks, manage your time more effectively and use my strategies to avoid distractions and find a way to get all your work done and still maintain a good work-life balance. These easy practices will help you optimize your time management …
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Have you ever found yourself struggling to book speaking engagements during the slow summer season? On this episode, Mary offers expert advice on how to overcome the “summer speaker slump.” From crafting mini messages to reaching out and following up with event planners, Mary breaks down the actionable steps necessary for speakers to maintain momen…
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Have you ever wondered how to leave a lasting impression on your audience and be that “unforgettable” speaker? There are five things that set apart good speakers from mediocre ones. In today’s episode, I’ll uncover what really matters in your message and the importance of bringing the right energy and relatability to your listeners to make a lastin…
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When someone asks you, “So tell me about you, what do you do? What's your story?” How do you respond? Are you able to give a succinct answer that clearly communicates that you are a speaker to a specific audience, with a clear understanding of what their needs are and how you have a unique way to meet those needs? This is what I like to call a “hig…
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As speakers, we’re driven by knowing God has called us to this, right? But amidst our busy lives and need to share our stories, we must remember God has also called us to rest. Listen as we explore the importance of rest, the transformative power it holds, and how it can bring clarity and creativity to our lives and ministries. Top reasons to liste…
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Is speaking at a virtual summit something that’s on your radar? If so, what’s your reason behind that? I want y’all to think about this: Are you saying yes because you're happy that you got asked? Or is it because you have little speaking experience and this is a good opportunity for you? Virtual summits are a great testing and training ground, but…
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What does it mean to “practice” your message? I've had women tell me that they want their message to be fresh, so they don’t do a lot of practicing. Well, I'm going to be honest with y'all: You can share a message that sounds fresh and still be well practiced. Practice doesn't mean rehearsing your message word-for-word. There's an art to delivering…
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Do you know what message God wants you to share, but you aren't sure how to put it all together? Are you wondering what’s the best way to take your one person from A to B while maintaining a connection throughout the journey? Crafting a message is never easy, that’s why I want to take some time in this episode to really dive into my preparation pro…
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Has God given you a message that you need to share? Maybe you've been asked to speak for the first time and you have no idea what to do or how to start. Perhaps you have been sharing the same message for a year and need a new fresh message. Whether you've done this hundreds of times before or are just getting started, I'm going to share the way I c…
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Do you miss the days when you met with people face-to-face and got to know them over a cup of coffee? Do you wish you had the opportunity to connect with agents, speakers, writers, and other people that can help you in so many aspects of this speaking life? I've always found this to be one of the most rewarding parts of attending speaker conference…
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Have you ever found yourself saying, "I'm just not a confident and charismatic speaker like XYZ is". That is exactly why I put together this three-part series on what it means to be charismatic on stage. Part three of this series discussed how to create warmth on stage. In this third and final episode, I wrap up the series by talking about competen…
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What do you think of when you hear the phrase "charismatic speaker"? Do you picture someone who is engaging and people naturally want to be around? Are they almost magnetic in the way they present themselves? In this part two of three, I’ll be talking about growing your confidence as a speaker and owning the stage. Top reasons to listen to the enti…
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Have you ever wondered if you’ll reach a certain level as a speaker where you’ll truly feel confident in your calling? I'll be honest with y'all, I don't think you can ever be completely confident. We’ll discuss this very thing in more detail over the next three weeks, so stay tuned... Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: Don't let your lac…
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When someone asks you to speak at an event, do you hesitate to say yes? Do you automatically think that someone else is more qualified to speak than you are? Both myself and my guest, Lori Robertson have been there. We understand how easy it is to think, “Who am I to speak about that topic? What if I say the wrong thing?” But do you know what? In t…
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When I say “conversion”, what do I mean? Conversion means turning a connection and a conversation into a booked speaking opportunity. If you tuned in to the first two parts of these keys to getting booked to speak, you’ll already know all about making connections and having conversations. If you haven't listened to those episodes yet, please go bac…
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Did you catch the last episode where we talked about making connections? If not, I highly recommend you check it out first because there’s some homework that lays the groundwork for this episode! Getting booked as a speaker starts with making connections. After making those connections, you can start having conversations and scheduling meetings. I …
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Have you been calling up churches pitching yourself to speak and nobody’s returning your phone calls? Let me ask you this: if it’s not your church, do any members of the staff or congregation know who you are? Back in the day, cold pitching worked a lot better. Nowadays, anyone can send an email to a women's ministry director, and that's exactly wh…
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