Show Notes
Entrepreneurs tend to be made by inspiring situations – a big idea, a moment of clarity, a story they tell at all the dinner parties.
They don’t tend to be made by a letter from head office telling them they’re fired.
Ramon Ray has a history of being an exception to the rule, though. And his story is fit for the stage, not for the dinner table.
After losing his job with the UN, Ramon found inspiration where others would find desperation. He used that experience to pivot to a career in speaking and now, with trademark humor and passion, that story has become his signature.
To have Ramon join me on Standing Ovation was a delight. For me, his brightness, vivacity, and mile-a-minute style makes him as entertaining as he is informative and, Clappers, I know you’re going to agree.
Grab yourself a seat at the front, you’re going to want to hear what Ramon has to say.
Find out about:
- When Ramon felt able and ready to share his now-signature story
- How Ramon chose his path as he was already walking it
- What the key differences are between speaking for free and for payment
- The approaches Ramon believes helped him become a better speaker over time
- How to find the balance between your classic lines and new material
- How to use your voice to great effect
- What a great audience looks like to Ramon
Quotes from the episode:
“The best way we speakers can speak is from a sense of feeling – that we’ve gone through it. It’s very hard to talk about cancer, pregnancy, or a broken arm if you’ve never gone through it.”
“As speakers, we are performers!”
“It’s not about the talk, it’s about me and what I can deliver… What I’m talking about doesn’t really matter. People want excitement and sizzle – what you’re saying comes second.”
Connect with Ramon Ray
2 Key Questions
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about the speaking business?
“I was on the phone to a friend, I was nearly in tears, complaining and asking: ‘Why am I not like this speaker or that speaker.’ And they said… ‘Ramon. What game are you playing? They’re playing their own game – that’s not yours!’ I think that was the best advice anyone’s ever given me, that question of ‘What game are you playing?’”
Who is your dream guest for Standing Ovation?
“Steve Harvey. I mean, you’ve heard his stories, I’ve heard his stories… Get Steve Harvey on Standing Ovation!”
