How Thought Leaders Can Deliver Powerful Speeches with Eva Daniel
Sep 05, 2024
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We’re celebrating our 200th episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast! We’re so grateful for the amazing guests who have shared their stories and wisdom with us.
How can you tell your story publicly in a way that captivates your audience? Eva Daniel, former speechwriter at Dave Ramsey and owner of The Speak Shop, shares her journey of entrepreneurship, as well as her best strategies for giving an engaging speech in this 200th episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
Eva’s journey began in Colorado Springs, where she worked as a radio producer. She noticed a common problem: many authors and experts who were brilliant on paper struggled to articulate their stories verbally. This realization planted the seed for what would eventually become The Speak Shop, a firm that helps thought-leaders develop and deliver inspirational speeches that are worthy of the world’s biggest platforms.
Eva’s career took a significant turn when she became a speechwriter for Dave Ramsey, a role that took her family to Nashville, TN, and further honed her skills in public speaking and communication. But as she approached her 40th birthday, she realized that her dream of starting her own business was still very much alive. Despite the challenges and fears, she took the leap in August 2022, leaving her corporate job to launch The Speak Shop.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
Eva’s transition from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship wasn’t without risk. As the sole breadwinner in her family, with her husband staying home to care for their four children, the financial stakes were high. She had been side-hustling for a while, taking on clients in her spare time, which gave her the confidence to finally make the jump. But, as she candidly shares, the journey was filled with both highs and lows.
One key factor that helped Eva navigate this transition was the support of her spouse and the entrepreneurial culture she experienced while working at Ramsey Solutions. Surrounded by others who had made similar leaps, she found herself in a community that encouraged risk-taking and provided advice on the nuts and bolts of starting a business.
Building a Community as an Entrepreneur
One of the biggest challenges Eva faced after leaving her corporate job was the loss of community. As an extrovert who thrived on interaction, she had to find new ways to create connections. Eva joined a Wednesday morning entrepreneur group and several virtual communities where she could exchange ideas and seek advice. She also turned to LinkedIn, which became an unexpected source of support and growth for her business.
Eva’s LinkedIn strategy is simple yet effective: she focuses on sharing her expertise in public speaking, offering valuable tips and insights to her followers. Her commitment to providing genuine value has paid off—her following has grown to an impressive 32,000 in just two years. Eva encourages others to find their niche and share their knowledge generously, as this approach has opened countless doors for her, both professionally and personally.
The Power of Communication
At the core of Eva’s business is the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. Her work at The Speak Shop focuses on helping leaders and speakers develop confidence and authenticity in their public speaking. Whether it’s a five-minute presentation or a keynote speech, Eva provides frameworks and strategies to help her clients deliver their messages effectively.
Eva’s success on LinkedIn also mirrors her approach to coaching speakers. She advises focusing on one topic and exploring it from multiple angles. By sharing her knowledge of public speaking consistently, she has built a strong, engaged audience that values her insights.
Eva Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and effective communication. Her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship was filled with challenges, but her passion for helping others share their stories has driven her success. For those considering a similar path, Eva’s experience offers valuable lessons on testing the waters, building a support network, and staying true to your strengths.
About Eva Daniel
Eva Daniel is the founder of The Speak Shop, a firm dedicated to helping thought-leaders develop and deliver inspirational speeches that are worthy of the world’s biggest platforms.
She has been a Senior Producer for the Focus on the Family Daily Radio Broadcast and was the senior speechwriter for money pro Dave Ramsey. She has worked with execs from billion-dollar companies (like Chick-fil-A) and consulted with some of America’s top authors and speakers. Her work has been featured on syndicated radio broadcasts, top five podcasts, viral YouTube channels, and livestreams seen by millions of people around the world.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 6:00 — Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
- Minute 17:00 — Mastering LinkedIn for Business Growth
- Minute 21:00 — Crafting Compelling Speeches
Episode Links:
- Visit thespeakshop.com to download free resource: 12 Questions You Must Ask for a Killer Speech
- Connect with Eva on LinkedIn
- Get your copy of The Strengths Journal
- Visit danawilliamsco.com
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