Colin Ryan has spent his entire career telling stories—and not in the vague, “everyone’s a storyteller” kind of way. He’s performed on The Moth, NPR, and PBS, and even had his work published in Reader’s Digest.

But his real work has lived in the business world—where storytelling has recently become trendy… and often misunderstood.

In this episode, Colin breaks down what most professionals get wrong about storytelling at work. Too often, stories are long, self-focused, and unclear—leaving audiences disengaged instead of inspired.

What’s missing? A simple, repeatable way to tell short, powerful stories that connect your experience to your client’s reality.

But here’s the twist:

Colin argues that the real value of storytelling isn’t actually about telling better stories.

It’s about something far more important—something that drives trust, buy-in, and meaningful action in every conversation you have.

If you’ve ever felt like your ideas aren’t landing, your clients aren’t fully engaged, or your message isn’t sticking—this episode will change how you think about storytelling entirely.

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If this episode resonated, there are more ways Colin can help.

When it comes to the people-side of work—with clients, colleagues, and teams—results depend on your ability to create trust.

If you’re looking for more sales, more referrals, and stronger client relationships, Colin offers engaging keynotes, interactive trainings, and one-on-one coaching designed to help professionals communicate more clearly and connect more deeply.

To learn more or start a conversation, reach out at colin@colinryanspeaks.com

Or download Colin’s free guide and explore resources for your next team event or sales meeting at:
www.colinryanspeaks.com/resources

I'm doubling down on the success of this podcast's first focus: public speaking, networking, pitching, and selling.

I'm going to focus on the element beneath all of that: trust.

I’ve given roughly 1,000 speeches, often talking about money, a subject most people don’t openly discuss. And I know I’m doing my job well when something shifts in the room.

People open up.
They engage.
They become a little more honest, a little more vulnerable.

And later, they tell me they actually made a change—because of one conversation, one talk, one moment.

And when I step back and look at that, I realize… that only happens when there’s trust.

Over the years, I’ve also worked with a lot of financial professionals—on communication, on client relationships, on how to better understand the people they’re trying to help.

And there’s a gap I see again and again:

There are people who need help…
and people who genuinely want to help…
but something doesn’t connect.

And more and more, I believe that the bridge across that gap is trust.

Going forward, this is The Trust Toolkit.

I’m still going to share practical communication tools—things you can use in your next conversation, your next presentation, your next important moment.

But everything is going to be grounded in this idea of:
How do we communicate in a way that builds trust and actually moves people to action?

In this episode, Colin Ryan explores why trust is the real differentiator for financial professionals in today’s skeptical environment. Drawing on his experiences with accountants, advisors, students, and industry leaders, Colin delves into the historical baggage that plagues the financial services industry -- from movie-inspired stereotypes to past misconducts -- and the challenges that make honest financial conversations difficult, but so important.

You will gain insights into:

• The roots of distrust in the financial industry and how media and culture fuel these perceptions.
• Real-life stories from college campuses illustrating the disconnect between consumers and financial experts.
• Proven strategies to break negative stereotypes, such as focusing on empathy, transparency, and active listening.
• Practical tips to stand out as a trusted advisor, including championing clients, being non-judgmental, and bringing genuine care to every conversation.
• Data-driven benefits of trust-building, from better client engagement to long-term loyalty and advocacy.
• Why trust is not just a “soft skill,” but a measurable, observable outcome that directly impacts your professional results.

Tune in to learn how to become the kind of financial professional people remember—and refer—by prioritizing trust over transactions.

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Want to Bring This to Your Team?

If you're nodding along thinking "my team needs to hear this," let's make it happen.

I deliver the Trust Advantage keynote for financial services organizations that want their professionals to stand out, connect authentically, and build client relationships that last.

Your team will learn:

• Why trust beats tactics every time
• How to turn skeptical prospects into engaged clients
• The neuroscience behind conversations that actually work
• Practical tools they can use in their very next meeting

Ready to talk? Visit ColinRyanSpeaks.com/keynote-trust-advantage to learn more.

Let's turn your next event into something your team actually remembers—and uses.

🎙️ What can five years of stand-up comedy teach you about storytelling? A lot !

In this episode, Colin deconstructs his stand-up comedy journey to show you how to craft stories that don't just inform, but truly connect.

He'll reveal key ways comedians turn everyday moments into unforgettable narratives—and how you can too.

You’ll learn:

The Relatability Hack: How even a mundane moment can become everyone’s shared truth

Narrative Alchemy: Use a simple structure to tap into suspense-building power

The Brevity Muscle: Why brevity isn’t just polite—it’s magnetic

From identical twin mix-ups to cutting the fluff, this episode delivers storytelling tools that help you connect, captivate, and stay memorable.

Perfect for speakers, presenters, and anyone ready to turn stories into strategic assets.

🎤 Pro Tip: Don’t “tell a story.” Share a strategic example.

Networking can feel like an anxiety-inducing performance, but what if it didn’t have to? In this episode of Memorable Public Speaking, we dive into a real conversation with a client who struggles with overthinking, self-doubt, and the fear of making a bad impression while networking.

Their words: “I’m usually kind of thinking like, what do I say? What do I say? What do I say?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But what if networking wasn’t about saying the perfect thing?

I’ll share simple mindset shifts and strategies that make networking feel more natural, including:
💬 How to break the ice without pressure
💡 Why a quick sip of water can reset your confidence
👂 The power of listening instead of planning your next line
🎭 The surprising truth that there’s no such thing as failure in networking

If networking stresses you out, this episode will help you approach it with confidence and ease, and watch as you get more of the results you want!

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You'll love our brand new guide, The Business Storytelling Blueprint. For a copy, email Colin at colin@colinryanspeaks.com to learn more.

Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

In this value-packed episode, storytelling expert Colin Ryan pulls back the curtain on 2 powerful techniques that took a real client’s keynote story to new heights. You’ll learn how to craft an irresistible hook that grabs your audience's attention from the very first line. Plus, learn the secret to infusing your narratives with genuine emotional stakes that forge deep connections. Whether you're looking to level up your public speaking, nail your next big pitch, or get paid to speak, these storytelling hacks are game-changers, and will help you take your communication skills to the next level!

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Are you interested in our brand new guide, The Business Storytelling Blueprint? If so, email Colin at colin@colinryanspeaks.com to learn more.

Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or to get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

Ever been tempted to “wing it” when speaking? Think again. While improvisation can seem natural and authentic, it’s also a risky move that can leave you stumbling, rambling, or losing your audience entirely.

In this episode, Colin explores three major reasons why speaking off-the-cuff can derail your talk—and what to do instead to feel prepared and confident. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, connect with your audience, and deliver a presentation that truly leaves an impact.

Whether you’re preparing for a keynote, a pitch, or a team meeting, this episode is packed with practical advice to take your speaking skills to the next level.

Want to feel amazing after your next talk? Want to learn how to grow your business and make an impact through public speaking? Go to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to download our free guide or to get recommendations from Colin on how you can become a memorable and influential public speaker.

In this episode, I tackle a question from a listener: How can I share serious stories while keeping my presentation positive and NOT losing the audience? So I tested out an answer: drawing from my personal experiences crafting a powerful story about navigating the American healthcare system around my own health challenges (see what I mean? SERIOUS!), I share three key strategies to create emotional balance in your talks and keep it light, engaging, and inspiring no matter the content area you are sharing:

1. Pick Your Moments: Build lightness and humor around heavy topics to connect with your audience before diving deep.
2. Confident Vulnerability: Show authenticity without overwhelming your audience, ensuring they stay engaged and inspired.
3. Test It Out: Hone your story with practice audiences to craft a powerful, resonant message.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode will help you transform serious stories into impactful presentations that leave your audience feeling inspired—not overwhelmed.

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Do you have a speaking opportunity coming up? Would you like to feel amazing after your next talk? Download our free guide at ⁠⁠⁠speaknextweek.com⁠⁠⁠ or speak to Colin personally to get a free recommendation on what you can do next to become a stronger public speaker.