In this latest episode of No More Bad Events, host Scott Bloom explores Brian Burkhart’s work as a presentation and event coach, including his behind-the-scenes experience helping Shark Tank contestants appear confident, persuasive, and natural on camera. Whether it’s a TV pitch or a business keynote, Burkhart says great presentations blend art and science—capturing attention, building connection, and inspiring action He begins by addressing his unique approach to his work in the corporate realm by reviewing his proprietary “Square Planet Six” -- Burkhart’s framework for creating unforgettable events. If you manage to at least two of the six, you’re on your way to producing success. Scott and Brian also discuss how many presenters neglect preparation, relying on scripts or teleprompters, which often leads to uninspired, selfish presentations. Brian Burkhart emphasizes the power of shifting focus from yourself to your audience, claiming that when presenters genuinely consider their listeners, authentic engagement and impact follow. The discussion touches on the importance of playfulness, spontaneity, and letting moments—sometimes unplanned—bubble up during events, which often leads to richer experiences. They swap practical techniques and stories, including playful icebreakers The episode closes with thoughts on why passion, knowing your “why,” and serving others are foundational to both professional fulfillment and successful events. Brian Burkhart shares the story behind his book "Stand for Something," his philosophy on elevating people Overall, the episode is packed with actionable advice for event producers, presenters, and anyone interested in impactful communication and meaningful professional experiences.
GUEST BIO:
Brian Burkhart is the Founder and Chief Word Guy at SquarePlanet, a boutique communications consultancy. He's instructed 10 teams for TV's Shark Tank, coached 35+ TED talks, and spent six years on faculty at Northwestern University's Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His Amazon #1 bestseller, Stand For Something, was released in 2019. A former Disney cast member, Brian cheers loudly for his beloved Chicago Bears.
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ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:
Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.
Learn more at nomorebadevents.com.
ABOUT THE HOST:
A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.
As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?
Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com
PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:
When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.
eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote, and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.
The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.
Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.
Learn more at eSpeakers.com.
SHOW CREDITS:
Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com
Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | jheaps@eSpeakers.com