Most leaders rush to the solution. They skip the most essential part of compelling communication—creating tension. In this episode, Clay and Adam break down why tension matters, how the brain is wired to crave it, and how stronger tension-building can instantly transform any meeting, presentation, or keynote.

In this conversation, Scott Bedgood emphasizes the critical role of audience connection in effective communication, whether in standup comedy, keynotes, or meetings. He discusses how initial engagement is crucial for maintaining attention and ensuring that messages resonate with the audience. Scott also highlights the importance of making communication matter to foster follow-through and engagement.

Follow Scott:

• Free newsletter: https://scottbedgood.com/speaker-tips-funny-clips-email-newsletter/
• Website: https://scottbedgood.com/
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/scottbedgood/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbedgood/
• His book: https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Legends-Coaches-Leadership-Leaving/dp/0692947671/ref=sr_1_1

Takeaways:

• Audience connection matters more than anything.
• People are always looking for an excuse to check out.
• The first minute or two is crucial for engagement.
• It's important to make your communication matter.
• Connection is key in all forms of communication.
• Phoning it in leads to disengagement.
• You need to be present and engaged with your audience.
• Follow-through is linked to audience connection.
• One-on-one communication also requires connection.
• Engagement is essential for effective meetings.

June 29, 2007— the day public speaking changed forever. Before smartphones, a bored audience member had to doodle or stare at the ceiling. Now they have a casino in their pocket. If you want to hold people’s attention, you’re not just competing with distractions… you’re competing with the most addictive technology ever created.

In this episode, we break down why engagement is no longer optional. Every time you open your mouth, you become a guest in your listener’s mind. And every mind has a ruthless bouncer whose job is to kick out anything boring.

We explore the five main causes of boredom—Irrelevance, Complexity, Aimlessness, Apathy, and Predictability—and give you practical tactics to beat each one. You’ll learn how to stay relevant, simplify your message, create structure, tap into emotion, and use vulnerability to surprise your audience.

The bottom line: It’s your job to engage, not their job to pay attention. If you want to influence people, you have to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.

A simple, powerful guide to making your communication impossible to ignore.

Most people think becoming a great speaker means mastering body language, vocal tone, and slide design. But the truth? None of that matters if you don’t have something worth saying.

In this episode, Adam and Clay unpack why public speaking isn’t about polish — it’s about purpose. Drawing from Rob Fitzpatrick’s idea of pseudoteaching, they explore how even flawless delivery can fall flat when the message lacks substance.

You’ll learn:

• The myth of mechanics and why performance doesn’t equal impact

• Two practical tests for knowing if your message is worth sharing

• How to shift your focus from sounding good to saying something good

Whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching an idea, or giving a keynote, this episode will help you stop performing and start communicating.

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Have a message you need help preparing? Send us an email Info@howtolead.work to learn more about our coaching services.

Work is serious — but does it have to feel that way? In this episode, Adam and Clay explore how humor can make us better leaders. From lowering defenses to building trust and sparking creativity, humor isn’t a distraction — it’s a leadership superpower. You’ll learn the kind of humor that works (and what to avoid), why joy is serious business for healthy teams, and three practical ways to lighten up without losing your edge. Plus, a funny story to kick things off and a challenge to bring more laughter into your leadership this week.

As AI transforms the workplace by automating tasks and boosting productivity, leaders face a new challenge: keeping humans engaged, connected, and valued. This episode explores how the real threat isn’t artificial intelligence—it’s disconnection—and offers three ways leaders can respond: coach more, lean into human skills, and make purpose visible. The message is clear: in an AI-driven world, your greatest responsibility is to make work feel more human.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” In this episode, Adam and Clay dig into why miscommunication happens so often at work—and how leaders can prevent it. From funny mix-ups (like a cake with the wrong message) to frustrating real-life examples of missed handoffs and unclear priorities, they explore why clarity is a leader’s most important tool.

You’ll learn five simple habits to make sure your message actually lands:

1. Repeat back what you hear

2. Use visuals, not just words

3. Preview where you’re going

4. Match tone to intent

5. Share bad news in person

The big takeaway? Don’t assume communication happened just because you said something. Clarity is leadership.

Every leader eventually faces this challenge: noticing something others don’t—and deciding whether to say it out loud. In this episode, Adam and Clay unpack why helping people see their blind spots is both one of the hardest and most important things leaders do. Drawing from voices like Daniel Goleman, Patrick Lencioni, Kim Scott, and the Crucial Conversations framework, they explore why awareness is the on-ramp to growth and why so many leaders hesitate to start these conversations.

If you care about someone’s growth, you owe it to them to speak up—with kindness, clarity, and curiosity.