Stories With Traction
The Stories With Traction Podcast was created to empower leaders to elevate their businesses through the art of strategic storytelling. By engaging clients and inspiring team members, leaders can significantly impact the world around them. Each episode offers insights into storytelling, marketing, sales, company culture, and leadership, providing practical tools to drive growth and influence positive change. Tune in to transform your approach and lead with purpose.
Stories With Traction
#157: Hooks, Heart, and Humanity: What Every Leader Needs to Know About Speaking
5-Day Storytelling Challenge
Whether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.
To sign up, go HERE.
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Cody Hand, founder of Speakers Collaborative, to discuss what it really takes to become a dynamic speaker in the age of AI and short attention spans. Cody breaks down the myth that effective speaking is about memorization and instead reveals why authenticity, presence, and intentionality on stage matter more now than ever.
In addition, they talk about:
✅ How to structure a powerful “hook” that grabs your audience from the start
✅ The biggest mistake leaders make when emulating TEDx-style speeches
✅ Why soundbites matter more than ever in today’s scroll-happy world
… and much more!
BIOS:
Cody Hand is the founder of Speakers Collaborative, a cohort-based coaching experience for seasoned professionals who want to master the stage. Drawing on a background in law, politics, education, and performance, Cody helps speakers distill their unique stories, develop powerful stage presence, and walk away with compelling content to fuel their thought leadership.
Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who shows business leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of strategic storytelling. With a track record of catalyzing significant sales growth for over 300 organizations across industries—from financial services to health and wellness—Matt’s approach has been proven to deliver measurable impact.