Make every talk a Keynote
You’re on stage, the audience is with you, and your message lands. It feels incredible. But here’s the truth—what makes that moment possible isn’t just what happens on stage. It’s everything that happens before you step up there.
The hours of shaping an idea, finding your story, and building slides that support (not drown) your message. The rehearsals where you trip over your words, adjust, and try again. The nerves you learn to manage long before the spotlight hits.
That’s why I wrote Zero to Keynote. It’s not a book about faking confidence or winging it. It’s about preparation—the small, repeatable steps that take you from blank page to a talk you can deliver with clarity and confidence.
Because once you’ve put the work in, the delivery often takes care of itself. You walk on stage knowing your material, owning your story, and ready to connect. Whether it’s your first talk or your first keynote, this book is your roadmap for the journey that really matters: the one that happens before the audience is even in their seats.
And it's not just about conferences. These skills translate directly to your career. Imagine the impact of presenting with clarity and confidence in the workplace. You'll influence decisions, lead with authority, and become the go-to expert.
Speaking at conferences has been a highlight of my career. It's a journey I want to share with you. Whether you're a complete beginner or aiming for that coveted keynote spot, this book is your roadmap.
Here's what you'll discover:
- A Clear Path: From idea to submission, writing your talk, rehearsing, and presenting—a logical, step-by-step process.
- Conquer Your Fears: Practical strategies to manage nerves and speak with confidence.
- Master Communication: Proven principles to captivate your audience and deliver your message effectively.
- Insider Secrets: Anecdotes and stories that bring the principles to life, and show you how to land those sought-after speaking slots.
- Conference Survival Guide: A mini-guide to navigate conferences like a pro.
Plus, you'll also get a high-resolution Speaker's Checklist – your essential tool for seamless preparation by subscribing to the Meeting Notes Newsletter.
A free chapter from the book is also below, about Generating Talk Ideas.
Zero to Keynote - digital version
The digital version is a like for like of the print version but available globally and downloadable in PDF format.
Zero To Keynote - print version
The printed book is a beautiful, easy to read guide to mastering conference speaking.
This book isn't just theory; it's a proven system. It's built upon the success of my popular workshop, 'Zero to Keynote,' where countless aspiring speakers have found their voice.
Inside, you'll discover:
- Idea Generation: Stop staring at a blank page. Learn how to generate compelling talk ideas that resonate.
- Submission Secrets: Discover the insider strategies to get your conference proposals accepted, consistently. (And how to ensure you're speaking to your audience.)
- Talk Structure: Learn a proven structure to craft a talk that captivates from start to finish.
- The Communication Superpower: Unlock the principles of effective communication and apply them to every stage of your speaking journey.
- Master Memorisation: Never forget your talk again. Learn techniques to deliver with confidence.
- Dealing with Nerves: Conquer your fears and speak with unwavering confidence.
- Turn up the talk and be ready: Master the logistics of conference speaking, from travel to tech.
- The Q&A session: Handle tough questions and even the most challenging audience members with grace.
Here's what you won't find:
- Tricks and gimmicks. We skip the superficial "presentation hacks" that don't address the core of impactful speaking.
- Instead, we focus on what truly matters: purpose, audience, context, enthusiasm, and the art of storytelling.
Why? Because a truly great talk isn't about flashy techniques; it's about connecting to your audience.
"Zero to Keynote" isn't just a title; it's a belief. I believe that every talk, regardless of its slot, can be "keynote worthy." By focusing on clarity, purpose, and enthusiasm, you'll create a talk that stands out for all the right reasons.
Free Chapter - Generating ideas for talks
Grab a completely free chapter of the book as an immediate PDF download.
Generating Conference Talk Ideas
Immediate PDF download with a free chapter from the Zero To Keynote book about generating ideas.
Free Conference Speaker Checklist
Get the Speaker's Checklist: Streamline your presentation prep and deliver with impact. Free high-resolution version for Meeting Notes newsletter subscribers. Subscribe now and take your speaking to the next level.
For press releases and media kits - please see this press kit page.