An Interview With Fotis Georgiadis of Authority Magazine

Meet Ross Shafer

Ross Shafer is an Emmy-winning television host, best-selling author, and former stand-up comedian turned keynote speaker. With over 2,500 paid speeches and 11 published books—including his latest, RATTLED — Crazy A** Stories of Extreme Resilience—Ross has helped thousands of professionals and executives navigate performance, leadership, and reinvention.

“Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you better.”

Q: Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Oregon and Washington State. My parents were hilarious and hosted their friends regularly. At seven, they enrolled me in accordion lessons, and I became the house performer. Countless times, my dad would wake me up at midnight to come down and have me play “Lady of Spain” for his coworkers. That early exposure to “the stage” erased any fear of public performance—and gave me an edge when I ran for student body president later on.

Q: What led you to this career path?
After college I was determined to become a millionaire. (I had no idea how to do that). I started in business, buying and selling 23 bankrupt companies. But a chance visit to a comedy club rekindled my love for performing. I eventually won a comedy competition in Seattle, toured with stars like Diana Ross, and hosted national TV shows like Match Game and Almost Live. When the comedy boom waned, I fused my business smarts with my performance chops—and became a corporate keynote speaker.

Q: What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had as a speaker?
Having lunch at the Vienna Opera House—where Mozart once performed—before giving a paid talk there. The travel perks and global exposure are definitely career highlights. I’ve been flown first class to give speeches in Paris, France, London, England, Johannesburg, South Africa, Dharan & Riyad, Saudi Arabia, and Vienna, Austria.

Q: Funniest early mistake?
Speaking at the Mall of America with a terrible PA system and scattered audience.I heard no laughs. I saw no smiles. I did see a fair amount of Chamber members get up and leave. Even though I was dying on stage, I pretended I was charmed and thrilled to be there. I finished my 60-minute set in 24 minutes, thinking I nailed it. I learned: Always assess the venue. Ask the right questions. Sound, seating, and environment matter.

Q: Who helped you along the way?
Nobody succeeds alone. Early on, I got a lot of encouragement from a comedy team of Mack Dryden and Jamie Alcroft. Seattle comedians Mike Neun and George Miller were mentors who guided me to my first network TV appearance. Comedians and friends like Jay Leno made big time standup success accessible for me. In the speaking world, Joe Griffith taught me how to market myself as a corporate speaker—he told me to join NSA and create a hilarious cassette tape. (Yes, tape!)

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring speakers?
Be bold. Practice by speaking for free at places like the Jaycees, Kiwanis Clubs, or community college business classes. It’ll take 90–100 speeches before you’re ready to charge. Know your material. Know your audience.

Q: What keeps you going?
Now that I’ve reached financial stability, my drive is legacy and impact. It is a privilege to be paid to speak to an audience and I take that responsibility seriously. My life has been a roller coaster. I’ve failed, been broke, and rebuilt—and my message of resilience resonates because it’s real. I speak to help people bounce back from adversity.

Q: What’s next for you?
Allison Dalvit and I released RATTLED — Crazy A** Stories of Extreme Resilience to Help You go from Shook To Solid, written during lockdown. It’s the book we wanted our five kids to have—stories of real-life grit. We hope to inspire a series of RATTLED books for other groups: teens, couples, veterans, and more.

Ok, thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Public Speaker?”

Ross Shafer’s “5 Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Public Speaker”

1. Confidence
When I first went to comedy clubs, I was curious to see why some comedians snagged the headliner spot (highest paid) while others were stuck for years as “opening acts.” Confidence was the differentiator.Confidence calms the audience. Even if you’re nervous (you probably are), practice until you appear unshakable. Fake it until it becomes real.

2. Structure
As a young comedian I was hired as the opening act for deep-voiced singer Lou Rawls. One night he came into my dressing room to give me some advice. Lou said, “You have some funny stuff but you need some structure, man. Your funniest bits are in the middle and your act gets weaker at the end. If you want people to remember you, you have to have an unforgettable closer.”

Build your talk like a great concert. Open with your second-best material, end with your best. People remember how you finish. (Thanks, Lou!)

3. Credibility
If you say something bold, back it up. Use research, stories, and stats. Your authority depends on trust.

4. Consistency
No excuses. Even on a bad day, it’s your job to deliver. The audience doesn’t owe you energy—you owe them value. I mentored a talented young speaker who was finally getting some companies to pay him to speak When he tanked, he blamed it on the audience and told me he was having an “off day.” I said, “Professional speakers don’t have “off days.” Blaming your failure on the audience was assigning blame to the wrong people. It is not the audience’s responsibility to make you great. That’s on you.” Effective speakers take responsibility for making the speech great without excuses.

5. Humility
Don’t let success go to your head. Entitlement kills careers. Treat every audience like they matter—because they do. My humble advice is to be nice to everybody, all of the time.

Bonus Tips From Ross: How To Overcome Fear of Public Speaking

1. Know your first five words cold. They’ll launch you once you start talking, you’ll realize you can continue the rest of your talk.

2. Remember: nerves are invisible. Even legends like Johnny Carson were anxious backstage, with heart rates of 145 beats per minute, but nobody saw anything but cool, collected Johnny Carson. People don’t notice your nerves either.

3. Repetition is your secret weapon. Rehearse until your message becomes second nature.

Want More Ross Shafer?

Contact us to book Ross for your next event, or pick up a copy of RATTLED on Amazon. For aspiring speakers, don’t miss Ross’s speaker training tips on his YouTube channel.

Read the full interview with Ross Shafer at Authority Magazine!

The post 5 Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Public Speaker appeared first on Ross Shafer, Funny Motivational Speaker - Official Website.

As a speaker, your opening lines and ice breakers set the tone for your entire presentation. The first few moments are crucial—they can either engage your audience or lose their attention before you’ve even begun. Whether you’re speaking at a corporate event, a conference, or a casual gathering, knowing how to start strong with humor, intriguing facts, or thought-provoking questions can make a significant impact.

In this article, we’ll explore effective ice breakers and opening lines that will help you connect with your audience instantly and set the stage for a successful presentation.

Why Opening Lines Matter for Speakers

When you take the stage, your audience is likely distracted, and their attention span may be limited. That’s why starting your speech with a compelling opening is essential. The right ice breaker or opening line can:

• Grab attention: Get your audience interested and excited about what you’re about to say.

• Establish credibility: Set the stage for why you’re qualified to speak on the topic.

• Build rapport: Make the audience feel comfortable and open to what you have to say.

• Set the tone: Whether humorous, serious, or inspiring, your opening line should match the vibe of your speech.

A well-crafted opening line serves as your first impression—it can be the difference between engaging your audience or losing them early on. Let’s dive into some effective opening strategies you can use.

Build Trust Before Jokes

While humor can be a great way to engage your audience, it’s important to build trust first. Jumping into jokes too quickly might not be effective if your audience doesn’t know you yet. Instead, focus on creating a personal connection. This “verbal handshake” helps you establish rapport before delivering humor or more serious content.

Top Ice Breakers for Every Occasion

Here are some great ice-breakers to kick off your presentation:

1. Personal Humor
   “Thank you for the warm welcome. My (husband/wife) said to me before I left, ‘Don’t try to be too charming, witty, or intellectual. Just be yourself!’”
   A humorous self-deprecating joke sets a relaxed tone.

2. Relatable Statement
   “As I walked up here, I realized we all have one thing in common today—we have no idea what I’m about to say!”
   This breaks the ice by acknowledging the shared experience.

3. The “Original but Not Good” Joke
   “I gave a speech last week, and the CEO said I was both original and good. Unfortunately, the parts that were good weren’t original, and the parts that were original weren’t very good. I’ll try to do better today.”
   A lighthearted way to manage expectations and connect with your audience.

4. Humorous Self-Reflection
   “Asking me to speak is like watching a dog walk on its hind legs. Even if it’s not perfect, you’re still amazed it can be done at all!”
   Using humor helps you connect with your audience and break the ice.

5. Correcting the Introduction
   “I have one slight correction to make in my introduction—everything!”
   This playful approach can ease any tension from an inaccurate introduction.

6. Award Acceptance Jokes:

   • “This is perfect timing—thankfully, I’m not receiving this award posthumously!”

   • “I’m not one to exaggerate, but in this case, you’ve done it for me. Thank you!”

   • “Thank you for this token of kindness, friendship, and excellent taste.”

   • “I’m not sure I deserve this, but who am I to argue with all of you?”

Closing Remarks That Inspire

As a speaker, your closing remarks can leave a lasting impression. The best speakers always finish strong. Avoid ending with audience questions, as you lose control of the direction. Instead, close with a memorable line that calls your audience to action or leaves them thinking.

Closing Ideas

• For a Great Year and Future Goals: “We’ve done well, but let’s push the envelope and come up with new ideas. Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, said, ‘Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has a brilliant idea.’ The key is to act on them.”
• Addressing Competition: “I once heard about a traveler visiting a Greek monastery, and the monk said, ‘We replace the rope every time it breaks.’ That’s how competition operates. Let’s be proactive and take the lead.
• Inspiring Creativity: “Betty Nesmith, a secretary in the 50s, created Liquid Paper after realizing how the typewriter caused errors. Her simple idea made her a fortune. What’s the hidden opportunity we can seize?
• Appreciating Hard Work: “Mother Teresa said, ‘When we work hard, we feel like a drop in the ocean. But without those drops, the ocean would be dry.’ Your contributions matter—thank you!
• Addressing a Plant Workforce: “There are talkers, lookers, and doers. A rural bus driver once stopped for an old farmer who just wanted to see who was on the bus. You’re the kind of people who make me proud to be your driver!”
• Customer Service: “Focusing on service, not profits, ensures long-term success. Henry Ford knew it 80 years ago. Let’s honor that wisdom in our approach.

Final Thought

Whether you’re delivering a light-hearted talk or a serious keynote, ice breakers and opening lines are key to engaging your audience. By connecting with your listeners early and closing with inspiration, you can make a lasting impact. Be confident, passionate, and always rehearse your closing remarks for maximum effect.

Looking for an engaging speaker who knows how to start strong and leave a lasting impression? Ross Shafer’s humorous and impactful opening lines are just a taste of the connection he creates with audiences. With over 30 years of experience, Ross knows how to engage, entertain, and inspire. Don’t miss out on making your next event unforgettable—book Ross today!

The post Opening Lines & Ice Breakers for Speakers appeared first on Ross Shafer, Funny Motivational Speaker - Official Website.

Think about it—great communicators get noticed. They inspire teams, persuade clients, and lead with impact. The good news? Anyone can learn to speak with confidence, clarity, and charisma—even if public speaking makes your heart race.

This guide will walk you through the real reasons behind stage fright, proven techniques to conquer it, and public speaking strategies that professional speakers use to win over audiences and leave lasting impressions.

Why Are We Afraid of Public Speaking?

Public speaking anxiety is completely normal. It stems from the fear of being judged or embarrassed—especially in front of peers. Common symptoms include a pounding heart, shaky voice, and sweating, all of which are triggered by our fight-or-flight response.

But here’s the truth: your nervousness is invisible to your audience. That flutter in your stomach? They can’t see it. Even experienced performers, politicians, and trial lawyers get stage fright—they’ve just learned to use it to their advantage. Learn more about overcoming anxiety with Psychology Today’s guide on performance anxiety.

Stage Fright Happens to Everyone—Even the Pros

Even professional speakers experience nerves before going on stage. The difference is that they’ve developed techniques to channel that energy into compelling, confident performances. One effective method? The “Clouds” technique.

Before speaking, visualize a calm blue sky in your mind. Picture fluffy white clouds and a small airplane pulling a banner with your first six words. Focus only on that banner. This simple mental exercise helps lower your heart rate and center your thoughts.

Why a Little Anxiety Can Actually Help

Feeling nervous before speaking can be a good thing. Those butterflies heighten your alertness and energy—two essential ingredients for a powerful delivery. And remember: 99.9% of what you feel inside doesn’t show on the outside.

Next time you’re listening to a first-time caller on talk radio who says, “I’m a little nervous,” ask yourself—do they sound nervous? Usually not.

Your Audience Wants You to Succeed

It’s easy to assume that an audience is judging you—but that’s rarely the case. Most people are relieved they aren’t the one speaking! Adults are supportive, not critical, and they appreciate your courage. They’re rooting for you.

Preparation is the Ultimate Confidence Builder

The #1 way to reduce public speaking anxiety? Preparation. When you know your material, you can focus on your delivery.

Quick Preparation Tips:

• Rehearse your opening line. Even something as simple as “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m here to talk about…” will help you get started.

• Practice your closing statement to leave a strong impression.

• Write and memorize your introduction or bring a short 3×5 card with key points.

How to Start Your Speech: Make a Connection

Always begin by connecting with your audience. This “verbal handshake” builds rapport and opens the door for engagement.

Examples of icebreakers:

• Comment on the venue or the weather

• Thank your host

• Reference something everyone in the room experienced (like the lunch or a previous speaker)

Take 10–15 seconds to say hello before diving into your content. These first moments shape how receptive your audience will be.

Why a Strong Introduction Matters

Whether someone else introduces you or you introduce yourself, your audience needs context and a reason to care.

Sample Self-Intro:

“Hi, I’m Bob Smith from Atlanta. Your team asked me to share how we increased production in our division by 35%.”

This sets the stage and tells your audience why what you’re about to say matters to them.

Always Answer the Question: “What’s in it for Me?”

Every audience is wondering this—so make sure your speech addresses their needs. Focus on actionable insights they can use immediately. Don’t waste time with content that doesn’t serve your listeners.

Speak on What You Know

When you’re passionate and well-versed in your topic, you speak naturally and confidently. Avoid over-reliance on notes, and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Authenticity beats perfection every time.

Speak with Passion and Energy

Enthusiasm is contagious. Great public speakers communicate from the heart. Speak with conviction, vary your tone, and show that you care deeply about your message

Respect Your Audience’s Time

Keep your talk within the allotted time. Going long can undo even the best presentations. If you notice people checking their watches, it’s time to wrap up.

Eliminate Distractions

Before your talk, try to minimize environmental distractions:

• Ask to speak after food has been served and cleared

• Close doors and curtains if necessary

• Ensure the space is quiet and focused

Standing vs. Sitting: What’s Better?

Stand whenever possible. Standing gives you more authority and presence. If you can move around while you speak, even better—it creates energy and keeps the audience visually engaged.

What Should You Do with Your Hands?

Use natural gestures. Avoid keeping your hands in your pockets or clasped behind your back. If you feel awkward, try lightly pinching your thumb and middle finger together to stay relaxed and grounded.

Boost Engagement with Pace and Energy

Speak slightly faster than usual to hold your audience’s attention. We listen faster than we speak, so a faster pace actually makes your talk feel more dynamic.

Using Visual Aids Wisely

Avoid text-heavy slides. If you use PowerPoint:

• Follow the 6×6 rule (no more than 6 lines per slide, 6 words per line)

• Never read slides aloud

• Use high-quality visuals to support your message

Use Statistics Strategically

Don’t overwhelm with percentages. Round off for clarity. Say “about half” instead of “47%,” or “two-thirds” instead of “66%.”

Structure Your Speech for Maximum Impact

Follow this “stacking order” technique, borrowed from entertainers:

1. Open with your 2nd strongest point

2. Build up with moderate content

3. Save your #1 strongest point for the close

This builds momentum and ensures you finish strong, leaving a lasting impression.

Use Seamless Transitions Between Topics

Link sections of your talk with connector phrases. For example:

Topic 1 (Customer Service): “You know how important great service is to customer retention…”

Segue: “…and if we get them to return, we’ll have the chance to show them our latest offerings.”

Topic 2 (New Products): “Which brings me to our exciting new product line…”

Smooth transitions keep your talk flowing and help your audience stay engaged.

The Power of Storytelling in Public Speaking

Stories are memorable, relatable, and persuasive. Use them to humanize your message. Replace generalizations with specific examples for clarity and emotional impact.

Tips to Hold an Audience’s Attention

• Personalize your content: call out names or audience contributions

• Vary your voice: speed, tone, and pauses

• Use dramatic pauses to recapture attention

• Involve the audience: ask questions, request volunteers

• Move physically: don’t stand still too long

Should You Use Humor and Drama?

Absolutely! Humor makes you relatable, and dramatic stories create impact. Stick to self-deprecating jokes and avoid anything offensive. Keep it authentic, respectful, and in service of your message.

Final Thought: Anyone Can Master Public Speaking

You don’t have to be born with public speaking talent—you can learn it, practice it, and perfect it. By following these strategies, you’ll not only become a more effective speaker—you’ll become a more confident leader, persuasive communicator, and trusted voice in your field.

Book Ross Shafer for Your Next Event

Looking for a dynamic keynote speaker who can captivate your audience, inspire action, and deliver real value? Ross Shafer has spent decades helping leaders and teams unlock their communication potential. With a blend of humor, powerful storytelling, and actionable insights, Ross transforms events into unforgettable experiences.

Ready to elevate your next conference or training? Book Ross Shafer today and give your audience the tools they need to communicate with confidence and lead with impact.

The post How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking appeared first on Ross Shafer, Funny Motivational Speaker - Official Website.

If you’re a motivational speaker, you already know stories are your sharpest tool. But if you’re just recycling the same old Greatest Hits every time you’re onstage, you’re not growing—and neither is your audience. If you want to stay fresh (and bookable), you need an endless supply of motivational stories.

So where do you find them?

Spoiler: They’re everywhere.

Humans Are Hardwired for Stories

Since the dawn of time—before TikTok, before Netflix, before PowerPoint—we’ve been telling stories to teach, inspire, and connect. Stories are sticky. They’re how we pass on knowledge and build culture.

A well-told story taps into universal emotions, and that’s what makes it memorable. In fact, a Harvard Business Review article shows that storytelling lights up more of the brain than plain ol’ facts ever could.

So if you want to motivate people? Don’t just preach. Tell a story.

The Secret to Staying Relevant as a Speaker

When you’re first starting out as a speaker, you probably lean on your One Big Story—the time you climbed the mountain, beat the odds, built the empire, or outran the bear (okay, maybe not that one). And that’s fine. But if you’re going to stay in this business, you’ll need more than one story.

Especially if you want to get booked again and again by the same clients.

Here’s the good news: You already have those stories. You just have to see them.

What Makes a Motivational Story Stick?

The same thing that makes any story stick. Classic structure.

The beginning – What problem are you solving?
The middle – What did you do about it?
The end – What happened?

Throw in a relatable character (like you), some emotion (humor, struggle, triumph), and a lesson worth learning, and boom—you’ve got something worth sharing on stage.

Real Life Examples

Here are some true stories—some mine, some borrowed—that illustrate how to tell motivational stories that leave a lasting impact. These are the kinds of stories that show your audience what’s possible, not just for you, but for them.

BIG WALLY: TWO WORDS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Early in my speaking career, I struggled to find stories that could truly motivate others. Then I reconnected with a college football buddy who reminded me of something I’d completely forgotten—our coach’s battle cry: “SO WHAT?!”

I played linebacker at the University of Puget Sound under Coach Paul “Big Wally” Wallrof—a 6’5”, 260-pound force of nature with a booming voice and a bigger heart. Every time something went wrong on the field—missed tackle, fumble, blown play—Wally didn’t scold us. He’d grab our shoulder pads and roar: “SO WHAT?!”

Two words. That’s it. But those two words shaped how I face setbacks to this day.

Lose a sale? Miss a meeting? Blow a presentation? “SO WHAT?!” Learn, adjust, and keep moving.

You’re not defined by your worst day. Your credibility comes from what you do next.

At a recent reunion, 60 of us gathered to thank Big Wally. Decades later, we’re business leaders, dads, coaches—men forged by two unforgettable words that still drive us forward.

DON’T LET CREDIBILITY STOP YOU

I go to about 70 conferences a year, and I’m always on the lookout for great stories—especially stories about people who refuse to be paralyzed by what they don’t know.

At a portable storage event, I met Emily. She was flipping shipping containers into pop-up retail shops and portable offices. Business was booming. Then her clients started asking if she could help them with moving and storage too.

Emily had no experience in that space. So what did she do?

She hired credibility.

There are over 2,000 Certified Moving Consultants in the U.S. Emily contracted a few, built a new division, and launched a profitable extension of her business—overnight.

You don’t need to know everything. You need to find someone who does, and tell their story. That’s what I’m doing now.

JON VRABELY: THE LEADER WHO SAVED A SINKING SHIP

Let’s wrap with a story I tell often—because it’s the ultimate test of leadership under fire.

In 2005, Jon Vrabely was a VP at Huttig Building Products, a billion-dollar company supplying materials to America’s housing boom. Then the 2006 mortgage crisis hit. Revenue dropped by half. The CEO clung to optimism—“It’s just a cycle.” But cycles aren’t a business plan.

Jon stepped up. At just 41, he delivered a bold turnaround strategy to the board. They were so impressed, they made him CEO on the spot.

He immediately closed 18 of 45 distribution centers, canceled $16 million in failing tech projects, and laid off 400 employees—many of whom were his friends. Brutal decisions. But necessary ones.

At the same time, he went on offense—poaching top talent from competitors, acquiring struggling companies, and rebuilding Huttig from the ground up.

By 2012, Huttig was profitable again. They were hiring again. Jon Vrabely didn’t just steer the ship—he saved it from sinking.

Motivational takeaway: Real leaders don’t hope for better days. They create them.

YOUR TURN

What do these stories have in common?

• Big Wally taught us to shake off mistakes.

• Emily proved you can borrow expertise.

• Jon Vrabely modeled crisis leadership at its finest.

The best motivational stories don’t just inspire—they equip your audience with a mindset and a method.

So next time you take the stage, don’t just tell your story. Tell a story that makes your audience say, “If they can do it… so can I.”

Don’t Abuse the Power of the Mic

Let’s talk about speaker responsibility for a second. Because once you’ve got that crowd in the palm of your hand, it’s tempting to think you’re invincible. Charisma can be powerful—but also dangerous. If you have an audience hanging on your every word, you have a responsibility to inspire ethically.

We’ve all seen what happens when motivational speakers get high on their own supply. Remember when Tony Robbins led 30 people to burn their feet during a fire walk? Or when James Arthur Ray held a sweat lodge ceremony that tragically resulted in three deaths? The misuse of motivational influence can have serious consequences.

Bottom line: Use your powers for good. Real motivational speakers don’t manipulate. They inspire through humor, humility, and vulnerability.

Your Whole Life Is a Story Bank

Start mining it. Your childhood. Your career. Your family drama. That time you couldn’t get your suitcase closed in a hotel hallway at 3 a.m. (Just me?) Every moment can become a story that helps someone else feel seen, inspired, or empowered.

Keep a “story bank” in your phone. Jot down weird, funny, painful, or triumphant moments when they happen. You’ll thank yourself later.

Final Thoughts: Your Stories Matter

Motivational speakers don’t just speak. They influence lives, inspire resilience, and shape beliefs. Your personal stories, when told with honesty and structure, can help someone overcome a fear, pursue a dream, or bounce back from failure.

Bring Ross Shafer to Your Event

If stories like Big Wally’s “SO WHAT?!”, Emily’s borrowed credibility, and Jon Vrabely’s bold leadership in crisis inspired you, imagine what hearing them live—told by Ross Shafer himself—can do for your team.

Book Ross Shafer today to give your audience practical tools and unforgettable motivation to rise above setbacks, adapt to change, and lead with courage.

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