Episode Details

What makes a TEDx talk or keynote speech powerful enough that people actually remember it? Speaker coach and longtime keynote speaker Mimi Donaldson knows that great public speaking isn't about cramming more information into a presentation—it's about knowing your message, understanding your audience, and communicating in a way that holds their attention.

Mimi Donaldson has spent decades speaking on major stages alongside names including Maya Angelou and Suze Orman. Today, she coaches business owners, keynote speakers and TEDx speakers, with 30 clients taking TEDx stages since 2018. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Mimi shares what she's learned from a career spent studying audiences from the stage.

We talk about why great speakers “show them the movie and let them in on the jokes,” why shorter stories can be more powerful, and why knowing your message matters before you ever start worrying about delivery. Mimi also shares her fascinating “legacy speech” exercise: if you had only 15 minutes left to speak to the entire world, what would you absolutely need to say?

Whether you're preparing for a TEDx talk, building a keynote, speaking about your business, or simply trying to communicate your expertise more effectively, Mimi's advice comes down to understanding what your audience needs—and then having the confidence to own what you know.

🎁 Mimi's Free Gift: 30-Minute Speaker Strategy Call
Meet one-on-one virtually with Mimi to talk about your speaking goals, and what could make your message stronger. https://www.mimidonaldson.com/speech-coach/

Connect with Mimi:
https://mimidonaldson.com

Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with brilliant women turning their expertise, stories and experience into work that makes an impact.

Chapters
00:00 Meet Mimi Donaldson
02:05 From performer to educator
04:15 Becoming a speaker coach
06:40 Show them the movie
08:25 Breaking onto big stages
11:05 Why TEDx changed speaking
13:25 Build a TEDx-worthy message
16:10 Your 15-minute legacy speech
19:25 Own your expertise
23:15 Lead with their need

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