Lessons from the Global Speakers Summit
There is something incredibly energising about being in a room full of people who care deeply about the craft of speaking.
Last weekend over 4 days at the Global Speakers Summit in Cairns, more than 400 speakers from 27 countries gathered to learn, share ideas and challenge each other to grow. Being surrounded by that level of experience, creativity and generosity has been both inspiring and humbling.
One of the biggest reminders for me has been that speaking is so much more than delivering words from a stage. It is about creating connection. The best speakers don’t just talk to an audience — they take people on a journey.
Across the sessions there have been powerful lessons about compassion, resilience, trust and the responsibility we carry when we step onto a stage. We’ve explored how emotion shapes a message, how laughter can open people up to learning, and how understanding the audience journey can transform a presentation from simply informative into something truly impactful.
Of course, speaking is also a business. There have been great conversations around building a sustainable and high-performing speaking career — something every professional speaker must navigate if they want their message to reach more people.
One of the highlights has been sharing the experience with people close to me. Spending time with my niece Tara, who is also building her speaking career, has been special. And hearing my good friend Warren MacDonald and his partner Margo Talbot take the stage has been a reminder of just how powerful storytelling can be when it comes from the heart.
Warren presenting to a packed auditorium
Warren and I after his talk
Events like this do something important: they stretch you. They remind you that no matter how long you’ve been speaking, there is always more to learn.
And honestly, that’s one of the things I love most about this profession.
You never stop growing. 🎤✨
By the time this summit wraped up on the Monday night, I left Tuesday with pages of notes, new friendships from around the world,(I also received a gift from Trevor, an Aussie living just north of Toronto…2 boxes of Graham wafer biscuits!!!) and plenty of ideas to take into my own speaking journey.
And I already know one thing for sure — I’ll be looking forward to the next one. 🌍