In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Ravinol Chambers.
Ravinol is a filmmaker, storyteller and founder of Be Inspired Films, a B Corp creative agency helping purpose-driven organisations communicate with clarity and confidence.
A former monk turned moviemaker, he’s spent more than a decade guiding leaders to show up on camera in a way that feels natural, human and compelling.
His work spans TEDxLondon, the NHS, Oxford University and the Cabinet Office, with multiple international awards and six consecutive Drum Recommends wins for Best Video Production Company in the UK.
Ravinol also hosts the Storytelling for Social Impact podcast and leads the Storytelling Clarity Sprint, helping teams cut through noise and tell the story that truly moves their audience.
In this episode we talked about video storytelling for speakers, speaking with confidence on camera, and how organisations can share stories that truly connect.
What You'll Learn:
- How to make sure your stage talks are filmed well
- What setup you need to record professional videos at home
- How to combine sound and visuals to build strong video stories
- How to tell stories that focus on people, not your company
- How to shape your message so your audience truly cares
In This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction
09:18 - How to Prepare Video Teams Before Your Talk
10:54 - Why Speakers Shouldn’t Look at the Camera
13:33 - What TED Gets Right About Filming Talks
20:20 - The Minimum Setup to Film at Home
24:09 - How to Overcome Nerves on Camera
25:36 - Why Shorter Videos Take More Work
29:45 - Why Extra Energy Works on Camera
33:28 - How to Tell Stories Without Making Yourself the Hero
40:59 - How to Use B-Roll to Bring Stories Alive
We hope you enjoy it!
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Ravinol Chambers:
- Website: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravchambers/
- Instagram: @beinspiredrav
- Storytelling for Social Impact podcast: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/podcast
- Jack’s Story (Neurodiversity & Police project): https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/#jacksstory
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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES
- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)
- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score
- Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/
- Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course
#IdeasOnStagePodcast #VideoStorytelling #StorytellingForBusiness #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, we share a conversation with Ciaran O’Donnell – originally recorded as part of the Ideas on Stage Academy. We decided to repurpose it as a podcast episode so more people can learn from his inspiring communication journey and practical insights.
Ciaran is a Virtual Finance Director. He launched Virtual FD in 2010 to help growing businesses access Finance Director–level advice before they’re ready for a full-time hire. A qualified accountant since 1998, he spent 12 years at Hutchison Whampoa, Three, and Carphone Warehouse – all with entrepreneurial beginnings. Since then, he has advised more than 100 startups and fast-growth companies, helping them grow, prepare to sell and stay on track. Ciaran was named CFO of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards 2019 and is a Finance Director of the Year finalist in the Accounting Excellence Awards 2023 and 2024.
In this episode, we talked about how Ciaran became a better communicator
What You'll Learn:
- Why improving your communication can transform your career
- How to rehearse and internalise your message to sound natural
- How to use stories that make people care
- How pauses, breathing and feedback strengthen your delivery
- How better communication can attract clients and grow your business
In This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction
04:15 - Why a CFO Decided to Speak Better
07:57 - How One Imperfect Video Sparked Growth
10:00 - How to Know You’re Improving as a Speaker
17:22 - How Internalising Transforms Your Delivery
21:25 - The “So What” Framework
38:50 - The Birthday Speech He’ll Never Forget
43:58 - How a Slow Breath Changes Everything
47:55 - The Three Levels of Useful Feedback
52:12 - A Masterclass in Sharing Your Origin Story
55:07 - How Storytelling Drove 90% of His Revenue
We hope you enjoy it!
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Ciaran O’Donnell:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranodonnell/
- Website: https://virtualfd.co/
- Ciaran’s first video: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6648942434724179968/
- A story about “It’s all about trust”: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ciaranodonnell_itsallabouttrust-storybridges-ownyournumbers-activity-7344251933672566787-KeWd
Mentions:
- Bernadette Jiwa
- Jimmy Cannon
- The Moth
Recommended books:
- Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa
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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES
- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)
- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score
- Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/
- Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Kay Korsh.
For over 20 years, Style Strategist Kay Korsh has been behind the scenes – dressing celebrities, consulting for luxury brands, and helping professional speakers dress in a way that aligns with their message. And that leads to more bookings, higher fees, and a whole lot more confidence on stage.
In this episode we talked about how your style shapes your presence – from common mistakes and myths to practical tips that help you look more like YOU on stage and on camera.
What You'll Learn:
- How to dress in a way that supports your message
- What to avoid when preparing your look for a talk or video
- Why looking like yourself helps you connect with your audience
- How style influences the way people see and remember you
- A small change that can improve how you show up immediately
In This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction
08:49 - Align Your Look With the Venue
15:28 - Stop Dressing Like the Audience
41:36 - How to Instantly Improve Your Look
We hope you enjoy it!
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Kay Korsh:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/
- Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com/
- Colour Quiz for Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest
- How to Work with a Photographer: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/get-the-best-results-from-brand-photoshoot
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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES
- Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)
- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: ideasonstage.com/score
- Free Web Class: ideasonstage.com/uk/events/
- Free Mini-Course: bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Patricia Ryan Madson.
Patricia Ryan Madson is a world authority on improvising in everyday life. She is the author of IMPROV WISDOM: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up. Her book has been translated into nine languages.
Patricia is a professor Emerita from Stanford University where she taught since 1977. In their Drama Department she served as the head of the undergraduate acting program and developed the improvisation program. In 1998 she was the winner of the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Innovation in Undergraduate Education at Stanford.
She is a frequent speaker for business and educational groups. Her corporate clients have included: IDEO, Google, Gap Inc.’s Executive Leadership Team, The Lucille and David Packard Foundation, the Banff Centre for Leadership, Sun Microsystems Japan Division, Apple Computers, Adobe Systems, and Price Waterhouse.
In this episode, we talked about how the principles of improvisation can help you become a more engaging presenter, and communicate with greater authenticity and impact.
What You'll Learn:
- How to balance preparation with being fully present
- How improvisation can make you a better speaker – even if you fear public speaking
- Why performance anxiety is really about self-focus – and how shifting your attention can help
- How to handle mistakes during a presentation
- A simple way to start using improv today to improve your communication skills instantly
We hope you enjoy it!
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Patricia Ryan Madson:
Book: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up
Website: www.improvwisdom.com
Blog: www.improvwisdom.blogspot.com
Email: improvwisdom@gmail.com
Recommended books:
Constructive Living by David K. Reynolds
Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone
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IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES
Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)
The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score
Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/masterclass
Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Susan Payton.
Susan is a story strategist, copywriter, messaging geek, coach, consultant and author of The Business of Stories.
Released in March 2022, Susan’s book quickly became a UK and US #1 bestseller on Amazon in several business categories, including Marketing and Sales – knocking Dragon’s Den & Diary of a CEO star Stephen Bartlett off the top spot! It also got to #1 on Amazon again when the audiobook version was released and was a finalist in the Business Book Awards 2023.In this episode we talked about all things business storytelling.
What You'll Learn:- The power of storytelling and why it's essential for business success- Why your personal story is more inspiring than you might think- The importance of clear language over fancy words- How to overcome the fear of sharing your voice and telling your story- Why every story you tell needs a clear call to action to be effective
We hope you enjoy it!———————Links:- Susan’s website: https://thebusinessofstories.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanPaytonUK
Recommended books:- The Business of Stories by Susan Payton- Building a SoryBrand by Donald Miller- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff- Superfans by Pat Flynn———————
IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCESWant to inspire your audience, increase your influence, and make a bigger impact?- Read ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)- To make the most of the books, take the Confident Presenter Scorecard to assess you presentation skills in less than 3 minutes, for free: https://ideasonstage.com/score- Attend the next Ideas on Stage web class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/masterclass #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Storytelling #StorytellingForBusiness #TheBusinessOfStories
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Julian Treasure. Julian Treasure is a top-rated international speaker and award-winning author on the power of sound and the skills of speaking and listening for both individuals and organisations. Julian’s five TED talks have been viewed more than 150 million times; one of them is the sixth most-viewed of all time. He is founder of international audio branding consultancy The Sound Agency, pioneering the use of innovative biophilic soundscapes in retail and hospitality spaces. In this episode we talked about how to speak and be heard. What You'll Learn:
- The critical skills we’re not teaching our kids and why they matter for their future success.
- How to use vocal variety, warm-ups, and breathing techniques to improve your public speaking.
- How to speak effectively by knowing the listening you’re speaking into.
- The unexpected advantage of feeling nervous and how to calm those nerves.
- Avoid common mistakes like monotony or ending sentences as questions to keep your audience fully engaged. We hope you enjoy it! ———————
Links:
- Website:
- LinkedIn:
- Substack:
- TED Talk ‘How to speak so that people want to listen’:
- Upcoming book, Sound Affects (25 March 2025):
Recommended books:
- The Mysticism of Sound and Music by Hazrat Inayat Khan
- The Great Animal Orchestra by Bernie Krause
- Nada Brahma - the World is Sound by Joachim E. Berendt
- In Pursuit of Silence by George Prochnik
- A Book Of Silence by Sara Maitland
- TED Talks by Chris Anderson ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES Want to inspire your audience, increase your influence, and make a bigger impact? - Read ‘Confident Presenter’
and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’
- To make the most of the books, take the Confident Presenter Scorecard to assess you presentation skills in less than 3 minutes, for free:
- Attend the next Ideas on Stage web class:
#IdeasOnStagePodcast #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipCommunication #VocalImpact