More Than a Keynote: Turning Speaking into an Experience

communication leadership professional growth Oct 14, 2025

More Than a Keynote: Turning Speaking into an Experience by Laura & Barry McAlister – Fun2GrowOn Consulting.

Laugh. Learn. Grow.

A keynote isn’t about standing on a stage — it’s about standing in the gap between potential and performance.

When most people think of keynote speakers, they picture someone polished, poised, and armed with a slide deck. But that’s not how we see it.

At Fun2GrowOn, we believe speaking should be an experience—not a performance. The real goal isn’t applause at the end; it’s impact that lasts long after people return to work. For us, a keynote is a gateway to transformation, connection, and culture change. (But the applause comes as well!)

Not long ago, we watched a leader walk onto stage visibly nervous. Ten minutes later, her team was leaning in, laughing, and taking notes. What changed? She stopped trying to perform and started to connect.

Speaking as a Leadership Tool

Over the years, we’ve seen that communication is one of the most powerful ways to lead. Whether it’s a conference keynote or a team meeting, effective speaking can:

Spark clarity
Build trust
Invite vulnerability
Model alignment and healthy communication
Stop teammates from dreaming about the donuts

It’s why we live by the phrase, “Don’t just teach it—live it.” We don’t just talk about leadership and connection—we model it in real time. Every session we deliver is grounded in real stories, practical tools, and a healthy dose of humor.

Our audiences don’t just walk away motivated. They walk away equipped with insight, self-awareness, and immediate next steps they can use. Plus, they leave with a smile.

What Makes Our Approach Different

When you pair a leadership strategist with a professional improv performer, you get something special.

Laura brings 25+ years of experience in leadership development, DISC, and communication frameworks—tools that help people understand themselves and others. Barry brings his background in improv and storytelling, which adds spontaneity, laughter, and connection to every room.

Together, we create:

A safe space to stretch and grow
High-energy, high-engagement learning moments
Tangible takeaways leaders can apply the same day
A setting where teams bond and understand one another better

Our most requested topics include communication through DISC, influence principles, and team alignment. But no two sessions are ever the same—we design each experience around the specific needs, challenges, and culture of the audience.

From the Stage to the Real Work

For us, speaking is just the beginning.

We love that moment when people laugh, nod, and connect during a keynote—but what really excites us is what happens afterward. That’s when we roll up our sleeves with teams in follow-up workshops, leadership labs, or coaching engagements to help them apply what they have learned.

Our Wow Factor is good, but we’re not just there to “wow” a crowd. We’re there to walk with teams through change.

Lessons from the Stage: What We’ve Learned About Great Speaking

John Maxwell’s book, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, echoes our firsthand experiences. Great speakers aren’t born—they’re built through preparation, presence, and purpose.

Here are a few of the “laws” we’ve found especially true on stage:

The Law of Credibility: Your message only matters if people trust you. Be the same person offstage that you are on it.
The Law of Connection: Make it about your audience, not yourself. They remember how you made them feel.
The Law of Storytelling: A well-chosen story does more than entertain—it transforms information into meaning.
The Law of Preparation: Practice gives you freedom. The more you prepare, the more present you can be.
The Law of Conviction: Speak from your heart. Passion is contagious.

🧭 Keynote Truth: The power of your message isn’t in your polish—it’s in your presence.

When these come together, a keynote becomes more than communication—it becomes a catalyst for change. And that’s what we love about it all! That’s why we connect and help teams laugh, learn, and grow together!

Want to Be a Better Speaker?

If you want to improve your own communication—whether it’s for a meeting, a client presentation, a conference, or a blind date—start with clarity.

Laura says, “The best communicators are clear, not clever. Know what you want to say and say it in a way that honors both your message and your audience.”

Barry adds, “Improv taught me that connection happens when you’re fully present. You don’t need a perfect script—you need the courage to connect.”

The Improv Advantage

Improv isn’t just for actors—it’s for leaders.

Because communication should not be rigid; it’s responsive. Improv teaches speakers to:

Read the room
Adapt when things go off-script
Handle surprises with confidence
Make people feel seen and heard

These are not stage tricks—they’re leadership skills. They build confidence, trust, and agility in every setting. Think of it as “thinking on your feet,” being present with your group, and trusting your head and your heart.

Final Thought

We have learned that when people Laugh, Learn, and Grow together, everything changes.

A great keynote isn’t about spotlight moments; it’s about shared insight, courage, and connection. And if we've done our job well, people walk out thinking less about us and more about what’s possible for them.

What’s one message you’ve shared that made a lasting impact, and what made it connect?

✨ Laugh. Learn. Grow.

That’s the heartbeat of Fun2GrowOn Consulting. Whether through a keynote, workshop, or coaching series, our mission is simple: help leaders communicate with confidence, build connection, and grow together. Plus, have a little fun along the way!

If you’re planning your next leadership event or conference, we’d love to partner with you to make it memorable and meaningful.

📩 Visit fun2growon.com or reach out on LinkedIn to start the conversation. We’ll bring the donuts, even if they’re virtual.