Podcast Summary: Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Episode Title: Confidence Classic: Captivate Any Audience with These Expert Secrets of Storytelling with Ashley Stahl, Top 100 TEDx Speaker
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Heather Monahan | YAP Media
Guest: Ashley Stahl, Founder of Wise Whisper Agency
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, host Heather Monahan welcomes back her guest, Ashley Stahl, a renowned storyteller and the founder of Wise Whisper Agency. Known for crafting compelling TEDx talks and keynote speeches, Ashley shares her journey from national security to becoming a top-tier speaker and successful entrepreneur.
Ashley’s Journey from the Pentagon to Public Speaking
Ashley begins by detailing her unexpected transition from working in national security at the Pentagon to delivering her first keynote speech. She describes how, despite having no prior experience in public speaking, a chance encounter led her to a TEDx opportunity that would transform her career.
Ashley Stahl [01:12]: "I used my iPhone, like two, like, what I iPhone was in. In 2010, 2011. I used my iPhone, whatever, on Safari and typed in, what is a speaking reel. ... It was an act of God."
Reflecting on her early misconceptions about publicity, Ashley explains how her first TEDx talk was a pivotal moment. Despite initial fears and technical mishaps, her authentic storytelling resonated with millions, leading to her viral success and the foundation of her coaching business.
The Power of Storytelling in Public Speaking
A significant portion of the conversation delves into the art and science of storytelling. Ashley outlines various storytelling methods, emphasizing the ones her agency specializes in: Powerful Flashback Stories and Proof in the Pudding Storytelling.
Types of Storytelling
Ashley categorizes storytelling into nine types, highlighting the effectiveness of flashback and proof-based narratives:
- Hero’s Journey: Traditional narrative with a clear beginning, conflict, and resolution.
- Drama Stories: Character-driven tales with ups and downs.
- Snapshot Stories: Multiple perspectives converging into one narrative.
- Gap Stories: Comparing the present with a desired future.
- Proof in the Pudding: Using core concepts supported by various examples.
- Mosaic Stories: Piecing together fragments of a larger movement or event.
- Bait and Switch Stories: Unexpected twists that surprise the audience.
- Powerful Flashback Stories: Immersing the audience in a specific, impactful moment.
- Boring Stories: Ashley humorously dismisses these as ineffective.
Ashley Stahl [16:01]: "You could pull a bit or a bob off the shelf and throw it into a panel... you are better on a panel than I am as a keynote because I'm somebody that has a lot to say."
Crafting a Powerful Flashback
Ashley elaborates on the Powerful Flashback method, which involves transporting the audience directly into a pivotal moment. She shares examples from her TEDx talks, illustrating how beginning with a dramatic or heartfelt moment can captivate listeners from the outset.
Ashley Stahl [16:14]: "There's a lot of different approaches you could do. But I would argue the two that we're using are the most powerful."
Impact and Success of TEDx Talks
Ashley recounts how her TEDx Berkeley talk garnered millions of views, substantially boosting her business. This success underscores the potential of well-crafted storytelling in achieving both personal and professional milestones.
Ashley Stahl [09:49]: "That talk. I got around 2 to 3 million views from it. I got 80% of my leads."
Advice on Storytelling and Public Speaking
Heather and Ashley discuss practical strategies for effective storytelling. Ashley advises speakers to:
- Invest in Quality: Having a well-crafted signature talk can significantly elevate one's brand.
- Understand the Audience: Tailor storytelling methods to meet the audience’s needs, whether they seek inspiration or factual expertise.
- Prepare and Memorize: A structured approach to speechwriting ensures clarity and emotional resonance.
Ashley Stahl [31:58]: "Any business owner, you really owe it to yourself to have a powerful talk in your back pocket."
Wise Whisper Agency Services
Ashley provides an overview of Wise Whisper Agency’s offerings, which include:
- Crafting Signature Talks: Developing impactful TEDx-style speeches.
- Keynote Speeches: Tailored for various professional settings.
- Ghostwriting Books: Transforming speeches into bestselling books.
- Speaker Skyrocket Program: Helping clients secure speaking engagements on prominent stages globally.
Ashley Stahl [47:18]: "We have pretty formal offerings. Number one is crafting your signature talk... all@wisewhisperagency.com."
Transformative Client Experiences
Ashley shares testimonials from clients who have benefited not only professionally but also personally through the agency’s storytelling approach. The process often serves as a therapeutic journey, enhancing clients' self-awareness and confidence.
Ashley Stahl [46:20]: "We are excavating into people's psyches, into people's souls, and people are coming out... like a therapeutic experience."
Conclusion and Call to Action
Heather commends Ashley for her profound insights and encourages listeners to engage with Wise Whisper Agency to unlock their storytelling potential. Ashley offers a promotional discount for new clients, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to empowering others through expert storytelling.
Heather Monahan [48:05]: "If you're looking to become a better storyteller, if you're looking to have a keynote or a speech, a signature speech, this is the one place to go."
Key Takeaways
- Authenticity in Storytelling: Genuine, heartfelt stories resonate more deeply with audiences.
- Strategic Speechwriting: Investing in professional speechwriting can yield significant business and personal growth.
- Diverse Storytelling Techniques: Understanding various narrative structures enhances a speaker’s ability to connect and persuade.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Crafting and sharing personal stories can lead to increased self-awareness and confidence.
Notable Quotes
- Ashley Stahl [01:12]: "It was an act of God. They took me, they accepted me."
- Ashley Stahl [16:14]: "But I would argue the two that we're using are the most powerful."
- Ashley Stahl [31:58]: "Any business owner, you really owe it to yourself to have a powerful talk in your back pocket."
- Ashley Stahl [46:20]: "We are excavating into people's psyches, into people's souls."
- Heather Monahan [48:05]: "If you're looking to become a better storyteller... this is the one place to go."
Resources and Contact Information
- Wise Whisper Agency Website: wisewhisperagency.com
- Contact Email: all@wisewhisperagency.com
- Special Offer: Mention Heather to receive $1,000 off services within 90 days of the episode release.
This episode offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of storytelling in public speaking and business. Whether you aim to inspire, educate, or drive action, Ashley Stahl’s expertise provides a roadmap to crafting narratives that captivate and convert.