May 5, 2025
If you want to captivate audiences, overcome stage fright, and become a truly unforgettable speaker, few people offer more practical insight than Eric Edmeades. With over 10,000 hours on stage, mentorship under Tony Robbins, and a track record as Mindvalley’s #1 speaker, Eric has honed storytelling into an art form—and a science.
In a recent 46-minute interview, Edmeades revealed his most effective storytelling techniques, how to start and end a speech with impact, and the mindset shifts needed to embrace authenticity. Here’s a breakdown of his best advice—with actionable steps and key quotes to elevate your own speaking game.
Why it works: Speaking to adults can bring out stiffness and formality. But when you imagine your audience as children, you naturally become more animated, accessible, and emotionally engaging.
“If I ask you to speak as though you’re going to speak to children… it changes your presence completely.”
This technique isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about shifting your tone and energy to be more emotionally present and less performative.
Why it works: Vocal monotony is the death of attention. Eric emphasizes using vocal dynamics to hold attention, evoke emotion, and stretch the audience’s perception of time.
“Your job is to create an experience bubble around the audience—and not to pop that bubble for anything.”
Whether you’re channeling “global thermonuclear Tony Robbins” or the calming tones of Esther Perel, mastering vocal flexibility allows you to resonate with every kind of audience member—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Why it works: Most people overlook the value of their everyday experiences. Eric encourages speakers to log emotionally significant moments—no matter how small—for future use.
“If it caused an emotional reaction, it is a story… Even if you don’t understand the value of it yet, it should go in your story bank.”
He uses the metaphor of a “Rembrandt in the attic”—a forgotten masterpiece that holds immense value for someone else, even if you’ve stopped noticing it.
Why it works: Confidence is contagious. Starting with a bold statement sets the tone and creates immediate buy-in.
“The things I’m going to share with you today might permanently alter your relationship with food.”
This sets up high expectations—but when delivered with authenticity and competence, it builds deep trust fast.
Why it works: Audiences can sense inauthenticity. But “being yourself” isn’t something you can fake. It requires letting go of the fear of being judged.
“The more judgmental you are, the more you will worry about other people’s judgment… and the world is a mirror.”
Authenticity, according to Edmeades, isn’t about trying to act authentic—it’s about being unconcerned with how you’re perceived.
Why it works: Edmeades highlights the “Charisma Pattern”—a structure used by greats like MLK, JFK, and even Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” It starts soft, builds momentum, and crescendos to a powerful emotional peak.
“Start softly, build to a crescendo, and then ride that rollercoaster.”
This technique ensures you win over every segment of the audience—starting with kinesthetic (feeling-based), then auditory, and finally visual learners.
Why it works: The first and last 15% of your talk are critical. Edmeades recommends using half of your preparation energy here—like a fighter jet using most of its fuel for takeoff and landing.
F-15 Tips:
Use a can’t-fail icebreaker to trigger laughter or connection.
Make a big fat claim that promises value.
Let the MC introduce you to build credibility.
Match the audience’s energy and establish resonance.
L-15 Tips:
Know exactly how you’ll end. Plan it.
Close with emotional clarity: do you want to leave them inspired, in tears, or ready to buy?
End on time—every time.
Why it works: You don’t need hours a day—just 10 focused minutes to study great speeches and break down what works.
“If you can control yourself to avoid the cute kittens and viral garbage… YouTube is an unbelievable resource.”
Watch compelling speeches and study the energy, cadence, and transitions of the world’s best communicators.
One of the most powerful moments from the interview came when Eric described landing in Fiji to give his first talk for Tony Robbins. Initially overwhelmed, he flipped his mindset:
“What limited thinking is that—if I nail this, I won’t just get on the list, I could become the list.”
That mindset shift—and his decision to rework his entire speech before stepping on stage—launched a speaking career that’s impacted millions.
Speak like you’re talking to kids to shift energy and reduce fear.
Use vocal range to build emotional momentum.
Log emotionally charged moments to grow your story bank.
Start with a bold claim; end with a crystal-clear emotional intent.
Study great speakers daily—even just 10 minutes makes a difference.
Want to speak like Eric? Start small: find one moment that moved you emotionally and write it down. It might just become the story that transforms your next speech—and someone else’s life.
And did you know that you can turn these everyday moments into stories that truly connect? This article shows you how in just a few minutes a day.
Enjoy.
P.S. Want to become a stronger communicator?
Here are two ways I can support you:
👉 Want to tell more engaging stories? Join our next Storytelling Workshop.
👉 Want to speak with confidence and clarity? Check out our Communication Skills Training.
Both are fun, practical, and designed to help you grow fast.
Are you ready to transform your storytelling skills?
Discover how your storytelling skills score and uncover useful insights to help you become a charismatic storyteller:
