Bill McGowan on How to Speak So People Listen

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes renowned media coach and Emmy-winning journalist Bill McGowan, author of the new book Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience. With a client list that includes global leaders, celebrities, and top executives, Bill distills decades of experience into practical tools that anyone can use to transform the way they speak.

The conversation dives into what makes a message truly unforgettable, how to structure your words to create resonance, and why emotional clarity often trumps flawless delivery. Bill and John explore the neuroscience of attention, the traps of over-preparing or under-structuring, and how to connect more deeply with your audience, whether you’re on stage, on camera, or in a critical conversation.

You’ll also hear actionable advice on overcoming nerves, developing presence, and mastering what Bill calls the “New ROI: Return on Impact.” This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead, influence, or inspire through the power of words.

Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter

If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

Each edition delivers:

• Fresh insights on intentional living, resilience, and emotional mastery
• Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
• Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
• Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
• Curated resources, quotes, and frameworks to help you live like you matter

Join thousands of high-performers, purpose-seekers, and change-makers who are shifting from autopilot to alignment—one intentional insight at a time.

👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net

Because living ignited isn’t a one-time spark—it’s a way of being.

Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here – even one sentence helps! Please post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us to thank you personally!

In case you didn’t already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected]. Now, let’s dive in!

Hear the secrets and philosophy of the World’s GREATEST high achievers every Tuesday and Thursday, and tune in each week for an inspirational Momentum Friday solo message.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

How to Command the Room and Communicate with Impact | Bill McGowan

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with renowned communications expert Bill McGowan to explore the powerful techniques behind speaking in a way that truly captivates an audience. Drawing from decades of experience as a journalist and executive coach, Bill breaks down the traps that most speakers fall into, like filler words, poor structure, and generic openings, and reveals how to fix them with precision and intention. This conversation is a masterclass in communication for anyone who wants to speak more memorably, whether on stage, in the boardroom, or in everyday life.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Avoid the Conformity Trap: Learn why sounding like everyone else makes you forgettable—and how to break free with authentic delivery.
• Master the Primacy-Recency Effect: Discover how to strategically place your strongest points at the beginning and end of your talk for lasting impact.
• Cut the Fillers: Understand why words like “um,” “so,” and “like” can dilute your message—and how to eliminate them.
• Speak with Intentionality: Find out why your tone, word choice, and pacing matter more than you think.
• Use Humor with Purpose: Why trying to be a stand-up comic is a risky move—and how to weave in humor the right way.
• Get Real Feedback: Learn how self-recording and focus groups can sharpen your content and delivery.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE A MUST-LISTEN?

This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking, sharpen their presentation skills, or lead more effectively. Bill McGowan offers not just tips but a blueprint for transforming how you communicate—from the boardroom to the stage. Whether you’re prepping for a keynote or just want to be more impactful in daily conversations, this conversation delivers insights you can use immediately.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES

Thank You, BIOptimizers, For Sponsoring

This November, BIOptimizers is offering an exclusive Black Friday BLOWOUT! Get discounts on all their amazing products—including Magnesium Breakthrough—plus up to $100 in free gifts. Don’t miss out! Visit https://bioptimizers.com/passion to shop now

Thank You, Hims, For Sponsoring

Hims: Regrow your hair before it’s too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.

Thank You, Mint Mobile, For Sponsoring

Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”

Thank You, Rosetta Stone, For Sponsoring

Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”

Thank You, Prolon, For Sponsoring

Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”

STARTER PACKS

Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.

You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode or topic.

Like this? Please subscribe and join me on my new YouTube platform for peak performance, life coaching, and personal mastery.

What Happens When We Drop the Script

In our conversation, Bill McGowan reflected on how often professionals default to polished, predictable language in an effort to sound competent — and how that instinct can backfire. Drawing on themes from Speak, Memorably, he unpacked the subtle difference between sounding prepared and sounding human.

The real challenge, he suggests, isn’t just about organizing your thoughts — it’s about revealing enough of yourself that people actually listen. When we stop hiding behind jargon and start leaning into honest, intentional language, communication becomes not just clearer, but more powerful.

In our conversation, Bill McGowan reflected on how often professionals default to polished, predictable language in an effort to sound competent and how that instinct can backfire. Drawing on themes from Speak, Memorably, he unpacked the subtle difference between sounding prepared and sounding human.

The real challenge, he suggests, isn’t just about organizing your thoughts — it’s about revealing enough of yourself that people actually listen. When we stop hiding behind jargon and start leaning into honest, intentional language, communication becomes not just clearer, but more powerful.

That kind of clarity doesn’t come from rehearsing lines. It comes from understanding what truly matters to your audience and letting that guide your tone, pace, and presence. As Bill explains, the most compelling communicators aren’t the most polished; they’re the ones who are most connected to what they’re saying. Whether you’re delivering a keynote or speaking up in a meeting, Speak, Memorably reminds us that the goal isn’t perfection. It’s resonance.

Thanks, Bill McGowan

If you enjoyed this interview with Bill McGowan, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram

Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH BILL McGOWAN

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Bill McGowan’s Website
2. Bill McGowan’s Instagram
3. BUY Bill McGowan’s Book ‘Speak, Memorably’
4. APA’s recognition of mattering as critical to child mental health
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

About Today’s Guest, Bill McGowan

Bill McGowan is a renowned communications expert, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and bestselling author with a career spanning decades in impactful storytelling. As the founder and CEO of Clarity Media Group, he has coached top leaders from companies like Facebook, Netflix, Spotify, and the NFL to speak with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

Before launching Clarity, Bill built a successful career in broadcast journalism, sharpening his skills in storytelling and on-camera delivery. His coaching blends media expertise with psychological insight to help clients shine under pressure.

He’s the author of Pitch Perfect and Speak, Memorably, empowering people to communicate with purpose and leave a lasting impression.

Follow John R. Miles On Social

* Twitter: https://twitter.com/Milesjohnr

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m

* Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMiles​

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_milesacks for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.

* Gear: https://www.zazzle.com/store/passion_struck/

Learn more about me: https://johnrmiles.com.

Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to better, live better, and impact the world.

Passion Struck’s mission is to unlock the power of intentionality for the benefit of us all. To create a world where we live better, be better, and impact the world through our unique and powerful content.