Many people, from corporate leaders to high school students, have a deep desire to share their ideas with others. Yet, the prospect of standing in front of an audience can be daunting. “Speak Goodr: Confessions of a Professional Speaker on Mastering Public Speaking and Getting Paid to Speak” demystifies this process. Written by the globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, Ryan C. Vet, it is available for pre-order on Amazon and offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to captivate a crowd. Unlike traditional instructional manuals, this book delivers a fresh perspective by weaving entertaining anecdotes throughout practical guidance. It refuses to shy away from the nitty-gritty details, instead pulling back the curtain on the joys, challenges, and, at times, comical mishaps that accompany a career on the speaking circuit.
The book’s mission is simple yet powerful: to empower anyone to communicate with poise, confidence, and authenticity. With a focus on storytelling, humor, and real-life examples, “Speak Goodr” provides a roadmap for building a compelling stage presence—whether the stage is a high-stakes boardroom, a school auditorium, a place of worship, or a conference packed with industry professionals. Ryan Vet’s approach emphasizes that public speaking is not reserved for a select few; rather, it is a skill anyone can refine, and for those who aspire to turn that skill into a career, his insights offer a game plan for navigating the unpredictable terrain of the speaking business.
Actionable Lessons from Real-Life Experiences
What sets “Speak Goodr” apart is its rich tapestry of practical strategies and lighthearted stories. Readers learn that public speaking is as much about preparation as it is about embracing the unexpected. Vet recounts a variety of situations that might unfold before, during, or even after a presentation—from AV glitches to impromptu Q&A sessions—underscoring that adaptability is key. He shows how connecting with an audience is more than just delivering a rehearsed script; it’s about reading the room, finding common ground, and, when necessary, pivoting on the spot to keep listeners engaged.
Throughout the book, Vet shares humorous yet educational tales that encourage future speakers to view every potential mishap as a learning moment. By offering detailed techniques for overcoming stage fright, he helps readers transform jitters into fuel for genuine communication. And for those who are specifically looking to profit from their passion, he removes the guesswork. He walks through the fundamental steps of getting paid gigs, developing a recognizable personal brand, and nurturing long-term relationships with event organizers. Many of these steps are illuminated by Vet’s own experiences, making them feel grounded and achievable rather than just theory.
Hall of Fame speakers, such as Mary Kelly and Meridith Elliott Powell, have praised “Speak Goodr” for its unfiltered, realistic glimpse of a professional speaker’s day-to-day reality. According to Powell, it’s one of the most authentic portrayals of life on the road. She points out that even veteran speakers can gain fresh perspectives on audience engagement, while novices will find the book essential to building a strong foundation. Indeed, this sentiment echoes through every story Vet shares: he doesn’t just outline best practices; he shows how they have worked—or occasionally not worked—in his own speaking career.
Who Can Benefit from “Speak Goodr”?
Although tailored for those who dream of stepping into the speaking spotlight, “Speak Goodr” extends its reach to anyone aiming to improve their communication skills. Business professionals can harness the book’s insights to deliver more persuasive pitches, pastors and teachers can learn to capture attention during sermons or lessons, and budding entrepreneurs can gain confidence when pitching to investors. Ryan Vet’s toolkit proves valuable in a wide range of contexts, reflecting the universal importance of strong public speaking.
Readers are often surprised by how entertaining the journey toward better communication can be. Rather than merely presenting do’s and don’ts, Vet peppers in lighthearted lessons that make learning fun. Dr. Wayne Kerr praises the book as a “must have” for a professional library, highlighting the practical tips and techniques that encourage continuous growth. Meanwhile, Jim Cathcart, a past president of the National Speakers Association, calls the book essential for all speakers, noting that Vet’s real-world scenarios add depth and credibility to each principle shared.
Meet Ryan C. Vet: The Voice Behind the Stories
Ryan C. Vet’s reputation as a speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant has gained traction worldwide. With over 800 presentations across four continents under his belt, he has experienced just about every situation a public speaker might encounter. His membership in the Million Dollar Speakers Group further underscores his expertise. In “Speak Goodr,” he graciously distills the lessons, mishaps, and victories from his prolific career into actionable insights anyone can adopt. His willingness to reveal not just the success stories, but also the odd and occasionally chaotic moments, sets this book apart from other public-speaking guides.
By blending humor, clear instruction, and a sense of camaraderie with readers, Vet encourages everyone to find their own unique style. “Speak Goodr” makes a powerful statement: speaking is not just a skill, but also an art, one that can be mastered with enough practice, humility, and a willingness to learn from every audience. Whether the goal is to conquer stage fright once and for all or break into the paid speaking scene, Vet’s candid advice shows that effective communication is within reach for anyone ready to put in the work—and maybe share a laugh or two along the way.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
Hi, I’m Ryan Vet, a professional speaker, author, entrepreneur, and storyteller. I’ve had the privilege of speaking on stages around the world, helping individuals and businesses create extraordinary experiences and inspire positive change. Beyond the stage, I’m passionate about equipping others—whether they’re thought leaders, business owners, or aspiring speakers—to grow their influence, connect with their audience, and make an impact.
Please tell us about your Book.
My book, Speak Goodr, is a humorous and practical guide to mastering the art of public speaking. Whether you’re pitching an idea in a boardroom, inspiring a congregation, teaching a classroom, or speaking on a big stage, this book peels back the curtain on what it takes to connect with your audience, overcome stage fright, and even get paid to speak. It’s filled with laugh-out-loud stories, actionable advice, and honest confessions about the ups and downs of life as a professional speaker. The goal? To empower anyone—yes, anyone—with a message to share to do so confidently and authentically.
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey has been a bit unconventional—starting my first business at 14, leading a multinational marketing company as a teenager, and then diving headfirst into entrepreneurship and public speaking. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing stages with incredible leaders and helping others turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. But the journey hasn’t been without challenges—failed ideas, awkward speaking mishaps, and plenty of lessons learned along the way. Through it all, I’ve come to believe that the key to success is pursuing significance over success, staying authentic, and never losing sight of why you do what you do.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
For me, three strategies stand out:
- Be Authentic: Audiences connect with real people. Share your story honestly—it’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
- Always Be Learning: I believe in staying curious and learning from every experience, whether it’s a failed pitch or an inspiring conversation. Growth comes from embracing the messy moments.
- Focus on the “Why”: Success can be fleeting, but significance lasts. I try to stay grounded in my purpose—helping others, creating memorable experiences, and inspiring positive change. When your “why” is clear, everything else falls into place.
Any message for our readers
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: everyone has a story worth sharing, and someone out there needs to hear yours. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back from stepping onto the stage—whether it’s literal or metaphorical. And remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and connecting with your audience. Speak with heart, live with purpose, and don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. Sometimes, the best moments come from the mishaps!
Thank you so much, Ryan, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
