S4 07: Speaking That Sticks: The Art of Impactful Communication in Leadership with Maria Franzoni

In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I’m joined by the brilliant Maria Franzoni — communication strategist, former international speaker bureau owner, and creator of The Bookability Formula. With over 25 years of experience helping speakers get booked and rebooked, Maria knows exactly what makes communication memorable, impactful, and influential.

Together, we explore how to elevate your communication — whether you’re speaking to a boardroom, pitching a new idea, or presenting to your team. Maria shares powerful lessons from the world of professional speaking that every leader can apply, from listening and storytelling to confidence, feedback, and reading your audience.

We also talk about authenticity versus professionalism, what really gets people rebooked (and what doesn’t), and how to make data and presentations come alive. This conversation is full of practical insight and honesty from one of the best in the business.

Inside This Episode

• The trait every extra-Ordinary leader shares
• Why confidence and psychological safety matter most
• The biggest communication pitfall — and how to fix it
• How to listen before you speak
• Influence through attraction, not persuasion
• Balancing authenticity with professional presence
• PowerPoint, data and storytelling done right
• How language shapes culture and impact
• Reading your audience and slowing down
• What keeps great speakers rebooked
• Maria’s teabag test for leadership under pressure

For more on Maria’s work, visit www.mariafranzoni.me

If you’d like to deepen your own leadership journey, my book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader

Mentioned Resources:

The world over time -- in data | Hans Rosling | TEDxStockholm

The beauty of data visualization - David McCandless

Glow In The Dark - Mark Leruste

Never Split The Difference - Chris Voss