Ep 186 Becoming a great speaker with Cesar Cervantes

🎧 Episode Summary:

What makes a great speech? In this episode, Dr. Amy Vertrees welcomes Cesar Cervantes, author, stand-up comedian turned speaker coach, and expert on public speaking strategy. Cesar shares how his comedy roots led him to discover the power of humor, vulnerability, and story structure—and how surgeons and professionals alike can apply these principles to speak with authenticity and impact.

Whether you’re giving a keynote, TEDx talk, or medical presentation, Cesar offers actionable advice on overcoming nerves, building credibility without listing credentials, and centering your talk around your audience—not yourself.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• The True Purpose of Speaking: It’s not about showcasing yourself—it’s about transforming your audience.

• Common Mistakes Speakers Make: Poor structure, over-reliance on personal stories, and performance anxiety.

• Establishing Credibility: Use relatable experiences and natural conversation, not a list of accomplishments.

• TEDx-Level Structure: Focus on the audience’s journey. Present the problem, guide them through it, and offer a solution.

• Overcoming Nervousness: Be prepared, shift focus to your audience, and use physiological tools (like exercise and breathing).

• The ROI of Public Speaking: Boost your credibility, expand your reach, and grow your impact both professionally and personally.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• How stand-up comedy taught Cesar the value of authentic connection

• Why humor and vulnerability create trust on stage

• The differences between keynotes, TEDx talks, and workshops

• The three biggest pain points in speaking: structure, writing, delivery

• The value of ghostwriting and coaching for professionals

• How speaking can enhance your surgical, clinical, and leadership voice

• Tips for stage presence and battling performance anxiety

• Making the shift from "what do I say?" to "how can I serve?"

📘 Resources & Mentions:

• Get your book here Great Speech by Cesar Cervantes
  
   

• Speaker Coach & Speechwriter     

  Schedule a call here!     

  Subscribe to the Newsletter  

  Join hisFacebook group:    

  Join the fun here!   

  Want to work with Cesar?

  Learn more about our TEDx Mentorship

  Let's write your Keynote Speech 

  📣 Call to Action

✅ Want to speak with more confidence and clarity?
✅ Thinking about your next big talk, panel, or lecture?

🎧 Don’t miss this episode—and grab a copy of Great Speech to start crafting talks that truly matter.

👉 Subscribe to the BOSS Business of Surgery Series on your favorite podcast platform, and leave a review if this episode helped you!