86: Polarise to Magnetise: The Psychology of Becoming an Unforgettable Speaker

Most speakers water themselves down chasing universal approval — and end up stuck in the beige zone. In this solo episode of Speaker Driven Business, Jacqueline Brooker reveals why true influence doesn’t come from pleasing everyone, but from deliberately bell curving your audience.

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Most speakers water themselves down chasing universal approval — and end up stuck in the beige zone. In this solo episode of Speaker Driven Business, Jacqueline Brooker reveals why true influence doesn’t come from pleasing everyone, but from deliberately bell curving your audience.

You’ll learn why resonance requires polarisation, how to attract your 10–15% of raving superfans, and why a few critics are a sign you’re on the right track. Drawing lessons from Apple, Bondi Sands, and cult fashion labels, Jacqueline shows how iconic brands and unforgettable speakers use the same strategies to spark movements, create deep emotional links, and drive organic amplification long after the stage lights dim.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why speaking to the middle kills momentum (02:35)
  
• How to bell curve your audience to attract superfans and natural referrals (04:29)
  
• Why “haters” are a good thing (and the 3 types to watch for) (06:10)
  
• How AI-generated speech frameworks are silently flattening your message (08:02)
  
• What Apple, Bondi Sands, and cult fashion labels can teach you about keynote design (08:52)
  
• Five cult brand strategies to apply to your speaking career now (10:40)
• How to move from generic speaker to movement leader (15:04)

Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this episode will challenge you to stop designing keynotes that aim for the middle — and start creating talks that you impossible to forget

QUOTES

“We don’t want you to bell curve yourself. We want you to bell curve your audience.” – Jacqueline Brooker

“If you design your keynote for you to be in the bell curve instead of your audience, you’re actually going to end up in the danger zone.” – Jacqueline Brooker

“The real win is when your message becomes so distinct, it’s repeatable. And that’s when you shift from speaker to movement leader.” – Jacqueline Brooker

RESOURCES

WHERE TO FIND JACQUELINE BROOKER

To connect and learn more about creating a Speaker Driven Business connect with Jacqueline on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jacqueline on Instagram or join the private Facebook group

Join the Speak More Collective.