12/5/2025
Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly
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SNN Webcast Info
Thursday, December 11
How Authors & Speakers Can Leverage
Their Audiobooks for Greater Impact (webcast)
with Mary Catherine Jones
Have you ecer listened to an audiobook? If you have, you know why audiobooks are a popular way for people to absorb the content of a book.
If you have a book, or are thinking of having a book, you can have greater impact and earn greater profits by also creating an audio version of your book.
And since you’re a speaker, it makes good business sense for you to narrate the book yourself.
What do you need to know to creating a first-class audiobook product? Come to our next program and find out.
Read more about this session at the bottom of this newsletter, then register for the live program or pre-order the recording.
Note: Everyone who registers for the live webcast session or orders the recording will get a link to the recorded video of the online webcast, as well as the audio MP3 for convenient re-listening.
Review of SNN webcasts:
- “Rebecca is a superb moderator and brings out the full value of the guest.” —Roy Terry
Technology Tips
Talk to ChatGPT like it’s sitting right next to you — Julie Holmes
ChatGPT Voice remains one of my favorite features (and it just got an easier-to-use glowup). I use it for role-playing sales conversations (including objection handling), talking through ideas in the car, asking it history questions when we’re on holiday in cool cities — frankly, the sky’s the limit!
In the mobile app, tap the little black audio wave icon next to the message box to get started. If it’s your first time using it, you’ll be prompted to pick a voice (Vale, Breeze, Cove, Spruce... they all sound like luxury candles), and then just start chatting.
You can switch between talking and typing in the same chat, plus, if you’re feeling frisky, you can even turn on video in chat mode to show it something (“what is this weird vegetable in my fridge?”).
You’ll see the transcript of your conversation appear, complete with visuals when needed. Interrupt it (seriously...I call mine Chatty for a reason), redirect it, speed it up — it handles it all.
AI-powered content personalization is changing the game — Vickie Sullivan
AI-powered content personalization is having more than a moment. It’s reshaping how we connect with audiences. But what does effective personalization look like in practice? This Adobe blog post offers some compelling insights, predictions, and a handy infographic that’s worth a closer look.
Let’s move past the promotional pitches and focus on the takeaways that matter.
What counts as personalization (and what crosses the line)? One of the biggest questions in AI-powered content personalization is how to stay helpful without being invasive. The Adobe study offers some clarity:
- 56% of consumers are comfortable with suggestions based on past purchases.
- 52% want brands to connect their interests with related products they’ve viewed.
This is exactly why AI-powered recommendations are quickly becoming the norm. They’re not just tolerated, they’re expected. If you’re not already experimenting with this kind of personalization, now’s the time to ask yourself: How can I use AI to make my content more relevant without crossing into creepy?
We’re also seeing a shift in content formats toward visuals and video that feel more personal. Think AI-generated images tailored to the individual user or short-form videos designed to match a buyer’s behavior or mood. These emotionally driven assets are poised to flood the market, even more than they are now.
Not a designer? Don’t let that stop you. Today’s tools make it easy to turn a concept into compelling visual content. The takeaway: AI-powered content personalization isn’t just about words — it’s about creating emotionally resonant formats that connect.
We all knew AI would change everything. Now we’re starting to see how. The big question is what can you do right now to keep pace? These trends in AI-powered content personalization offer a roadmap. Review the predictions. Pick one. Test it. Then build from there.
Have AI help you expand your thankfulness — Chuck Reaves
We just celebrated Thanksgiving, and you may have been asked what you are thankful for. I can promise you that you missed something. In fact, AI will go out on the web and find more things that you (YOUR NAME HERE) should be thankful for. This is simpler for people who already have a brief bio or an introduction — sound familiar? Give these instructions to AI: “What are 50 things (YOUR NAME HERE) should be thankful for based on this bio: (PUT YOUR BIO/INTRO HERE).” Expect to be motivated, excited, and renewed.
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Virtual presentation opportunities are expanding. Do yours stand out from the 99% mediocre ones? Take the virtual master presenter self-assessment to see if you could become even better. If so, get notified of the next Virtual Master Presenter Course led by Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP. Details. |
Travel Tips
Check alternatives to getting to a remote engagement — Rebecca Morgan
In addition to the transportation your client suggests, do your own checking. I recently discovered that I could have taken the train and then a rental car or shuttle to the remote California destination where I’ve spoken three of the last four years. The client said to fly into their tiny airport via the only commercial airline, which only flew a few days a week. This required leaving 2 days early and staying an extra day. After doing a bit of digging when we discussed my return next year, I saw Amtrak was an option, via an extremely scenic route. It would actually be less time overall and a lot less money.
Topic of the Month (TOTM) — Your Input Wanted
Our TOTM is: What are some common tasks you have AI help with? (Please state which AI and the prompt.)
Send your brief, pithy responses *that are different from those previously mentioned* to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com. Please put “Topic of the Month” or “TOTM” in the subject line.
SpeakerNet News Webcast Info
Thursday, December 11
How Authors & Speakers Can Leverage
Their Audiobooks for Greater Impact (webcast)
with Mary Catherine Jones
Would you like to make more money from your book? Audiobooks are an easy product extension that will reach people who wouldn’t read your book. You are used to communicating verbally, so it’s natural for you to narrate your audiobook.
As a professional speaker or author-expert, your voice already is your brand. An audiobook that carries your authority, warmth, and message directly to listeners’ ears is your logical next step.
But how do you create an outstanding audiobook? What should you avoid? What are tips that will help it sell well?
Mary Catherine will walk you through the audiobook production process — from planning and preparation to recording, post-production, and distribution. You’ll learn why you should narrate your own audiobooks: to boost visibility, convert fans into clients, and keep the sales conversation going long after the final chapter.
Whether you’re a bestselling speaker-author or planning your first book, you’ll learn how to approach audiobook production as both a creative process and a business strategy. You’ll leave with a roadmap to turn your book into an asset that works for you 24/7 — one that listeners don’t just hear, but trust.
You will learn:
- Why speakers have a unique advantage as audiobook narrators — and how to use that to strengthen your personal brand
- How to prepare your book and voice for a professional-sounding recording session
- The production workflow: what to expect, typical timelines, and where to get expert support
- How to choose the right distribution path (Audible, Author’s Republic, or direct-sales models)
- Creative ways to use your audiobook to attract clients, book more speaking engagements, and build long-term authority
- Common pitfalls to avoid when producing your own audiobook
Note: Everyone who registers for the live webcast session or orders the recording will get a link to the recorded video of the online webcast, as well as the audio MP3 for convenient re-listening.
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern, 6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, 4 pm Pacific
(Enter your location here to get your local time)
Length: 60 minutes
Cost: $49 (webcast)
Special Limited-Time Offer:
If you would like more income from your book, we’re suggesting the recordings of several earlier programs to complement this program:
- “Accelerate Your Amazon Book Sales, Before, During, and After Your Book Is Done” with Paulette Ensign
- “Crafting and Marketing Your Published Book” with Robin Speculand
With your order of this live or recorded session, at checkout you will be offered these recordings.
About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers
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