How Saying ‘Um’ Derailed a Promising Career

Criticism can have a silver lining if you view it as an opportunity to learn.

No one is a great salesperson or public speaker right out of the gate. Proof of that is the story of Jim Ryerson, founder of Sales Octane and well-known public speaker and sales trainer.

In this episode of Straight Talk!, Ryerson talks to ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross about an experience very early in his career when an organization approached him for what would be his first speaking engagement.

Despite leaving the experience feeling like this was what he was meant to do, one lone negative review from an audience member derailed all the positive accolades he had received and threatened his potential speaking career. 

The note from the reviewer simply said: “Professional speakers don’t say ‘Um.’”

“It’s embarrassing,” Ryerson admits about his reaction to that moment, “but it’s real.” 

How did Ryerson overcome that situation? Find out by watching or listening to the latest episode of Straight Talk! below!

           
Posted On May 12, 2023
Topics Tags
 

Also in Business and Management

Donnell Hines
October 28, 2025 Jeff Cross

From Floor Tech to ISSA Rising Star in Honor of Jimmy Core

October 28, 2025 Jeff Cross

Culture You Can Measure

October 27, 2025 Katrin Ferge

An Attentive Team Is a Hygienic Team

October 22, 2025 Jeff Cross

Prospecting Pitfalls: Why ‘Spray and Pray’ Dooms Your Email Before Delivery

Sponsored in Business and Management

Riccardo Balducci, Group Sustainability Director at Sofide
July 17, 2025 Sponsored by Sofidel

The Sofidel Standard: A Bold Sustainability Journey With a Conscience

July 3, 2025 Sponsored by City Wide Facility Solutions

Operational Excellence at Scale: The City Wide Solution to Facility Management

October 7, 2024 Sponsored by Spartan

Transforming Clean: An Inside Look at the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Program

October 1, 2024 Sponsored by Advantive

Operation Headache: How to Overcome Supply Chain Inefficiencies

Recent News

Janitor Dies of Cardiac Arrest at Work

Janitor Dies of Cardiac Arrest at Work

Top Haunted Attractions in US Include Legend of a Murderous Janitor

ISSA Names 2025 Achievement Awards Honorees

Study Finds Indoor Air Contains Thousands of Microplastics

How Saying ‘Um’ Derailed a Promising Career
Share Article
Subscribe to CMM