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

Are You Qualified for Healthcare Cleaning?
May 13, 2025 Jeff Cross

Are You Qualified for Healthcare Cleaning?

May 6, 2025 Jeff Cross

More Than Clean

May 6, 2025 Jeff Cross

More Than Clean—Protecting Hearts, Minds, and Communities

May 6, 2025 Jeff Cross

Your Next Revenue Breakthrough Starts at Business Growth Strategies

Sponsored in Business and Management

Sara Porter
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

September 13, 2024 Sponsored by Nilfisk

How Nilfisk Helped Jani-King Unlock New Revenue Streams

September 13, 2024 Sponsored by Precision

Supercharge Business Growth With Data Insights and Analytics

Recent News

Chicago skyline

U.S. Green Building Council Offers City-Scale 2025 LEED Certification

Building Safety Month Focuses on Disaster Preparedness

$2.7B Cut in National Institutes of Health Funding Through March

Infection Preventionists Call for Reinstating CDC Advisory Committee

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