Minisode: What Mandi Learned at Jesse Itzler’s Built to Speak Retreat

On this Adventures in Business minisode, Mandi is fresh off a retreat in Atlanta, and she’s got wisdom to share. She attended Jesse Itzler’s Built to Speak Retreat – an event that was two and a half days, 26 people, six coaches, and a deep dive into something every business owner needs: better communication. Not just on stage, but in leadership, sales, team meetings, and everyday conversations. Here are the takeaways that stood out for her.

Big Takeaways from Jesse Itzler’s Built to Speak Retreat

1. Stagecraft

One major takeaway was stagecraft (and if you’re not a speaker, this just means your stage presence). Whether you’re a speaker or even if you only lead meetings, you know how easy it is to “black out” on stage. You think you’re engaging the audience, but how do you know for sure? 

Here were a few tactical gems to keep the room engaged:

• In rooms under 50 people, make eye contact with each person for three seconds before moving on

• In rooms over 50, divide the room into quadrants and give each section three seconds of focused attention

When the coaches modeled this, Mandi felt the difference.

Other tactical reminders for effective speaking:

• If something’s important, say it twice

• Want to build momentum? Speed up and increase volume

• Want gravity? Slow down and soften

The cadence of how you say something is just as important as the message itself.

2. Start Softer

One of the most personal (and impactful) pieces of feedback came from body language expert Janine Driver. She gave personalized feedback to Mandi: she was energetic, animated, and gregarious… but not every audience can receive that at full volume right away. If you start strong, some people might tune you out immediately.

Instead, start just a little softer. Build into your natural energy. That way, you bring more people with you. Mandi appreciated this very customized advice. 

3. Tell the Non-Linear Story

Another standout insight: stories don’t have to start at the beginning. Sometimes it’s more powerful to start in the middle, or even at the end. Then unravel what happened.

This idea of “non-linear storytelling” creates intrigue and keeps people leaning in. It’s a small structural shift that can make a huge difference in engagement.

4. Show Us, Don’t Tell Us

One coach, a screenwriter and ghostwriter, reinforced a classic storytelling rule: show us, don’t tell us.

Instead of describing every detail, choose the right word and let the audience fill in the blanks. A single, vivid word can paint the entire picture.

5. What’s In It for Them?

Jess Ekstrom of Mic Drop Workshop brought it back to the audience. Every time you speak, ask: what’s in it for them?

It’s easy to default to telling your story. But the most effective communicators frame everything around the audience’s transformation. What will they walk away with? What can they implement tomorrow?

The First 30 Seconds Matter

One of the overarching themes of the retreat wasn’t even about formal speaking. It was about capturing attention in the first 30 seconds. That applies to so many things in business: sales calls, vendor negotiations, team meetings, and more. 

How you show up in those first moments can disarm tension, build excitement, and even influence outcomes – like negotiating a better rate or energizing your team.

Business Takeaways: Own Your Email List

Beyond stage tactics, there were clear business lessons. One big one was the importance of owning your email list.

Social platforms can disappear. Algorithms change and accounts get restricted all the time. But your email list is yours. You control it.

Mandi also walked away with fresh ideas about newsletter frequency, tone, and calls to action.

The Real Magic of Jesse Itzler’s Retreat: The People

Perhaps the most powerful part of Jesse Itzler’s Retreat were the people who attended. Every person in the room had a powerful story – loss, addiction, legacy businesses, Mount Everest climbs, caregiving journeys.

There were no cliques, no ego – kindness, honesty, and support. When leaders model authenticity, it sets the tone for the room. 

A Note for Retreat & Event Planners: Format Matters

Thinking about hosting a retreat? Here’s a takeaway for you: carefully consider format. Built to Speak began with a keynote and immediately went into the work. No fluff. They got to work right away, and worked the first night until 10:30 PM.

The structure was intentional:

• Small group size

• Immediate engagement

• Family-style dinner to spark conversation

• Multiple tables to deepen connection

It was only two nights of hard work. The format was intentional, and it made for a very effective retreat. 

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