Why Interaction Is the Secret Weapon for Powerful Public Speaking and Teaching with Ivan Wanis-Ruiz

Have you ever wondered why so many presentations and conversations end up sounding boring, or why teaching communication skills seems stuck in outdated paradigms? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive into exactly that—and explore what it takes not only to end boring communication, but to build genuine connection in every interaction.

This week, I'm excited to introduce my guest, Ivan Wanis-Ruiz. Ivan is on a mission to rid the world of boring, whether it's in public speaking, storytelling, or everyday conversations. He's a professional speaker, educator, emcee, and yes—salsa dancer—with a knack for bringing energy and engagement to any room. Ivan brings unique insights from his experience in dance, improv, and hosting live events, showing us how these seemingly unrelated disciplines offer strategies and inspiration for great communication.

We kicked off the episode swapping stories about Ivan’s journey from a bored newcomer taking dance classes to becoming a full-on salsa teacher, and how dance became his live laboratory for educational techniques. We explored the key elements of truly effective communication training—getting people actively involved, letting students speak in every session, and making exercises practical and applicable. Ivan described the importance of aligning teaching approach with the skills being taught, urging educators to break free from the “lecture then speak once at the end” model.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

How Ivan’s dance teaching doubled as a testing ground for interactive communication techniques

The impact of engaging introductions and ditching the boring bio in speaking and events

Why emotion in storytelling doesn’t have to mean trauma—how humor and uncertainty are just as powerful

Overcoming awkward networking through strategic self-disclosure and volunteering

Strategies for introverts to connect without burnout

Why communication skills are now the real competitive advantage in a world of abundant knowledge

Sugata Mitra’s revolutionary approach to education and learning through challenges and collaboration

How to create engaging workshops with open-ended tasks, timed constraints, and group deliverables

Why storytelling works best when it’s focused on problems, uncertainty, and emotional ups and downs

How to leverage AI for brainstorming and developing memorable personal pitches using literary devices like tricolon and anaphora

If you’re ready to break old habits, boost your confidence, and make sure you’re truly engaging your audience—whether it’s on stage, at work, or in any conversation—this episode is packed with practical advice, stories, and straight talk you can use right now.

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to check out the free ebook and course at speakwithconfidencepodcast.com, and let us know how these strategies help you show up with confidence wherever you speak.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Dancing Over Dating Priorities"
06:09 Passionate Emcee Seeking Gigs
08:01 Education Quality and Retention Struggles
12:42 Improving Practical Communication Skills
13:33 AI and Job Automation Trends
18:03 "Redefining Emotional Storytelling"
21:25 "Power of the Tricolon"
24:31 "Conversation Starts with Sharing"
27:39 "Revealing Location Encourages Sharing"
31:43 "Building Skills Through Social Roles"
35:13 "Discover Sugata Mitra's Ideas"
38:13 "Log Line Teaching Exercise"
42:49 "Technology's Impact on Memory"
45:21 "Interactive Communication Coaching Pitch"
48:52 "AI Enhancing Personal Communication"
53:15 "Confidence in Public Speaking"