In today’s fast-paced digital world, becoming a magnetic speaker means more than just mastering the mic — it means staying culturally relevant, emotionally engaging, and strategically bold. If you want to captivate an audience, book more speaking gigs, and craft a signature talk that gets remembered (and rebooked!), it’s time to take some cues from trending media moments. Case in point? The viral resurgence of Netflix’s Wednesday and Jenna Ortega’s unforgettable dance scene. This blog explores how to apply pop culture lessons to your public speaking strategy so you can stand out on stage and stay top of mind long after the mic drops.

Captivating Your Audience: Public Speaking Lessons from the Wednesday Phenomenon

In a world where everything can go viral in seconds, public speakers have more in common with pop culture icons than ever before. Take Netflix’s Wednesday, for example — a series that first exploded in 2022, and now in 2025, it’s trending all over again. Why?

Because Madonna just recreated Jenna Ortega’s now-legendary goth dance at one of her shows, and the internet can’t get enough. (source)

But this resurgence isn’t just entertainment news — it’s a masterclass in audience connection, brand consistency, and the unexpected power of going full-weird in your presentation style.

Here’s what every speaker can learn from the Wednesday phenomenon and how you can use those lessons to become more magnetic, more memorable, and more booked.

1. Signature Moments Make You Unforgettable

Jenna Ortega’s dance scene in Wednesday didn’t go viral by accident. She choreographed it herself, pulling from obscure punk influences, goth club scenes of the '80s, and even Siouxsie Sioux. It was raw, strange, unapologetic — and it worked. It became one of the most replayed and recreated moments in Netflix history. (source)

Speakers take note:
Too many speakers try to be polished, perfect, and… painfully generic. Don’t aim for robotic “perfection” — aim for memorable. Create signature moments in your talk:

• A unique story that only you can tell

• A bold (but clear) metaphor

• A quirky gesture or phrase that ties back to your message

Ask yourself: What’s the “dance scene” in your speech that people will talk about later?

Want help finding the story that sets your speech apart? Grab my free workbook: 10 Steps to Find the Message in Your Mess.

2. Timeliness = Relevance

Why did this trend explode now? Because Madonna took something old-ish and made it new again by tying it into her personal brand and current world tour.

That’s a genius move for speakers, too.

Referencing timely events — from Taylor Swift’s tour to viral TikToks to trending Netflix shows — immediately plugs you into your audience’s world. It tells them: I see what you see. I’m not speaking from a cave.

But here’s the key: the reference must be relevant to your message. Don't toss in pop culture just to be trendy. Use it to amplify your point.

For example, here is a way to use Wednesday to teach an audience about being authentic:

“You don’t have to do the Wednesday dance to stand out — but like Jenna Ortega, you do need to own your space unapologetically.”

3. Emotion > Perfection

Part of what made the dance scene so viral is that Ortega looked raw. Focused. Odd. She didn’t try to be sexy or polished — she tried to be true to the character. And that level of emotional authenticity is rare.

In speaking, authenticity is the new currency. People are burned out on slides, stats, and surface-level pep talks.

Instead:

• Show your fear before the triumph.

• Share the ugly middle, not just the shiny ending.

• Get a little weird, if that’s you.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s resonance.

4. Build Anticipation Like a Binge-Worthy Show

The reason people are buzzing about Season 2 of Wednesday? Because Season 1 left breadcrumbs. Characters were layered, plots were unfinished, questions were asked — and viewers want more.

As a speaker, your audience should feel the same way. Don’t give them everything at once. Use strategic “open loops”:

• Ask a compelling question you don’t answer until later

• Drop a concept early, and fully explain it near the end

• Tease your next topic or offer at the conclusion

Make your talks binge-worthy.

5. Be Bold Enough to Be Polarizing

Jenna Ortega’s dance wasn’t universally loved. Some people found it too weird. But guess what? That didn’t matter.

In fact, the controversy helped the show. When something is polarizing, it invites conversation. And conversation = attention.

As a speaker, you can’t please everyone. Trying to do so waters down your message. Instead:

• Stand firm in your beliefs

• Speak directly to your ideal audience

• Let people opt in or out based on truth, not sugarcoating

Madonna’s still doing this in her 60s. Jenna Ortega’s doing it in her 20s. You can do it on that stage next week.

If you’re asking Ok, but how do I get on more stages? — start with this post: How to Book More Speaking Gigs.

Final Thoughts: Pop Culture Is Your Playground

Whether you’re speaking at a business conference, a mastermind retreat, or a high school auditorium — your job isn’t just to inform. It’s to connect. To delight. To make them feel something.

And today’s trending culture gives you endless metaphors and moments to do exactly that.

Start your next talk with a spark from the world your audience is already watching. Use the weird. Use the wild. And above all — use you.

💡Pro Speaker Tip: If you want to practice weaving in trends and metaphors into your talk, follow trending topics at Google Trends and ask yourself, “How does this connect to my message?”

Need help creating your signature talk, building a speaker brand, or learning how to book paid stages? Let's chat: Book a free Speaker's Game Plan