Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies The #1 Mistake Speakers Make with Personal Stories (and What to Do Instead)
Jan 12, 2026
Join Diane Diaz, a lead speaking coach specializing in storytelling, as she dives into the art of impactful public speaking. Diane discusses the fine line between authentic and manipulative storytelling, highlighting how stories should serve the audience, not the speaker. She uncovers common pitfalls, including overly polished narratives and clichéd rags-to-riches formulas. Through real-life examples, Diane emphasizes the power of vulnerability and imperfect storytelling in building trust and connection with the audience.
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Stories Serve The Audience First
- Stories must be in service of the audience, not the speaker.
- If a story only benefits the teller, it will feel icky or manipulative to listeners.
Link Every Story To Your Message
- Avoid telling stories that are unrelated to your content or never reveal their connection.
- Make sure every story clearly links to the message you want the audience to take away.
Share Details, Not Therapy
- Share enough detail to make a story real but avoid TMI or using the audience as therapy.
- Process the experience first so you can deliver it without breaking down or oversharing.