Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

If you’re giving talks but not seeing leads or clients come from them, this episode will change how you think about speaking.I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, for part two of our series on integrating speaking into your marketing strategy. We’re talking about how to approach your talks as a marketer — without turning them into sales pitches (because no one wants that).We break down:Why “teaching everything” actually hurts your resultsHow skipping the first part of your talk kills audience buy-inWhat audiences really want instead of more tips and tacticsHow to plant sales seeds naturally (without feeling salesy)Why emotional connection and storytelling are what drive conversionsI also walk you through our Signature Talk Canvas® framework and why the 3-act structure (Issue → Idea → Inspiration) works so well for lead generation talks and keynotes.Diane shares a real example of a recent speaking engagement where she signed three clients on the spot, plus practical tactics like using client stories, urgency, and even paper feedback forms to increase follow-up.If you want your talks to do more than just “go well” — and actually grow your business — this episode is for you.Listen to Part 1 of this series ("The Missing Piece of Your Marketing Strategy is a Signature Talk") if you haven’t yet — they pair perfectly together.And if you’re ready to work with us on creating or refining your signature talk, head to speakingyourbrand.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation and explore the best way for us to work together.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/457/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 456: The Missing Piece of Your Marketing Strategy is a Signature TalkEpisode 449: Small Shifts That Make a Huge Difference in Your Presentation Impact & ResultsEpisode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden

If your marketing feels like it’s working harder… but not necessarily working better, you’re not imagining it.In this episode, I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, for part one of a two-part series all about why your signature talk isn’t just “nice to have” - it’s actually the foundation of an effective marketing strategy.We’re seeing it everywhere: more content, more noise, more competition for attention. And yet, many women entrepreneurs and professionals are still treating their talks as an afterthought — something they dust off when a speaking opportunity pops up.That’s a missed opportunity. Your signature talk is your marketing.In our conversation, Diane and I break down why public speaking accelerates the know-like-trust factor faster than almost any other marketing channel — and how a well-designed signature talk can do the heavy lifting for you.We talk about:Why speaking creates deeper trust than social media posts, emails, or even podcasts aloneHow a single lead-generation talk brought in multiple new clients the same day — without being salesyThe difference between passive marketing (scrolling, consuming) and active engagement (participating, resonating, deciding)Why audiences are more likely to trust you when they see other people responding to your message (hello, mirror neurons)What a signature talk really is (hint: it’s not just one rigid presentation you give foreverAs you listen, I want you to start thinking about:What problem do you really solve for your clients?What does your audience think is holding them back — and what do you see that they don’t yet?Where might you be sharing information… when what your audience needs is leadership, perspective, and clarity?If that feels fuzzy (and for most people, it does), you’re not doing it wrong. This is exactly why an outside perspective — and a proven framework — makes such a difference.In the next episode, we’re diving into how to design and deliver presentations that actually convert — without awkward pitches or forced CTAs.If you’ve ever thought, “I’m speaking, but it’s not leading to clients,” part two is for you.And if you’re ready to build a signature talk that becomes the backbone of your marketing, visibility, and thought leadership, you can learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy, through a VIP Day, or at one of our in-person Orlando speaking workshops.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/456/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 453: Why Your Best Talk is the One You Give Again (and Again)Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

What does it really take to create a keynote that inspires, connects, and builds your speaking career?In this Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand, I’m joined by three incredible women who attended our recent Master Your Message & the Stage Workshop in Orlando: Kait Richardson, Alfarena (Alfie) McGinty, and Niki Ramirez.You’ll hear:Why they decided to work on a keynote talkHow they used our Signature Talk Canvas® framework to build a clear and compelling structure for their keynoteThe challenges they faced with getting out of the expert trap and into transformational messagingWhat they learned about shifting their approach from teaching tactics to instead identifying 3 key pillars, lessons, or stages to guide their audienceWhat it was like to practice on stage with real-time coaching and supportIf you’ve been dreaming of giving a powerful keynote that grows your brand and thought leadership, join us for this behind-the-scenes conversation.Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on February 19, 2026, in Downtown Orlando, Florida! If you’re ready to accelerate your growth as a speaker, gain hands-on feedback, and have a lot of fun, this is your chance. Learn more and grab your spot at https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/455/ Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/jT5z9EqUjgM Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKait Richardson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitrichardson497/ Alfarena McGinty = https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfarena-mcginty-324619180/ Niki Ramirez = https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-ramirez-mba-thrp-sphr-65b93710/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 435: From Blank Page to On Stage: What It's Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One DayEpisode 439: From Engineer to Inspiring Speaker: Finding Your Authentic Speaking Style

When most people hear the word policy, they immediately picture Washington, D.C., marble hallways, and people in suits arguing on TV. But as my guest today so brilliantly reminds us, policy is simply how decisions get made - and you don’t need to be a political insider to influence it.In this episode, I talk with Dr. Deborah Stine, founder of the Science and Technology Policy Academy, former Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Obama White House, and someone who has spent her career helping scientists, engineers, and health professionals turn their expertise into impact.And yes, her résumé reads like a Washington fairytale, but what makes Debbie extraordinary is how down-to-earth and practical she is. She’s spent decades working at the national level and then chose to move back to the “ground floor” of change—state and local work—where impact shows up fast and in real lives.Debbie and I talk about:Why most experts accidentally sabotage their own influenceHer 4E Framework for better decision-makingHow to translate complex, jargon-heavy research into something the public—and policymakers—actually understandWhy state and local advocacy can be even more powerful than federal workHow to work with people who disagree with youA surprising turn into AI—and how Debbie used my Automate & Amplify program to keep her content going while traveling the worldThis conversation is a powerful reminder that your voice matters, especially when you pair your expertise with a compelling story and a clear message.About My Guest: Dr. Deborah Stine is the founder of the Science and Technology Policy Academy, where she helps scientists, engineers, and health professionals translate what they know into policies that improve people’s lives. Deborah has worked with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, at the Congressional Research Service, and was the Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Obama White House. She was also Professor of the Practice, Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Deborah is also the author of From Expertise to Impact, which is all about how experts can communicate in a way that truly influences public decision-making. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/454/ Deborah’s website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.com/ Listen to my Confident Speaker companion podcast = https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in the Automate & Amplify with AI course: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDeborah Stine = https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-stine/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 411: Reframing Public Speaking: From Elite Skill to Everyday Power with Dr. Karen CorbinEpisode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah HenryEpisode 384: How to Tackle a Big Global Issue in Your Thought Leadership and Talks with Dr. Neha Pathak

Worried that giving the same talk more than once would box you in - or worse, bore you to tears?I’ve been there. And if you’re a builder-of-slides-at-heart like me, the idea of sticking to one signature talk can feel a little… constraining.But here’s the truth: the talk you give again (and again and again) is the one that becomes unforgettable - for you and your audience.In this episode, I’m joined by Thought Leader Academy graduate Kelly Mallery, who proves exactly that. Kelly works in the continuous improvement and lean space, and she discovered that honing one powerful talk didn’t limit her creativity, it amplified it. And it opened doors.We talk about how she’s evolved her talk, why a transformer toy has become part of her on-stage brand (yes, really), and how she learned to adapt the same content for both 20-minute and 60-minute speaking slots without losing impact.Whether you’re speaking to industry peers, corporate audiences, or groups who’ve never heard of your topic before, what Kelly shares will help you rethink how reusable and scalable your signature talk can be.Kelly and I talk about:Why one signature talk can actually increase your impact, confidence, and clarityHow Kelly transformed her message by introducing her “Resistobots” (inspired by her love of Transformers)The power of refining the same talk through multiple deliveriesWhat changes—and what stays the same—when adapting a talk from 20 minutes to 60 minutesHow your ideal audience and your buyer can be two different people, and why it mattersThe importance of opening strong and closing with purpose (no rushing just to “get to the content”!)Why props, stories, and frameworks make your message stick—and lead to more speaking invitesLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/453/ Kelly’s website: https://www.kellymallery.com/ Watch Kelly deliver a 10-minute version of her signature talk = https://www.youtube.com/live/4ytvyFXfGU0?si=BH8Z-8qt8Npt2XWuDiscover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKelly Mallery (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mallery-coaching/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie AndersonEpisode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for YouEpisode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A.Episode 440: No Need to Start from Scratch: Repurpose Your Signature Talk for Different Topics and Audiences

Whether you’re in corporate aiming for your next big role or an entrepreneur looking to attract higher-value opportunities, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to move forward.I’m joined by my friend and career strategist Kate Wade, founder of Get Her Hired, who brings her signature mix of humor, candor, and deeply practical insight.Together, we unpack why talented women get stuck, how to craft a powerful career narrative, and what it really takes to position yourself for bigger stages, promotions, clients, and visibility.Kate and I talk about:Why being “good at everything” keeps women from advancingThe difference between features and benefits in your career storyHow to find the throughline in your background and experiencesThe hidden ways women make themselves indispensable — and how it backfiresWhat recruiters say is actually happening in the job marketHow to have career-advancing and  opportunity-advancing conversationsWhat AI can help you with in résumé writing — and what it definitely can’tThe problem with AI-written speaker applications (and why they all sound the same)Kate’s new résumé course Hit Send — with a generous discount for listenersLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/452/ Kate’s website: https://getherhired.com/ Get Kate’s new course “Hit Send”: https://getherhired.com/hitsend/Save 60% with the coupon code “SpeakingYourBrand”Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKate Wade = https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewade-getherhired/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 424: Evolving Your Brand is a Must: How to Align Who You Are, Even the Messy PartsEpisode 436: Turn Your Stories Into Impactful Messages: Live Signature Talks from TLA GradsEpisode 439: From Engineer to Inspiring Speaker: Finding Your Authentic Speaking Style

We all know that facts tell, but stories sell. And when you add a touch of humor, your audience doesn’t just listen… they lean in.In this Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand LinkedIn Live, we’re joined by two recent clients of our Thought Leader Academy, Angela Gillis and Crystal Daye.They each present a 10-minute version of their signature talk that they developed with us during their VIP Day and refined throughout the program.You get to see how they weave together story, humor, and heart to connect with their audiences and how that connection builds trust and relatability, the key ingredients for turning a talk into leads (and leads into clients!).You’ll learn:How to choose and tell stories that make your audience feel seen and understoodWays to naturally infuse humor without forcing it or losing credibilityThe secret to transitioning from inspiration to invitation (a.k.a. your call to action)Behind-the-scenes insights from our speakers on what they learned while crafting their talksIf you’ve ever wondered how to make your lead generation talks less “salesy” and more human, this is your chance to see exactly how it’s done.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/451/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/GcZsw9UEWAA Angela's website: https://www.sorticulturesystems.com/ Crystal’s website: https://crystaldaye.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Angela Gillis = https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-gillis/ Crystal Gaye = https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalsdaye/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience LaughEpisode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

Have you ever had one of those moments when all eyes are on you… and your brain suddenly decides to take a vacation? Whether it’s during a big presentation, a media interview, or an unexpected question in a meeting, how we communicate under pressure shapes how we’re seen as leaders.That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Jen Mueller, a veteran sports broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me. After more than 25 years on the sidelines of major games, Jen knows exactly what it takes to stay composed, confident, and clear when the heat is on.In this episode, Jen shares how to:Use high-stakes moments to highlight your preparedness and expertise instead of shying away from themPrepare for spontaneity (yes, that’s possible!)Assert your presence even if you’re naturally quieter or more introvertedPractice confidence and clarity through small, everyday interactionsRecover gracefully when things don’t go as planned (including her stories of post-game interviews and a few Gatorade showers!)I also share one of my own on-air “blank brain” moments from live TV and what I learned about giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.If you’ve ever wished you could think faster, speak clearer, or project confidence when it matters most, this episode will give you practical tools and real stories to help you become a true clutch communicator.Join us at our next Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando, Florida! In just one day, you’ll craft your signature talk and practice delivering it, so you leave ready to step on stage with confidence. Get the details at  https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/. About My Guest: Jen Mueller is a veteran sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks, and a longtime member of the Seattle Mariners' TV broadcast team. With over 25 years of experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, she’s mastered the art of building relationships and delivering impactful stories in fast-paced environments. As the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, Jen translates her locker room communication strategies into actionable insights for business professionals, helping them level up their conversations and leadership skills.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/450/ Jen’s website: http://www.talksportytome.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on social:Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJen on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/ Jen on Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/TalkSportyToMe Jen’s YouTube channel = https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMe Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 390: Why "Perfect" Speakers Don't Connect: Stop Memorizing & Build Confidence Speaking Off the CuffEpisode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage

Do you feel like your presentations are good, but maybe not yet great? The kind that gets people talking, taking action, and reaching out long after the event?That’s exactly what happened for my guest, Karen Cochran, founder of Philanthropy Innovators. Karen has led teams that have raised over $1 billion (yes, billion with a “B”!) - and after attending our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator Workshop and working with me on her presentation makeover, she delivered what attendees called “the most valuable session at the conference.”In this episode, you’ll hear how Karen transformed her talk by making small but powerful shifts in storytelling, structure, and connection—and how those changes led to remarkable results.We dig into:The difference between informing and transforming your audienceHow storytelling creates connection, especially in philanthropy and leadershipWhy suspense and foreshadowing keep audiences engaged (and how Karen used this brilliantly!)The key mindset shift from “writer” to “speaker” that helps your ideas land with clarityKaren also shares how storytelling in fundraising parallels effective public speaking. Both are about listening, connecting, and understanding what truly matters to your audience.If you’ve been feeling stuck in “the expert trap”—overloading your slides with information instead of making emotional connections—this episode will show you what happens when you let your stories and your personality shine.Listen in and imagine what could change for you with just a few strategic tweaks to your talk.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/449/ Karen’s website: https://www.philanthropyinnovators.com/Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Book a Presentation Makeover: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/presentation-makeover/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKaren Cochran = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-cochran/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 435: From Blank Page to On Stage: What It's Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One DayEpisode 436: Turn Your Stories Into Impactful Messages: Live Signature Talks from TLA GradsEpisode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking

Most of us have been told that if we want referrals, we should just ask for them. But, that approach can feel awkward.What if, instead of asking, you could design an experience that makes you naturally referable?That’s exactly what my guest, Stacey Brown Randall, teaches. Stacey is the author of her new book The Referable Client Experience, and she’s built a proven system to generate consistent referrals — without asking, without paying, and without gimmicky tactics.In this conversation, Stacey and I dig into:Why doing great work isn’t enough to generate referralsThe three stages of the client experience — new, active, and alumni — and what to do in each oneThe difference between “work” touch points and “relationship” touch points (and how both matter)How to stay top of mind with clients after your work together is doneWhat speakers can do to create a “referable” experience for event organizersI especially loved Stacey’s ideas for how we can nurture relationships in meaningful ways — like acknowledging that quiet voice of buyer’s remorse with empathy and care, or sending a “You survived it!” gift to an event organizer after a big conference.These kinds of thoughtful, human touches don’t just make you memorable — they make you referable.If you’ve ever wished more clients and speaking invitations came your way because people can’t stop talking about the experience you create, this episode is for you.Tune in and start designing your own referable client (or audience!) experience.About My Guest: Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, author of the forthcoming book, The Referable Client Experience (October 2025) and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast.Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally...without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/448/Get Stacey’s new book The Referable Client Experience: https://referableclientexperience.com/Stacey’s website: http://www.staceybrownrandall.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxStacey Brown Randall (guest) = http://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 62: Tired of Asking? A Better Way to Get Referrals with Stacey Brown RandallEpisode 442: [Part 2] Booked Without Burnout: Speaking Invitations that Come to You