Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

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

Are you the kind of speaker who loves to have everything prepared in advance? Perhaps you even have your entire presentation scripted out nearly word for word and you have detailed notes for every slide that you rely on?Well, I have a challenge for you: getting more comfortable with impromptu speaking.As a speaker and as a leader, both impromptu and prepared speaking skills are a must.Have you ever had one of these situations happen to you:You're in a meeting or group and asked to share something on the spot. You get really nervous and feel at a loss for words.You're at a networking event where you need to concisely share with other attendees who you are, what you do, and how you help people. After you introduce yourself, you realized you left out the most important parts or it all felt like a jumble.You're leading a meeting where you need to motivate your team, but you didn't have an opportunity to prepare your message ahead of time and feel like you weren't as clear or confident as you want to be.This is why developing your impromptu speaking skills is essential. I want more women - including you! - to feel comfortable and confident commanding a room and leading teams, organizations, and companies.In this episode, I share:Why impromptu speaking is hardWhy it matters to your development as a speaker and leaderSpecific things you can do to get better at impromptu speakingSome of my own impromptu speaking wins and fails!This episode originally aired as episode 390 on April 29, 2024.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/390/ 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public SpeakingEpisode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on StageEpisode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a SpeakerEpisode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker

In a captivating discussion with Julie Fry, founder of Your Expert Guest, listeners discover how to leverage podcast visibility for genuine connections. Julie shares her journey from in-person networking to podcast booking. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in podcast goals and cautions against over-relying on AI, promoting authentic, personalized pitches as more effective. The conversation also tackles mindset shifts to overcome imposter syndrome and why quality connections outweigh sheer quantity. Tune in for a blend of inspiration and practical tips!

Here’s what you don’t want the audience to say after you deliver your keynote: “I learned a lot.”That’s you being stuck in the expert trap. As a keynote speaker, you’re there to provide an experience for the audience; to help them see something differently about themselves or their industry or their world; and to have them believe they can do it.In this episode, I’m sharing 3 must-haves that will take your keynote from “just another talk” to a truly transformative experience for your audience.You’ll hear behind-the-scenes from a keynote I recently gave called From Invisible to Influential: How I Found My Voice and Why Yours Matters More Than Ever.Here’s what you’ll learnWhy storytelling should always be at the core of your keynote (and the story I shared that had women coming up to me afterward saying how inspired they felt).How to use the “Rule of Three” to make your keynote easy to follow, memorable, and impactful.The importance of weaving in humor and audience participation - and how I planned both into my talk so they weren’t left to chance.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to design your keynote so it not only informs but truly transforms your audience.✨ Ready to create your own keynote that’s powerful, inspiring, and totally YOU? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com and schedule a call.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/445/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Schedule a consultation call: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience LaughEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in AweEpisode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public SpeakingEpisode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact

We’re wrapping up our Booked Without Burnout series, and this one might surprise you: should you ever pay to speak?I know - it sounds backward. After all, you want to get paid for your expertise, not the other way around.But there are times when paying for a speaking slot makes strategic sense, especially if it’s tied to a sponsorship or marketing opportunity that gets you in front of your ideal clients.This is Part 4 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements. In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself. In Part 2, we talked about inbound strategies: how to set yourself up so event organizers find you. In Part 3, we looked at getting paid to speak.In this episode, I share:How to evaluate whether paying to speak is worth it for your goalsThe key questions to ask before you invest in a speaking opportunityHow to turn a sponsorship into a visibility and revenue boostPlus, I’m including an episode from my Confident Speaker podcast, my fully AI-generated show. The script, voice, and show notes are all created by AI using a custom knowledge base built from 400+ episodes of Speaking Your Brand. You’ll hear “AI Carol” and see how closely it matches my style (it’s kind of wild!).If you’ve ever wondered how you can use AI to amplify your brand voice, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible.Listen in and find out when it might be smart to pay to speak - and how to use AI to grow your visibility without burning out.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/444/ Check out my companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ Apply for my Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 443: [Part 3] Booked Without Burnout: Getting Paid to SpeakEpisode 442: [Part 2] Booked Without Burnout: Speaking Invitations that Come to YouEpisode 441: [Part 1] Booked Without Burnout: A Smarter Way to Land Speaking GigsEpisode 433: Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases