Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

Your personal brand isn’t optional anymore, even if you wish it were. In this episode, I dig into why your personal brand matters more than ever, especially in a world overflowing with content (and now AI-generated content, too), and how it connects to your thought leadership and your business I talk about a common hesitation I see with many women: the feeling that cultivating a personal brand is self-indulgent, unnecessary, or something “other people” do. But here’s the truth: you already have a personal brand. It’s how others describe you, what they associate with you, and whether they know what truly matters to you.I share a personal story about how a podcast listener (and later Thought Leader Academy client) connected deeply with my background in history, feminism, and women’s leadership and how that connection happened not by accident, but through intentional thought leadership woven into my brand.In this episode, I break down:The difference between your business, your thought leadership, and your personal brand - and why they’re not the same thingWhy thought leadership is the why behind your work, not a sales messageHow your personal brand is the embodiment of that thought leadership: you are the messengerWhat to do if your career path feels messy or disconnected (hint: there is a thread)Why authenticity, real stories, and lived experience matter even more in the age of AIHow your signature talk brings your business, thought leadership, and personal brand together in one cohesive messageI also share some early advice I received to downplay parts of my background and why ignoring that advice was one of the best decisions I made.If you’ve ever wondered whether certain parts of your story “belong” in your brand, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.If you’re feeling stuck in the expert trap—teaching, informing, and explaining, but not fully connecting, this episode will help you see how your ideas, experiences, and point of view are exactly what make your message memorable and trusted.Listen in and reflect: What do people know you for right now—and what do you want them to know you for?Ready to Go Deeper? This is the kind of work we do inside Thought Leader Academy, helping you connect your thought leadership, personal brand, stories, and message into a clear, confident signature talk you can use everywhere.Learn more and schedule a consultation at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/This episode originally aired as episode 349 on October 2, 2023.

Hey there, it's Carol, popping in for a minute! I want to make sure you know about our 1-Day Master Your Message & the Stage workshop coming up on February 19th in Downtown Orlando, Florida.You’ll go from having a rough idea (or no idea at all!) to building your talk using our Signature Talk Canvas® framework - and then practice delivering it with real-time feedback from us.And here’s the thing = you’ll create a talk that goes beyond tips and facts. I know you know how to create a slide presentation, but to achieve your goals, you need something much more than that. You need to shape a message that persuades, gets buy-in, and leaves a lasting impression.Your audience doesn’t want to be lectured. They want to feel seen, inspired, and invited into a bigger vision of what’s possible.That’s exactly what you’ll do at our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator.We’ll show you how to use storytelling for resonance, how to paint a vision your audience wants to be part of, and how to step into the speaker and leader you’re ready to be.Can it really be done in a day? We guarantee it! Listen to episode 435 to hear my conversation with 3 of the women who attended our last workshop.Like them, you'll get: ✅ Your signature talk and framework mapped out—blending thought leadership, storytelling, and lead generation ✅ Personalized coaching to take your delivery from good to captivating ✅ Strategies to reduce nerves and boost your stage presence ✅ A curated speaker kit and workbook ✅ New connections with incredible women ✅ And professional photos of you speaking—perfect for your website and social mediaThis isn’t just one talk. It’s a message you can use everywhere: On stage, in webinars, interviews, your emails, social posts—even your book or course.Whether it’s been stuck in your head or sitting in a slide deck, your talk deserves to make the impact it was meant to - and achieve your goals.If you're ready to make the shift from information to transformation, join us in Orlando on February 19th.Use the coupon code “Podcast200” to save $200 on your registration, as a thank you for being a podcast listener.Spots are limited to 12 attendees, so go to speakingyourbrand.com/orlando to register. I’d love to have you there!

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.

Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking.Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us.Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok!As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership.Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy.That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer.You’ll learn:What a Big Idea isWhy too many speakers get stuck with superficial contentHow to identify your I.D.E.A. using this handy acronym I came up withExamples of Big Ideas from myself, from some of our clients, and from thought leaders you’ll recognizeSpecific questions you can ask yourself to get started developing your Big Idea(This episode originally aired as episode 354 on November 6, 2023.)Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/thought-leadership-idea-framework/Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/ 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomenEpisode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and AudienceEpisode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhDEpisode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLuccaEpisode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice

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