Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

As speakers and entrepreneurs, we often focus on the facts, data, and tactics we want to share – but what about the emotional connection? In this episode, I talk about the power of finding the emotional heart of your message and why it’s essential for creating talks that resonate deeply with your audience and leave a lasting impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the emotional heart of your message is critical for building trust and connection How mirror neurons make our brains wired for empathy and why that matters in storytelling Examples from popular culture, including Hamilton and Taylor Swift, that demonstrate the power of emotional storytelling How to uncover your own emotional heart by tapping into experiences of loss, struggle, or transformation A personal story about facing resistance in my purpose – and the lessons I learned from it Practical steps to include the emotional heart in your next talk or presentation Think about a story or experience that’s deeply meaningful to you – one that still tugs at your heart. How can you weave that into your next presentation to create a lasting impact on your audience? (This episode originally aired as episode 263 on February 8, 2022.) Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/263/ Download our FREE workbook on how to position yourself as a thought leader: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.  Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day in-person speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop-speaking/ Schedule a consult call with us to talk about creating your signature talk and thought leadership platform: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact.  Connect on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You Episode 197: What We Can Learn as Speakers from 'Hamilton' with Carol Cox Episode 244: Behind the Scenes of My Recent Keynote with Carol Cox Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox  

Have you ever imagined standing on a TEDx stage, spotlight on you, sharing a bold, transformative idea that resonates deeply with your audience? TEDx talks are powerful platforms, not just for delivering information, but for sparking new perspectives, challenging assumptions, and inspiring change. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it takes to land a TEDx talk, based on my experience selecting speakers for TEDx events and coaching clients to develop their big ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting to find your voice, I’ll guide you through what you need to know, including: The 3 essential elements every impactful TEDx talk needs (hint: it’s more than just your expertise) How to craft your “idea worth spreading” that sparks curiosity and leads to transformation Why your personal story is the key to standing out – and how to weave it into your message The biggest mistake applicants make (and how to avoid it) How to get noticed by TEDx organizers (it’s not just about your application)   If a TEDx talk is on your list of goals, this episode will give you the inside track on how to make it happen. I’ll share practical tips and strategies to move you from dreaming to doing, so you can take your place on the stage and share your message with the world. (This episode originally aired as episode 361 on December 4, 2023.) Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/361/  Search for TEDx events: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events 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 workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop-speaking/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Listen to more episodes about TEDx talks. Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen Episode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza Episode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester Episode 91: Visibility Works: From Local Speaking to TED.com to a Book with Tammy Lally  

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a “signature talk”… well, signature? In this solo episode, I’m breaking down what a signature talk actually is (and what it isn’t), why most presentations fall flat, and how you can create a talk that not only connects with your audience — but also works for you as a speaker and thought leader. This episode is especially for you if you’ve ever felt stuck in what I call “the expert trap” - where you think you have to cram in as much information and training as possible in order to provide value. (Spoiler alert: that’s not how transformation happens!) Instead, I want you to think about your talk as an experience — one that blends your expertise, your personal journey, your big idea, and your unique perspective to move your audience and your business forward. I share: The real purpose of your signature talk (hint: it’s more than education) The 4 key elements that make up a transformational talk How to position your talk for brand awareness, lead generation, and thought leadership An overview of our Signature Talk Canvas® framework Why one talk can be the foundation for everything you create, from paid keynotes to book outlines A behind-the-scenes look at the signature talk I’m working on now (and how it ties into my upcoming book!)   This episode originally aired as episode 355 on November 9, 2023.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/355/  Get our Signature Talk Canvas® framework and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. 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/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 353: The Power of Frameworks: How Sharon Ehrlich Found Her Voice and Message with Sharon Ehrlich Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact Episode 290: [Coaching] Get More Leads from Your Presentations with Monica Young  

I’ve been there. Heart pounding, mouth dry, butterflies swirling - even after years of speaking on stages and on live TV. In this episode, I share some of my hardest speaking moments (including my worst ever speaking experience) and the surprising reasons we feel nervous before we speak, even when we know our stuff inside and out. You’ll learn: The 3 big reasons we get nervous (it’s not just about being unprepared!) How our physiology plays a bigger role than we realize — and how to work with it, not against it What to do in advance to reduce anxiety and boost confidence The truth behind one of my biggest speaking flops — and why it was a turning point for me Tips for right before you step on stage so you can channel your energy and connect with your audience   I also share what helped me go from being terrified on live TV with a congressman (yes, really) to becoming a go-to political analyst for election night coverage. Putting in the speaking reps matters. So does mindset. Whether you’re prepping for a keynote, panel, podcast interview, webinar, or media apperance,  these tips will help you step up and speak up with more confidence. This episode originally aired as episode 370 on January 15, 2024. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/370/  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 & messaging workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop-speaking/  Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker Episode 348: Confidence Unleashed: Owning the Stage with Authentic Presence Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power  

Are you getting paid - or at least generating leads - from your speaking engagements? Whether you’re speaking on stages, at conferences, or to community groups, your talks can (and should!) work for you, either by bringing in leads and clients or by earning you a speaker fee. But here's what I often hear: “I don’t want to make a sales pitch in my presentation.” “I’m not sure how to tell the audience what I actually do.” “I tried once, and it didn’t work, so I gave up.” In this episode, I share specific strategies you can use to: Align your presentation content with your offer (without sounding pitchy) Plant “sales seeds” by sharing client examples and stories Confidently include a call to action that feels natural and helpful Use my gold-standard feedback form to generate leads you can follow up with Know what to charge and how to communicate your speaker fee Have productive, confident conversations with event organizers   You’ll learn practical tips you can start using in your very next presentation. This episode originally aired as episode 344 on August 28, 2023. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/344/  Download example feedback form (no opt-in needed): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7scnmn11eqpfeh863i878/Speaking-Your-Brand-Example-Worksheet-FeedbackForm.pdf?rlkey=bmqkj2pzyjewmrg8r0smml2vu&dl=0  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 workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 290: [Coaching] Get More Leads from Your Presentations with Monica Young Episode 289: Less Free, More Paid: How to Increase Your Speaker Fees with Carol Cox Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact with Carol Cox  

Do you feel like hitting pause when everything around you feels uncertain? Whether it's the economy, politics, AI, or just the general state of flux we're all living in, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone - I’ve been feeling it too. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk candidly about what we've been noticing in ourselves, our clients, and the conversations we're having behind the scenes here at Speaking Your Brand. Spoiler alert: pausing too long or isolating yourself isn't the answer. Instead, we share: Why action creates clarity and how to act your way to right thinking A behind-the-scenes look at how we’re navigating uncertainty at Speaking Your Brand How in-person speaking engagements and networking are helping us build momentum Why now is the best time to connect and take action (even if you’re an introvert) How to experiment and refresh your offerings without overwhelm What to do when ChatGPT gives you too many ideas (yes, really!) If you’ve been feeling stuck, this episode is your invitation to move from “What now?” to “What’s next?” Let this episode be the boost you need to keep showing up, sharing your message, and stepping into your next level. Plus, we share about our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando, Narrative that Sells, and how it’s designed to help you attract clients, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership visibility by creating and practicing your signature talk. 🎟️ Use code PODCAST200 for $200 off: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/428/   Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Sign up for our Narrative That Sells in-person messaging and speaking workshop in Orlando on June 5th = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop Episode 413: Design and Deliver Workshops that Get You Leads and Clients  

What does it really look like to lead with courage, advocate for yourself (and others), and embrace vulnerability as a strength? In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Mary Beth Plank-Mezo, who is the Vice President of Staff and Cultural Development at Full Sail University and has been with the university for an incredible 36 years. Her leadership has touched so many across the campus — and I know firsthand how impactful she’s been. We recorded this conversation live in studio at Full Sail, and you’ll hear how Mary Beth’s leadership journey has evolved over the years, from being a quiet observer in meetings to becoming a powerful voice and advocate for change. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her, including the time she walked into the founder’s office and asked to switch departments (talk about bold self-advocacy!) and how she helped start the university’s Staff and Cultural Development department. We talk about: Why asking for what you want is so important (even when it’s scary) How to deal with “no” - and why it doesn’t always mean “never” The value of listening first and co-creating a vision to build trust and buy-in What happens when leaders show vulnerability (and how it fosters innovation) Why women often hold themselves back and what we can do to push past that The three layers of advocacy: for yourself, by others, and for others Mary Beth also shares what continues to fuel her passion for mentoring and growing new leaders and how she sees her role now as ensuring the next generation is ready to take the reins. This is one of those episodes that will stay with you, especially if you’ve ever questioned whether your voice matters (spoiler: it does). Tune in and then ask yourself: What’s one area where you can advocate for yourself right now? Who’s in your corner, cheering you on and who can you advocate for? Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/427/  Watch the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/HT77NKq2un4 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/carolcox Mary Beth Plank-Mezo (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbplankmezo/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence Episode 399: Be a Voice of Change: How to Communicate Transformational Leadership Episode 405: Advocating and Using Your Voice for Yourself  

Are you unintentionally overwhelming your audience with too much information? In this episode, I dive into one of the most common mistakes I see smart, experienced professionals make in their presentations: overloading them with information. I know it’s tempting - after all, we want to provide value. But here’s the truth: real impact doesn’t come from how much you teach, but from how much you transform. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why more information isn’t always better (and can actually be a disservice) How to shift your content from info-dumping to insight-sharing The key ingredients that create transformation in your talks What I learned from TV shows like Succession and Inventing Anna about confidence, vision, and belief (yep, there’s a lesson in there!) How focusing on transformation helps you position yourself as a thought leader and raise your speaking fees I’ll also share examples from our Thought Leader Academy and client presentations to show you exactly how to make this shift. If you want to create more meaningful and memorable presentations, this episode is for you. This episode originally aired as episode 271 on April 5, 2022. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/271 Download our FREE workbook on how to position yourself as a thought leader: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.  Join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Schedule a consult call with us to talk about creating your signature talk and thought leadership platform: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact.  Connect with Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 137: The Missing Ingredients in Your Stories Episode 193: Five Kinds of Stories to Share in Your Thought Leadership Content with Carol Cox Episode 241: The Expert Trap: What Holds Women Back from Thought Leadership with Carol Cox Episode 259: Connecting Your Business and Your Thought Leadership with Carol Cox  

Have you ever had an idea that tugged at you, asking to be brought to life? In this episode, I share why I believe so strongly that you are the exact messenger for your idea and your audience. Not someone else. You. Yes, your topic may be similar to what others are talking about. But ,your idea, your lens, your story, and your experiences are what make it yours. And your audience? They’re waiting for you to say it in the way only you can. We dig into: The difference between having a topic versus having an idea (this is a game-changer for standing out!) Why thought leadership is more than just expertise—it’s about the courage to show up with your unique take The two ways ideas tend to come to us (and what stops us from activating them) Why fear and perfectionism are such sneaky dream stealers (and how to move through them) What Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Greta Gerwig can teach us about being the messenger for your idea   I even share a behind-the-scenes moment from preparing my 2016 TEDx talk when I realized I needed something more than a “good” talk - I needed to say something only I could say. If you’re feeling that nudge that there’s an idea stirring inside you - or one that’s been sitting dormant - it’s time to give it voice. Remmber: Your audience is waiting for you. This episide originally aired as episode 343 on August 21, 2023.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/343/ 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/carolcox Mentioned: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Elizabeth Gilbert on the On Being podcast KLF: Chaos Magic Music Money by JMR Higgs “Who says big ideas are rare?” by Malcom Gladwell   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power with Carol Cox  

Have you ever wondered if you really need to add humor to your business presentations, keynotes, or conference talks? Maybe you think, I’m just here to share valuable information - why should I try to be funny?  Well, in this episode, I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, to show you exactly why humor isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a must-have. We’re diving into how to use humor effectively in your talks, without forcing corny jokes (unless that’s your thing!). From situational storytelling to physical comedy, sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and even well-placed memes and GIFs, we cover it all. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why humor makes your audience feel more connected and engaged How to plan humor in your talk (even if you don’t think you’re funny) The power of physical comedy as a speaker Diane’s hilarious story about her mom teaching her to be a petty thief The one type of self-deprecating humor to avoid   Even if you don’t consider yourself a comedian, there are so many ways to add humor that feel natural and authentic to you. Your audience will thank you - and they’ll definitely remember you! Action Step: The next time you’re working on a presentation, pick one of the humor techniques we talk about and try incorporating it. Let us know how it goes! You’ll also want to watch the video version at https://youtu.be/nVDRqerIlxQ.  We’ve included funny clips from stand-up comedians and sitcoms to illustrate our points - you won’t want to miss them! This episode was filmed in one of the beautiful studios on the campus of Full Sail University, where Diane and I have been teaching business and marketing classes since 2009. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/426/  Watch the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/nVDRqerIlxQ 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/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 376: Use the Secrets of Comedy for Better Storytelling and Delivery in Your Talks Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe