Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

As an entrepreneur or professional, you know the power of having a clear and compelling brand voice that resonates with your audience. You want your message to attract the right clients, opportunities, and partners - but knowing how to express your authentic self can feel like a challenge. Many women struggle with feeling like they need to fit a mold: too professional, not bold enough, or maybe even too much. The fear of sounding "wrong" or "inauthentic" holds many of us back from fully stepping into our voice, whether we're delivering a talk, crafting website copy, or writing emails. In this episode, I talk with Ashleigh Harvey, a copywriting and brand messaging expert (and Thought Leader Academy grad), about how you can confidently find and express your authentic brand voice to connect deeply with your audience. Ashleigh shares practical strategies for honing your message, so you’ll attract the right people for you. We talk about: The common challenges women face when trying to find their brand voice How Ashleigh and I describe our own brand voices (I was surprised to figure out what my brand voice is!) Why authenticity is more important than ever in the age of AI-driven content The power of having a consistent practice for developing your brand voice Practical tips for writing copy that connects, persuades, and inspires action   Plus, Ashleigh and I announce an exciting joint retreat we’re hosting in London next summer! Over 4 days (June 29-July 2, 2025), you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in developing your brand voice and story, all while experiencing the rich performing arts culture and women’s history in an incredible city. Learn more at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/. About My Guest: Ashleigh Harvey runs The Story Team, her persuasion copywriting business. Her mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to embrace their authentic voice and weave it into their business, creating consistent branding and copy that converts. She works with female entrepreneurs from South Africa to New Zealand, from India to South Korea, from the UK to the USA, helping them with badass brand voice and copy tips. She is an unapologetic vegan who started her business from her car while working as a care worker. She swears too much, is far too loud, is working more and more on not caring too much about what other people think, and she wants to tell her story so that it may help other women to find their power.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/416/  Ashleigh’s website: https://www.thestoryteam.org/  Apply for our London Brand Building Retreat in Summer 2025: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/london/  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 Ashleigh Harvey (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-harveyldn/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 234: How to Create Content Using Your Authentic Voice with Ashleigh Harvey (Rennie) Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World  

If you’ve ever wondered how to land those coveted speaking and panel spots at events, this episode is for you! I’m thrilled to have Johanna (Jo) Murillo join me to share her insider knowledge on how event organizers and producers choose speakers and panelists.  Jo is an event producer extraordinaire based in Orlando, Florida, where I live. She runs Wow Brand Studios, a full-service agency specializing in event production, brand strategy, and helping business owners stand out through powerful visual branding.  I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of Jo’s events, and they are truly one-of-a-kind! In our conversation, Jo reveals the secrets of what she looks for when selecting speakers and panelists. It’s not just about who has the biggest social media following, but about who can bring genuine value, inspire the audience, and share knowledge in a way that makes everyone in the room feel uplifted and enriched.   We dive into: The importance of attending local in-person events to build your visibility and network The qualities Jo looks for in speakers (hint: it’s more than just being an expert!) How diversity and inclusion play a central role in curating impactful events Memorable stories of speakers who wowed the audience and exceeded expectations Red flags that make event organizers hesitate to book a speaker How to make sure you are meeting expectations as a speaker and how event organizers can ensure a successful event for speakers Ready to develop your signature talk and land more speaking opportunities? Join our Thought Leader Academy where you’ll work on creating your signature talk, developing your thought leadership, and learning the business of speaking. Get all the details and sign up at speakingyourbrand.com/academy.   About My Guest: With over 25 years of experience in visual design, brand development, and marketing, Johanna (Jo) Murillo stands as a dynamic and accomplished professional in the industry. She is the proud owner of WOW Brand Studios, a full-service branding and public relations agency renowned for its creative and strategic excellence. A trailblazer for Hispanics in our community, Johanna was unanimously elected to join the Board of Directors for Opera Orlando. Further amplifying her impact, Johanna recently founded The WOW PWR, a nonprofit organization that empowers women in business by providing them with essential resources and a supportive network to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/415/  Jo’s website: https://wowbrandstudios.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/carolcox Jo Murillo (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannamurillo/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 401: Strategies for Getting Momentum on the Speaking Circuit Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan    

In your presentations and keynotes, you want to take your audience on a journey of discovery, sharing with them your personal insights and stories along the way. One of the best ways to do this is to frame your content as stages, lessons, or a framework, such as an alliteration or acronym.  Want to see what this looks like in an actual talk? You’ll hear three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads, Wendy McManus, Nelly Some, and Heather Burright, deliver a 10-minute version of the signature talk they created with us, so you can see and hear them in action. We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders. This audio is from a live broadcast we did on October 2, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/khaXnBCKRXk.    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/414/  Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/khaXnBCKRXk  Wendy’s website: https://www.connect2potential.com/  Nelly’s website: https://makingadifferencewithnelly.com/  Heather’s website: https://www.skillmastersmarket.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/carolcox Wendy McManus (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-mcmanus/  Nelly Some (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellysome/  Heather Burright (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ 

Diane Diaz, a lead speaking coach and expert in personal branding, shares her insights on effective workshop facilitation. They discuss the importance of aligning free or low-cost workshops with the right audience to boost lead generation. Several engaging techniques are revealed, including using personal stories and humor to create an enjoyable environment. The conversation emphasizes moving away from aggressive sales tactics while still effectively communicating offers, turning participants into future clients.

Whether you’re running a nonprofit, leading a business, or building your personal brand, this episode is filled with practical tips and examples on how to use storytelling to make an impact.   We dive deep into the art and impact of storytelling with Ashley Vann, founder of the Victory Cup Initiative.    Ashley shares how her organization empowers nonprofits to tell compelling stories that connect with their audiences, inspire action, and drive meaningful change.    We discuss how Victory Cup brings together business and nonprofit leaders to create an engaging platform where impactful stories are shared, and everyone wins.   Ashley takes us through the journey of Victory Cup, from its inception to its innovative event format that challenges nonprofits to captivate an audience in just 2.5 minutes.    We explore why storytelling is more than just a communication tool – it’s a way to build emotional connections, highlight missions, and create a shared sense of purpose.    Ashley also shares valuable insights on avoiding storytelling pitfalls, balancing structure with novelty, and using specific details to make stories unforgettable.   Tune in to learn: The unique event format of Victory Cup Initiative and how it fosters community engagement. How to craft a story that captures attention and inspires action in just a few minutes. The importance of specificity in storytelling and how it can create a more profound connection. Techniques for balancing structure and novelty to keep your audience engaged. Why storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits and businesses alike.   Don’t miss this conversation packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you harness the power of storytelling for your cause or brand!   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/412/  Victory Cup Initiative: https://www.victorycupinitiative.org/  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 Ashley Vann (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-vann-6744a8b9/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade Episode 386: The Power of the Performing Arts to Find and Use Your Voice with Theresa Smith-Levin  

Is public speaking an elusive talent reserved for a select few, or is it a powerful tool we can all master? In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the long-held belief that public speaking is only for the “naturally gifted.”  I’m thrilled to have Dr. Karen Corbin back on the podcast, as we dive deep into the art of communication and explore how anyone, from scientists to young professionals, can harness their voice to make a meaningful impact. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious or critical about your speaking abilities, this episode is for you.  Karen and I explore how we can all make public speaking less intimidating and more approachable, turning it from an elite skill into an everyday power that elevates your personal and professional life. Karen and I talk about: Why storytelling isn’t just for the “gifted” but a skill anyone can cultivate to connect, influence, and inspire The practical steps she took to shift from self-doubt to speaking with confidence and clarity The surprising moments that changed her perspective on who should have a voice and how to make it heard Real-life examples of how communicating effectively can open doors, reshape careers, and empower you to step into your own spotlight How Karen navigates the corporate world and her personal brand   About My Guest: Karen D. Corbin, PhD, RD is the Owner and Chief Geek of Geeks That Speak® and an Associate Investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute. She is an expert in human nutrition and metabolism. Her scientific career is devoted to finding new approaches to prevent and treat diseases like diabetes and fatty liver disease. She is also an expert in scientific storytelling. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/411/  Karen’s website: https://www.geeksthatspeak.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/carolcox Dr. Karen Corbin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-corbin-phd-rd-75229111/    Recommendations: Science Friday on NPR is a fantastic resource for listening to scientists from all different disciplines = https://www.sciencefriday.com TED talk = “What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s” by Lisa Genova = https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_genova_what_you_can_do_to_prevent_alzheimer_s?language=en For those interested in diabetes, this is a good podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diabetes-discourse/id885083634?i=1000656300786   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza Episode 138: Scientists Need to Tell Stories Too with Dr. Karen Corbin  

You're going to get so much out of this episode with 7 essential questions to ask yourself as you refresh your brand story. Whether you’re leaving a corporate job to become an entrepreneur, looking to expand your existing brand, aspiring to be a speaker or thought leader, or a corporate professional ready to transition to the next level, this conversation is for you. My guest is Elayne Fluker, who is an experienced coach to executive women and a prolific podcaster (over 700 episodes), with her podcast called Support is Sexy. Elayne is also the author of “Get Over ‘I Got It’: How to Stop Playing Superwoman, Get Support and Remember that Having It All Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Alone” – published by HarperCollins Leadership and named a Forbes Book of the Month. Elayne and I share with you how you can re-brand your brand with 7 essential questions. We explore actionable strategies for reinventing your brand in today's ever-changing landscape and discuss how we’ve both helped our clients successfully navigate their rebranding journeys.  Our conversation is packed with insights and inspiration to help you elevate your brand and make your next move with confidence. This episode is the audio from a live show we did on September 10, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/43vUGQ2qQsU.    Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/410/  Elayne’s website: https://www.elaynefluker.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/carolcox Elayne Fluker (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaynefluker/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership Episode 340: Can I Tell It's You? What a Brand Voice Is and Why You Need One Episode 186: From Hashtag to Podcast to Book: Developing Your Thought Leadership Platform with Elayne Fluker    

What if your personal story could be more than just a story — what if it could spark a movement? In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Walsh, a speaker, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who has done just that. From her beginnings as Miss Florida to building a platform that empowers women and advocates for mental health, Allison has used her voice to create a ripple effect far beyond herself.  Tune in as we explore how you, too, can transform your story into a powerful movement that inspires and creates real change. Allison and I talk about: How being open and authentic with her story, despite her initial hesitancy, allowed her to connect deeply and create a movement around mental health awareness, proving that your story can be a catalyst for change Leveraging speaking opportunities, from local events to major conferences, to amplify your message and inspire others to take action The importance of being clear on your “why” and how that clarity helps you speak with passion and purpose, inspiring others to join your movement Practical steps you can take to start transforming your story into a movement, from finding the right speaking opportunities and sharing your message effectively to building a community around your cause   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/409/  Allison’s websites: https://www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/ and https://www.shebelievedshecould.co/  I was a guest recently on Allison's podcast "She Believed She Could". You'll love that episode too! 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 Allison Walsh (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonkreigerwalsh/ Allison’s Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 408: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World

We recently (August 2024) hosted a 90-minute in-person workshop on personal branding for ATHENA NextGen alumni in Orlando, Florida.  It was a lot of fun and the women who attended loved seeing how all their threads connect in their personal brand. We also had them define their brand voice using our Brand Voice Canvas framework and create their personal brand action plan using our Pillars of Your Personal Brand  framework. Along with this workshop we facilitated, we’ve done 9 client VIP Days (!) in the past month, so things have been a bit busy.   Hence, a “best of” episode for the podcast this week. :-) This episode originally aired on October 2, 2023, and it’s as relevant as ever. In the age of more & more content (whether human- or AI-created), your personal brand matters more than ever. Potential clients and event organizers can easily find lots of experts in what you do. What you want them to realize is what sets you apart and why they should pick you. That’s where your personal brand and thought leadership come in. I know you want to have a positive impact on the world and you may feel like cultivating a personal brand is unnecessary or self-indulgent or you just don’t have time for it. But, here’s the thing: you have a personal brand, everyone does. It’s how other people would describe you;  not just your qualities like are you smart, kind, professional, but also what matters to you. Do people know what matters to you, the better world you imagine? In this episode, you’ll hear: How your business connects to your thought leadership How your personal brand connects to your thought leadership Example from my own personal brand and thought leadership Pushback I got early on when I started my business about a particular aspect of my personal brand Finding the consistency and commonality among all of the threads in your career What humans have over AI when it comes to storytelling This episode originally aired on October 2, 2023.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/408/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 259: Connecting Your Business and Your Thought Leadership Personal Brand podcast series, episodes 332-335

Tiffany Hawk, a book coach and published author, shares her inspiring journey from being a reluctant speaker to a charismatic one. She emphasizes the power of writing a book to enhance authority and the significance of crafting meaningful book ideas. Even introverted authors can build their speaking platforms through strategic engagement. Tiffany discusses how public speaking can elevate credibility and visibility, along with upcoming workshops designed for enhancing writing and speaking skills.