Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

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.

The Democratic National Convention is being held in Chicago this week and many Americans will be re-introduced to V.P. Kamala Harris when she delivers her speech on Thursday night. I have a background in local Democratic politics and have always been a strong supporter of women running for office. Earlier this summer, we held in-person workshops for women who are running in the Central Florida area where we helped them with their public speaking and storytelling. It was a lot of fun and it showed me once again how powerful someone’s personal story is! In this episode, I’m joined by two of those women, Jennifer Adams, who’s running for U.S. Congress in Florida’s District 7, and Sarah Henry, who’s running for Florida State House in District 38. We talk about: Why they decided to run for office and the importance of asking women to run What it's like being a female candidate and having a public voice and presence Their stump speeches and how they tailor them based on the audience The surge of support and enthusiasm for V.P. Kamala Harris’s campaign for President and what that tells us about the importance of authenticity The lessons they’ve learned about being themselves vs. trying to be someone they thought they should be What they learned about storytelling, taking up space, and messaging from the workshops we did with then The importance of donating to women candidates (find local women that you can donate to!)     Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/406/  Jennifer Adams for U.S. Congress: https://www.jenniferadamsforcongress.com/ Sarah Henry for Florida State House: https://sarahforfl.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Attend our 1-day Speaking for Impact in-person workshop in Orlando: 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 Jennifer Adams (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadams111-/ Sarah Henry (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/slouisehenry/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade Episode 390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World Episode 191: Women in Politics and the Public Sphere with Rep. Anna K. Eskamani

If you're a high-performing woman who works in corporate and you’ve struggled to use your voice in an impactful way, this conversation is for you! Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz sits down with Laura Camacho, PhD, an executive communications strategist and host of the Speak Up podcast. Diane and Laura dive into the realities of climbing the corporate ladder and the common pitfalls that hold many back, particularly women.  Drawing from personal experiences and years of coaching, Laura shares actionable insights on overcoming self-sabotage, enhancing visibility, and effectively using your voice in the workplace.  Whether you're an introvert, ambivert, or simply looking to refine your communication skills, you'll find valuable strategies to help you advance your career. Diane and Laura talk about: The importance of self-promotion and how to do it without sounding arrogant Why acknowledging and leveraging your unique background and experiences can set you apart Practical tips for speaking up in meetings and ensuring your contributions are noticed The role of a coach in navigating mid-career challenges and achieving your goals How to build relationships and add value in every interaction     Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/405/  Laura’s website: https://www.speakupwithlaura.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 Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Laura Camacho = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramcamacho/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence