Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

This is going to be a fun episode and hopefully get you thinking differently about the presentations and talks you give, whether you’re speaking to audiences of 20, 50, 100, 500, or more. What does it mean to "break the fourth wall" and should you do that as a speaker? The fourth wall is the imaginary wall at the front of the stage that separates the fictional world (the performance) from real life (the audience). When you attend a play or a movie, you're an outsider watching the characters live their lives; they don't know you exist. However, I've noticed more and more that live performances and even movies are breaking the fourth wall. What does this have to do with you as a speaker? That’s what we’re going to talk about, including specific things you can do to break the fourth wall with your audience to be a more impactful and memorable speaker.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/404/  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 for Impact in-person workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 393: The Kind of Speakers that Get the Best Feedback and Referrals Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies Episode 249: The Relationship Between Speaking and Performance

I’m thrilled to be joined by Maria Flynn, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy and now the founder and CEO of Ambiologix, a consulting and training company that helps entrepreneurs advance their innovation, grow their potential, and build their businesses. Maria’s journey from the CEO of Orbis Biosciences, which had a successful acquisition, to becoming an Amazon bestselling author and keynote speaker, is nothing short of inspiring.  We delve into her innovative framework on maximizing T.I.M.E. to make opportunities happen and the delicate balance between patience and urgency.  Maria shares her practical tips on attracting speaking engagements, including paid ones, and the strategies that helped her launch her book successfully. Key Takeaways: Maximizing Time: Learn about Maria’s framework on balancing urgency and patience, and how these concepts apply to entrepreneurial success. Visual Storytelling: Discover the engaging visuals Maria uses in her presentations to illustrate the spectrum of urgency and patience. Book to Keynote: Understand how Maria transformed the rich content of her book into impactful keynotes and workshops by working with us in the Thought Leader Academy. Speaking Engagements: Get insights into Maria’s approach to securing both free and paid speaking engagements and leveraging them for further opportunities. Writing Journey: Maria’s discussion about her book writing and launch process, including the importance of community and support.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/403/  Maria’s website: https://makeopportunityhappen.com/  Get a free copy of Maria’s book “Make Opportunity Happen”: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ez9n4ludh6 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 Maria Flynn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasflynn/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 383: Using Their Voices: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads [Part 2] Episode 363: From Burned Out to Lit Up: How Cara Houser Turned Her Signature Talk into a Best-Selling Book

Feeling stuck with your ideas? You're not alone! Many struggle with self-doubt and analysis paralysis, which can blur their clarity. Learn why a clear throughline is essential, like a palm tree instead of an oak. Discover practical strategies to simplify your thoughts and engage your audience. Embrace vulnerability, as it can lead to transformative growth in your speaking journey. This discussion offers valuable insights into overcoming overwhelm and finding your unique message.

Cindy Rowe, a professional speaker and kindness ambassador, shares her inspiring journey in public speaking. She reveals her transition from marketing to a focus on kindness and offers practical strategies for securing speaking gigs. Cindy discusses leveraging tools like Google Alerts and LinkedIn to find opportunities while emphasizing the importance of networking with fellow speakers. She also highlights tailoring her signature talk to resonate with diverse audiences and the significant role the Thought Leader Academy played in her success.

Are you an introvert? If so, do you wonder if you are at a disadvantage as a speaker? There’s a common misperception that most speakers are extroverts. But, from my admittedly very unscientific survey, many speakers I know are introverts. We think that as introverts we won’t be as engaging or charismatic or energetic. Perhaps we’ve seen speakers we admire and we assume they’re extroverts. I’m an introvert and I grew up quite shy, yet I found that public speaking was a great way for me to connect with other people. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about: Why we became public speakers even though we’re introverts and we were shy as kids What being an introvert teaches you The strengths you have as an introvert as a speaker Why speaking feels like a better fit than social media for many introverts Our tips for attending and speaking at conferences as an introvert We’re wrapping up the podcast series we’ve been around executive speaking. This is the 400th episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast! Thank you so much for being a listener.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/400/  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 for Impact in-person workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation Episode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage Episode 208: Being an Introvert and a Speaker with Katherine N. Johnson

We’re continuing our new podcast series on Executive Speaking! This episode is full of inspiration and practical insights if you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, embrace transformation, and make meaningful connections.  Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of showing up. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, her wisdom will resonate and empower you to take bold steps towards your own greatness. Dr. Crumpton-Young is an award-winning engineer, academic leader, and transformational coach. From her impressive journey as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in engineering at Texas A&M University to her pivotal role as a university president, Lesia shares her profound insights on leadership, transformation, and the power of showing up. Tune in to discover: The power of showing up, exemplified by how I met Lesia (you’ll love this story) The essential qualities of a transformational leader and how to cultivate them The significance of authentic and transparent communication in fostering strong relationships and driving change, including the one thing leaders and speakers must do Practical tips on overcoming challenges and making impactful decisions The exciting launch of a fashion line dedicated to empowering women and inspiring greatness   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/399/  Lesia’s website: http://www.greatnessgurus.com/  Lesia’s podcast “Heart to Heart: Transformation Conversations with Dr. C-Y”: https://www.wecareradio.net/  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 Lesia Crumpton-Young, PhD (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesia-l-crumpton-young-ph-d-mba-8a4a04b/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence Episode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage" Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap

We’re continuing our new podcast series around Executive Speaking! Today we’re diving into storytelling for leaders, especially in a business, corporate, or academic environment. We’ve been led to believe that stories aren’t appropriate in “professional” business or academic environments. But, that’s when stories can be the most impactful! This episode is truly value-packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership and executive presence through the art of storytelling, as I’m joined by Diane Diaz and Joy Spencer, two of our speaking coaches. Whether you're preparing for a corporate presentation, a keynote, or a TEDx talk, this episode provides the tools you need to captivate your audience and drive action. We talk about: Why storytelling is not just an add-on but a core component of effective leadership communication How leaders can build trust and credibility by being vulnerable and authentic in their storytelling Using structured frameworks like Public Narrative and Challenge-Choice-Outcome to craft inspiring and persuasive stories Applying our I.D.E.A.L. storytelling ingredients to bring your stories to life Tips for turning personal experiences into compelling metaphors Lots of examples of using stories in business, academic, and political contexts   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/398/  Joy’s podcast “Reframe to Create”: https://reframetocreate.com/  Public Narrative: https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/30760283/Public-Narrative-Worksheet-Fall-2013-.pdf  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/  Check out our trainings for companies and organizations: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/trainings/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz Joy Spencer = https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD Episode 297: Integrating Your Story Into Your Talks Episode 194: How to Structure a Movement-Making Speech Using Your Story with Joy Spencer

Have you ever been captivated by a speaker who seems to effortlessly command the room, inspiring everyone with their words and presence?  That’s the magic of executive presence combined with powerful public speaking. Whether you're leading a team or an organization or a workshop, whether you're presenting to 20, 200, or 2000 people, your ability to communicate your ideas clearly, get buy-in from your audience, and deliver with energy and confidence can make all the difference. But here's the thing: Executive presence doesn't simply materialize overnight. Nor is it the exclusive domain of the naturally charismatic. It's an art that can be cultivated, and one of the most powerful tools for doing so is honing your presentation and storytelling skills. In this new podcast series on executive speaking, we'll explore how you can elevate your executive presence through impactful communication. This series is perfect if you work at a company and are looking to enhance your leadership skills. If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll also get a lot out of this series by learning how to effectively convey your vision and inspire your team and your audiences. We know that we want to see more women in positions of influence on boards, on leadership teams, in politics, and in business. Executive presence matters.   Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/397/  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/  Check out our trainings for companies and organizations: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/trainings/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 394: Getting Buy-In from Your Audience on Your Message: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads Episode 395: The Power of Storytelling: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads Episode 390: Impromptu Speaking: How to Prepare and Feel Confident in Any Situation Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking

Cherlette McCullough shares how refining her signature talk 'From Selfie to Self-Reflection' led to lucrative speaking opportunities. She discusses audience engagement tips, leveraging media for visibility, and the transformative impact of working with a speaking coach. Learn how a single talk landed multiple paid gigs and why thinking outside the box is crucial for speaker success.

Sharing personal stories are essential for memorable and impactful presentations.  How specific should your stories be? How do you connect your story to your overall message and framework? This is exactly what we work on with our Thought Leader Academy clients in their VIP Day to create their signature talk. You’ll hear two of our recent grads, Cindy Ojczyk and Amy Bear, 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, led by our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz, 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 May 29, 2024. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5SWwL8V8Eo.   Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/395/  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/ Cindy Ojczyk = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyojczyk/ Amy Bear = https://www.linkedin.com/in/abearcounselor/