Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

Have you ever had one of those moments when all eyes are on you… and your brain suddenly decides to take a vacation? Whether it’s during a big presentation, a media interview, or an unexpected question in a meeting, how we communicate under pressure shapes how we’re seen as leaders.That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Jen Mueller, a veteran sports broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me. After more than 25 years on the sidelines of major games, Jen knows exactly what it takes to stay composed, confident, and clear when the heat is on.In this episode, Jen shares how to:Use high-stakes moments to highlight your preparedness and expertise instead of shying away from themPrepare for spontaneity (yes, that’s possible!)Assert your presence even if you’re naturally quieter or more introvertedPractice confidence and clarity through small, everyday interactionsRecover gracefully when things don’t go as planned (including her stories of post-game interviews and a few Gatorade showers!)I also share one of my own on-air “blank brain” moments from live TV and what I learned about giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.If you’ve ever wished you could think faster, speak clearer, or project confidence when it matters most, this episode will give you practical tools and real stories to help you become a true clutch communicator.Join us at our next Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando, Florida! In just one day, you’ll craft your signature talk and practice delivering it, so you leave ready to step on stage with confidence. Get the details at  https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/. About My Guest: Jen Mueller is a veteran sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks, and a longtime member of the Seattle Mariners' TV broadcast team. With over 25 years of experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, she’s mastered the art of building relationships and delivering impactful stories in fast-paced environments. As the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, Jen translates her locker room communication strategies into actionable insights for business professionals, helping them level up their conversations and leadership skills.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/450/ Jen’s website: http://www.talksportytome.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on social:Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJen on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/ Jen on Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/TalkSportyToMe Jen’s YouTube channel = https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMe Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 390: Why "Perfect" Speakers Don't Connect: Stop Memorizing & Build Confidence Speaking Off the CuffEpisode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage

Do you feel like your presentations are good, but maybe not yet great? The kind that gets people talking, taking action, and reaching out long after the event?That’s exactly what happened for my guest, Karen Cochran, founder of Philanthropy Innovators. Karen has led teams that have raised over $1 billion (yes, billion with a “B”!) - and after attending our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator Workshop and working with me on her presentation makeover, she delivered what attendees called “the most valuable session at the conference.”In this episode, you’ll hear how Karen transformed her talk by making small but powerful shifts in storytelling, structure, and connection—and how those changes led to remarkable results.We dig into:The difference between informing and transforming your audienceHow storytelling creates connection, especially in philanthropy and leadershipWhy suspense and foreshadowing keep audiences engaged (and how Karen used this brilliantly!)The key mindset shift from “writer” to “speaker” that helps your ideas land with clarityKaren also shares how storytelling in fundraising parallels effective public speaking. Both are about listening, connecting, and understanding what truly matters to your audience.If you’ve been feeling stuck in “the expert trap”—overloading your slides with information instead of making emotional connections—this episode will show you what happens when you let your stories and your personality shine.Listen in and imagine what could change for you with just a few strategic tweaks to your talk.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/449/ Karen’s website: https://www.philanthropyinnovators.com/Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Book a Presentation Makeover: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/presentation-makeover/ 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/carolcoxKaren Cochran = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-cochran/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 435: From Blank Page to On Stage: What It's Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One DayEpisode 436: Turn Your Stories Into Impactful Messages: Live Signature Talks from TLA GradsEpisode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking

Most of us have been told that if we want referrals, we should just ask for them. But, that approach can feel awkward.What if, instead of asking, you could design an experience that makes you naturally referable?That’s exactly what my guest, Stacey Brown Randall, teaches. Stacey is the author of her new book The Referable Client Experience, and she’s built a proven system to generate consistent referrals — without asking, without paying, and without gimmicky tactics.In this conversation, Stacey and I dig into:Why doing great work isn’t enough to generate referralsThe three stages of the client experience — new, active, and alumni — and what to do in each oneThe difference between “work” touch points and “relationship” touch points (and how both matter)How to stay top of mind with clients after your work together is doneWhat speakers can do to create a “referable” experience for event organizersI especially loved Stacey’s ideas for how we can nurture relationships in meaningful ways — like acknowledging that quiet voice of buyer’s remorse with empathy and care, or sending a “You survived it!” gift to an event organizer after a big conference.These kinds of thoughtful, human touches don’t just make you memorable — they make you referable.If you’ve ever wished more clients and speaking invitations came your way because people can’t stop talking about the experience you create, this episode is for you.Tune in and start designing your own referable client (or audience!) experience.About My Guest: Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, author of the forthcoming book, The Referable Client Experience (October 2025) and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast.Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally...without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.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/448/Get Stacey’s new book The Referable Client Experience: https://referableclientexperience.com/Stacey’s website: http://www.staceybrownrandall.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/ 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/carolcoxStacey Brown Randall (guest) = http://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 62: Tired of Asking? A Better Way to Get Referrals with Stacey Brown RandallEpisode 442: [Part 2] Booked Without Burnout: Speaking Invitations that Come to You

Are you the kind of speaker who loves to have everything prepared in advance? Perhaps you even have your entire presentation scripted out nearly word for word and you have detailed notes for every slide that you rely on?Well, I have a challenge for you: getting more comfortable with impromptu speaking.As a speaker and as a leader, both impromptu and prepared speaking skills are a must.Have you ever had one of these situations happen to you:You're in a meeting or group and asked to share something on the spot. You get really nervous and feel at a loss for words.You're at a networking event where you need to concisely share with other attendees who you are, what you do, and how you help people. After you introduce yourself, you realized you left out the most important parts or it all felt like a jumble.You're leading a meeting where you need to motivate your team, but you didn't have an opportunity to prepare your message ahead of time and feel like you weren't as clear or confident as you want to be.This is why developing your impromptu speaking skills is essential. I want more women - including you! - to feel comfortable and confident commanding a room and leading teams, organizations, and companies.In this episode, I share:Why impromptu speaking is hardWhy it matters to your development as a speaker and leaderSpecific things you can do to get better at impromptu speakingSome of my own impromptu speaking wins and fails!This episode originally aired as episode 390 on April 29, 2024.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/390/ 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public SpeakingEpisode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on StageEpisode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a SpeakerEpisode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker

Have you noticed how much harder it feels to stand out online lately? Between podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and the never-ending scroll of social content, it’s easy to feel like your voice is getting lost in the noise.That’s why I invited my friend and fellow connector, Julie Fry, founder of Your Expert Guest, to join me on the podcast. Julie helps women entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors get booked on podcasts—the right podcasts—to grow their visibility and credibility.In this episode, we dive into:How to turn podcast visibility into meaningful relationships (because visibility without connection won’t grow your business).Where AI helps—and where it hurts—your outreach. Julie and I share how we each use AI to start ideas but not replace our voice.How to write podcast pitches that actually get read (and why human connection always wins over AI-generated templates).How to move past perfectionism and imposter syndrome so you can confidently pitch yourself as a guest.Why podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building community, establishing authority, and amplifying your voice, especially for women.Julie and I also talk about the loneliness epidemic that many of us feel, and why showing up as our real, imperfect selves is the best way to stand out in an increasingly automated world.If you’ve been meaning to pitch yourself for podcast interviews—or to start one yourself—this episode will give you the motivation and mindset to take action.About My Guest: Julie Fry is the Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast visibility agency for women making an impact who want to be heard by their ideal client without spending HOURS on social media. She and her team book interviews for their clients on top ranking podcasts, helping them reach new audiences, build credibility, grow their referral networks and reach thousands of listeners. When she’s not working with her amazing team of guest and host matchmakers, she loves spending time with her family, cold plunging, kayaking, laughing hysterically at SNL sketches and of course, listening to podcasts.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/446/Julie’s website: https://yourexpertguest.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/ 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/carolcoxJulie Fry (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/fryjulie/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episodes 441-444: Booked Without Burnout SeriesEpisode 433: Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use CasesEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World

Here’s what you don’t want the audience to say after you deliver your keynote: “I learned a lot.”That’s you being stuck in the expert trap. As a keynote speaker, you’re there to provide an experience for the audience; to help them see something differently about themselves or their industry or their world; and to have them believe they can do it.In this episode, I’m sharing 3 must-haves that will take your keynote from “just another talk” to a truly transformative experience for your audience.You’ll hear behind-the-scenes from a keynote I recently gave called From Invisible to Influential: How I Found My Voice and Why Yours Matters More Than Ever.Here’s what you’ll learnWhy storytelling should always be at the core of your keynote (and the story I shared that had women coming up to me afterward saying how inspired they felt).How to use the “Rule of Three” to make your keynote easy to follow, memorable, and impactful.The importance of weaving in humor and audience participation - and how I planned both into my talk so they weren’t left to chance.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to design your keynote so it not only informs but truly transforms your audience.✨ Ready to create your own keynote that’s powerful, inspiring, and totally YOU? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com and schedule a call.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/445/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Schedule a consultation call: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience LaughEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in AweEpisode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public SpeakingEpisode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact

We’re wrapping up our Booked Without Burnout series, and this one might surprise you: should you ever pay to speak?I know - it sounds backward. After all, you want to get paid for your expertise, not the other way around.But there are times when paying for a speaking slot makes strategic sense, especially if it’s tied to a sponsorship or marketing opportunity that gets you in front of your ideal clients.This is Part 4 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements. In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself. In Part 2, we talked about inbound strategies: how to set yourself up so event organizers find you. In Part 3, we looked at getting paid to speak.In this episode, I share:How to evaluate whether paying to speak is worth it for your goalsThe key questions to ask before you invest in a speaking opportunityHow to turn a sponsorship into a visibility and revenue boostPlus, I’m including an episode from my Confident Speaker podcast, my fully AI-generated show. The script, voice, and show notes are all created by AI using a custom knowledge base built from 400+ episodes of Speaking Your Brand. You’ll hear “AI Carol” and see how closely it matches my style (it’s kind of wild!).If you’ve ever wondered how you can use AI to amplify your brand voice, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible.Listen in and find out when it might be smart to pay to speak - and how to use AI to grow your visibility without burning out.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/444/ Check out my companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/ Apply for my Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 443: [Part 3] Booked Without Burnout: Getting Paid to SpeakEpisode 442: [Part 2] Booked Without Burnout: Speaking Invitations that Come to YouEpisode 441: [Part 1] Booked Without Burnout: A Smarter Way to Land Speaking GigsEpisode 433: Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases

Visibility is valuable. But visibility plus revenue? That’s power.Speaking isn’t only about sharing what you know. It’s about owning your expertise, modeling equity, and showing what women leaders are worth on stage.So how do you go from free talks at local events… to $2,500, $5,000, even $10,000 keynotes and workshops?This is Part 3 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements. In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself. In Part 2, we talked about inbound strategies: how to set yourself up so event organizers find you. And now, it’s time to talk about getting paid to speak.Because here’s the shift: when you position yourself as a thought leader who delivers transformation, not just information, you move from being “a nice-to-have” speaker to an essential investment for event organizers.In this episode, you’ll learn:The signs that you’re ready to start charging for your talks.How to position your value in terms of audience transformation and ROI.What typical fee ranges look like across associations, conferences, and corporate.The exact question to ask organizers that opens up budget conversations.Getting paid to speak is absolutely possible - and once you start, you’ll open the door to bigger stages and bigger impact.Want help creating your signature talk, packaging your expertise, and building a strategy that leads to paid opportunities?Join our online Thought Leader Academy for step-by-step coaching and a proven process to elevate your message.Prefer in-person? Attend our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator in Orlando and walk away with your talk and action plan.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/443/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 442: [Part 2] Booked Without Burnout: Speaking Invitations that Come to YouEpisode 441: [Part 1] Booked Without Burnout: A Smarter Way to Land Speaking GigsEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in AweEpisode 373: From Free to Fee: How to Get an ROI from Speaking

Wouldn’t it be amazing if speaking invitations just landed in your inbox - and with a speaker fee attached?The truth is, they can. In fact, many of my own paid speaking gigs (and our clients’ too) have come through inbound strategies - because we’ve intentionally set ourselves up so event organizers find us.This is Part 2 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements.In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself.In today’s episode, I’m diving into inbound strategies: how to position yourself so speaking invitations come directly to you.In this episode, you’ll learn:What your speaker page and LinkedIn profile must include so event organizers instantly see your credibility.Why being active in your local community and industry leads to referrals and repeat invitations.How delivering an amazing talk becomes your best marketing tool for stage-side referrals.Real client examples who turned one talk into many opportunities.With the right inbound strategies, you’ll build familiarity, trust, and visibility, so event organizers think of you first when they need a great speaker.Want help creating your signature talk and positioning yourself to get booked?Join our online Thought Leader Academy for step-by-step coaching and a proven process to elevate your message.Prefer in-person? Attend our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator in Orlando and walk away with your talk and action plan.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/442/ Check out my speaker page = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/carol-cox-ai/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 441: [Part 1] Booked Without Burnout: A Smarter Way to Land Speaking GigsEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in AweEpisode 401: Strategies for Getting Momentum on the Speaking CircuitEpisode 245: How to Get Selected as a Speaker by Event Organizers

Hey there, it's Carol, popping in for a minute! I want to make sure you know about our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator Workshop coming up in Downtown Orlando, Florida.You’ll go from having a rough idea to building your talk using our proven 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.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.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 printed 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, podcast 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 out of the expert trap, from information to transformation, join us at the Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando.Spots are limited to 15 attendees, so go to speakingyourbrand.com/orlando to find the date of our next workshop and register today. I’d love to have you there!

You know speaking is one of the best ways to grow your business and your visibility.But between running your business, serving your clients, and managing everything else on your plate, finding time to pitch yourself for speaking engagements feels impossible.If you’ve ever thought:“I know I should be speaking, but I’m too busy to figure out where to start.”“Pitching myself feels overwhelming. I don’t even know what to say.”“It seems easier to just keep posting on social media, even though it’s not moving the needle.”This new 4-part series on how you can land more speaking engagements is exactly what you need.Today’s focus is on outbound activities = the steps you can take to actively pitch yourself without burning out. The next episode is on what I call inbound activities: setting yourself up so that speaking engagements come to you. Then, we'll wrap up the series with an episode on how to get paid to speak.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why scheduling a weekly Pitch Power Hour will help you stay consistent (and how to structure it).How to research speaking opportunities efficiently using tools like Google Alerts and AI.The importance of showing up in your local community and building relationships that lead to invitations.How to align pitching with your existing visibility efforts so it feels natural, not forced.The mindset shift that makes pitching less intimidating: event organizers need great speakers like you.By the end of this episode, you’ll have three specific strategies to make pitching a sustainable and even enjoyable part of your routine. And most importantly, you’ll see how consistent, strategic outreach leads to more of the right opportunities on the right stages.✨ Work with us: Want to create your signature talk, build your speaking strategy, and get booked without burnout?Join our online Thought Leader Academy for step-by-step coaching and a proven process to elevate your message.Prefer in-person? Attend our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator in Orlando and walk away with your talk and action plan.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/441/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 401: Strategies for Getting Momentum on the Speaking CircuitEpisode 245: How to Get Selected as a Speaker by Event Organizers

One of the biggest benefits of creating your signature talk and framework is that you don’t just use it once; you can repurpose it over and over again.In this episode, I talk with Thought Leader Academy graduate Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez, who shares how she’s taken the signature talk and framework she developed with us and adapted it for different audiences, topics, and speaking engagements.Eloisa has spoken on everything from sustainability to operational excellence to partnerships, but at the core of each talk is her Optima Framework. By simply giving it a new lens depending on the audience, she’s able to stay consistent in her message while making it relevant to each event.You’ll hear us discuss:Why repurposing your framework saves you time and energy while reinforcing your thought leadership.How Eloisa tailored her talks to different audiences, including business leaders, engineers, and bilingual groups, without reinventing the wheel each time.The importance of preparation and asking smart questions, which helped Eloisa get referred to new speaking opportunities even before event organizers saw her present.What it looks like to niche down your message so your audience clearly understands who you serve and the value you provide.If you’ve ever felt like you need a brand-new talk for every opportunity, this conversation will show you how to work smarter, not harder - repurposing your signature talk and framework so your audiences remember you and your unique thought leadership.And if you’d like to create your own signature talk and framework that you can repurpose again and again, join us in the Thought Leader Academy. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/440/ Eloisa’s website: https://www.walkingtree.green/ 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/carolcoxEloisa Marquez-Gonzalez (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloisamg/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 394: Getting Buy-In from Your Audience on Your Message: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy GradsEpisode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for YouEpisode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact  

How do you go from giving short, tip-focused talks to inspiring audiences with a full keynote? That’s exactly the journey our guest has taken and it’s one so many of us can learn from.Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz talks with Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur, a senior project engineer who has spent over 20 years in the theme park industry, including at Disney.Elaine thought of herself as “the tip girl” - packing her presentations with lots of helpful advice. But when she was invited to give her first keynote, she realized she needed a new approach.With the help of a VIP Day and our in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop, Elaine discovered how to weave stories into her talks, connect emotionally with her audience, and step into her authentic speaking style.The result? Not only did she deliver a powerful keynote to a room of young women engineers, she also caught the “speaking bug” and has continued landing and delivering talks that inspire.What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Elaine’s transition from sharing only tips to becoming an inspiring keynote speakerHow storytelling makes even technical topics more engaging and memorableThe role of authenticity in building confidence and audience connectionWhat Elaine gained from practicing in community and receiving real-time feedbackHow she continues to grow her visibility and speaking career through LinkedIn and pitching opportunities Elaine’s story is proof that you don’t have to change who you are to be a great speaker - you just need to unlock the authentic voice that’s already within you.  Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/439/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Attend our next 1-day Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/  Create your signature talk with us: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/coaching/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur = https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaineschomburglafleur/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 435: From Blank Page to On Stage: What It's Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One Day 

Whether you've had one day that changed your life forever - or a series of events that shifted your understanding of yourself and the world - or a culmination of hard-won lessons from work and life, you have a story worth sharing.This is something I emphasize often, because so many women tell me, “I don’t really have a story. Nothing big has happened to me.”What matters isn’t the size of your story, but how you tell it and what lessons you offer your audience.In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I talk with Karen Keene, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, whose life was forever altered after surviving a violent home invasion. Karen’s journey of healing - through 26 surgeries, unimaginable loss, and the courage to rebuild - has become the foundation for a keynote talk that inspires audiences to face adversity with resilience and purpose.But this conversation isn’t only about Karen’s story. It’s about:Why your story can be just as powerful, even if you haven’t faced extreme traumaHow to uncover the universal lessons in your story that speak to anyone in your audienceThe importance of moving from “sharing what happened” to “showing what’s possible”Karen’s M.A.P. framework and how it turns inspiration into actionThe transformation that happens for you when you tell your story with intention If you’ve ever wondered whether your story is “enough” to share or how to use it to truly serve your audience, this episode will give you both the confidence and the tools to do it.This conversation originally aired as episode 337 on July 10, 2023.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/story-transformation/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/carolcoxKaren Keene = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-keene-profile2023/  Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 297: Integrating Your Story Into Your Talks with Carol Cox, Diane Diaz, and Joy SpencerEpisode 263: Finding the Emotional Heart of Your Message with Carol CoxEpisode 230: Use Your Story for an Inspirational Talk with Tanea SmithEpisode 137: The Missing Ingredients in Your Stories with Carol Cox

Ever wish you could walk on stage and instantly connect with your audience, whether it’s a room of five people or a stadium of 50,000?In this episode, Diane Diaz and I are trying something new: a reaction video to a famous speech. And who better to kick things off than Taylor Swift’s 2022 NYU Commencement Address?You might think being a global superstar makes Taylor impossible to relate to. But what she does in this speech is exactly what you can do in your own presentations to make your audience lean in, laugh, and feel like you’re speaking directly to them.We break down three powerful speaking tips for relatability that you can start using right away:Self-deprecating humor to lower the pedestal and create connection.Knowing your audience: their stage in life, challenges, and what they want next.Bridging personal stories to universal themes so your message resonates far beyond the details of your own experience. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or speaking on a panel, these strategies will help you connect, engage, and inspire, no guitar required (unless you have one, then bring it!).Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/438/ Watch our video conversation: https://youtu.be/-Mm2_urTF40Taylor Swift Commencement Address at NYU in 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBG50aoUwlITaylor on Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast in August 2025: https://youtu.be/M2lX9XESvDE?si=r_GL2a_iNf2F_iuJ 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/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience LaughEpisode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade