Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

As a speaker, writing a book gives you additional authority and credibility. Event organizers love speakers who have books because it shows that the speaker understands their material. But, how do you know what's a good idea for an entire book? On the flip side, if you're an author and public speaking isn't something you're jumping up and down to do, how can you build your platform to include speaking, even if you're an introvert? My guest is my book coach Tiffany Hawk, who is a published author and who runs the Breakthrough Book Proposal Program. Tiffany and I talk about: Her journey from reluctant to charismatic speaker as a result of attending our in-person retreat What makes a good idea for a book Why you shouldn’t write the book that you can write in your sleep How authors can build their platform, particularly around speaking, even if you’re an introvert (like us!) How speakers can build authority for their book proposal to attract agents and publishers A sneak peek of the online workshop this fall and an in-person retreat in the spring that Tiffany and I will be hosting together About My Guest: Tiffany Hawk is an author and book coach who helps leaders write agent-ready books and book proposals. Her clients have landed literary agents, traditionally published with big New York Presses and small literary presses, self published, won awards, and seen their stories in places like Harper’s, the Los Angeles Times, Narratively, McSweeney’s, and The Atlantic. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/407/ Tiffany’s website: https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/ Get Tiffany’s free resource “How good is your book idea?” = https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/idea/ 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 on October 10th: 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 Tiffany Hawk (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyhawk/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk Episode 363: From Burned Out to Lit Up: How Cara Houser Turned Her Signature Talk into a Best-Selling Book Episode 400: Why Introverts Make Great Speakers and Leaders

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

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

If your ideas feel a bit - or a lot - messy and muddy, you’re far from alone. This is the #1 challenge I hear from women we work with. We're too close to our own ideas so we're not sure what our audiences will be interested in. We feel self-doubt or resistance that causes analysis paralysis. We try to put too much information into our talks (hello, expert trap!). This is why we are your idea whisperers. In this episode, I share: Why it’s hard to get clarity on our own ideas Why you need a clear throughline that’s a palm tree and not an oak tree The biggest reason why all of your ideas feel overwhelming Specific things you can do to get clarity The purpose of resistance and vulnerability in your idea formation Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/402/ 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 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out

If you want to get more speaking engagements, this episode is packed with specific strategies you can use, no matter where you’re at in your speaking journey. Our guest is Cindy Rowe, a professional speaker, owner of a marketing company, and a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy. Cindy has been on fire with her speaking for the past two years, so we invited her back on the podcast to share how she’s been getting momentum on the speaking circuit. Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz and Cindy talk about: How Cindy transitioned from speaking on marketing to becoming a sought-after speaker on kindness Specific strategies Cindy uses to secure a steady stream of speaking engagements The power of Google Alerts and LinkedIn for uncovering speaking opportunities The importance of connecting with other speakers to expand your network and find speaking gigs Tailoring one signature talk to fit different audiences and event themes How Cindy leverages her speaking engagements to book more gigs, including some already lined up into 2025! The crucial role the Thought Leader Academy played in shaping her signature talk If you're ready to build your momentum on the speaking circuit, apply for our Thought Leader Academy at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy. We’re here to help you craft your thought leadership message and signature talk, create a visibility plan, and set you on the path to becoming a sought-after speaker. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/401/ Cindy’s website: https://thecindyrowe.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/ Cindy Rowe (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyrowe-publicspeaker/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 284: Connecting Your Ideas into One Message with Cindy Rowe Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities with Cherlette McCullough Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan

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

Are you ready to elevate your speaking game and attract lucrative speaking engagements? Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach, sits down with one of our clients, Cherlette McCullough, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to delve into the keys to crafting a compelling signature talk that not only resonates with audiences but also leads to paid speaking opportunities. Key Highlights: Cherlette’s Journey: Discover how Cherlette transitioned from community speaking to landing high-paying gigs by refining her presentations and focusing on impactful delivery. Signature Talk Breakdown: Learn the components of Cherlette’s successful signature talk, “From Selfie to Self-Reflection,” and how her engaging approach and relatable content captivated her audience. Audience Engagement Tips: Get inspired by Cherlette’s innovative strategies to involve the audience, making her talks memorable and actionable. Visibility and Media Appearances: Understand the importance of visibility in the speaking world and how Cherlette leveraged media opportunities to expand her reach. Coaching and Growth: Hear firsthand how working with a speaking coach can transform your presentations and boost your confidence, leading to more significant opportunities. You’ll learn: How a single talk led to multiple paid engagements for Cherlette The unique activity Cherlette used to captivate her audience and make her leadership talk unforgettable Why it’s essential to think outside the box when choosing your speaking topics and audiences How Cherlette’s consistent visibility and media presence has contributed to her speaking success We know you’ll be inspired to get out there on the speaking circuit! Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/396/ Cherlette’s website: https://www.cherlettemccullough.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work with us 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/ Cherlette McCullough (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherlette-mccullough-22ab0b18/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 373: From Free to Fee: How to Get an ROI from Speaking Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan

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/

The essence of persuasive communication is about getting your audience on board with your ideas. But, it's not about throwing out facts or making logical points; it requires connecting with your audience on an emotional level, understanding their needs and concerns, and addressing them effectively. By sharing personal stories, using relatable examples, and demonstrating genuine passion and authenticity, you create a sense of trust and rapport. This is exactly what our Thought Leader Academy grads do in their signature talks! You’ll hear two of our recent grads, Angela Crawford and Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez, 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. Angela Crawford is a vegan transformation coach and educator. Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez is the founder of Walking Tree, which works with companies on sustainability and green tech. This audio is from a live broadcast we did on May 22, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/UPUMGsAjRV8. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/394/ Angela’s website: https://angelacrawfordphd.com/ 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/carolcox Angela Crawford (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacrawfordphd/ Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloisamg/

We’re finishing up our new podcast series called Speak with Confidence. When you speak at conferences and events, you want to do a great job, get great feedback from the audience, and get referrals and invitations to other speaking gigs. This is how I’ve gotten so many speaking invitations over the years - event organizers are oftentimes in the audience at events and they refer speakers to each other. What kind of speaker gets the best feedback and referrals? You may think it’s the most energetic speaker or the funniest speaker or the speaker with the best story or the speaker with the best slides. But, that’s not necessarily the case. In this episode, I share examples of speakers I’ve seen, what I’ve noticed about them, and the qualities they have in common. I want you to be the best version of YOU as a speaker. That’s what’s going to set you apart. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/393/ 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 Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie Anderson Episode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen Episode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a Speaker

My goal with this current podcast series called “Speak with Confidence” is to boost your confidence by getting you to think differently about speaking, whether it’s getting comfortable with impromptu speaking (episode 390) or claiming your identity as a speaker (episode 391). I know you want to be an impactful speaker, to share your important message with your audiences, and attract clients for your business. We *think* that teaching and training is what our audiences want. This is what I thought too. But, I believe that there are trends going on around us that are changing this. We’re all swimming in information; and now with AI, we have comprehensive answers in just a few seconds. This is why I no longer advocate “Teaching from the stage”. I’m going to share in this episode what I recommend instead. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/392/ 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 Article mentioned about Deborah Tannen and communication: https://www.vox.com/a/hillary-clinton-interview/the-gap-listener-leadership-quality Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking Episode 362: [Case Study] Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca, PhD Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD

There have been so many times I’ve heard clients tell me, “I’m not a speaker.” Yet they’ve delivered keynotes and been paid thousands of dollars to do so. They’re invited to speak at conferences. They’ve taught classes and workshops for years. They give presentations at work. What’s going on? Why do they resist calling themselves a speaker? Why do we hesitate to claim the identity as a speaker and thought leader? I’m struggling with this right now, except it’s not about claiming my identity as a speaker, but as a book writer. There are a few things going on, which I talk about in this episode, along with what you can do to feel more comfortable claiming this identity for yourself and the reasons to do so. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/391/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Book mentioned “Atomic Habits”: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 371: What to Include in Your Speaker Video Reel and Speaker Page Episode 285: 4 Speaker Archetypes: Learn Your Natural Style and Amplify It Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk

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 hard Why it matters to your development as a speaker and leader Specific things you can do to get better at impromptu speaking Some of my own impromptu speaking wins and fails! Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/390/ 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 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking Episode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage Episode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a Speaker Episode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker

We're continuing the series we've been doing this month all around inspiring you to use your voice, no matter what your topic or your industry. If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that I've been really excited about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT and all of the ways AI can help us both personally and professionally. For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Denise Musselwhite, a technology maven with a rich background in IT and a heart set on women's empowerment in tech. Here's why you absolutely can't miss this episode: Discover Denise's Unique Journey: From growing up in her father's repair shop to becoming one of the few Latina CIOs, Denise shares her inspiring journey into the tech world, highlighting the blend of nature, nurture, and curiosity that fueled her career. AI as a Force for Good: We delve deep into the realm of Artificial Intelligence, exploring its potential as a collaborative partner in our professional lives. Denise opens up about her personal projects, including the "Kindness Beacon," and how AI can be harnessed to empower women and underrepresented professionals in technology. Leadership and the Leap into Entrepreneurship: Denise talks about her transition from a high-powered tech role to founding Tech and Thrive, sharing insights on the challenges and joys of nurturing leadership within the tech industry, especially for women. The Ethical and Inclusive Future of AI: We tackle the critical discussions surrounding AI, from ethical considerations to ensuring women's voices are integral in shaping the future of technology. Mentorship, Inclusion, and Empowerment: Denise emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the role of women in technology organizations, and how she's working to create more inclusive spaces in the tech world. Denise's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the crucial role of women in shaping the future of tech. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and empowerment, and get inspired to harness AI in your professional journey. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/389/ Denise’s website: http://techandthrive.me/ AI Resources: https://techthrive.me/techai The Kindness Beacon GPT (requires a paid subscription to ChatGPT4): techthrive.me/kindness 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 Denise Musselwhite (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 375: How to Use AI to Amplify Your Superpowers and Prepare You to Show Up Anywhere with Stacey Hines Episode 313: How to Thrive in the Age of A.I.

Many conferences get hundreds of speaker submissions. How can you make yours stand out so it gets selected? Then, once you do get selected, how do you make sure you deliver an engaging presentation at the conference? That’s what I talk about with my guest Cathy McPhillips, who is Chief Growth Officer at the Marketing AI Institute. Along with the virtual events they host year-round, they also host an in-person conference called MAICON, which I spoke at in 2023. I invited Cathy on the show to share with us: Her background and what brought her to the Marketing AI Institute How Cathy and the team select speakers for MAICON and their other events What they look for in speaker submissions What makes a great speaker at their events (based on audience feedback) Tips she has for the listeners who want to speak at conferences >What they’re doing at the Marketing AI Institute and you can get involved About My Guest: Cathy McPhillips is Chief Growth Officer at the Marketing AI Institute, overseeing marketing, growth, and customer experience, including MAICON and AI Academy for Marketers. Previously, Cathy led marketing at Content Marketing Institute and Content Marketing World, managed community growth for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, and owned her own strategic digital marketing business. She started her career at two Cleveland advertising agencies. Cathy was an Ohio University Jerry L. Sloan Visiting Professional in Public Relations, is a Folio: Top Women in Media, and a MarTechExec Woman You Need to Know in Martech. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/388/ Marketing AI Institute: www.marketingaiinstitute.com The Artificial Intelligence Show podcast: https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/podcast-showcase Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Cathy McPhillips (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathymcphillips Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 245: How to Get Selected as a Speaker by Event Organizers with Sarah Soliman Episode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference Presentation

I talk quite a bit on this podcast about "the expert trap" and how so many of us get stuck teaching and training and don't step into thought leadership. This applies not only to those of us who are entrepreneurs, but of course to all the academics out there as well (hand raised!). This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about making a difference through their work, particularly in academia or any field where expertise is a given, but thought leadership can make an even bigger impact. My guest is Laura McGuire, EdD, a social scientist, educator, and entrepreneur whose journey and work exemplify transformative thought leadership. Laura's story is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for all of us to think bigger and challenge the status quo in our respective fields. Laura and I talk about: The Expert Trap vs. Thought Leadership: Learn how professionals in academia, science, and other fields can transcend the confines of being labeled merely as experts to embrace the mantle of thought leadership, encouraging broader thinking and solutions to societal challenges. Laura's Inspirational Journey: From surviving domestic violence and navigating the challenges of early motherhood as a high school dropout to achieving a doctorate in education and becoming a beacon of change in the fields of educational leadership, sexual health education, misconduct prevention, and trauma-informed care. Addressing Systemic Issues: An in-depth look at how Laura's work is influencing industries and creating safer, more inclusive environments through training in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and survivor support strategies. Overcoming Challenges: Laura shares their experiences of working in a climate of increasing legislative restrictions in Florida, reflecting on the implications for educators, advocates, and the communities they serve. The Power of Personal Storytelling: Discover the potency of integrating personal narratives into academic and professional discourse to connect more deeply with audiences and drive home the importance of the work being done. Breaking Free from the Expert Trap: Laura and I discuss practical strategies for academics and professionals to step into roles of thought leadership, including leveraging social media, understanding market rates for speaking engagements, and fostering a mindset geared towards impactful change. About My Guest: Dr. Laura McGuire (they/them or she/her) is an internationally recognized consultant, survivor, researcher, seminarian, and author of the book Creating Cultures of Consent (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021) and The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook: Consent and Conduct for Higher Education Campuses (Fielding University Press, 2022). They were named as one of the 2022 Champions of Pride by The Advocate magazine and are regularly featured in media outlets for their expertise and approachability. Dr. McGuire is a certified full-spectrum doula, professional teacher, certified sexual health educator, and vinyasa yoga instructor. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/387/ Laura’s website: https://drlauramcguire.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. Laura McGuire (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-laura-mcguire-276b87100/

A couple of months ago, I attended an event to honor non-profits. What was really cool was that each non-profit had 2-½ minutes to share their story. When my guest Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, shared her story, I was instantly inspired and I knew I had to have her on the podcast. Our conversation is a testament to the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and community in fostering personal and collective growth. Theresa's work with Central Florida Vocal Arts is not just about singing; it's about creating a space where young people can grow into their authentic selves and learn to navigate the world with empathy and confidence. Whether you're an artist, a public speaker, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, Theresa's insights offer valuable lessons on the transformative power of using your voice. Join us for this inspiring conversation and discover how you, too, can impact the world through the arts, performance, speaking, and beyond. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss: Theresa shares her personal journey from finding solace and expression in singing and the arts during her childhood, to pursuing music education and vocal performance, and ultimately founding a nonprofit organization to fill a gap in the performing arts community in Central Florida. Discover the profound impact of the arts on young people, as Theresa explains how singing and performance can serve as powerful tools for emotional processing, developing empathy, and building confidence. Theresa and I delve into the importance of vulnerability, both in the arts and in life, sharing stories of transformation and the courage to use one's voice for advocacy and change. We explore the similarities between performing arts and public speaking, including overcoming fears, the importance of being present, and engaging with your audience to create a meaningful exchange. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/386/ Central Florida Vocal Arts: https://www.centralfloridavocalarts.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 Theresa Smith-Levin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-smith-levin-7868a725/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

You know how powerful storytelling is in your presentations and talks. How can you go about integrating your stories in a way that truly connects you to your audiences? There is no *one way* to integrate stories into your talks. Your story can be central to your talk or it can be a supporting element. You can play with the timeline of the story - start in the middle and then come back to the beginning later or start at the end. In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz hosts three of our clients who were at our recent 3-day in-person speaking retreat, Darci Foshay, Dani Einsohn, and Teri Reuter, for a roundtable discussion on what they learned and insights they have for you as speakers. They talk about: Why they decided to attend our in-person retreat How they use storytelling in their talks Using the stage and body movement as part of active storytelling What it was like to practice with us and then get filmed This audio is from a live broadcast we did on March 25, 2024. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_dRghtWuEE. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/385/ 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/ Darci Foshay = https://www.linkedin.com/in/darci-foshay-b902803b/ Dani Einsohn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-einsohn-cpc-eli-mp-7254a24/ Teri Reuter = https://www.linkedin.com/in/terireuter/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 379: How to Develop Stage Presence and Build Confidence as a Speaker [Roundtable] Episode 311: 10x Your Speaking Skills

If you’ve ever felt like your topic or message may be overwhelming to your audience or the issue you want to address is a really big one and you’re not sure how your audience is going to relate to it or know how to take action, you’re going to appreciate this conversation. My guest is Dr. Neha Pathak, a physician and lead medical editor at WebMD, who graduated from our Thought Leader Academy last fall. Neha and I talk about: Her roles as a primary care physician, lead medical editor at WebMD, and host of WebMD’s podcast How she came to her signature talk topic and thought leadership message The different ways that thought leadership develops The benefits of giving your audience an acronym (framework) The power of storytelling for any topic and any audience and how learning this has influenced Neha’s writing Claiming the identity as a thought leader and what that means Her speaking experiences and insights (especially for those of you who may be procrastinators!) About My Guest: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM, is lead medical editor at WebMD and is board certified in both internal medicine and lifestyle medicine. She's on the medical team responsible for ensuring the accuracy of health information on WebMD and reports on topics related to lifestyle and environmental impacts on health. Pathak is a graduate of Harvard University and Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She completed her certificate in climate change and health communication from Yale School of Public Health. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children. 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/384/ Neha hosts WebMD’s podcast “Health Discovered”: https://www.webmd.com/podcasts/default.htm Neha’s article: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/02/im-a-doctor-heres-what-western-medicine-misunderstands-about-nature/ 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. Neha Pathak (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-pathak-md/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Dr. Teri DeLucca

You heard half of our latest Thought Leader Academy grads deliver a 10-minute section of their signature talk last week on episode 381, now you get to hear the other three. In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz hosts Maria Flynn, Karen Williams, and Brigette Serfaty, PharmD. You’ll hear how they’ve incorporated their thought leadership message, storytelling, humor, and their frameworks into their talks. 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 March 19, 2024. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2k6LFAjS-s. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/383/ 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/ Karen Williams = https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackvisualqueen/ Brigette Serfaty, PharmD = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigetteserfaty/ Maria Flynn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasflynn/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 381: Using Their Voices: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads [Part 1] Episode 374: Using Your Voice to Create Change in Yourself and Your Industry with Karen Williams

I know you want to grow your business and brand and have a bigger impact as a thought leader. But, as high-achieving women, there are beliefs we have that get us stuck in the expert trap. We believe that we need to teach/train to provide value; that training content is what our audience wants; and our identity is tied to seeing ourselves as the expert. These beliefs are what can hold you back from thought leadership and the impact and income you want to make. The problem is that your presentations and content are undifferentiated and lack emotional resonance. In this episode, I share 3 signs you’re stuck in the expert trap and how to get out. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/382/ 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 with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden Episode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca, PhD Episode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference Presentation

Want to know what it’s like to create a signature talk with us? There’s no better way than to hear our Thought Leader Academy grads deliver a 10-minute section of their talks! You’ll hear how they’ve incorporated storytelling and their frameworks into their talks. We’ll 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. In this episode, I’m joined by Sandy Robinson, M.Ed., Yewande Fadojutimi, M.D., and Joanne Lane, Ed.D. This audio is from a live broadcast we did on March 12, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/1aqLfUxEAAw. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/381/ 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 Sandy Robinson, M.Ed. = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyrobinson/ Yewande Fadojutimi, M.D. = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-yewande/ Joanne Lane, Ed.D. = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joanne-lane/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 380: Building Your Speaker Brand Separate From Your Corporate Identity with Sandy Robinson Episode 242: TLA Grads: Evolving from Experts to Thought Leaders

The power of women’s voices doesn’t just relate to women who own and run their own businesses; it’s also for women who work in corporate spaces. Building your personal brand and speaker brand separate from your corporate identity can give you a voice and mission that has a greater impact beyond the day-to-day work you do in your job. In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz talks with one of our Thought Leader Academy clients, Sandy Robinson. Sandy works in revenue operations and she’s carved a niche for herself by building a personal and speaker brand distinct from her corporate identity. Diane and Sandy talk about: How Sandy began her speaking journey (it’s a fun story!) and how that has informed her speaking today Why she decided to look for a speaking coach and what led her to join the Thought Leader Academy What sparked her interest in sharing a more personal message with audiences and how and why she’s building her personal and speaker brand separate from her corporate work Her experience and takeaways from the Thought Leader Academy and our in-person speaking retreat How she felt doing the improv exercises at the retreat and what she’s going to do with that knowledge (hint: her sales teams might be surprised!) The way she’s integrated a topic she's passionate about into her professional work to support other women and build her personal and speaker brand About Our Guest: Sandy Robinson is Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations and Enablement at Patra with over 20 years under her belt in making sales teams shine and operations run smoothly, thanks to her knack for turning numbers and innovative ideas into real growth. She's led Revenue Operations and Enablement at big-name SaaS companies including Web.com, SupplyFrame and Nymbus, steering them toward success and now plays a key role at Patra, where she's all about pushing boundaries and setting the stage for exciting new products. Sandy's not just about the bottom line, though; she's passionate about mentoring young women, sharing her journey to inspire others. With a mix of street smarts from MIT and NYIT, a master's in Education for Global Training, and even a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, Sandy's blend of brains, heart, and kick-butt attitude makes her a force to be reckoned with in the tech world and beyond. Sandy’s website: https://www.sandyelevates.com Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/380/ 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/ Watch Sandy and our other TLA grads deliver a section of their signature talks: https://www.linkedin.com/events/usingtheirvoices-livesignaturet7171594958989053952/theater/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Sandy Robinson (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyrobinson/ Related Podcast Episodes: Personal Branding Podcast Series Episode 349: Connecting Your Personal Brand and Your Thought Leadership Episode 356: What to Do Now to Position Yourself as a Thought Leader

We held our in-person speaking intensive last week in Orlando and it was so much fun! Over three days, the women who attended worked on their speaking segments, practiced them on our stage with our coaching and feedback, and then had their segments professionally filmed on the final day. Oh, and there were dance parties and improv exercises throughout! I’ve invited three of our clients who were there, Shannon Bumgarner, Lei Comerford, and Denise Musselwhite, for a roundtable discussion on what they learned and insights they have for you as speakers. We talk about: Why they decided to attend our in-person retreat What they learned about developing stage presence Speaking as a performance (no matter what your topic is!) Their newfound love of improv The power of using our I.D.E.A.L. storytelling ingredients Feeling confident *not* using notes or a script The impact of practicing on our stage and getting feedback at our in-person retreat This audio is from a live broadcast we did on March 5, 2024. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/ylcRJtfkdk4?feature=share. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/379/ 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 Shannon Bumgarner = https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonbumgarner/ Lei Comerford = https://www.linkedin.com/in/leicomerford/ Denise Musselwhite = https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker Episode 346: Get More Speaking Gigs by Adding Body Movement and Vocal Variation

What’s an early memory of using your voice? That's the question we kicked off our recent 3-day in-person client retreat with - and the women’s answers were incredibly powerful. March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day (#IWD2024), so this episode is about the power of women’s voices and stories to change the world. From young women activists like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg to pro-choice women who are running for office to women like YOU who are out there sharing your messages, ideas, and stories, women are making a positive difference in their industries and communities. In this episode, I talk about: The history-changing importance of women getting together to share their stories and experiences The self-doubts that too often hold us back from using our voices Why we need feminism more than ever My recent realization of the story I had been telling myself vs. the bigger story of what happened when I delivered my TEDx talk about women and power in 2016 Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/378/ 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 with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Mentioned: Emily’s List: https://emilyslist.org/ New York Times’ opinion column: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/23/opinion/alabama-embroyo-dobbs-reproductive-freedom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aE0.Htka.UI-TJYUThV1R&smid=url-share Carol Gilligan: https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.publications&personid=19946 Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice Episode 267: The Way to Gender Equality is through Public Speaking Episode 163: A Feminist Approach to Public Speaking Episode 162: Why We're #ChoosingWomensVoices - and You Should Too Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power

This week is the 7-year anniversary of the Speaking Your Brand podcast! Thank you for being a listener, for sending me emails when an episode particularly resonates with you, and for sharing the podcast with others. Podcasting every week for the past seven years has taught me a lot. I'm incredibly grateful to all the women who’ve been guests for sharing their stories and wisdom with all of us. Podcasting has also been hard at times: boredom, burnout, too many ideas, no new ideas. I’ve been through all these feelings at different points. In this episode, I share with you: 3 big lessons you can use whether you have a podcast or not How podcasting, especially creating all of the solo episodes, has shaped my thought leadership and strengthened my personal brand The book I’m working on and how the topic and ideas have come directly from the podcast Why having a regular content creation channel can be helpful to you as you develop your own thought leadership Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/377/ 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 with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 340: Can I Tell It's You? What a Brand Voice Is and Why You Need One Episode 327: From Expert to Thought Leader: 3 Key Strategies You Need Now to Set Yourself Apart in Our New AI-Driven World Episode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk

Integrating humor into your talks can seem daunting or even unimportant, but it's an essential element to use to connect with your audience. Recently, Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach, delivered a 5-minute stand-up comedy set live on stage (!). You don’t have to add jokes or stand-up routines to your presentations. But, you can learn from the secrets of comedy to improve your storytelling and delivery. Diane and I talk about her experience and what you can take away from it for your speaking, including: What makes something funny Her process of writing the comedy set The need for a single clear throughline How she practiced the set by chunking it Storytelling and audience engagement The importance of timing, pausing, and vocal variation Doing a comedy set vs. improv Hopefully you’ll be inspired to try something new too! Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/376/ Video of Diane’s stand-up comedy set: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dianediaz_comedy-publicspeaking-personalgrowth-activity-7155204978867863552-gHre Resources: How to write a 5-minute comedy set and The New Comedy Bible 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/

Get ready for a fun and energizing conversation! Have you ever thought of using AI tools like ChatGPT to *amplify* what you’re already good at? How about having ChatGPT coach you on how to prepare to show up in *any* room? These case studies are just two of the ones that my guest Stacey Hines and I talk about. Like me, Stacey has a background in IT, so we are both passionate about how technology like AI can be used. You’re going to be laughing as she tells the story of a board room she showed up in 10 years ago and what happened. Storytelling is definitely Stacey’s superpower! After we geek out about AI, I ask Stacey to share her tips as a speaker and as a panel moderator, which are really good! About My Guest: Stacey Hines is an author, speaker, executive and CEO/founder of Epic Transformation. She is a Caribbean tech sector leader with global leadership experience in public, private and non-profit sectors. Her commitment to women in leadership and the technology industry is evidenced in her numerous awards, most recently including the Woman of Impact award from the High Commission of Canada on International Women's Day 2023. She was also appointed as the first Jamaican IT Fellow by the Chartered Institute of IT Professionals of the UK (BCS) in 2022, selected as the second female president of the Jamaica Computer Society in its 47-year history and selected as one of the Top 50 Caribbean Women in Tech in 2021. She hosts The Balanced Lady Boss Show podcast. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/375/ Stacey’s website: https://www.epictransformation.net/ My episode on Stacey’s podcast The Balanced Lady Boss Show (aired Jan. 29, 2024) Register for our Business of Speaking workshop live on Zoom on February 22: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/business-of-speaking-workshop/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Stacey Hines (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstaceyhines/

Join us for a powerful conversation with Karen Williams, also known as the Black Visual Queen. Karen, a skilled photo director, sat down with our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, to talk about her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, her advocacy for more diversity in the photography industry, and her experience in crafting her impactful keynote talk during a one-on-one VIP Day. Spoiler alert, her talk went great! In this episode, Karen and Diane talk about: Why and how Karen made the shift from corporate professional to entrepreneur The events that shaped Karen’s perspectives on her work and herself and the actions she took as a result The challenges she faced as a black woman in the photo industry and her path to empowering herself and others Making the decision to use her voice to champion her own work and bring more diversity to her industry Why she decided to work with Diane on her keynote talk and the outcome of her speaking engagement About Our Guest: Karen Williams is a dedicated mentor to aspiring photographers, advocating for equitable access to information within the industry. With more than 10 years of experience in photography, Karen is a visual creative director, keynote speaker, and founder of Black Visual Queen, a photography consulting firm. An industry insider, she’s had a hand in visual stories for iconic brands like Netflix, Masterclass, Square, Wired, AARP, and San Francisco. In her free time, she loves marathon training and all things pop culture. Karen lives in Los Angeles, California. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/374/ Karen’s website: https://www.blackvisualqueen.com/ Register for our Business of Speaking workshop live on Zoom on February 22: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/business-of-speaking-workshop/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Get your own VIP Day to create your signature talk by enrolling 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/ Karen Williams (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannwilliams/

You love speaking, so you’re happy to say “yes!” when someone invites you to speak. It feels great connecting with the audience and hearing how much they enjoyed your presentation. Yet, are you getting an ROI from it? Are you generating leads and/or getting paid directly to speak? I’ve been speaking throughout my career, in various industries, from small workshops to big stages. Early on, I didn’t even think about getting paid, so I never asked. I also wasn’t that good at getting leads and clients from the speaking engagements I was doing. Then, I realized what I was missing and techniques I could use. In this episode, I share with you: 3 ways to increase leads from your presentations What to do even when conferences say “no selling from the stage” The one thing to do that is GOLD 3 things to do to get paid to speak Why many speakers don’t charge or don’t charge enough Examples to inspire you 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 Register for our Business of Speaking workshop live on Zoom on February 22: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/business-of-speaking-workshop/ Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/373/ This episode is the last of our podcast series called “Level Up Your Speaking.”

Today we’re talking about how to handle when things go wrong or unexpected or when you can’t plan every last thing. The more you speak, something will go wrong or something will happen that you didn’t plan for. The A/V doesn’t work, so you have no slides to show. You get asked a question by an audience member during Q&A that stumps you. You’re on a panel and you feel like your responses just aren’t that great. We want to help you to not panic, not overthink, and to enjoy your speaking engagement no matter what happens that you may not have planned for. In this episode, you’ll hear: Our stories of when things went wrong Tips for making sure your slides and A/V work What to respond if someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to What to do when someone hijacks the conversation with their “question” Your role as the leader in the room How to be a great panelist and a great panel moderator Why you should say ‘yes’ to being on a panel This episode is part of our podcast series called “Level Up Your Speaking.” Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/372/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Attend our in-person Client Retreat Speaking Intensive in February in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

We’re continuing our podcast series to help you Level Up Your Speaking in 2024. As you work to build your speaker brand and begin applying and pitching to speak at more events and conferences, there are two things that will be helpful for you to have - one is a speaker video reel and the other is a speaker page on your website. You want to make sure your speaker reel and your speaker page showcase you in the best light and attract event organizers to book you (and pay you!). In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you need a speaker video reel and how you can use it Tips for creating an effective speaker reel that helps you reach your speaking goals Specific things to include in your speaker reel so that it showcases you in the best possible light Why you need a speaking page on your website The key ingredients you should include on your speaker page One thing in particular to include on your speaker page that’s a bit controversial See examples of speaker reels and speaker pages on the show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/371/ If you want to get video of you speaking that you can use for your speaker reel and on your speaker page, then come to our 3-day in-person client retreat in February in Orlando. You’ll go through exercises and trainings to help you be a stronger and more impactful speaker and you’ll get hands on feedback on your delivery, storytelling, stage presence, and more. On Day 3, you get professional filming of the speaking segments you’ve been practicing on our stage and you get an edited video for your speaker reel. Get all the details and apply today at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. This episode is hosted by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz. 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.

I’ve been there: Standing in front of an audience or being on live TV with my heart pounding, butterflies in my stomach, and my body a bundle of nerves. I’ve also had speaking engagements and TV appearances where I’ve felt in the flow and completely comfortable and confident. What made the difference? That’s what I’m going to share with you in this episode. It’s normal to feel nervous before you speak. What you want to do is learn how to channel those nerves and reduce outsized anxiety. In this episode, you’ll learn: 3 reasons you get nervous before a speaking engagement Why your body reacts the way it does A story of my worst speaking experience ever and what I learned from it What do in advance of your speaking engagement to lessen anxiety What to do right before you go on stage to channel your normal nerves This episode is part of our new podcast series called “Level Up Your Speaking.” Want to develop your speaking skills, thought leadership, and signature talk? Check out our online coaching program the Thought Leader Academy and our upcoming 3day in-person speaking intensive. 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 in-person Client Retreat Speaking Intensive in February in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ 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

Do you sometimes wonder if your presentations are boring? Perhaps you have dense material you need to get through (hello, academics and scientists!). Or perhaps you’re afraid everything’s already been said on your topic, so you don’t have anything new or interesting for your audience. I promise that you can make *any* topic interesting to your audience. In this episode, I share 3 things you can do at the foundational level to make your speaking engagements more compelling. I also share 3 advanced techniques that will leave your audiences on the edge of their seats. I’ve presented hundreds of times both in person and online and attendees consistently say that my presentations are excellent and engaging. No sleepy faces or eyes glued to phones in my sessions! What’s the secret? That’s what you’ll learn! This episode is part of our new podcast series called “Level Up Your Speaking.” Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/369/ 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 in-person Client Retreat Speaking Intensive in February in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox 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 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies

You’re going to love this episode with my guest and Thought Leader Academy grad Erica Hall! If you’ve ever felt like you shouldn’t show your real personality to your audiences or that people expect you to be a certain type of person, this conversation is going to be validating and revealing. Before we get to that part of the conversation, Erica shares her perspective on money mindset and money behaviors and the experiences that shaped her understanding of money. This is why *who* you are and what you’ve *learned* are essential elements of your thought leadership. We also dig into the power of frameworks and acronyms and Erica shares what she got out of being in the Thought Leader Academy. You’ll hear: Erica’s perspective on money mindset and money behaviors How experiences Erica had when she was younger shaped her understanding of money behavior and led to her thought leadership The importance of having a framework, such as an acronym, in your talks and presentations Erica’s experience in our Thought Leader Academy, especially how helpful it was to learn our framework and have a repeatable process to use going forward How an offhand comment I made about my Enneagram number in a group call helped Erica understand that she can lean into her natural personality and not have to be someone she’s not This episode is part of our new podcast series called “Level Up Your Speaking.” Want to develop your speaking skills, thought leadership, and signature talk? Check out our online coaching program the Thought Leader Academy and our upcoming 3-day in-person speaking intensive. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/368/ Erica’s website: https://worthplotting.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Erica Hall (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-hall-mba-5288531a/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 363: From Burned Out to Lit Up: How Cara Houser Turned Her Signature Talk into a Best-Selling Book with Cara Houser Episode 353: The Power of Frameworks: How Sharon Ehrlich Found Her Voice and Message with Sharon Ehrlich Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 274: The Key to Booking More Speaking Engagements with Sarah Lynn Wallace (Enneagram coach)

As we embrace the excitement of a new year, it's the perfect time to strategize about your speaking journey. Are you wondering where to make your mark this year? Let's delve deeper because the art of creating a robust speaking and visibility plan transcends merely scouting for random events, conferences, and podcasts. Here’s what you’ll discover: Identify Your Speaking Goals: Understand the different goals you can pursue through public speaking and how these can empower your personal and professional growth. Use the 5 Whys Method: I'll share with you the transformative 5 Whys technique. It's a journey I've embarked on myself, and I’ll be opening up about how this approach helped me uncover the heart of my speaking objectives. The Importance of Local Groups: Learn how to connect with local groups and why focusing on a few, to begin with, can create more impactful connections and help you get known as a speaker. Choose the Right Conferences: We’ll walk you through how to select conferences that align with your message and how these platforms can elevate your speaking career. The Right Way to Pitch to be a Guest on Podcasts: Discover the pathways to becoming a guest on podcasts that resonate with your brand and message. Optimize Your LinkedIn for Speaking Opportunities: Tips on making your LinkedIn profile a beacon for speaking invitations. Want to develop your speaking skills, thought leadership, and signature talk? Check out our online coaching program the Thought Leader Academy and our upcoming 3-day in-person speaking intensive. Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/367/ Michelle Warner’s Networking That Pays course: https://www.themichellewarner.com/networkingthatpays Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 362: [Case Study] Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You Episode 356: What to Do Now to Position Yourself as a Thought Leader

Happy New Year! This is the 6th year in a row I’ve done a trends episode for the start of the year. Trends are like currents or waves of energy that move through our society and affect everything from business and politics and the economy to popular culture and media. As speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, these trends will impact our thought leadership, our content, and our marketing. In this episode, you’ll learn 3 trends I've identified that are shaping our world: Big changes in social media platforms as the premise of social media shifts from connection to entertainment and it becomes harder to tell what's real and what's not The continued rise and more ubiquitous usage of generative AI tools like ChatGPT plus images, video, and voice The internet as a whole is changing, becoming more fragmented and siloed, with network effects accruing to people and brands who already have large followings I also share specific action steps you can take: Develop a clear and distinct brand voice Imbue your content with soul Focus more on in-person experiences and events As a speaker, you are well positioned to connect with your audiences in a deeper and more human way. Want to develop your speaking skills, thought leadership, and signature talk? Check out our online coaching program the Thought Leader Academy and our upcoming 3-day in-person speaking intensive. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/366/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 340: Can I Tell It's You? What a Brand Voice Is and Why You Need One Episode 327: From Expert to Thought Leader: 3 Key Strategies You Need Now to Set Yourself Apart in Our New AI-Driven World Episode 313: How to Thrive in the Age of A.I. Mentioned: YouTube live stream with realistic AI avatar = https://www.youtube.com/live/VH1rOylsoMo?si=1PpvUCqchdRCb0o0&t=540 “Nobody Knows What’s Happening Online Anymore” by Charlie Warzel (The Atlantic) “TikTok is eating microblogging as we’ve always known it” by Caroline Mimbs Nyce (The Atlantic) “Is Social Media Dying? What That Could Mean for Marketers” by Lestraundra Alfred (HubSpot) “Neil Gaiman’s Radical Vision for the Future of the Internet” by Cal Newport

I’m taking you behind the scenes to share what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next for Speaking Your Brand in the areas of speaking, visibility, this podcast, and the business in general. I also reveal what I’ve learned from reading and watching Marie Kondo and how I’m applying that not only to my house (my holiday break project!) but also to Speaking Your Brand. With that in mind, in this episode, I share: 🎉 What we’re celebrating that went well this year ❌ Things we tried that did not go as well as we had wanted 💡 Larger lessons we’re taking from what worked and what didn’t 🎯 What we’re planning for 2024 I encourage you to use this template to reflect on and write down your own wins, experiments, lessons, and priorities. Enrollment is open for our next Thought Leader Academy group that starts in January. 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/365/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our in-person Client Retreat Speaking Intensive in February in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Online workshop series: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshops/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox 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 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference Presentation Episode 340: Can I Tell It's You? What a Brand Voice Is and Why You Need One

If you think your stories and experiences from long ago aren’t relevant to what you do now, what you speak about, and your overall thought leadership message, this conversation will show how much our past experiences shape who we are and reflect what matters to us. Our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, sat down with Samantha Irwin, a recent graduate of our Thought Leader Academy and a seasoned entrepreneur with a fascinating journey. In this episode, you'll hear: Samantha's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, and how these experiences shaped her thought leadership Her time in the Thought Leader Academy and how it helped her create a signature talk Samantha's recent talk crafted during her VIP Day and the positive feedback she received Samantha's innovative use of her customer service card decks in her presentations for lead generation Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/364/ Samantha’s website: https://kaizen.zone/ 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/dianediaz Samantha Irwin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthairwin/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience

Speaking and books go hand in hand. Many authors are public speakers and many speakers have written books. What does it look like to take your thought leadership message and turn it into both a signature talk and a published book? That’s what we dig into with my guest and Thought Leader Academy grad Cara Houser. Cara recently published her best-selling book “Burned Out to Lit Up: Ditch the Grind and Reclaim Your Life” (I highly recommend it!). Cara and I talk about: Why she decided this was the topic for her thought leadership My perspective on why her book on burnout is different from others Cara’s thought leadership journey to refine her message Her writing process Building a book launch team and marketing the book to make it a bestseller If you’ve been wanting to write a book or you know that having a book is in your future, this episode is for you! Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/363/ Get Cara’s book “Burned Out to Lit Up”: https://www.carahouser.com/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Many speakers use public speaking as a way to build awareness for their business and attract leads and clients. Speaking is an excellent way to do this because you automatically have credibility and authority by standing in front of a group of people. However, an opportunity I see speakers miss is that they forgo thought leadership when they’re delivering presentations on behalf of their business to attract leads and clients. They believe they have to provide lots of information, tips, and facts in order to provide value to the audience and by extension get the people in the audience interested in purchasing their product or service. What I’ve found to be a better approach, in the presentations that I deliver and in the ones we help our clients with, is to help the audience see where they are truly getting stuck and show them how to think about things differently, which is the essence of thought leadership. My guest is Danielle Hayden, the founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., who has built an incredible business and team that works with women entrepreneurs to truly understand their numbers so they can make better business decisions. Danielle reached out to me in October because she wanted to create a new signature talk for lead generation - listen in to find out what happened! Danielle and I talk about: Why she wanted to create a new lead generation signature talk How I recognized her thought leadership angle during our VIP Day The process we went through to develop her new talk, including how she felt about adding more stories The results she got signing on new clients the first time she presented her new talk Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/362/

Do you have giving a TEDx talk on your list of goals?Many speakers do - and for good reason!Those 10-minute talks are a powerful way to share a message and give the audience a way to think about a topic differently.Being a TEDx speaker is also a credibility marker and an opportunity to get seen by more people.How do you land a TEDx talk? What should you include in your application? What are event organizers looking for? How do you shape your idea?That’s what we’re going to get into in this episode.I’ve worked with TEDx events to select speakers and I’ve coached TEDx speakers, so I’m giving you an inside look on how you can increase your chances of getting selected and delivering an outstanding talk.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/361/ Search for TEDx events: https://www.ted.com/tedx/eventsDiscover 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/carolcoxListen 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 TEDWomenEpisode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Dr. Tanya Golash-BozaEpisode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole RochesterEpisode 91: Visibility Works: From Local Speaking to TED.com to a Book with Tammy Lally

There are always going to be other people who do what you do and talk on the same topic. Have you ever collaborated with someone who’s in your same industry, who does similar work? It may seem counter-productive to do this because they’re kind of competitors, after all. But what if you could change your perspective on this? Having a thought partner who’s in the same industry can be very beneficial, which you’ll hear in today’s episode. My guests are two women who met in our Thought Leader Academy last year and have stayed connected ever since. They both work in the corporate leadership space, but with different approaches and types of clients. The three of us talk about: Why they decided to connect and stay in touch What it means to have a thought partner and how it has benefitted them How you can go about finding your own thought partner Having accountability in getting big things done Why they joined the Thought Leader Academy And more! About My Guests: Tenice Wehmeyer, PCC, founder of Wehmeyer Leadership Coaching, is dedicated to cultivating vulnerability-based trust and courage in leaders for brain-friendly collaboration. Cherie Mylordis is a business transformation expert, leadership coach and speaker. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/360/ Tenice’s website: https://wehmeyerassociates.com/ Cherie’s website: https://www.nextgenify.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/ Apply for our in-person client retreat speaking intensive in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Tenice Wehmeyer (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenicewehmeyer/ Cherie Mylordis (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-mylordis Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 324: Creating Strategic Collaborations with Cara Steinmann Episode 317: [Coaching] Using Client Case Studies Effectively in Your Presentations with Cherie Mylordis

Whatever your opinion is about AI, it’s being integrated into everything we do, from what we see on social media to how facial recognition systems work to how decisions are made about you by companies. I personally enjoy using ChatGPT and find it incredibly valuable, but I also want to make sure I’m using these AI tools responsibly and ethically. This is why I invited Juliette Powell, co-author of the recent book "The AI Dilemma: Seven Principles for Responsible Technology,” to come on the show. Juliette and I examine the compelling reasons why AI needs the influence of women's voices and how we can work towards a more inclusive AI landscape. We talk about: The inspiration behind her co-authored book and why it's a wake-up call for responsible AI What companies are doing to reduce bias in AI systems The importance of having more women in AI, not only to diversify the field but to embed empathy and ethics into the technology that is increasingly governing our lives Actionable steps that can be taken to encourage women's participation in AI, from education and mentorship to policy changes and community support Our takes on venture capitalist Marc Andreessen’s recent, over-the-top manifesto on AI How we, as individuals, can use AI tools ethically and responsibly Juliette’s speaking experiences and tips Want to learn how to use AI tools to give your speaking a boost? Come to our hands-on AI Tools for Speakers workshop live on Zoom on Thursday, December 7. You’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT and others to write outlines and speaking proposals, create images for your slides, add audio and music, and more. Sign up today at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai-tools-workshop/. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/359/ Juliette’s website & book: https://www.juliettepowell.com/ Juliette’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thkmVv54e6M Sign up for AI Tools for Speakers workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai-tools-workshop/ 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 Juliette Powell (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliettepowell/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 358: Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Your Strategic Partner and Coach with Alysia Silberg Episode 313: How to Thrive in the Age of A.I. with Carol Cox

If you’ve listened to the recent episodes we’ve done on thought leadership, you know that I’ve been working this year on positioning myself as a thought leader in the AI space. I want to make sure there are lots of women talking about and being heard on this topic because this technology is going to have a huge impact on our society. This episode and the next one are with women who are thought leaders in AI. Whether you’re into AI (artificial intelligence) or not, you’re going to LOVE this conversation. My guest today is Alysia Silberg, a UN Women Empower Women Global Champion, CEO of Street Global venture capital firm, an AI expert, and author of a recent memoir. Alysia isn't only an entrepreneur; she's a visionary who sees AI not just as a tool but as a strategic coach and partner in business and life. In this episode, Alysia and I talk about: The transformative potential of using AI in your own business and personal development Specific examples of how Alysia leverages AI as a strategic asset, guiding her decision making and sharpening her competitive edge Using AI to create a more equitable and inclusive world The power of storytelling: how Alysia sharing her story in her memoir set her free Alysia’s advocacy for more women in the field of AI, and how she believes diversity can lead to more innovative and ethical AI solutions Alysia’s strategies for building a strong personal brand and powerful network Her speaking experiences and tips Want to learn how to use AI tools to give your speaking a boost? Come to our hands-on AI Tools for Speakers workshop live on Zoom on Thursday, December 7. You’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT and others to write outlines and speaking proposals, create images for your slides, add audio and music, and more. Sign up today at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai-tools-workshop/. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/358/ Alysia’s website & book: https://www.readunemployable.com/ Sign up for AI Tools for Speakers workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai-tools-workshop/ 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 Alysia Silberg (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysiasilberg/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 313: How to Thrive in the Age of A.I. with Carol Cox Episode 316: Education, A.I., and What It Means to Be Human with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh