Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

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

How can you accomplish what you want, from the small to the big? As we gear up for the new year, I’m sure there are things you have on your vision board and list of goals you want to achieve. There are practical, tangible steps you can take (the what and the how). There’s also WHO you want to be, the identity you want to shift into, which is essential to aligning your actions to what you want, creating lasting change, and building self-confidence. My guest is Dr. Kim Foster, who recently graduated from our Thought Leader Academy. Kim was a practicing family doctor for nearly 20 years and a few years ago decided that she wanted to make a big change to become a wellness coach and entrepreneur. You’ll be inspired by her story and her thought leadership message! Kim and I talk about: Her own identity shift from being a doctor to an entrepreneur What helped her to make that shift Her thought leadership message and framework that the WHO is as important as the what and the how to make lasting change How you can start thinking about your own identity Why she decided to join our Thought Leader Academy and what she got out of the experience This episode is part of our podcast series on thought leadership. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/357/ Kim’s website: https://drkimfoster.com/ Kim’s podcast “The Wellness Project”: https://drkimfoster.com/podcast 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 social: Carol Cox on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Dr. Kim Foster on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-foster-14362646/ Dr. Kim Foster on Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/drkimfoster/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 356: What to Do Now to Position Yourself as a Thought Leader Episode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A.

We’re continuing our new podcast series on thought leadership. We’ve talked about finding and developing your big idea and what your signature talk should be doing for you. Today we’re diving into what you can start doing now to position yourself as a thought leader. Yes, you can absolutely be a thought leader - and we need you to be! Thought leaders have an interesting idea and they're willing to share it in a bigger way. Most thought leaders are also public speakers because of the built-in authority and credibility you get standing in front of an audience and the broader impact you can make. But, here's the thing: Seeing yourself as a thought leader doesn't come *after* you've done the thing. You need to see yourself first as a thought leader and claim that identity. That's what's going to align your actions and propel you forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: What exactly a thought leader is How people become thought leaders Self-limiting beliefs around claiming an identity, including my own self-limiting beliefs around an identity I need to claim for myself Why *you* can be a thought leader 6 things to do to position yourself as a thought leader How I positioned myself as a thought leader in AI this year Get the 6 steps to position yourself as a thought leader and a lot more in our FREE guide on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/356/ 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 Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 354: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You Episode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference Presentation

We’re continuing our new podcast series on thought leadership. Today we’re going to take a look at what exactly a signature talk is and what it should be doing for you. Any presentation you give *should* be a signature talk. Why? Because any presentation you deliver should be a combination of your expertise + your thought leadership + your personal brand. Your signature talk isn’t a bunch of information on your topic. Your signature talk has a specific purpose for you and for your audience; it should be doing something for you. You’re not there to pass along information and to train your audience, unless you’re doing a workshop, which if you are, that’s great and you should be getting paid for that. This is where I see speakers get stuck in what I call the expert trap. They think they have to train and teach in order to provide value; but when you’re speaking at a conference or at a local group or as a keynote, you’re there to share an experience with the audience, to get them to think about something in a new or different way. In this episode, you’ll hear: Determining what you want your signature talk to do for you The elements that make a transformative signature talk How to put your signature talk together using our Signature Talk Canvas® framework Ways you can repurpose your signature talk Whether you can have more than one signature talk The signature talk I’m working on Get our Signature Talk Canvas® framework and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/355/ 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 353: The Power of Frameworks: How Sharon Ehrlich Found Her Voice and Message with Sharon Ehrlich Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact Episode 290: [Coaching] Get More Leads from Your Presentations with Monica Young

Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking. Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok! As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer. You’ll learn: What a Big Idea is Why too many speakers get stuck with superficial content How to identify your I.D.E.A. using this handy acronym I came up with Examples of Big Ideas from myself, from some of our clients, and from thought leaders you’ll recognize Specific questions you can ask yourself to get started developing your Big Idea Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. This episode is part of our new podcast series on thought leadership. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/354/ Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/ 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 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomen Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 339: Using Public Speaking to Influence Social Change with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca Episode 319: The 3 Stages We Go Through as Women When We Use Our Voice

Many accomplished professional women come to a point in their lives where they struggle to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. Whether it’s their high-pressure career, raising children, caring for aging parents, or all of the above, it can often feel like you lose control over your lives and yourself in the process. On this week’s podcast guest, Sharon Ehrlich, a former hospital administrator, English teacher, and professional at IBM and now an executive coach, and our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz chat about the challenges Sharon faced when she felt she was losing control of her life while juggling her role as a mother, caring for a disabled parent, and managing her demanding professional life and how she came to realize the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing her needs. Sharon, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, shares how the program helped her gain clarity and direction for her message. She talks about her transformative experience during her VIP Day, where she worked intensively on her signature talk. The result was a powerful framework for her talk - OWN (Observe, Weigh, Negotiate) - which she used to regain control of her life and now shares to help other women do the same. In this episode, Sharon and Diane talk about: Sharon's journey from hospital administration to IBM leader to executive coach, and her life-changing move to Austria Her struggle with balancing her personal life and professional commitments and how very long (6-hour!) hikes helped her find clarity and a way forward How empowering others, both personally and professionally, can lead to growth and free up our own time The creation and application of her O.W.N. framework (Observe, Weigh, Negotiate) during her VIP Day How the Speaking Your Brand Signature Talk Framework that she learned in the Thought Leader Academy helped her to create an entirely new talk, boosted her confidence, and enabled her to deliver a powerful talk that got rave reviews . . . and leads! Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/353/ Sharon’s website: https://livingwhileleading.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/ Sharon Ehrlich (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonehrlich1/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson

I recently had the honor of attending the TEDWomen conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 3 days, I heard 35 speakers deliver their TED talks, on topics ranging from democracy to abortion rights, menopause to artificial intelligence. Of course, as I was sitting in the audience, I was taking lots of notes on each speaker, how they structured their talk, the elements they included, and how they delivered it. I’ve taken those notes and identified 7 key things the best speakers do. Whether you’re delivering a TEDx talk, a keynote, a conference session, or a business presentation, you can use these 7 things to make your talks impactful and memorable. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/352 Sign up for our Storytelling workshop on November 16: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/storytelling-workshop/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 277: The Authority Gap Women Face and What to Do About It with Mary Ann Sieghart Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester

From Barbie and the Super Models to Beyonce and Taylor, women and the influence they have on culture and the economy are being seen and talked about everywhere. Since here at Speaking Your Brand we're all about amplifying and championing women's voices and advocating for gender equality, we figured it was time to give our own hot takes. Along with all the positive gains women have made, we know that there has also been a considerable backlash, both culturally and legally, most noticeably in the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year and in the states that have since passed laws restricting women's reproductive health care rights. It's easy (and accurate) to blame lawmakers and voters who vocally support such restrictions and want to turn the tide back. But what about those who do support women yet do so in myopic ways? That's why I call "country club feminism." In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about: The “rad trad” movement on TikTok and what it means about feminism How we define feminism The Barbie movie, from the visual impact to the satire to the overt feminist message Taylor Swift and the backlash she’s receiving for being a powerful, independent woman as she’s dating an NFL player The new documentary “The Super Models” on AppleTV+ and what it says about female beauty and power What we’re calling “country club feminism”, how it reinforces the status quo, and what to do instead Clearly, we are using our voices and that’s what we want you to do too! (This episode was recorded on October 5, 2023.) Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/351/ Register for our live online workshops on Zoom this fall = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshops/ 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 Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 277: The Authority Gap Women Face and What to Do About It with Mary Ann Sieghart Episode 216: Why We're #ChoosingWomensVoices - and You Should Too Episode 191: Women in Politics and the Public Sphere with Rep. Anna V. Eskamani Episode 163: A Feminist Approach to Public Speaking

In the last episode, I talked about connecting your personal brand and your thought leadership Your stories and experiences are integral to both. Your stories connect you with your audience. Have you ever heard a speaker share a story and have one of these reactions: #1: Wow, I really feel connected to what this person is saying. I have a new perspective on my own situation. -OR- #2: Why is this person telling this story? I don't get how this relates to the rest of their content or why I should care or this feels icky. You don't want to end up being the speaker where the people in the audience are having the second reaction. You want your stories to have purpose and meaning and be of service to your audience. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about: Contrived vulnerability (your audience can tell) What contrived storytelling sounds like and feels like The elements of authentic storytelling Examples of authentic storytelling, from our clients and from our own talks Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/350/ Register for our live online workshops on Zoom this fall = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshops/ 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 Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power

In the age of more & more content (whether human- or AI-created), your personal brand matters more than ever. Potential clients and event organizers can easily find lots of experts in what you do. What you want them to realize is what sets you apart and why they should pick you. That’s where your personal brand and thought leadership come in. I know you want to have a positive impact on the world and you may feel like cultivating a personal brand is unnecessary or self-indulgent or you just don’t have time for it. But, here’s the thing: you have a personal brand, everyone does. It’s how other people would describe you; not just your qualities like are you smart, kind, professional, but also what matters to you. Do people know what matters to you, the better world you imagine? In this episode, you’ll hear: How your business connects to your thought leadership How your personal brand connects to your thought leadership Example from my own personal brand and thought leadership Pushback I got early on when I started my business about a particular aspect of my personal brand Finding the consistency and commonality among all of the threads in your career What humans have over AI when it comes to storytelling We’re doing a NEW workshop series this fall live on Zoom. Join us in October for personal branding and brand voice; in November for storytelling; and in December for using AI tools for speaking. Get all the details and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshops/. 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/349/ Register for our live online workshop on Zoom on October 26th to build your personal brand plan and define your brand voice = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshops/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 343: Why YOU are the Messenger for Your Idea and Audience Episode 259: Connecting Your Business and Your Thought Leadership Personal Brand podcast series, episodes 332-335

When you step on stage, I know you want to feel comfortable and confident, to project authenticity and energy. Developing your confidence and stage presence happens both externally and internally. When your content and your delivery are aligned, you can have a bigger impact on your audience with your message. This is what I talk about with my guest, Dr. Christina Madison. Christina has delivered a TEDx talk and has been on TV over 250 times, including two appearances on Good Morning America. I’ve known Christina for nearly two years: we worked together on her TEDX talk and she attended our in-person client retreat. In this episode, we talk about: Why Christina said ‘yes’ to her first TV appearance How what you’re wearing can make a big difference in how you feel on stage Embodying the qualities you want to feel and portray Taking care of yourself so you are at your best for your speaking engagements What it looks like to feel authentically you This is the final episode in our new podcast series to help you up level your in-person speaking skills. Want to work with us and practice on our stage? Registration is now open for our 3-day in-person client retreat speaking accelerator coming up in February 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Get all the details and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. About My Guest: Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP is an award-winning clinical pharmacist. She is a clinical pharmacist specializing in public health with a focus on communicable disease, gender-based health, and professional development. She founded The Public Health Pharmacist®, PLLC, a public health consulting firm, in 2019. Dr. Madison has been featured in over 250+ on-air TV appearances related to public health including being featured on Good Morning America (GMA3 – What You Need to Know) and a panelist for the COVID-19 What Works Summit at The White House. Dr. Madison is currently an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice with Roseman University of Health Sciences (RU), College of Pharmacy and the Public Information Officer and Chief Pharmacist for Wellness Equity Alliance. 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/348/ Christina’s website (you can see her TEDx talk and GMA appearances): https://www.thepublichealthpharmacist.com/ Solita Roberts’ image stylist: https://styletoimpact.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Register for our in-person client retreat = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Dr. Christina Madison (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristinamadisonthepublichealthpharmacist Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 253: TV Can Make You Famous - But Don't Read the Comments with Dr. Christina Madison

Registration is open for our in-person client retreat speaking intensive coming up February 26-28, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. We are already half-full (it's limited to 12 women). Get all the details and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. Our speaking workshop is for you if ANY of these apply: You want to speak at conferences and events and increase lead generation at your presentations You want to attract paid speaking engagements and raise your speaker fees You'd like to do a TEDx or keynote talk one day You know how important your message is and you want to truly connect with your audience You want to feel more comfortable and confident as a speaker You imagine walking onto a stage with calm and joy, delivering your talk while having fun engaging the audience, and then leaving the stage knowing you nailed it During the 3 days we'll be together, we'll guide you through exercises and activities designed to help you build the skills and confidence you need to become an impactful public speaker. You'll learn how to: Develop a strong, authentic speaking voice and style Tell compelling stories and engage your audience from your opening to your closing Use body language and vocal variation to enhance your message Incorporate props and multimedia to add depth and dimension to your talk Connect with your audience and build rapport Handle nerves and feel much more comfortable and confident in your body Here's what you get: Identifying and writing/outlining your best speaking segments (opening, closing, key stories, audience engagement) Instruction on body movement, vocal variation, and use of the stage, props and multimedia Lots of time to practice on our stage and get our coaching and feedback (we are very kind and encouraging!) Understanding your natural speaking style and amplifying it to build your confidence Professional filming so you have an edited video and clips of you speaking for your speaker reel, website, LinkedIn profile, etc. What's included: Personalized, hands-on coaching and feedback to 10x your speaking skills Fun and intentional exercises and practice sessions on our stage Professional filming of your speaking segments (you'll get the raw video files plus an edited video about 10 minutes long) Printed workbook + speaker kit Healthy food! Lunches and dinners on all 3 days (plus snacks, coffee and tea) Quality time with an incredible group of supportive women (there's nothing like being in person to form long-lasting bonds) If you would like to join us, please complete the application at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ so we can schedule a Zoom call to talk and answer your questions. You can hear from some of the women who've attended our past retreats in these episodes: Episode 347: The Power of REAL Practice to Transform Yourself as a Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester, Debby Kerr-Henry, and Terese Bottner Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie Anderson Episode 311: 10x Your Speaking Skills with Joy Spencer and Betsy Jordyn

We’re continuing our podcast series to help you up level your in-person speaking skills. Imagine you’re standing on stage, looking out at the audience, and feeling 100% confident in your content and delivery. You’re moving fluidly, getting into your stories, engaging with your audience, and feeling connected to them. You can absolutely do this - but it takes the *right* kind of practice. Most speakers practice the wrong way. The result is that they rely on their notes, their nerves get the best of them, and they stand like a statue and don’t move around (or even worse, they see-saw in place). Doing the right kind of practice can make all the difference, which is what we’re talking about with our retreat clients Dr. Nicole Rochester, Terese Bottner, and Debby Kerr-Henry for a roundtable discussion on how they’ve transformed as speakers. You’ll learn: Our embarrassing moments on stage Why most speakers practice the wrong way and what to do instead Developing stage presence Getting more comfortable using the stage Feeling confident *not* using notes or a script The impact of practicing on our stage and getting feedback at our in-person retreat This is the audio from a live show we did last week. You can watch the video on LinkedIn or YouTube. Want to work with us and practice on our stage? Registration is now open for our 3-day in-person client retreat speaking accelerator coming up in February 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Get all the details and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. 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/347/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Register for our in-person client retreat = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Dr. Nicole Rochester (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-rochester-md/ Terese Bottner (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/terese-cooke-bottner-78225a10/ Debby Kerr-Henry (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/debkerrhenry/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx Speaker with Dr. Nicole Rochester Episode 273: How to 10x Your Speaking Skills

Did you know that you will get *more* speaking gigs if you focus on your delivery as well as your content? Your body movement, use of the stage, and vocal variation are all essential to become a compelling and in-demand speaker. My guest today is Victoria Moran, an incredible speaker, author and podcaster, whom I’ve known for nearly 10 years, so I’m thrilled to have her on the show. In this episode, Victoria and I talk about: Getting started as a professional speaker What she learned from acting training How she uses body movement and dance in her speaking engagements (even though she’s not a dancer, as she admits!) Why your delivery as a speaker will get you more (and better) gigs The important use of vocal variation when telling stories Her favorite speaking experience Her worst speaking experience and what she learned I know you’re going to get lots of great ideas for your own speaking engagements! This is the second episode in our new podcast series to help you up level your in-person speaking skills. Want to work with us and practice on our stage? Registration is now open for our 3-day in-person client retreat speaking accelerator coming up in February 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Get all the details and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. About My Guest: Victoria Moran started writing for teen magazines at 14 -- she met the Beatles! -- and for health publications after she went vegetarian at 19. Speaking for groups, plus lots of radio appearances, followed the writing. Victoria is now the author of 13 books including Creating a Charmed Life and Fit from Within. She was featured twice on Oprah, produced the 2019 documentary A Prayer for Compassion, and she's presented for audiences including Speaking of Women's Health, Toyota Women's Conferences, and the Parliament of the World's Religions. 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/346/ Victoria’s websites: https://victoriamoran.com/ and https://mainstreetvegan.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Register for our in-person client retreat = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Victoria Moran (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriamoranauthor/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 345: Elevate Your Audience Engagement Skills with These Proven Strategies with Katie Anderson Episode 249: The Relationship Between Speaking and Performance with Carol Cox

How do you keep your audience engaged throughout your talk or presentation? There are basic strategies like asking questions of the audience, but there are more ways to keep your audience interested and engaged. This is what I talk about with my guest and client, Katie Anderson. Katie has been around the world, from Portugal to Poland to Brazil, speaking to audiences of all sizes. In this episode, Katie and I talk about: Strategies she has used that have worked well to keep audiences engaged Fun things she has tried The importance of storytelling, performance, and stage presence A recent challenging speaking engagement that really tested her speaking skills (no surprise to me, she aced it!) How attending our in-person client retreat speaking accelerator dramatically improved her skills and confidence This is the first episode in our new podcast series to help you up level your in-person speaking skills. Registration is now open for our 3-day in-person client retreat speaking accelerator coming up in February 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Get all the details and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/. About My Guest: Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership and learning coach, consultant, and professional speaker, best known for inspiring individuals and organizations to lead with intention and increase their personal and professional impact. Katie is passionate about helping people around the world learn to lead and lead to learn by connecting purpose, process, and practice to achieve higher levels of performance. Her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning is an international #1 Amazon bestseller. 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/345/ Katie’s website: http://kbjanderson.com/ Katie’s photos speaking at the Lean Institute Brasil Summit: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kbjanderson_how-do-you-respond-when-the-plan-you-had-activity-7077025294229909504-dZ-j Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Register for our in-person client retreat = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/retreat/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Katie Anderson (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 280: Making the Shift from Expert Presenter to Storyteller in Your Keynotes with Katie Anderson Episode 249: The Relationship Between Speaking and Performance with Carol Cox

I know you enjoy speaking - AND you want to make sure you’re getting an ROI from it. Your ROI can come from getting paid to speak and/or from getting leads and clients from your presentations. If you don’t consistently get leads from your presentations, there are a few things you can do to make that more likely to happen. You may think your audience doesn’t want to be sold to, but that may not be the case. You also may not be sure how to go about letting event organizers know that you have a speaker fee. 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 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/344/ 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 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 290: [Coaching] Get More Leads from Your Presentations with Monica Young Episode 289: Less Free, More Paid: How to Increase Your Speaker Fees with Carol Cox Episode 288: A Framework for Creating a Signature Talk for Income and Impact with Carol Cox

I often hear from clients that they feel like their topic isn’t unique, that what they would present on others have already been said. And they’re right: That will always be the case - there are always going to be lots of people out there who do or say something in the same umbrella as you. What you need is an IDEA, not just a topic. Ideas look for a messenger - and it’s up to you to activate the idea. YOU are the messenger your audience needs to hear. In this episode, I share with you: Why ideas are so important The four layers of thought leadership The different ways ideas can come to you What can stop you from activating an idea Inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic” Why Greta Gerwig was *the* messenger the Barbie movie needed 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/343/ 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 Mentioned: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Elizabeth Gilbert on the On Being podcast KLF: Chaos Magic Music Money by JMR Higgs “Who says big ideas are rare?” by Malcom Gladwell Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power with Carol Cox