Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

Carol Cox
  • 4.8 (125)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

It's time to escape the expert trap and become an in-demand speaker and thought leader through compelling and memorable business presentations, keynotes, workshops, and TEDx talks. If you want to level up your public speaking to get more and better, including paid, speaking engagements, you've come to the right place! Thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders have learned from Speaking Your Brand and now you can too through our episodes that will help you with storytelling, audience engagement, building confidence, handling nerves, pitching to speak, getting paid, and more. Hosted by Carol Cox, entrepreneur, speaker, and TV political analyst. This is your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

  1. 5d ago

    The Business of Speaking: Negotiating Fees, Building Relationships, and Getting Referrals with Teri DeLucca, PhD

    In this episode, I sit down with Teri DeLucca for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the scenes in the speaking industry, from getting your first speaking engagements to negotiating fees, navigating “pay-to-play” conferences, and building the confidence to take bigger stages. Teri shares how she went from feeling intimidated and unsure if she belonged on stage to becoming an in-demand speaker traveling across the country.  We talk openly about the realities many speakers face but few discuss publicly: speaking for free, undercharging, the gender pay gap in speaking fees, networking with other speakers, and learning to see speaking not as performance — but as service. We also dive into Teri’s new AI platform, Luma, a human-centered AI “thinking partner” designed to support educators and leaders with communication, stress management, organizational culture, and decision-making. Plus, she shares exciting news about becoming a finalist for a grant funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focused on women and AI innovation. If you’ve ever wondered: How speakers actually get bookedWhen to speak for free (and when not to)How to raise your speaking fees with confidenceWhat event organizers don’t tell speakersHow AI is changing leadership and workOr whether you really have what it takes to speak……this conversation is for you. About Our Guest: Dr. Teri DeLucca is a developmental psychologist and the founder of Impact Early Education, which equips leaders with strategies that improve outcomes for children, teams, and businesses. She holds a dual PhD and previously worked as a research scientist specializing in teacher-child interactions and early intervention in neurocognitive and social-emotional development. Dr. DeLucca has successfully operated schools, reducing staff turnover, strengthening school culture, and driving sustainable growth. In addition to her work in education, she speaks nationally to corporate organizations and women’s groups on personal leadership, communication, resilience, and coaching strategies. She is a published author, award-winning researcher, speaker, and recognized leader in the industry. 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/474/   Teri’s website: https://impactearlyed.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/carolcoxTeri DeLucca (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-teri-delucca-46b296200/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 338: Escaping the Expert Trap: From Academic Presenter to Sought-After Speaker with Teri DeLucca

    51 min

  2. May 18

    How Kim Foster Got 1.5M Views on Her YouTube Video (And What It Means for Your Visibility)

    I love when I stumble across someone I know doing something big—and that’s exactly what happened with today’s guest. I spotted one of our Thought Leader Academy grads Kim Foster on YouTube…with a video that had over 1.5 million views. Naturally, I wanted to know how she did it! In this episode, Kim and I dig into what it really takes to grow a YouTube channel that drives visibility, trust, and clients. She shares how consistency, smart content strategy, and paying attention to your audience can completely change the trajectory of your brand. We also talk about her recent TEDx talk, her upcoming book, and why identity, not willpower, is the real key to transformation. If you’ve been thinking about YouTube, speaking, or stepping more fully into your thought leadership, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. About Our Guest: Dr. Kim Foster is an MD-turned–reinvention expert, author, and TEDx speaker who helps people change their lives by changing who they believe themselves to be. After 20 years practicing medicine, Kim left her career to build a global platform teaching the science of identity transformation. Her work blends behavioral psychology, personal development, and wellness, and she develops digital education programs that help people redesign their inner blueprint and build lives that actually reflect the person they’re becoming. Her thriving YouTube channel has grown to more than 250,000 subscribers and her forthcoming book, Redesigning You (June 2026), explores how to shift the beliefs and stories that shape behavior and destiny. Kim’s mission is to empower people to reinvent themselves at any age and step into who they were meant to become. 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/473/   Kim’s website: https://drkimfoster.com/  Kim’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KimFosterMD  Kim’s book: https://drkimfoster.com/book  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/carolcoxKim Foster (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimfoster/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 357: Create Real Change by Shifting Your Identity to Who You Want to Be with Kim Foster

    47 min

  3. May 11

    Motivational Speaking with Substance: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    What makes a motivational talk actually stick, long after the applause? In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll experience powerful, real-time signature talks from three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Kimberly Brock, Susana Alvarez, and Teresa Phillips. Each blends personal story, practical frameworks, and a clear message that moves beyond inspiration into action. Hear how each speaker: Uses personal turning points to create emotional connectionTranslates their experiences into clear, teachable frameworksBalances heart + strategy so the audience feels and learnsInvites the audience into reflection and real changeIf you’re working on your own signature talk or want your message to resonate more deeply, this session will show you what “motivational speaking with substance” actually looks like in practice. 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. You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k. 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/472/  Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k Kimberly’s website: https://www.kimberlybrock.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxKimberly Brock = https://www.linkedin.com/in/startwithkimberlybrock/ Susana Alvarez = https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaalvarezsrprojectmanager/ Teresa Phillips = https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-phillips-01249720b/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

    59 min

  4. May 4

    Turning Real-Life Challenges into Thought Leadership: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    What separates a good talk from a true thought leadership talk? It’s not just the story; it’s what you do with it. In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll hear powerful 10-minute signature talks from two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Heather Beebe and Lauren Yankoff, each transforming personal experience into clear, actionable frameworks. Hear how they: Turn real-life challenges into compelling audience entry pointsReveal the deeper problem most people are missingIntroduce simple, memorable frameworks that guide actionMove from story → insight → transformationIf you’ve ever wondered how to go from “telling your story” to delivering a talk that positions you as a thought leader, this session will show you exactly how it’s done. 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. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s.  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/471/  Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s  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/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazLauren Yankoff = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff/ Heather Beebe = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeebe/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

    50 min

  5. Apr 27

    Speaker Scams, Shortcuts, and What Actually Works to Build Your Speaking

    We’re pulling back the curtain on the speaker industry. If you’ve been scrolling lately, you’ve probably seen the promises: guaranteed TEDx talks, booked-out speaking calendars, five-figure fees overnight. It’s tempting. It’s also where a lot of people get burned. We share the biggest red flags we’re seeing—from “guaranteed” results to high-pressure sales tactics—and why those shortcuts rarely lead to the outcomes you actually want. We also break down the truth about paying to get a spot on a TEDx stage (including what the rules actually say), speaker bureaus, and those offers that land in your inbox sounding just a little too polished. But this isn’t just about what to avoid—it’s about what actually works. We talk about how to build a speaking platform that’s aligned, sustainable, and profitable—without chasing every opportunity or outsourcing your voice.  This includes how to think about visibility, why relationships matter more than cold outreach, and how to focus on the quality of speaking engagements instead of just the quantity. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “missing something” or if there’s a faster way to grow your speaking, this episode will give you clarity - and probably save you some money too. Because the real path to becoming a sought-after speaker isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/470/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Our Become Bookable workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersBooked Without Burnout seriesEpisode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

    48 min

  6. Apr 20

    Lessons from a Viral TEDx Speaker: The Talk That Changed Everything with Tammy Lally

    I’m thrilled to have back on the podcast my client Tammy Lally, TEDx speaker, author, and money coach, whose talk has reached millions of people around the world. But what makes her story so powerful isn’t just the visibility; it’s the vulnerability behind it. Tammy shares what really went into creating her TEDx talk, the emotional aftermath of sharing such a personal story, and how that one talk didn’t just impact audiences. It transformed her life and business in ways she never expected. We also dive into why honesty, not perfection, is what truly connects with audiences, how shame shows up in our relationship with money, and why your story might be the exact thing someone else needs to hear. If you’ve ever felt the pull to share more of your story but hesitated, this conversation will give you a new way to think about what’s possible on the other side of that courage. Tammy and I talk about: What made her TEDx talk resonate with millions and the deeper reason it spreadThe “vulnerability hangover” and why it’s a normal part of sharing your storyHow telling the truth (not impressing people) creates real connectionWhy your past struggles don’t disqualify you - they make you relatableThe surprising ways speaking can transform you, not just your audienceWhat she’s learned about speaking fees and why women need to stop underpricing themselvesHow shame around money impacts individuals, families, and even entire generationsWhy now is the time to share your story and how to know if you’re ready About My Guest: Tammy Lally is a published author, TED speaker, and Certified Money Coach (CMC). She helps others master their finances by first conquering their emotions around money, then by creating a comprehensive financial plan. She brings decades of experience and endless love to her bulletproof process for money mastery. 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/469/  Tammy’s website: https://tammylally.com/ Tammy’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_lally_let_s_get_honest_about_our_money_problems  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work With Speaking Your Brand = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxTammy Lally (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammylally/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersEpisode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel ReadyEpisode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation

    54 min

  7. Apr 13

    What TEDx Organizers Look for in Selecting Speakers with Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers

    TEDx is one of those stages that so many people aspire to. After being part of the speaker curation and coaching team for TEDxOrlando, I can tell you that there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that most people never see. In this episode, I’m joined by experienced TEDx organizers Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers, who have spent the past decade reviewing applications, selecting speakers, and shaping talks that make it onto that iconic red dot. We take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when your TEDx application is reviewed—what stands out, what falls flat, and what separates the speakers who make it to the red dot from those who don’t. If TEDx is on your vision board, this conversation will give you a much clearer—and more honest—picture of what it really takes. We talk about: Why originality matters more than expertise (and what that really means)The biggest mistakes speakers make in their applications—especially with AIHow to balance your personal story with a powerful, idea-driven messageWhat TEDx organizers are actually listening for in interviewsThe surprising role of coachability and why it can make or break your chances About My Guests: Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers have been organizing TEDx events for the past ten years, first in the UK and now for TEDxOrlando. Liam is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Story Circle, a storytelling-led company spanning live events, consultancy and original productions, from podcasts to films to video games. Nick is a communicator, strategist and operator with a career that spans politics, crisis management and creative leadership.  About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.  Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/468/  TEDxOrlando website: https://tedxorlando.live/  Nick’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/AaKsb9UhZuo?si=nYRcUGT2Vyd3prH1  Story Circle: https://storycircleconsulting.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work with Speaking Your Brand to develop your TEDx application and signature talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/tedx-coaching/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxNick Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrogersldn/ Liam Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamrogershq/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomenEpisode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx SpeakerEpisode 98: Expanding Your Personal Story into a Universal Message

    1h 1m

  8. Apr 6

    Making the Shift from Performer to Keynote Speaker with Andy Nunn

    I’ve worked with a lot of speakers over the years, but Andy Nunn brings something truly unique to the stage. He’s a mentalist turned keynote speaker who knows how to captivate an audience. In this episode, Andy and I talk about what it really takes to evolve from entertaining an audience to transforming them. Because getting laughs, applause, and “that was amazing!” is one thing… but creating a keynote that actually changes how people think and act is a completely different skill. Andy shares his journey from performing magic and mentalism to working together to build a thought leadership keynote, including what surprised him, what challenged him, and what finally clicked. We also get into the behind-the-scenes of shaping a talk that’s not just engaging, but structured, clear, and impactful (and yes, still includes some mind-blowing moments). If you’ve ever wondered how to go from being “good on stage” to being truly bookable as a keynote speaker, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective. Andy and I talk about: Why being entertaining isn’t enough—and what audiences actually need from a keynoteThe biggest mindset shift from performer to thought leaderHow to turn audience engagement into meaningful transformationWhat it takes to structure a keynote that works at 30, 45, or 60 minutesThe role of storytelling and personal experience in building a powerful talk  About My Guest: Andrew (Andy) Nunn is a sought-after speaker for leading organisations including Google, Amazon, SAP, Sony, and Ralph Lauren, where he delivers interactive keynotes that spark self-awareness, connection, and change. Andy’s reputation as a speaker grew from his acclaimed TEDx talk, “Seeing Is Believing,” which explored how perception shapes trust, decisions, and performance. His sessions aren’t lectures. They’re immersive experiences where audiences don’t just learn about mindset and bias, they feel them in real time. A professional mentalist with over 20 years on stage, Andy has performed and spoken for thousands across Australia and internationally. His talks fuse science with storytelling to reveal how tiny shifts in perception can create massive results in leadership, communication, and culture. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.  Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/467/  Andy’s website: https://www.andrewnunn.com/ Andy’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/BZWzcuIkD0c?si=KXqJEGD6wvaXbgvJ  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work with us to develop your keynote talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxAndy Nunn (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/andythementalist/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia KornEpisode 361: How to Land a TEDx Talk with Carol CoxSpeak with Confidence series

    47 min
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About

It's time to escape the expert trap and become an in-demand speaker and thought leader through compelling and memorable business presentations, keynotes, workshops, and TEDx talks. If you want to level up your public speaking to get more and better, including paid, speaking engagements, you've come to the right place! Thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders have learned from Speaking Your Brand and now you can too through our episodes that will help you with storytelling, audience engagement, building confidence, handling nerves, pitching to speak, getting paid, and more. Hosted by Carol Cox, entrepreneur, speaker, and TV political analyst. This is your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

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