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. 9h ago

    3 Ways AI Can Hurt Your Public Speaking, and 3 Ways It Can Help

    I love using AI, and I use it almost every day. But when it comes to thought leadership, talks, and presentations, I’ve also seen how easy it is for AI to pull us into a new version of the Expert Trap. In this episode, I’m sharing three things to be careful about when using AI for your talks, from my own recent experiences with clients, including why it can miss the deeper signal in your message, strip away your natural personality, and leave you with endless unfinished ideas that never become anything concrete. I also share three smart ways I do recommend using AI: creating stronger slide graphics, brainstorming audience activities for workshops, and analyzing call-for-speakers pages so you can find a stronger pitch angle. My goal isn’t to talk you out of using AI. It’s to help you use it in a way that supports your voice, your ideas, and your real thought leadership instead of replacing the very things that make you compelling. You'll learn: Why AI can keep you stuck in the Expert TrapThe difference between AI “polish” and your real voiceWhy your personality matters so much in a talkHow too many AI-generated ideas can create more unfinished projectsThree ways I recommend using AI for presentationsWhy I no longer recommend using AI to draft TEDx or speaker submissionsHow to make your human credibility markers stand out in your speaking proposals 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/479/  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 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersEpisode 478: The Expert Trap: Why Great Speakers Don't Become Thought LeadersEpisode 477: What AI Couldn't Do: Finding the Perfect Name for My BookEpisode 432: AI Is Already Impacting Your Business – Here are 4 Innovative Ways to Leverage ItEpisode 433: Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases

    23 min

  2. Jun 29

    The Expert Trap: Why Great Speakers Don't Become Thought Leaders

    Have you ever given a talk that people loved in the moment but nothing happened afterward? The audience took notes. They told you how valuable your presentation was. But you didn't get the next speaking invitation, new clients, or bigger opportunities. In this episode, I explain what I call the Expert Trap: the place where expertise becomes the very thing holding you back from becoming a thought leader. I share the three signs that you may be stuck in the Expert Trap, why helpful talks aren't always memorable, and what separates speakers who simply educate from those whose ideas truly travel. If you've been wondering why your speaking isn't creating the impact you know it's capable of, this episode will help you see your talks through a new lens. In this episode you'll learn: The three signs you're stuck in the Expert TrapWhy audiences remember perspectives more than informationHow thought leaders help people see themselves differently, not just learn something newWhat your expertise may be costing you without you realizing it 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/478/  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 HaydenEpisode 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, PhDEpisode 342: I Almost Got Stuck in the Expert Trap: How I Created My Recent Successful Conference PresentationEpisode 458: Same Message, Different Medium: Why Your Talk Isn’t Landing (and How to Fix It)

    11 min

  3. Jun 25

    Why Your Audience Loves Your Talk But Doesn't Hire You

    You can give a great presentation, get lots of compliments afterward, and still walk away with zero leads. Why? Because most speakers approach their talks like teachers instead of marketers. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I share how to create presentations that generate interest, build trust, and lead to clients, without feeling salesy or violating the dreaded "no selling from the stage" rule. We talk about why audiences don't need more information, what they actually want from your presentation, and how to structure your talks so people understand not only your message, but also why you're the right person to help them. If you've ever wondered why your speaking engagements aren't translating into business opportunities, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your talks. In this episode, we discuss: • Why giving audiences more information often reduces conversions• The difference between a lead-generation talk and a paid workshop• How our Signature Talk Canvas® helps speakers create demand without being pushy• The critical role of Act One in building trust and audience buy-in• How to plant "sales seeds" naturally through stories and client examples• Why emotional connection matters more than tactics and tips• Simple ways to capture leads and book conversations after your presentation• Real-world examples of talks that generated immediate clients If you’re ready to work with us on creating or refining your signature talk, head to speakingyourbrand.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation and explore the best way for us to work together. This episode originally aired as episode 457 on December 29, 2025. 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/457/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day Speaking 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 456: The Missing Piece of Your Marketing Strategy is a Signature TalkEpisode 449: Small Shifts That Make a Huge Difference in Your Presentation Impact & ResultsEpisode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle Hayden

    35 min

  4. Jun 22

    Your Signature Talk Is More Than a Presentation - It's Your Marketing Engine

    Your marketing may not be broken. It may just be missing a signature talk. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I share why speaking is one of the most effective marketing tools available today and why a well-crafted signature talk can become the foundation for your visibility, lead generation, and thought leadership strategy. We talk about how speaking accelerates the know-like-trust factor in ways that social media and other marketing channels simply can't, why audiences are more engaged when they're experiencing your message live, and how your signature talk can be repurposed into everything from email campaigns and social media content to workshops, podcasts, and courses. We also explore what makes a true signature talk, how it differs from simply giving presentations, and why clarifying your core message is often the missing piece that ties your entire marketing strategy together. In this episode, we discuss: • Why speaking builds trust faster than any other marketing channel• How Diane generated new clients from a single speaking engagement• The difference between a presentation and a signature talk• Why your signature message should guide all of your marketing• How to identify the real problem your audience needs solved• Ways to repurpose your talk into content, workshops, and offers• Why many experts struggle to translate expertise into thought leadership If you’re ready to build a signature talk that becomes the backbone of your marketing, visibility, and thought leadership, you can learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy, through a VIP Day, or at one of our in-person Orlando speaking workshops. This episode originally aired as episode 456 on December 22, 2025. 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/456/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day Speaking 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 453: Why Your Best Talk is the One You Give Again (and Again)Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

    20 min

  5. Jun 15

    How to Find the Perfect Name for Your Book, Framework, or Business with Brand Strategist Rebeca Arbona

    How do you name a book, a framework, or even a business in a way that captures the essence of what you do? After struggling with the title of my book for years, I turned to brand strategist and naming expert Rebeca Arbona for help. What happened next surprised me: in less than an hour, she found the title that had been hiding in plain sight. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on the art and strategy of naming. Rebeca shares why great names aren't created through random brainstorming, the biggest mistakes people make when naming their ideas, and why AI may be helpful for execution but falls short when it comes to original thought leadership. If you've ever wrestled with naming a book, a keynote, a framework, a program, or your business itself, you'll come away with a new appreciation for the power of finding the right words. Rebeca and I talk about: • Why naming is far more strategic than most people realize• The process Rebeca uses to create names that resonate and endure• Common naming mistakes that keep people stuck• Why great names often feel both surprising and obvious at the same time• How Rebeca helped me finally name my book after five years of trying• The difference between a name and a descriptor and why both matter• Why AI struggles to generate truly original thought leadership ideas• How the right title can clarify the entire structure and direction of a book• The connection between ideas, thought leadership, and public speaking About Our Guest: Rebeca Arbona is a brand strategist, strategic namer, and founder of BrandTrue, where she helps organizations uncover and communicate the truths at their core. A lifelong word geek who once read the dictionary for fun, Rebeca found her professional sweet spot in naming, where language, strategy, and creative intuition all collide. Since her first appearance on Speaking Your Brand, Rebeca’s work has expanded to include teaching Branding at the University of Cincinnati, mentoring emerging strategists, supporting mission-driven organizations, and developing a book rooted in resilience, meaning, and hard-won life lessons. Through it all, she remains obsessed with the same essential question: how do we tell the truth in a way people can feel, remember, and act on? Follow Rebeca and BrandTrue on LinkedIn for her insightful, quirky takes on naming, brand strategy, and why the truth matters to brands that want to mean something. 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/477/  Rebeca’s website: https://www.brandtrue.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/carolcoxRebeca Arbona (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecaarbona/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 179: The Deep Truths You and Your Brand Need to Say with Rebeca Arbona

    36 min

  6. Jun 8

    Want More Speaking Gigs? Stop Relying on Applications Alone

    You may be closer to your next speaking opportunity than you think. With so many people submitting speaker applications and using AI to generate proposals, standing out has become harder than ever. But there's one thing AI can't replicate: genuine relationships. In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk about why some of the best speaking opportunities, keynote invitations, media appearances, and client referrals come not from cold pitches, but from the trust you've built over time.  We share stories from our own experiences, examples from Speaking Your Brand clients, and practical ways to build relationships that can lead to speaking engagements and visibility opportunities. If you've been relying on social media posts, conference applications, or waiting for opportunities to find you, this conversation will give you a different perspective on where your next opportunity may already be waiting. We talk about: Why relationships matter more than ever in today's speaking landscapeHow AI is making speaker applications easier and more competitiveWhat event organizers are really looking for when selecting speakersWhy authenticity and personality help you stand outReal examples of clients who turned one speaking engagement into many more opportunitiesThe difference between networking and relationship buildingHow local organizations, associations, and community groups can open doorsPractical ways to reconnect with people already in your networkWhy speaking is a long-term strategy that creates opportunities beyond the stageThree simple actions you can take this week to build momentum toward your next speaking engagementWhether you're an aspiring speaker or an experienced professional looking to increase your visibility, this episode will help you think differently about where your next opportunity may come from. 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/476/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day Speaking 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 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia KornEpisode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities with Cherlette McCulloughBooked Without Burnout series

    32 min

  7. Jun 1

    From Personal Story to Thought Leadership: A Framework for Speakers with Erin Mark

    What if the stories you’ve dismissed as “not important enough” are actually the ones your audience needs most? Erin Mark and I explore why storytelling is the bridge between expertise and transformation and why audiences connect far more deeply with emotion, struggle, and humanity than with information alone.  Erin shares how she took her deeply personal experience living with cystic fibrosis and transformed it into a keynote message about resilience, uncertainty, identity, and moving forward through change. We also talk about the surprising challenge many women face: not recognizing the power of their own stories because they’ve lived with them for so long. In this episode, we discuss: How to “universalize” your personal story so others see themselves in itWhy many women struggle to identify their most impactful storiesErin’s “Story, Struggle, Solution” frameworkHow coaches can help uncover stories and themes you can’t always see yourselfWhy you do not need a dramatic life story to become a compelling speakerHow storytelling can improve podcast interviews, presentations, and thought leadershipThe importance of becoming the messenger your audience needs at exactly the right moment We also share details about our new Story Scoping coaching package and our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando! About My Guest: At 35, Erin’s life was coming to an end. She had entered end life stage cystic fibrosis: her lungs were failing, she was dying, and time was running out. While most people were training for their next promotion or milestone, she was training to die. And then, at the very last moment, everything changed – a breakthrough medication saved her life. That moment forced Erin into her most important pivot yet: learning how to live again. Her identity had been built around survival. Now, she had to rebuild her purpose, reshape her career, and discover what it meant to truly live. What she discovered is this: pivoting isn’t a one-time act, it’s a repeatable skill. Whether it’s a reorg, a layoff, a leadership shift, or a personal loss, every “before and after” moment is a pivot point and it requires a new kind of leadership. Perfect for corporate teams, associations, and leadership conferences, Erin’s keynotes are more than inspiration. They’re a mindset reset and a tactical playbook for anyone navigating change or facing an uncertain next chapter. 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/475/  Erin’s website: https://erinmark.com/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work with Erin to scope your story: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/story-coaching/  Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/  Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxErin Mark (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 462: Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from TLA Grads

    32 min

  8. May 25

    Building Your Speaking Career: Negotiating Fees, Getting to Bigger States, and Attracting 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
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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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