Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

Carol Cox
  • 4.8 (125)
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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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. MAR 30

    The Story Only You Can Tell (And Why You Should) with Wendy Romeu

    Resilience isn’t something you build in the moment—it’s something you build long before you need it. In this episode, I’m joined by one of my clients, Wendy Romeu, founder and CEO of Alluvionic, to talk about what happened when her business was suddenly put to the ultimate test. But this isn’t just a conversation about leadership; it’s about story. Wendy shares how she took a deeply personal and emotional experience and turned it into a powerful talk that resonates with audiences. We unpack how to know when you’re ready to share a story, how much detail to include, and why the specifics—not just the summary—are what create real connection. We also talk about the internal shifts required to step into your voice: trusting that your story matters, allowing yourself to be seen, and delivering your message in a way that truly moves people. If you’ve been holding back from sharing a personal story—or wondering how to turn your experiences into thought leadership—this episode will show you what’s possible. Wendy and I talk about: How to know when you’re ready to share a personal story on stage or in your contentWhy the details of your story—not just the headline—are what create connection and impactHow to turn a real-life experience into a compelling, structured talkWhat it takes emotionally to share vulnerable stories with an audienceHow storytelling transforms your message from information into true thought leadership Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/466/  Wendy’s company’s website: https://alluvionic.com/  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/carolcoxWendy Romeu (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyromeu/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel Ready with Tiffany HawkEpisode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

    33 min

  5. MAR 23

    Authenticity Over Perfectionism: Lessons from Public Media Leadership with Judith Smelser

    What if the thing that makes you most effective as a leader and speaker… isn’t perfection, but authenticity?  That it’s not about having all the answers, but being willing to tell others that you don’t have all the answers? My guest is Judith Smelser, President and GM of Central Florida Public Media, and she shares her journey from journalist to leading a major public media organization and what she’s learned about using her voice along the way. We explore why local journalism matters more than ever, how the stories we tell shape our communities, and the responsibility of amplifying voices that often go unheard. But what I especially loved about this conversation is Judith’s perspective on authenticity over perfectionism—and how letting go of needing to have all the answers has made her a stronger, more effective leader. We also talk about imposter syndrome (yes, it still shows up—even at the highest levels) and why the real growth comes from stepping in before you feel 100% ready. If you’ve ever held yourself back because you thought you needed to be more polished, more certain, or more “ready”—this episode is your reminder that your voice matters now. Judith and I talk about: Why local journalism is a public goodHow stories shape communities and decisionsFinding your voice as a leader and spokespersonAuthenticity vs. perfection in speakingA real talk on imposter syndrome About My Guest: Judith Smelser is president and general manager of Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, the only local nonprofit news organization serving the nine-county Central Florida region. She began her journalism career in Washington, D.C., before moving to Central Florida in 2004 to join the newsroom at WMFE. Over nearly eight years, she excelled as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. In 2011, she left for Colorado Public Radio, where she held several newsroom leadership roles. In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Smelser serves on the Executive Committee of the Board for Florida Public Media. In recognition of her contributions, Smelser was honored as one of ONYX Magazine’s 2025 Women on the Move, Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year and one of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2024 Most Influential Leaders. 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/465/  Central Florida Public Media = https://www.cfpublic.org/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Work With Us = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/  Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJudith Smelser (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithsmelser-cfpm/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 454: Your Voice Can Shape Policy: Communicating Science with Influence and Clarity with Deborah StineEpisode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah Henry

    54 min

  6. MAR 16

    Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel Ready with Tiffany Hawk

    Today I’m joined by returning guest Tiffany Hawk - author, book coach, and longtime collaborator - to talk about why sharing your story matters, especially when you don’t feel ready. We explore how many accomplished professionals get stuck in what I call the “expert trap”, relying on expertise and credentials while holding back the personal stories that actually create connection. Tiffany shares insights from her work helping women write meaningful books, along with her own journey of returning to writing after years of self-doubt. We also talk about the messy reality of creativity, why the first draft is rarely pretty, and how community and accountability can make all the difference when you’re working on a book, talk, or other thought leadership project. This conversation is especially meaningful during Women’s History Month, as we reflect on the power of women using their voices to tell the stories that shape culture and create change.  Tiffany and I talk about: Why expertise alone doesn’t create connectionThe role of vulnerability in thought leadershipWhy you shouldn’t wait until your ideas feel perfectHow storytelling helps audiences see themselves in your messageThe creative process behind writing a bookWe also share details about our Story to Spotlight writing and speaking retreat in Spain this Fall 2026, where we’ll help women develop their ideas, stories, and thought leadership in a supportive environment. Learn more and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/ Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/464/  Get the details and apply for our Story to Spotlight Writing & Speaking Retreat in Spain this Fall 2026: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/  Tiffany’s website: https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/intensive/  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/carolcoxTiffany Hawk (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyhawk/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany HawkEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 461: Storytelling as Resistance: Finding and Using Your Voice with Janice Gassam AsareEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox

    48 min

  7. MAR 9

    The Connection Formula of Expertise + Story: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    Many accomplished women already have the expertise, experience, and authority their audiences need. The missing piece is rarely more knowledge — it’s connection. Story is what bridges the space between expert and audience. It humanizes ideas, creates emotional resonance, and allows insight to truly land. When expertise is combined with purposeful storytelling, a talk doesn’t just inform — it connects, influences, and stays with people long after it ends. This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where three recent grads of our Thought Leader Academy each delivered a 10-minute version of the signature talk they developed with us, designed to transform expertise into meaningful connection through purposeful storytelling. As you listen, you’ll learn how powerful talks are built, including: How to turn expertise into a compelling narrativeHow to embed your unique perspective and lived experience into your messageHow story creates trust, meaning, and emotional connectionHow to structure ideas so they are clear, memorable, and actionableWhat they learned from the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/463/  Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/4s1LX8sGk7s 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/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazAllison Greco = https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongreco/ Brittany Sadlouskos = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanysadlouskos/ Cam Dunson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/camdunson/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

    57 min

  8. MAR 2

    Speaking Strategies That Create Lasting Impact: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads

    What’s the difference between a presentation people forget in five minutes… and a talk that quietly reshapes how someone thinks, decides, and acts for months afterward? It’s not more information and it’s not prettier slides (although pretty slides are nice!). This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where you’ll experience two powerful examples of what happens when purposeful storytelling meets clear, actionable frameworks - the core of every transformational signature talk. Erin Mark and Deborah Stine, recent graduates of our Thought Leader Academy, each delivered a 10-minute version of the keynote signature talks they created during their VIP Day with us and refined throughout the program.  You’ll hear: Two real signature talks delivered by our Thought Leader Academy graduatesThe difference between informational speaking and transformational speaking, especially important for keynotesHow your message can position you as a thought leaderWhat makes a talk memorable and actionableWhat they learned in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/462/  Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/TKkEHY0rRXw Erin’s website: https://erinmark.com/  Debbie’s website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.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/carolcoxErin Mark = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/ Deborah Stine = https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-stine/  Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

    46 min
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4.8
out of 5
125 Ratings

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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