How personal should you get when sharing your story in a professional setting?

In this episode, I explore a question many of us grapple with when crafting a keynote, presentation, or signature talk: where’s the line between meaningful vulnerability and oversharing?

I dive into the moment I chose to tell a deeply personal story during a keynote—about my time in local politics and the difficult decision not to run for re-election. It wasn’t easy to share, but it resonated far more than any tactic or strategy I delivered.

That’s the real power of authentic storytelling.

If you’ve ever hesitated before including a personal anecdote in your talk—worried it might be "too much" or "not relevant"—this episode is for you.

I share three guidance points to help you decide when and how to include a personal story in your professional content:

1. Make it relevant, not random – Your story should serve the purpose of illustrating a key idea and connecting emotionally with your audience.

2. Share from the scar, not the wound – Speak from a place of perspective and growth, not raw emotion.

3. Keep it real, not performative – Authenticity builds trust. Focus on connection, not on performance.

You'll also hear about a beautiful example from a client whose seemingly “small” story about playing cards with her grandmother ended up becoming the heart of her keynote because of how powerfully it connected with her audience.

Whether you're preparing for your next big presentation, keynote, or thought leadership platform, remember: your story matters—not because it's dramatic or flashy, but because it's true.

Want help crafting your signature talk and anchoring it with compelling stories that feel aligned and powerful? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

Why am I not getting the speaking opportunities I want?

It’s a question so many high-achieving women ask themselves—especially when they already have the experience, the credentials, and the passion to make an impact.

In this episode, I unpack what’s really behind the gap between your expertise and the kinds of speaking engagements you dream of.

The truth is, experience doesn’t automatically lead to visibility—or invitations.

I share my own story of hitting a plateau in my speaking career, and what finally made the difference (hint: it wasn’t more credentials).

You’ll learn the three key shifts you can make to go from being seen as someone who *teaches* to someone who *transforms*.

Here’s what we cover:
- How to break free from the “expert trap” that keeps your talks safe—but forgettable
- Why storytelling is your ticket to truly connecting with audiences (and event organizers)
- The importance of owning your identity as a speaker—and making it *visible*

These simple, strategic shifts can make all the difference between being overlooked and being in-demand.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let’s make sure people hear it.

Ready to take the next step? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together to craft your signature talk and grow your visibility.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

Speaking opportunities aren’t just for people with a long list of past gigs or a polished speaker reel.

You don't have to wait until you're “ready” — you become ready by starting.

In today’s episode, I share what to do if you want to start speaking but don’t have much experience.

Whether you're asking “Why would anyone put me on stage?” or “Who am I to do this?”, this episode offers both encouragement and practical, doable steps to help you begin.

You’ll learn:
- Why starting small and local is one of the best ways to gain experience (and confidence!)
- How to build relationships with local groups to land your first speaking opportunities
- Why claiming the title of “speaker” is a powerful shift—and how to communicate it
- Simple ways to create visibility for yourself, even without a speaker reel
- How to speak within communities you’re already a part of for easy wins

Every seasoned speaker began with a first talk. This could be yours.

The key isn’t waiting until you feel fully prepared—it’s saying yes, again and again, and letting each step lead to the next.

Let’s build your confidence, clarity, and consistency, starting today. If you’re ready to work with us to craft your signature talk and start getting visible as a speaker, head over to https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn more.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.