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.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you could talk about in your signature presentation? You're not alone.

If you're a multi-passionate entrepreneur juggling coaching, courses, consulting, and maybe even a community or two, narrowing it all down to one talk can feel like trying to pick your favorite child.

In this episode, I share how you can clarify your message without sacrificing the breadth of what you offer.

Whether you're looking to drive leads, build brand awareness, or position yourself as a thought leader, the key is not to say *everything*—but to say the *right* things in a way that connects and converts.

You’ll learn:
1. How to find your big idea — the common thread that ties your offerings together
2. Why focusing on one topic is the best thing you can do for clarity and results
3. How to strategically weave in what else you do without sounding salesy or scattered

This is the method we use with our clients to create signature talks that are both authentic and impactful.

Because when your message aligns with your mission, your audience *feels* it — and they remember you.

Want expert support developing your signature talk? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how you can work with us.

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.

Are you waiting for everything to be “perfect” before you put yourself out there as a speaker?

Trust me, I’ve been there—and I get it. But perfectionism often masquerades as productivity when really, it’s just fear pressing pause on your progress.

In this episode, I’m diving into how you can increase your visibility as a speaker this year—without getting caught in the perfection trap or burning yourself out.

You'll learn:
- Why action creates clarity (and how taking steps before you feel ready leads to real growth)
- The 3 things I recommend focusing on to boost your visibility
- How to choose the right visibility channels, so you’re showing up in the right places consistently
- Why having a versatile and adaptable signature talk is a game-changer
- Ways to pitch smarter (not harder) for speaking and media opportunities that align with your message

Whether your website isn’t quite updated or your bio still needs work—don’t wait. Start now.

Momentum builds when you move, not when you sit still waiting for a green light.

You have a message that matters, and there are people who need to hear it. Don’t let perfectionism keep them from finding you.

Want more support on becoming a confident, booked-out speaker? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn about working with us.

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.

What story are you *not* telling because you’re afraid it’s too personal, too messy, or too much?

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself after sharing a personal story — or avoided doing it altogether — you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Confident Speaker podcast, I talk about why telling your personal story is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience — and the common mistakes to avoid so your story lands with meaning and impact.

Too often, women speakers worry that being vulnerable will make them look unprofessional or self-indulgent.

In reality, it’s your humanity that draws your audience in and helps them see what’s possible for themselves.

In this short but powerful episode, I guide you through three story-sharing mistakes and exactly how to course-correct:

- Mistake #1: Telling a story without a clear takeaway (and how to “universalize” it)
- Mistake #2: Making yourself the hero (and how to reframe your role as the guide)
- Mistake #3: Oversharing or under-sharing (and how to find the right emotional balance)

You’ll also hear a real example of a client who took a personal moment of rejection and turned it into a message of empowerment — one that made her audience sit up and lean in.

If you’ve been holding back your story, this is your sign to stop playing small. Your experience — raw, real, and reshaped with purpose — is your superpower.

Ready to craft a signature talk that’s both strategic and soul-stirring? 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.

What’s the missing piece in your marketing strategy?

It’s not what you might think—it’s not about churning out more content, building another funnel, or redesigning your website.

It’s your signature talk—and it can change everything.

In this short but powerful episode, I dive into why your signature talk is the most overlooked yet incredibly effective tool in your business toolkit.

I share how it can transform your scattered ideas into a clear, compelling message that not only draws in your audience but also positions you as a true thought leader in your industry.

One of my favorite client stories in this episode involves a brilliant leadership consultant who went from overwhelming her audience with too much information to confidently delivering a talk that landed her bigger stages—and even a book deal.

You’ll discover:
- Why your signature talk offers message clarity and cohesion across all your marketing
- How it elevates your thought leadership and helps people remember what you stand for
- The way it functions as a lead generation engine that doesn't feel like a sales pitch

And the best part? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you speak. Your talk evolves with you and can be used in webinars, podcasts, live stages, and more.

If you’ve been feeling like your expertise is being lost in the noise—or you just don’t know how to bring your message together—your signature talk could be exactly what you need.

Ready to get started? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn more about how we can help you craft and deliver a talk that shows the full depth of what you do.

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.

Giving a powerful, high-value presentation is an incredible accomplishment—but what happens when the applause fades and no one follows up with you? No new leads. No consult calls. Just... crickets.

If that’s ever been your experience, you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, I share how to bridge the gap between giving great content and creating real business results from your speaking. The key? Aligning your talk with your offer and planting strategic "sales seeds" that guide your audience to the next step—without ever sounding salesy.

You’ll learn:

- What “planting sales seeds” really means—and why it works so well

- Simple, conversational ways to incorporate client stories and services into your presentation

- Real examples of how this has led to immediate interest from ideal clients

- The mindset shift that will help you serve your audience and grow your business

- The must-have call to action every talk should include

If you want your presentations to inspire *and* convert, this episode will show you how.

Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn more about how we can help you create a talk that connects, compels, and converts.

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.