You’ve probably come across speaking opportunities where the event organizer expects *you* to pay a fee or buy a ticket just to be on stage.

It feels off, doesn’t it? After all, you’ve honed your expertise and crafted your message—shouldn’t they be paying *you*?

In this episode of the Confident Speaker Podcast, I dig into the nuances of when it *can* make sense to speak for free—or even pay to speak—and when it’s time to say no (or charge your worth).

I share personal insights from my own early speaking days, along with three powerful strategies to help you make thoughtful, strategic decisions about unpaid opportunities:

**1. Know What You're Getting in Return** Not all free or pay-to-play talks are created equal. Visibility, great video footage, and connections with your ideal audience *can* make it worth your while.

**2. Set a Limit on Free Speaking** Create and stick to a personal policy: How many unpaid talks will you say yes to per year? Having a clear boundary not only keeps you focused, but it also makes turning down less-aligned gigs that much easier.

**3. Position Yourself as a Paid Speaker** From your website to your pitch emails, small tweaks in how you present yourself can send clear signals that you’re a professional who gets paid to speak.

Being strategic doesn’t mean being rigid—it means honoring the value of your time, your message, and your goals. You have the power to decide which stages deserve your voice—and which ones don’t.

For more support and to work with us to grow your speaking business, head over to speakingyourbrand.com.

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 do event organizers *really* want in a speaker - and how can you position yourself to be the one they rave about (and invite back)?

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what truly matters to event organizers. Yes, being a dynamic speaker on stage is important, but it's only part of the equation. The rest? It happens behind the scenes.

Drawing from years of working directly with events and conferences, I share the top three qualities organizers consistently look for in speakers and how you can embody them:

**1. Be a Dream to Work With Behind the Scenes**

Professionalism isn't just appreciated; it's expected. From submitting your materials on time, to showing up early for tech checks, to being responsive throughout the planning process - small actions build your reputation as someone organizers trust and recommend.

**2. Customize Your Talk for Their Audience**

A great talk isn't a one-size-fits-all. The best speakers tailor their message to the specific audience in the room. I give you practical tips for adapting your topic so it aligns with the goals and challenges of attendees and stands out in the speaker selection process.

**3. Lead with Value—Not a Sales Pitch**

Yes, you can grow your business through speaking, but you have to do it the right way. Learn how to be seen as a generous expert who leaves the audience inspired, not sold to (and leaves the organizer relieved and impressed).

The key takeaway? If you want to be the kind of speaker who gets booked again and again, it’s about more than just what you *say* - it’s about who you are throughout the entire process.

If you're ready to elevate your message and become that speaker, you can find ways to work with us at speakingyourbrand.com.

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 the flutter of stage fright before stepping onto a stage—or even into a Zoom room—is more common than you think. But those nerves? They’re not a sign of weakness; they’re a sign that you care.

In this episode, I share a personal story from my TEDxWomen talk that didn’t go exactly as planned—and how that moment sparked some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about managing nerves before speaking.

You’ll learn:
- Why preparation goes beyond memorizing your content—and the exact steps to practice the right way
- How mental rehearsal (yes, visualization really works!) can turn fear into familiarity
- Simple, science-backed ways to reconnect with your body and bring your most grounded, confident self to the stage

Whether you're stepping up for a keynote, webinar, team meeting, or podcast interview, these strategies will help you channel your nervous energy into a powerful, connected delivery.

If you’d like coaching support to feel more confident and prepared on stage and in any speaking situation, check out ways to work with us at speakingyourbrand.com.

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.

Worried that you say “um” and "uh" too much when you speak?

In this short but powerful episode, I explore why we use filler words like “uh,” “you know,” and “like” - and how to start reducing them without sounding stiff or over-rehearsed.

I’ve heard from so many of our clients how frustrating it feels to listen back to a presentation and hear those filler words take over. But you don’t need to eliminate them completely to sound confident - you just need the right strategies.

I walk you through 3 simple, effective tips you can start using right away to become more aware of your speaking habits and to communicate with more clarity and presence:

- Embrace the power of pausing and let silence work for you

- Practice out loud to train your brain and recognize filler word patterns

- Slow down and speak for connection, not perfection

This episode is your quick yet meaningful guide to sounding more assured and grounded every time you speak, whether you’re presenting on Zoom, leading a meeting, or recording your next podcast.

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.

Is your presentation attracting the right clients—or just checking a box?

Too often, I see entrepreneurs and professionals settle for “good enough” talks. Maybe it's a reused slide deck, a quick rehearsal, or a surface-level outline that feels... fine.

But those kinds of presentations could actually be doing more harm than good when it comes to building your reputation and growing your business.

In this episode, I share what’s at stake when you play it safe—and exactly what to do instead to elevate your presentation from passable to powerful.

You’ll learn three key strategies to instantly uplevel your speaking:

**1. Understand where your audience is in their journey.**
Tailoring your message to meet your audience where they are is essential—whether they’re beginners or seasoned professionals. I’ll show you how to assess their needs before you even step on stage.

**2. Structure with intention, not overload.**
Avoid the temptation to cram everything you know into your talk. Instead, I walk you through how to build your presentation using a story arc that captures attention and delivers depth.

**3. Align your content with your business goals.**
Your talk should attract the types of clients and opportunities you truly want. I share how to shape your message so it speaks directly to your ideal audience—and repels the rest (yes, that’s a good thing!).

You’ve invested too much in your expertise to let your message fall flat. This episode reminds you to stop settling—and start speaking with the clarity and confidence your brand deserves.

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.

Attending conferences and leading breakout sessions is a fantastic achievement—but what if your sights are set higher?

If you’re ready to claim your place on the main stage as a keynote speaker, this episode is for you.

I walk you through how to make the leap from breakout sessions to delivering powerful keynotes that leave an impact.

You’ll learn:
- Why you should treat your breakout like a TED Talk, not a training session
- How to develop a signature talk that reflects your big idea, not just your business
- What steps to take to build relationships with organizers and confidently pitch yourself for that keynote slot

This isn't about being flashy. It’s about being intentional with your message, your presence, and your performance.

I share a real-world success story of one of our clients who went from breakout speaker to keynote success, and how you can do the same. It's time to step into the spotlight with a message that moves audiences and positions you as a true thought leader.

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 makes your voice truly stand out in a crowded industry?

In this episode, I (AI Carol) walk you through the keys to making your message not just heard—but remembered. Whether you’re a coach, entrepreneur, marketer, or creative, you’ll learn practical strategies to elevate your visibility and become known for your unique perspective.

You’ll discover:
- Why your *Big Idea* is the game-changer that sets you apart from everyone else
- How to create your *signature talk* and use it to grow your brand, business, and impact
- Why waiting for confidence is a myth—and how visibility is actually the key to building it

Standing out doesn’t require flashy graphics or a massive following. It starts with a message only *you* can deliver—and the courage to share it.

Take one step this week to put your voice out there: post a bold idea on social media, tell a story that moves people, or simply speak up in a new space. Your audience is already out there waiting for your message.

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.

We’ve all witnessed those speakers who seem to radiate confidence on stage. It looks effortless, doesn’t it? But here’s the truth: confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about building the tools to navigate nervous energy and show up with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, I (AI Carol) share three powerful, practical tips to help you build your speaking confidence, drawn straight from my own experiences and the work I do with my clients at Speaking Your Brand.

You’ll learn:

- Why clarity is the cornerstone of confidence—and how to ground yourself in your message

- How to practice in a way that actually prepares you for real-life speaking situations

- The mindset shift that can transform how you connect with your audience

- Plus, a bonus tip on how to channel your nerves instead of trying to suppress them

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you cultivate. And when you focus less on performance and more on purpose, you’ll step into your voice as a powerful communicator and thought leader.

If you're ready to show up with even more presence and impact in your talks, visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to explore how we can partner to elevate your message and your stage presence.

Be sure to follow the Confident Speaker 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 innov