Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

Do you feel like hitting pause when everything around you feels uncertain?

Whether it's the economy, politics, AI, or just the general state of flux we're all living in, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Youre not alone - Ive been feeling it too.

In this episode, Diane Diaz and I talk candidly about what we've been noticing in ourselves, our clients, and the conversations we're having behind the scenes here at Speaking Your Brand. Spoiler alert: pausing too long or isolating yourself isn't the answer.

Instead, we share:

• Why action creates clarity and how to act your way to right thinking
  
  

• A behind-the-scenes look at how were navigating uncertainty at Speaking Your Brand
  
  

• How in-person speaking engagements and networking are helping us build momentum
  
  

• Why now is the best time to connect and take action (even if youre an introvert)
  
  

• How to experiment and refresh your offerings without overwhelm
  
  

• What to do when ChatGPT gives you too many ideas (yes, really!)
  
  

If youve been feeling stuck, this episode is your invitation to move from What now? to Whats next?

Let this episode be the boost you need to keep showing up, sharing your message, and stepping into your next level.

Plus, we share about our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando, Narrative that Sells, and how its designed to help you attract clients, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership visibility by creating and practicing your signature talk.

Use code PODCAST200 for $200 off: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/428/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Sign up for our Narrative That Sells in-person messaging and speaking workshop in Orlando on June 5th = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/workshop/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop

• Episode 413: Design and Deliver Workshops that Get You Leads and Clients

What does it really look like to lead with courage, advocate for yourself (and others), and embrace vulnerability as a strength?

In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Mary Beth Plank-Mezo, who is the Vice President of Staff and Cultural Development at Full Sail University and has been with the university for an incredible 36 years. Her leadership has touched so many across the campus — and I know firsthand how impactful she’s been.

We recorded this conversation live in studio at Full Sail, and you’ll hear how Mary Beth’s leadership journey has evolved over the years, from being a quiet observer in meetings to becoming a powerful voice and advocate for change.

She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her, including the time she walked into the founder’s office and asked to switch departments (talk about bold self-advocacy!) and how she helped start the university’s Staff and Cultural Development department.

We talk about:

• Why asking for what you want is so important (even when it’s scary)

• How to deal with “no” - and why it doesn’t always mean “never”
  The value of listening first and co-creating a vision to build trust and buy-in

• What happens when leaders show vulnerability (and how it fosters innovation)

• Why women often hold themselves back and what we can do to push past that

• The three layers of advocacy: for yourself, by others, and for others
  
  

Mary Beth also shares what continues to fuel her passion for mentoring and growing new leaders and how she sees her role now as ensuring the next generation is ready to take the reins.

This is one of those episodes that will stay with you, especially if you’ve ever questioned whether your voice matters (spoiler: it does).

Tune in and then ask yourself:

• What’s one area where you can advocate for yourself right now?

• Who’s in your corner, cheering you on and who can you advocate for?

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/427/ 

Watch the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/HT77NKq2un4

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/carolcox

• Mary Beth Plank-Mezo (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbplankmezo/ 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence

• Episode 399: Be a Voice of Change: How to Communicate Transformational Leadership

• Episode 405: Advocating and Using Your Voice for Yourself

Are you unintentionally overwhelming your audience with too much information?

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common mistakes I see smart, experienced professionals make in their presentations: overloading them with information.

I know it’s tempting - after all, we want to provide value. But here’s the truth: real impact doesn’t come from how much you teach, but from how much you transform.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why more information isn’t always better (and can actually be a disservice)

• How to shift your content from info-dumping to insight-sharing

• The key ingredients that create transformation in your talks

• What I learned from TV shows like Succession and Inventing Anna about confidence, vision, and belief (yep, there’s a lesson in there!)

• How focusing on transformation helps you position yourself as a thought leader and raise your speaking fees

I’ll also share examples from our Thought Leader Academy and client presentations to show you exactly how to make this shift.

If you want to create more meaningful and memorable presentations, this episode is for you.

(This episode originally aired as episode 271 on April 5, 2022.)

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/271

Download our FREE workbook on how to position yourself as a thought leader: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/. 

Join our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ 

Schedule a consult call with us to talk about creating your signature talk and thought leadership platform: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact. 

Connect with Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 137: The Missing Ingredients in Your Stories

• Episode 193: Five Kinds of Stories to Share in Your Thought Leadership Content with Carol Cox

• Episode 241: The Expert Trap: What Holds Women Back from Thought Leadership with Carol Cox

• Episode 259: Connecting Your Business and Your Thought Leadership with Carol Cox

Have you ever had an idea that tugged at you, asking to be brought to life?

In this episode, I share why I believe so strongly that you are the exact messenger for your idea and your audience. Not someone else. You.

Yes, your topic may be similar to what others are talking about. But ,your idea, your lens, your story, and your experiences are what make it yours.

And your audience? They’re waiting for you to say it in the way only you can.

We dig into:

• The difference between having a topic versus having an idea (this is a game-changer for standing out!)

• Why thought leadership is more than just expertise—it’s about the courage to show up with your unique take

• The two ways ideas tend to come to us (and what stops us from activating them)

• Why fear and perfectionism are such sneaky dream stealers (and how to move through them)

• What Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Greta Gerwig can teach us about being the messenger for your idea

I even share a behind-the-scenes moment from preparing my 2016 TEDx talk when I realized I needed something more than a “good” talk - I needed to say something only I could say.

If you’re feeling that nudge that there’s an idea stirring inside you - or one that’s been sitting dormant - it’s time to give it voice.

Remmber: Your audience is waiting for you.

(This episide originally aired as episode 343 on August 21, 2023.)

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/343/

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

Mentioned:

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Elizabeth Gilbert on the On Being podcast

• KLF: Chaos Magic Music Money by JMR Higgs

• “Who says big ideas are rare?” by Malcom Gladwell
  

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 341: Unearthing Your Unique Message: Discovering What Makes You Stand Out with Judy Carlson

• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

• Episode 262: The Four Layers of Thought Leadership with Carol Cox

• Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power with Carol Cox

Have you ever wondered if you really need to add humor to your business presentations, keynotes, or conference talks?

Maybe you think, I’m just here to share valuable information - why should I try to be funny? 

Well, in this episode, I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, to show you exactly why humor isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a must-have.

We’re diving into how to use humor effectively in your talks, without forcing corny jokes (unless that’s your thing!).

From situational storytelling to physical comedy, sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and even well-placed memes and GIFs, we cover it all.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why humor makes your audience feel more connected and engaged

• How to plan humor in your talk (even if you don’t think you’re funny)

• The power of physical comedy as a speaker

• Diane’s hilarious story about her mom teaching her to be a petty thief

• The one type of self-deprecating humor to avoid

Even if you don’t consider yourself a comedian, there are so many ways to add humor that feel natural and authentic to you. Your audience will thank you - and they’ll definitely remember you!

Action Step: The next time you’re working on a presentation, pick one of the humor techniques we talk about and try incorporating it. Let us know how it goes!

You’ll also want to watch the video version at https://youtu.be/nVDRqerIlxQ. 

We’ve included funny clips from stand-up comedians and sitcoms to illustrate our points - you won’t want to miss them!

This episode was filmed in one of the beautiful studios on the campus of Full Sail University, where Diane and I have been teaching business and marketing classes since 2009.

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/426/ 

Watch the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/nVDRqerIlxQ

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/carolcox

• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 376: Use the Secrets of Comedy for Better Storytelling and Delivery in Your Talks

• Episode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe