Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

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 leadershipLinks: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 Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

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 syndromeAbout 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 Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

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 Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

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 themLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/463/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/4s1LX8sGk7sDiscover 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 Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

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 themLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/462/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/TKkEHY0rRXwErin’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 Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable