Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

What makes a motivational talk actually stick, long after the applause?In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll experience powerful, real-time signature talks from three of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Kimberly Brock, Susana Alvarez, and Teresa Phillips.Each blends personal story, practical frameworks, and a clear message that moves beyond inspiration into action.Hear how each speaker:Uses personal turning points to create emotional connectionTranslates their experiences into clear, teachable frameworksBalances heart + strategy so the audience feels and learnsInvites the audience into reflection and real changeIf you’re working on your own signature talk or want your message to resonate more deeply, this session will show you what “motivational speaking with substance” actually looks like in practice.We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders.You can watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-k.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/472/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/dzS1lEkZu-kKimberly’s website: https://www.kimberlybrock.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/carolcoxKimberly Brock = https://www.linkedin.com/in/startwithkimberlybrock/ Susana Alvarez = https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaalvarezsrprojectmanager/ Teresa Phillips = https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-phillips-01249720b/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

What separates a good talk from a true thought leadership talk?It’s not just the story; it’s what you do with it.In this audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, you’ll hear powerful 10-minute signature talks from two of our recent Thought Leader Academy grads Heather Beebe and Lauren Yankoff, each transforming personal experience into clear, actionable frameworks.Hear how they:Turn real-life challenges into compelling audience entry pointsReveal the deeper problem most people are missingIntroduce simple, memorable frameworks that guide actionMove from story → insight → transformationIf you’ve ever wondered how to go from “telling your story” to delivering a talk that positions you as a thought leader, this session will show you exactly how it’s done.We also have a roundtable discussion about what they’ve learned from being in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for them as speakers and thought leaders.You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s. 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/471/ Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XgfQgtW5s Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Join 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/dianediazLauren Yankoff = https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff/ Heather Beebe = https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeebe/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You

We’re pulling back the curtain on the speaker industry. If you’ve been scrolling lately, you’ve probably seen the promises: guaranteed TEDx talks, booked-out speaking calendars, five-figure fees overnight. It’s tempting. It’s also where a lot of people get burned.We share the biggest red flags we’re seeing—from “guaranteed” results to high-pressure sales tactics—and why those shortcuts rarely lead to the outcomes you actually want.We also break down the truth about paying to get a spot on a TEDx stage (including what the rules actually say), speaker bureaus, and those offers that land in your inbox sounding just a little too polished.But this isn’t just about what to avoid—it’s about what actually works.We talk about how to build a speaking platform that’s aligned, sustainable, and profitable—without chasing every opportunity or outsourcing your voice. This includes how to think about visibility, why relationships matter more than cold outreach, and how to focus on the quality of speaking engagements instead of just the quantity.If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “missing something” or if there’s a faster way to grow your speaking, this episode will give you clarity - and probably save you some money too.Because the real path to becoming a sought-after speaker isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/470/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Our Become Bookable workshop: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersBooked Without Burnout seriesEpisode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities

I’m thrilled to have back on the podcast my client Tammy Lally, TEDx speaker, author, and money coach, whose talk has reached millions of people around the world. But what makes her story so powerful isn’t just the visibility; it’s the vulnerability behind it.Tammy shares what really went into creating her TEDx talk, the emotional aftermath of sharing such a personal story, and how that one talk didn’t just impact audiences. It transformed her life and business in ways she never expected.We also dive into why honesty, not perfection, is what truly connects with audiences, how shame shows up in our relationship with money, and why your story might be the exact thing someone else needs to hear.If you’ve ever felt the pull to share more of your story but hesitated, this conversation will give you a new way to think about what’s possible on the other side of that courage.Tammy and I talk about:What made her TEDx talk resonate with millions and the deeper reason it spreadThe “vulnerability hangover” and why it’s a normal part of sharing your storyHow telling the truth (not impressing people) creates real connectionWhy your past struggles don’t disqualify you - they make you relatableThe surprising ways speaking can transform you, not just your audienceWhat she’s learned about speaking fees and why women need to stop underpricing themselvesHow shame around money impacts individuals, families, and even entire generationsWhy now is the time to share your story and how to know if you’re readyAbout My Guest: Tammy Lally is a published author, TED speaker, and Certified Money Coach (CMC). She helps others master their finances by first conquering their emotions around money, then by creating a comprehensive financial plan. She brings decades of experience and endless love to her bulletproof process for money mastery.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/469/ Tammy’s website: https://tammylally.com/Tammy’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tammy_lally_let_s_get_honest_about_our_money_problems 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/carolcoxTammy Lally (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammylally/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 468: What TEDx Organizers Look for When Selecting SpeakersEpisode 464: Why Your Story Matters - Even When You Don’t Feel ReadyEpisode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation

TEDx is one of those stages that so many people aspire to.After being part of the speaker curation and coaching team for TEDxOrlando, I can tell you that there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that most people never see.In this episode, I’m joined by experienced TEDx organizers Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers, who have spent the past decade reviewing applications, selecting speakers, and shaping talks that make it onto that iconic red dot.We take you behind the scenes of what actually happens when your TEDx application is reviewed—what stands out, what falls flat, and what separates the speakers who make it to the red dot from those who don’t.If TEDx is on your vision board, this conversation will give you a much clearer—and more honest—picture of what it really takes.We talk about:Why originality matters more than expertise (and what that really means)The biggest mistakes speakers make in their applications—especially with AIHow to balance your personal story with a powerful, idea-driven messageWhat TEDx organizers are actually listening for in interviewsThe surprising role of coachability and why it can make or break your chancesAbout My Guests: Nick Rogers and Liam Rogers have been organizing TEDx events for the past ten years, first in the UK and now for TEDxOrlando. Liam is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Story Circle, a storytelling-led company spanning live events, consultancy and original productions, from podcasts to films to video games. Nick is a communicator, strategist and operator with a career that spans politics, crisis management and creative leadership. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/468/ TEDxOrlando website: https://tedxorlando.live/ Nick’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/AaKsb9UhZuo?si=nYRcUGT2Vyd3prH1 Story Circle: https://storycircleconsulting.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Work with Speaking Your Brand to develop your TEDx application and signature talk = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/tedx-coaching/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxNick Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrogersldn/ Liam Rogers (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamrogershq/Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 361: How to Land a TEDx TalkEpisode 352: 7 Things the Best Speakers Do: My Takeaways from TEDWomenEpisode 329: From Compelled to Take Action to TEDx SpeakerEpisode 98: Expanding Your Personal Story into a Universal Message