Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

It's time to escape the expert trap and become an in-demand speaker and thought leader through compelling and memorable business presentations, keynotes, workshops, and TEDx talks. If you want to LEVEL UP your public speaking to get MORE and BETTER, including PAID, speaking engagements, you've come to the right place! Thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders have learned from Speaking Your Brand and now you can too through our episodes that will help you with storytelling, audience engagement, building confidence, handling nerves, pitching to speak, getting paid, and more. Hosted by Carol Cox, entrepreneur, speaker, and TV political analyst. This is your place to learn how to persuasively communicate your message to your audience.

Grow Your Speaking Career by Escaping the Expert Trap [Case Study] 08/11/2025

Grow Your Speaking Career by Escaping the Expert Trap [Case Study] Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the "expert trap" - sharing lots of great information, but not quite connecting with your audience the way you want to? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Teri DeLucca, founder of Impact Early Education and a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, about how she made the bold leap from academic researcher and fact-based presenter to transformational speaker and sought-after thought leader. Teri has not one, but TWO PhDs (yes, you read that right!), and like many high-achieving women, she found comfort in data and research. But as she began training preschool teachers and school leaders, she realized that just presenting facts wasn’t creating the impact she truly wanted. In our conversation, Teri shares: What led her to start her own business and step into entrepreneurship The power of personal storytelling in leadership and speaking How embracing vulnerability changed everything for her and her audiences Her transformation through the Thought Leader Academy and how it impacted her signature talk Her behind-the-scenes prep for a major international keynote (and why she called me in for a VIP Day!) Why it's not only okay, but essential, to share your personal challenges as a speaker and leader If you've ever worried that being real with your audience might hurt your credibility, you need to hear what Teri says about the moment she realized not sharing her struggles was actually holding her back. Teri’s story is proof that when you let go of perfection and speak from a place of truth, that’s when real transformation happens—for you and the people you're meant to reach. This conversation originally aired as episode 338 on July 17, 2023. Links: Show notes: Learn more about Teri’s work at Listen to Episode 241 – The Expert Trap – to learn more about how to shift from expert to transformational speaker: Ready to escape the expert trap and develop your own signature talk and thought leadership? Join us in the /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/37733990

How to Turn Your Business Talk into a Lead-Gen Machine [Case Study] 08/04/2025

How to Turn Your Business Talk into a Lead-Gen Machine [Case Study] If you're using speaking for lead generation, you won’t want to miss this episode. I’m joined by Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., who came to me for a VIP Day to create a new signature talk. Like many entrepreneurs, Danielle had been speaking often, but she knew she was overloading her audience with too much information and not enough transformation. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on the process we used to refine her message, develop her thought leadership, and craft a presentation that truly connects - with results to prove it. You’ll learn: Why Danielle knew it was time to evolve her talk (and how she resisted telling personal stories at first!) The moment we discovered her unique thought leadership angle: “The Spending Gap” Behind the scenes of what happens during a VIP Day What happened when she delivered her new talk for the first time (spoiler: record number of new clients!) Why storytelling, especially the vulnerable kind, is a powerful connector How she uses other lead gen strategies like podcast guesting and hosting her own podcast You’ll walk away with ideas on how to turn your own talk into a powerful magnet that attracts the right clients - and how to infuse it with insight, story, and strategy. Want your own VIP Day to develop your signature talk? Learn more and join us in the Thought Leader Academy: (This conversation originally aired as episode 362 on December 11, 2023.) Links: Show notes at Danielle’s website: Danielle’s podcast “Entrepreneur Money Stories”: Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Get your own VIP Day to create your signature talk by signing up for our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Danielle Hayden (guest) = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/37648515

*Not* Your Typical Corporate Presentations: Live Signature Talks from Thought Leader Academy Grads 07/28/2025

Turn Your Stories Into Impactful Messages: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads 07/21/2025

From Blank Page to On Stage: What It’s Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One Day 07/14/2025

From Blank Page to On Stage: What It’s Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One Day What if you could go from a completely blank page - or in this case, a blank poster board - to mapping out and practicing your signature talk… all in just one day? That’s exactly what happened at our recent in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando, and in this episode, you’ll hear directly from three of the incredible women who participated: Lesline Pittman, Monica Mitchell, and Dr. Emma Jones. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it’s like to go from idea to delivery in a single day (yes, it’s totally possible!) - including the unexpected improv exercises, vulnerable storytelling moments, and the real magic that happens when smart, passionate women come together to use their voice. In this episode, we talk about: Why each of them said “yes” to attending the workshop (even flying in from out of state!) How they went from “Can I really do this in one day?” to confidently practicing their talk on stage What it felt like to get feedback in real-time and push past perfectionism The power of sharing personal stories What they’re doing next with their talks and visibility efforts You’ll also hear some powerful lessons about embracing vulnerability, escaping the “expert trap,” and why your story absolutely matters, even if others are talking about similar topics. Whether you’ve been thinking about joining one of our in-person workshops or you just want some encouragement to get your own talk out of your head and into the world, this episode will inspire you to take that next bold step. Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on October 30, 2025, in Downtown Orlando, Florida! If you’re ready to accelerate your growth as a speaker, gain hands-on feedback, and have a lot of fun, this is your chance. Learn more and grab your spot at . Links: Show notes at Video from the live show: Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Emma Jones, MD = Monica Mitchell = Lesline Pittman = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/37256390

AI Needs Women: Why Your Voice Matters to Shape the Present and the Future 07/07/2025

Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases 06/30/2025

Behind the Scenes of My AI-Powered Business: Real-World Use Cases Ever wish you had an extra set of hands - or better yet, an AI assistant - to take care of all those repetitive tasks in your business? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share the exact AI-powered workflows I’ve built and now rely on every week at Speaking Your Brand. From automating my podcast production (yes, even these show notes!) to cloning my voice for a brand-new companion podcast, you’ll get a sense at what’s possible - and what's already working. I walk you through real-world examples of how I’m using AI to: Save time with automated content workflows Personalize client communication at scale Build an AI-powered knowledge base Launch a 100% AI-generated podcast using my frameworks and brand voice I also share how these automations free up my time to do the more human work I love, including coaching, speaking, and creating programs like Automate & Amplify with AI, where I teach you how to build these systems for your own business. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team, this episode will get your wheels turning on what’s possible when you stop doing the repetitive tasks and start building with AI. Plus, I talk about: The difference between using ChatGPT and building true automation Why I created “AI Carol” to answer podcast listener questions How we’re developing a DIY version of our Signature Talk framework with ChatSYB If you’ve been curious about using AI in your business, but you’re not sure where to start, this is the episode to listen to. Watch the video version with slides and demos at Learn more and apply for the Automate & Amplify with AI program at Links: Show notes at Check out my new companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: Join our Automate & Amplify with AI program: Learn how we can work together on your thought leadership and signature talk: Connect with me on LinkedIn: Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/37212890

AI Is Already Impacting Your Business – Here are 4 Innovative Ways to Leverage It 06/23/2025

Why Your Tech Presentations Aren’t Landing - and How to Fix Them 06/16/2025

What Giving a TED-Style Talk Revealed About Us as Speakers 06/09/2025

What Giving a TED-Style Talk Revealed About Us as Speakers Have you ever wondered what it really takes to create, practice for, and deliver a powerful TED-style talk - especially one that’s only 8 minutes long? In this episode, I’m joined by Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach at Speaking Your Brand, as we take you behind the scenes of our recent TED-style speaking experience. We were invited to be part of a live event called ElleX, hosted by a women’s entrepreneurship group at a local college. We had only one week to prepare our full talks for the audition! Diane and I share: How we came up with our topics and aligned them with the theme The difference between a TED-style talk and a typical keynote or presentation How we approached “memorizing” our talks (spoiler: we didn’t, exactly!) What surprised us about the experience (and what we’d do differently next time) Why it's essential to amplify who you naturally are on stage And… which of us has decided TED-style talks are not her favorite and what is 😉 You’ll hear how Diane used humor and storytelling to deliver a deeply moving (and yes, funny!) talk about her Ironman triathlon journey and how I wove in women’s leadership, history, and AI into my talk about the future of tech and humanity. Whether you're preparing for your own TEDx talk, want to challenge yourself as a speaker, or simply love the behind-the-scenes of crafting powerful messages, this episode will inspire you to lean into your unique style and maybe even try a new speaking “muscle.” Want to discover your speaker archetype? Take our free quiz at to get personalized recommendations based on your strengths. We’ll add the video links to our talks in the show notes as soon as we get them, so check back! Links: Show notes at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/36839920

What Most Speakers Miss: 3 Secrets to Insightful and Inspirational Presentations 06/02/2025

From Expert to Thought Leader: 3 Key Strategies You Need Now in the AI Age 05/26/2025

The Heart of Your Message: Why Emotion is Your Secret Speaking Superpower 05/19/2025

How to Land a TEDx Talk: From Idea to Application 05/12/2025

What a Signature Talk Really Is - and What It Should Be Doing for You 05/05/2025

Want to Feel More Confident on Stage? Start Here. 04/28/2025

The Business of Speaking: From Lead Gen to Speaker Fees 04/21/2025

428: How to Keep Momentum in Your Business and Visibility When Everything Feels Uncertain 04/14/2025

428: How to Keep Momentum in Your Business and Visibility When Everything Feels Uncertain 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. You’re not alone - I’ve 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 we’re 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 you’re an introvert) How to experiment and refresh your offerings without overwhelm What to do when ChatGPT gives you too many ideas (yes, really!) If you’ve been feeling stuck, this episode is your invitation to move from “What now?” to “What’s 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 it’s 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: Links: Show notes at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Sign up for our Narrative That Sells in-person messaging and speaking workshop in Orlando on June 5th = Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/36090085

427: Using Your Voice as a Woman in Leadership with Mary Beth Plank-Mezo 04/09/2025

427: Using Your Voice as a Woman in Leadership with Mary Beth Plank-Mezo 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 Watch the video of this episode at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Mary Beth Plank-Mezo (guest) = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/36019245

Stop Overloading Your Presentations: Why Less Info = More Impact 04/02/2025

You are the Messenger: How to Activate the Idea that’s Been Calling You 03/27/2025

426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience Laugh 03/19/2025

426: Every Talk Needs Humor: Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Audience Laugh 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 . 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 Watch the video of this episode at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/35588875

3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking [Best Of] 03/03/2025

425: The Story You're Most Reluctant to Share is the One You Should 02/24/2025

425: The Story You're Most Reluctant to Share is the One You Should Is there a story you’re reluctant to share? The one that still makes you cringe a little, that feels raw and vulnerable? That’s probably the exact story you should be telling - not just for your audience, but for yourself. In this episode, I’m joined by Diane Diaz, and we’re pulling back the curtain on our own stories - the ones we’ve hesitated to share. We talk a lot about storytelling in public speaking, thought leadership, and keynotes, but let’s be honest: we often default to the safer stories. You know, the ones about career missteps, lessons learned, or professional challenges. But what about the deeply personal stories? The ones that shaped who we are? Diane and I each share a story we’ve been reluctant to tell - stories tied to our self-worth, identity, and fears. We unpack how these experiences have influenced our careers, our approach to public speaking, and even the way we show up in the world. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why the stories that scare you the most are the ones that will connect the deepest with your audience How childhood experiences still shape the way we think about ourselves (and what to do about it) Why leaning into imperfection and vulnerability makes you a more compelling speaker How to balance preparation and spontaneity in your speaking style (Diane and I approach this very differently!) A behind-the-scenes look at our own speaking journeys, including what we’ve learned from our clients 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. Watch the video episode at Show notes at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/35302285

424: Evolving Your Brand is a Must: How to Align Who You Are, Even the Messy Parts 02/03/2025

424: Evolving Your Brand is a Must: How to Align Who You Are, Even the Messy Parts We hear all the time that we should “reinvent” ourselves to stay relevant. Or that we should ignore or dismiss aspects of our careers that no longer seem to “fit” with what we’re doing now. I’m not sure we can truly “reinvent” ourselves, nor should we. Instead, we should embrace how we evolve over time - and actually seek out ways to challenge ourselves to evolve! In this episode, Diane Diaz, our lead speaking coach, joins me for a lively and insightful conversation about the difference between reinvention and evolution. We explore why embracing your full self - quirks, career twists, and even those moments that feel “messy” - is essential for authenticity and personal branding. Diane shares how her Ironman journey continues to influence her life, even years later, and I reflect on bringing my tech background into Speaking Your Brand’s evolution. You’ll learn: Why “reinvention” might not be the right word (and why evolution feels more authentic) The importance of challenging yourself - even when it feels uncomfortable How to embrace all aspects of your past, from childhood passions to career pivots, to shape your personal brand What saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities (hello, comedy sets!) can do for your growth This episode is full of personal stories and actionable takeaways to help you think about what’s next for you. Whether it’s launching a podcast, tackling public speaking, delivering a TEDx talk, or simply trying something new, it’s never too late to evolve. 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. Watch the video episode (you’ll love it, including some behind the scenes!) at Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Reinvention vs. Evolution – Are You Challenging Yourself? [00:25] Behind the Scenes: Filming at Full Sail University [01:15] Why Evolution is More Authentic Than Reinvention [02:33] Embracing Your Full Self in Your Personal Brand [04:19] Diane’s Ironman Journey: Lessons That Still Resonate [06:48] Carol’s Career Evolution: From Tech to Speaking Your Brand [08:46] The Role of Adaptability in Personal and Professional Growth [10:36] Saying Yes to Unexpected Opportunities (Diane’s Comedy Set!) [12:21] The Importance of Enjoying the Process Over Perfection [13:02] Closing Thoughts: What’s Your Next Challenge? Links: Show notes at Watch the video of this episode at Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Join us at our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in London in Summer 2025: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Dr. Nicole Rochester = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/35051830

423: Feeling Stuck or at a Plateau with Your Brand or Visibility? It's Time to Break the Rules 12/09/2024

422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn 12/02/2024

422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia Korn Have you ever attended a keynote that truly wowed you—one that stood out, engaged the audience, and provided an unforgettable experience? Let’s face it, most keynotes do the job, but very few deliver that multidimensional magic. In today’s episode, I sit down with Julia Korn, the founder and CEO of The Authenticity Guide and a recent client. We worked closely together to create her new keynote, from the content to the magic touches that made it a 10 out of 10. How did she do it? That’s what we’re diving into! We explore: The step-by-step process Julia used to land her keynote slot a year in advance (hint: proactive pitching matters!). Why the concept of a Personal Board of Directors became the winning topic that resonated with her audience. How Julia and I worked together to create a keynote that went beyond content to deliver an experience, including interactive elements like a creative game show featuring Oprah, Yoda, and even Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg! The importance of storytelling and vulnerability, including how Julia captivated her audience with her personal story of a career demotion—and even laid flat on the stage to drive her point home. We also discuss the work that goes into crafting a stellar keynote: Balancing humor, audience engagement, and actionable takeaways. Collaborating with AV teams to nail the technical elements. Hiring a videographer to capture powerful moments for future sizzle reels. Julia shares the audience’s reactions, from laughter to tears, and how her keynote set a transformative tone for the rest of the conference. She also provides valuable tips for speakers who want to make a lasting impact, whether they’re on a keynote stage or pitching their next big speaking opportunity. About My Guest: Julia Korn is the founder and CEO of The Authenticity Guide, an executive coaching company focused on empowering ambitious leaders to find success without sacrificing joy. Julia is a self-described recovering perfectionist. She has been named a Business Insider Most Innovative Coach and she is also a Contributor to Forbes. She has been featured on BBC World News, Fox Business News, and more. Her recent TEDx talk, Break Up With “Should” In Your Career was named a TED Editors Pick of the year. In 2024, she launched the first of its kind community just for female emerging leaders, called The Emerging Leader Collective. Her greatest creation of all, however, is her two-year-old daughter. Links: Show notes at Julia’s website: Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: Check out our coaching programs: Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in Summer 2025: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Julia Korn (guest) = Related Podcast Episodes: /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/34036514

421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop 11/25/2024

421: 100x Your Speaking in a Day: Insights from Our Recent In-Person Workshop Have you ever wondered how you can improve your speaking skills and truly connect with your audience? I’m joined by Wendy McManus and Tara Lassiter, who recently attended our 1-day in-person speaking workshop in Orlando, Florida. They share their stories, lessons learned, and the transformations they experienced, all within a single day. We talk about: Why in-person workshops provide a unique opportunity to grow as a speaker. The power of immediate feedback and how it helps you identify habits you didn’t realize you had. How improv exercises can help you loosen up, step out of your comfort zone, and have fun while learning. Why storytelling is the heart of impactful presentations—and how to use “active storytelling” with your voice and body. The surprising stories we’re most reluctant to share—and why they often resonate the most with audiences. Personal anecdotes from Wendy and Tara about the challenges and breakthroughs they had during the workshop. Key Takeaways: Practice Makes Progress: Speaking more frequently and getting feedback in the moment accelerates your growth. Own Your Story: The stories you might hesitate to share can create the deepest connections. Be Intentional: From movement on stage to vocal variety, deliberate choices make your delivery more impactful. Play and Learn: Don’t underestimate the value of play, from improv to dancing—because growth can be fun too! About My Guests: Wendy McManus is a leadership coach specializing in helping newer people managers build their confidence and skills as leaders. She’s passionate about storytelling as a tool for connection and growth. Tara Lassiter is a brand strategist and ghostwriter with a background in on-air modeling at QVC. Her mission is to help others break through barriers and create representation in the business world. Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on February 27, 2025, in Downtown Orlando, Florida! If you’re ready to accelerate your growth as a speaker, gain hands-on feedback, and have a lot of fun, this is your chance. Learn more and grab your spot at . Links: Show notes at Video from the live show: Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Join us in London for our B.O.L.D. Brand Intensive Retreat in Summer 2025: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Tara Lassiter (guest) = Wendy McManus (guest) = /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/34049891

420: Finding and Developing Your Big I.D.E.A. [Best Of] 11/18/2024

419: Using Your Voice and Story for Business Impact with Michelle Massman 11/11/2024

419: Using Your Voice and Story for Business Impact with Michelle Massman In this episode, our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz speaks with Michelle Massman, a longtime entrepreneur and graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, who shares her journey from “stuck” to “unstoppable” through storytelling and public speaking. You’ll hear Michelle’s candid stories—from launching unexpected ventures like The Culinary Studio to her partnership with a music group—that reveal her resilience and passion for following her intuition. As Diane and Michelle discuss the power of sharing vulnerable stories, Michelle opens up about the anxiety she’s faced and how she’s turned her experiences into speaking topics that resonate deeply with her audiences. Her frameworks, including From Stuck to Unstoppable and Passion to Profit, provide practical steps for anyone feeling stuck or seeking more clarity and confidence. Michelle’s story is a reminder that by saying “yes” to opportunities, connecting with the right people, and being willing to share your authentic self, you can create incredible impact and growth for both yourself and others. Diane and Michelle talk about: Finding clarity on the message you want to share and ways to bring your unique story to life Connecting with audiences authentically by sharing vulnerable, relatable experiences Understanding the power of frameworks and storytelling to guide and engage listeners Gaining inspiration to overcome obstacles and embrace your next speaking opportunity About Our Guest: Michelle Massman has been a visionary entrepreneur for over 30 years and knew, even as a teen, that she wanted to own a business someday. After working at a few (ok several) jobs, she realized she didn’t like being told what to do, and didn’t like managing people. So she started her business and loved it! She has guided, launched, directed and overhauled everything from small start up ventures to multi-million dollar private companies, consulted with hundreds of people in the areas of entrepreneurship, marketing, brand partnerships, event production, and music management, and weathered failures and missteps that have given her experience and knowledge that she uses to help her clients sidestep them. Michelle’s sweet spot, as a problem solver, connector, advocate, and persuasive force, is the ability to jump into any problem and help find the best solution while helping her clients access the knowledge they need to get unstuck in their business. Links: Show notes at Michelle’s website: Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = Diane Diaz = Michelle Massman (guest) = /episode/index/show/speakingyourbrand/id/33828642

Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

TOPICS