Today’s episode it’s all about finding and developing your Big Idea for your thought leadership and public speaking.
Ideas are incredibly powerful; they can live on for years, centuries, even millennia. Ideas spark movements for political and social change. Ideas help us as humans understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Your idea doesn’t have to be something people have never heard of before; that’s unlikely as most things have been talked about before - and that’s ok!
As a speaker, you want to have something interesting and unique to talk about, you want to make a positive impact on your audience, and you want to develop your thought leadership.
Perhaps you’re not sure what makes a good idea or which of your ideas is the best one. It all feels a bit messy and muddy.
That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode! Think of me as your idea whisperer.
You’ll learn:
(This episode originally aired as episode 354 on November 6, 2023.)
Get these questions and a lot more in our 24-page FREE guide and workbook on Developing Your Thought Leadership at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/thought-leadership-idea-framework/
Get our free Thought Leadership guide and workbook: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/guide/
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
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If you’re giving talks but not seeing leads or clients come from them, this episode will change how you think about speaking.
I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, for part two of our series on integrating speaking into your marketing strategy. We’re talking about how to approach your talks as a marketer — without turning them into sales pitches (because no one wants that).
We break down:
I also walk you through our Signature Talk Canvas® framework and why the 3-act structure (Issue → Idea → Inspiration) works so well for lead generation talks and keynotes.
Diane shares a real example of a recent speaking engagement where she signed three clients on the spot, plus practical tactics like using client stories, urgency, and even paper feedback forms to increase follow-up.
If you want your talks to do more than just “go well” — and actually grow your business — this episode is for you.
Listen to Part 1 of this series ("The Missing Piece of Your Marketing Strategy is a Signature Talk") if you haven’t yet — they pair perfectly together.
And if you’re ready to work with us on creating or refining your signature talk, head to speakingyourbrand.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation and explore the best way for us to work together.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/457/
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/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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If your marketing feels like it’s working harder… but not necessarily working better, you’re not imagining it.
In this episode, I’m joined by our lead speaking coach, Diane Diaz, for part one of a two-part series all about why your signature talk isn’t just “nice to have” - it’s actually the foundation of an effective marketing strategy.
We’re seeing it everywhere: more content, more noise, more competition for attention. And yet, many women entrepreneurs and professionals are still treating their talks as an afterthought — something they dust off when a speaking opportunity pops up.
That’s a missed opportunity. Your signature talk is your marketing.
In our conversation, Diane and I break down why public speaking accelerates the know-like-trust factor faster than almost any other marketing channel — and how a well-designed signature talk can do the heavy lifting for you.
We talk about:
As you listen, I want you to start thinking about:
If that feels fuzzy (and for most people, it does), you’re not doing it wrong. This is exactly why an outside perspective — and a proven framework — makes such a difference.
In the next episode, we’re diving into how to design and deliver presentations that actually convert — without awkward pitches or forced CTAs.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m speaking, but it’s not leading to clients,” part two is for you.
And if you’re ready to build a signature talk that becomes the backbone of your marketing, visibility, and thought leadership, you can learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy, through a VIP Day, or at one of our in-person Orlando speaking workshops.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/456/
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/
Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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What does it really take to create a keynote that inspires, connects, and builds your speaking career?
In this Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand, I’m joined by three incredible women who attended our recent Master Your Message & the Stage Workshop in Orlando: Kait Richardson, Alfarena (Alfie) McGinty, and Niki Ramirez.
You’ll hear:
If you’ve been dreaming of giving a powerful keynote that grows your brand and thought leadership, join us for this behind-the-scenes conversation.
Our next 1-day Speaking Workshop is on February 19, 2026, 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 https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/455/
Video from the live show: https://youtube.com/live/jT5z9EqUjgM
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Attend our 1-day speaking workshop in Orlando: https://www.SpeakingYourBrand.com/orlando/
Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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When most people hear the word policy, they immediately picture Washington, D.C., marble hallways, and people in suits arguing on TV. But as my guest today so brilliantly reminds us, policy is simply how decisions get made - and you don’t need to be a political insider to influence it.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Deborah Stine, founder of the Science and Technology Policy Academy, former Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Obama White House, and someone who has spent her career helping scientists, engineers, and health professionals turn their expertise into impact.
And yes, her résumé reads like a Washington fairytale, but what makes Debbie extraordinary is how down-to-earth and practical she is. She’s spent decades working at the national level and then chose to move back to the “ground floor” of change—state and local work—where impact shows up fast and in real lives.
Debbie and I talk about:
This conversation is a powerful reminder that your voice matters, especially when you pair your expertise with a compelling story and a clear message.
About My Guest: Dr. Deborah Stine is the founder of the Science and Technology Policy Academy, where she helps scientists, engineers, and health professionals translate what they know into policies that improve people’s lives. Deborah has worked with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, at the Congressional Research Service, and was the Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the Obama White House. She was also Professor of the Practice, Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Deborah is also the author of From Expertise to Impact, which is all about how experts can communicate in a way that truly influences public decision-making.
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/454/
Deborah’s website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.com/
Listen to my Confident Speaker companion podcast = https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Enroll in the Automate & Amplify with AI course: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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Worried that giving the same talk more than once would box you in - or worse, bore you to tears?
I’ve been there. And if you’re a builder-of-slides-at-heart like me, the idea of sticking to one signature talk can feel a little… constraining.
But here’s the truth: the talk you give again (and again and again) is the one that becomes unforgettable - for you and your audience.
In this episode, I’m joined by Thought Leader Academy graduate Kelly Mallery, who proves exactly that. Kelly works in the continuous improvement and lean space, and she discovered that honing one powerful talk didn’t limit her creativity, it amplified it. And it opened doors.
We talk about how she’s evolved her talk, why a transformer toy has become part of her on-stage brand (yes, really), and how she learned to adapt the same content for both 20-minute and 60-minute speaking slots without losing impact.
Whether you’re speaking to industry peers, corporate audiences, or groups who’ve never heard of your topic before, what Kelly shares will help you rethink how reusable and scalable your signature talk can be.
Kelly and I talk about:
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/453/
Kelly’s website: https://www.kellymallery.com/
Watch Kelly deliver a 10-minute version of her signature talk = https://www.youtube.com/live/4ytvyFXfGU0?si=BH8Z-8qt8Npt2XWu
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:
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Whether you’re in corporate aiming for your next big role or an entrepreneur looking to attract higher-value opportunities, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to move forward.
I’m joined by my friend and career strategist Kate Wade, founder of Get Her Hired, who brings her signature mix of humor, candor, and deeply practical insight.
Together, we unpack why talented women get stuck, how to craft a powerful career narrative, and what it really takes to position yourself for bigger stages, promotions, clients, and visibility.
Kate and I talk about:
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/452/
Kate’s website: https://getherhired.com/
Get Kate’s new course “Hit Send”: https://getherhired.com/hitsend/
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/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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We all know that facts tell, but stories sell. And when you add a touch of humor, your audience doesn’t just listen… they lean in.
In this Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand LinkedIn Live, we’re joined by two recent clients of our Thought Leader Academy, Angela Gillis and Crystal Daye.
They each present a 10-minute version of their signature talk that they developed with us during their VIP Day and refined throughout the program.
You get to see how they weave together story, humor, and heart to connect with their audiences and how that connection builds trust and relatability, the key ingredients for turning a talk into leads (and leads into clients!).
You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your lead generation talks less “salesy” and more human, this is your chance to see exactly how it’s done.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/451/
Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/GcZsw9UEWAA
Angela's website: https://www.sorticulturesystems.com/
Crystal’s website: https://crystaldaye.com/
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:
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Have you ever had one of those moments when all eyes are on you… and your brain suddenly decides to take a vacation? Whether it’s during a big presentation, a media interview, or an unexpected question in a meeting, how we communicate under pressure shapes how we’re seen as leaders.
That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Jen Mueller, a veteran sports broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners and the founder of Talk Sporty to Me. After more than 25 years on the sidelines of major games, Jen knows exactly what it takes to stay composed, confident, and clear when the heat is on.
In this episode, Jen shares how to:
I also share one of my own on-air “blank brain” moments from live TV and what I learned about giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
If you’ve ever wished you could think faster, speak clearer, or project confidence when it matters most, this episode will give you practical tools and real stories to help you become a true clutch communicator.
Join us at our next Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando, Florida! In just one day, you’ll craft your signature talk and practice delivering it, so you leave ready to step on stage with confidence. Get the details at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
About My Guest: Jen Mueller is a veteran sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks, and a longtime member of the Seattle Mariners' TV broadcast team. With over 25 years of experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, she’s mastered the art of building relationships and delivering impactful stories in fast-paced environments. As the founder of Talk Sporty to Me, Jen translates her locker room communication strategies into actionable insights for business professionals, helping them level up their conversations and leadership skills.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/450/
Jen’s website: http://www.talksportytome.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect on social:
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Do you feel like your presentations are good, but maybe not yet great? The kind that gets people talking, taking action, and reaching out long after the event?
That’s exactly what happened for my guest, Karen Cochran, founder of Philanthropy Innovators.
Karen has led teams that have raised over $1 billion (yes, billion with a “B”!) - and after attending our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator Workshop and working with me on her presentation makeover, she delivered what attendees called “the most valuable session at the conference.”
In this episode, you’ll hear how Karen transformed her talk by making small but powerful shifts in storytelling, structure, and connection—and how those changes led to remarkable results.
We dig into:
Karen also shares how storytelling in fundraising parallels effective public speaking. Both are about listening, connecting, and understanding what truly matters to your audience.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in “the expert trap”—overloading your slides with information instead of making emotional connections—this episode will show you what happens when you let your stories and your personality shine.
Listen in and imagine what could change for you with just a few strategic tweaks to your talk.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/449/
Karen’s website: https://www.philanthropyinnovators.com/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Book a Presentation Makeover: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/presentation-makeover/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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Most of us have been told that if we want referrals, we should just ask for them. But if you’re like me, that approach can feel awkward — even a little icky.
What if, instead of asking, you could design an experience that makes you naturally referable?
That’s exactly what my guest, Stacey Brown Randall, teaches. Stacey is the author of her new book The Referable Client Experience, and she’s built a proven system to generate consistent referrals — without asking, without paying, and without gimmicky tactics.
In this conversation, Stacey and I dig into:
I especially loved Stacey’s ideas for how we can nurture relationships in meaningful ways — like acknowledging that quiet voice of buyer’s remorse with empathy and care, or sending a “You survived it!” gift to an event organizer after a big conference.
These kinds of thoughtful, human touches don’t just make you memorable — they make you referable.
If you’ve ever wished more clients and speaking invitations came your way because people can’t stop talking about the experience you create, this episode is for you.
Tune in and start designing your own referable client (or audience!) experience.
About My Guest: Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, author of the forthcoming book, The Referable Client Experience (October 2025) and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast.Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally...without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.
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/448/
Get Stacey’s new book The Referable Client Experience: http://referrableclientexperience.com
Stacey’s website: http://www.staceybrownrandall.com/
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/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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Are you the kind of speaker who loves to have everything prepared in advance? Perhaps you even have your entire presentation scripted out nearly word for word and you have detailed notes for every slide that you rely on?
Well, I have a challenge for you: getting more comfortable with impromptu speaking.
As a speaker and as a leader, both impromptu and prepared speaking skills are a must.
Have you ever had one of these situations happen to you:
You're in a meeting or group and asked to share something on the spot. You get really nervous and feel at a loss for words.
You're at a networking event where you need to concisely share with other attendees who you are, what you do, and how you help people. After you introduce yourself, you realized you left out the most important parts or it all felt like a jumble.
You're leading a meeting where you need to motivate your team, but you didn't have an opportunity to prepare your message ahead of time and feel like you weren't as clear or confident as you want to be.
This is why developing your impromptu speaking skills is essential.
I want more women - including you! - to feel comfortable and confident commanding a room and leading teams, organizations, and companies.
In this episode, I share:
This episode originally aired as episode 390 on April 29, 2024.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/390/
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/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
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Have you noticed how much harder it feels to stand out online lately? Between podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and the never-ending scroll of social content, it’s easy to feel like your voice is getting lost in the noise.
That’s why I invited my friend and fellow connector, Julie Fry, founder of Your Expert Guest, to join me on the podcast. Julie helps women entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors get booked on podcasts—the right podcasts—to grow their visibility and credibility.
In this episode, we dive into:
Julie and I also talk about the loneliness epidemic that many of us feel, and why showing up as our real, imperfect selves is the best way to stand out in an increasingly automated world.
If you’ve been meaning to pitch yourself for podcast interviews—or to start one yourself—this episode will give you the motivation and mindset to take action.
About My Guest: Julie Fry is the Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast visibility agency for women making an impact who want to be heard by their ideal client without spending HOURS on social media. She and her team book interviews for their clients on top ranking podcasts, helping them reach new audiences, build credibility, grow their referral networks and reach thousands of listeners. When she’s not working with her amazing team of guest and host matchmakers, she loves spending time with her family, cold plunging, kayaking, laughing hysterically at SNL sketches and of course, listening to podcasts.
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/446/
Julie’s website: https://yourexpertguest.com/
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/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn:
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JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
Here’s what you don’t want the audience to say after you deliver your keynote: “I learned a lot.”
That’s you being stuck in the expert trap.
As a keynote speaker, you’re there to provide an experience for the audience; to help them see something differently about themselves or their industry or their world; and to have them believe they can do it.
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 must-haves that will take your keynote from “just another talk” to a truly transformative experience for your audience.
You’ll hear behind-the-scenes from a keynote I recently gave called From Invisible to Influential: How I Found My Voice and Why Yours Matters More Than Ever.
Here’s what you’ll learn
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to design your keynote so it not only informs but truly transforms your audience.
✨ Ready to create your own keynote that’s powerful, inspiring, and totally YOU? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com and schedule a call.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/445/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Schedule a consultation call: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
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JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
We’re wrapping up our Booked Without Burnout series, and this one might surprise you: should you ever pay to speak?
I know - it sounds backward. After all, you want to get paid for your expertise, not the other way around.
But there are times when paying for a speaking slot makes strategic sense, especially if it’s tied to a sponsorship or marketing opportunity that gets you in front of your ideal clients.
This is Part 4 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements. In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself. In Part 2, we talked about inbound strategies: how to set yourself up so event organizers find you. In Part 3, we looked at getting paid to speak.
In this episode, I share:
Plus, I’m including an episode from my Confident Speaker podcast, my fully AI-generated show. The script, voice, and show notes are all created by AI using a custom knowledge base built from 400+ episodes of Speaking Your Brand. You’ll hear “AI Carol” and see how closely it matches my style (it’s kind of wild!).
If you’ve ever wondered how you can use AI to amplify your brand voice, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible.
Listen in and find out when it might be smart to pay to speak - and how to use AI to grow your visibility without burning out.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/444/
Check out my companion podcast “Confident Speaker”: https://confidentspeaker.transistor.fm/
Apply for my Automate & Amplify with AI program: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/ai/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
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Visibility is valuable. But visibility plus revenue? That’s power.
Speaking isn’t only about sharing what you know. It’s about owning your expertise, modeling equity, and showing what women leaders are worth on stage.
So how do you go from free talks at local events… to $2,500, $5,000, even $10,000 keynotes and workshops?
This is Part 3 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements. In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself. In Part 2, we talked about inbound strategies: how to set yourself up so event organizers find you. And now, it’s time to talk about getting paid to speak.
Because here’s the shift: when you position yourself as a thought leader who delivers transformation, not just information, you move from being “a nice-to-have” speaker to an essential investment for event organizers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Getting paid to speak is absolutely possible - and once you start, you’ll open the door to bigger stages and bigger impact.
Want help creating your signature talk, packaging your expertise, and building a strategy that leads to paid opportunities?
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/443/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
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Wouldn’t it be amazing if speaking invitations just landed in your inbox - and with a speaker fee attached?
The truth is, they can. In fact, many of my own paid speaking gigs (and our clients’ too) have come through inbound strategies - because we’ve intentionally set ourselves up so event organizers find us.
This is Part 2 of my 4-part series on how to land more speaking engagements.
In Part 1, I shared outbound strategies: what to do when you pitch yourself.
In today’s episode, I’m diving into inbound strategies: how to position yourself so speaking invitations come directly to you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
With the right inbound strategies, you’ll build familiarity, trust, and visibility, so event organizers think of you first when they need a great speaker.
Want help creating your signature talk and positioning yourself to get booked?
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/442/
Check out my speaker page = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/carol-cox-ai/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
Related Podcast Episodes:
JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
Hey there, it's Carol, popping in for a minute! I want to make sure you know about our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator Workshop coming up on October 30th in Downtown Orlando, Florida.
You’ll go from having a rough idea to building your talk using our proven Signature Talk Canvas® framework - and then practice delivering it with real-time feedback from us.
And here’s the thing = you’ll create a talk that goes beyond tips and facts. I know you know how to create a slide presentation, but to achieve your goals, you need something much more than that. You need to shape a message that persuades, gets buy-in, and leaves a lasting impression.
That’s exactly what you’ll do at our 1-Day Speaking Accelerator.
We’ll show you how to use storytelling for resonance, how to paint a vision your audience wants to be part of, and how to step into the speaker and leader you’re ready to be.
Can it really be done in a day? We guarantee it! Listen to episode 435 to hear my conversation with 3 of the women who attended our last workshop.
You'll get:
✅ Your signature talk and framework mapped out, blending thought leadership, storytelling, and lead generation
✅ Personalized coaching to take your delivery from good to captivating
✅ Strategies to reduce nerves and boost your stage presence
✅ A curated speaker kit and printed workbook
✅ New connections with incredible women
✅ And professional photos of you speaking - perfect for your website and social media
This isn’t just one talk. It’s a message you can use everywhere: On stage, in webinars, podcast interviews, your emails, social posts, even your book or course.
Whether it’s been stuck in your head or sitting in a slide deck, your talk deserves to make the impact it was meant to - and achieve your goals.
If you're ready to make the shift out of the expert trap, from information to transformation, join us at the Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025.
Spots are limited to 15 attendees, so go to speakingyourbrand.com/orlando to register today. I’d love to have you there!
JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
You know speaking is one of the best ways to grow your business and your visibility.
But between running your business, serving your clients, and managing everything else on your plate, finding time to pitch yourself for speaking engagements feels impossible.
If you’ve ever thought:
This new 3-part series on how you can land more speaking engagements is exactly what you need.
Today’s focus is on outbound activities = the steps you can take to actively pitch yourself without burning out.
The next episode is on what I call inbound activities: setting yourself up so that speaking engagements come to you. Then, we'll wrap up the series with an episode on how to get paid to speak.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
By the end of this episode, you’ll have three specific strategies to make pitching a sustainable and even enjoyable part of your routine. And most importantly, you’ll see how consistent, strategic outreach leads to more of the right opportunities on the right stages.
✨ Work with us: Want to create your signature talk, build your speaking strategy, and get booked without burnout?
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/441/
Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/
Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/
Enroll in our online Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
Related Podcast Episodes:
JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.
One of the biggest benefits of creating your signature talk and framework is that you don’t just use it once; you can repurpose it over and over again.
In this episode, I talk with Thought Leader Academy graduate Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez, who shares how she’s taken the signature talk and framework she developed with us and adapted it for different audiences, topics, and speaking engagements.
Eloisa has spoken on everything from sustainability to operational excellence to partnerships, but at the core of each talk is her Optima Framework. By simply giving it a new lens depending on the audience, she’s able to stay consistent in her message while making it relevant to each event.
You’ll hear us discuss:
If you’ve ever felt like you need a brand-new talk for every opportunity, this conversation will show you how to work smarter, not harder - repurposing your signature talk and framework so your audiences remember you and your unique thought leadership.
And if you’d like to create your own signature talk and framework that you can repurpose again and again, join us in the Thought Leader Academy.
Links:
Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/440/
Eloisa’s website: https://www.walkingtree.green/
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:
Related Podcast Episodes:
JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.