Storytelling
From Technical Talks to Inspiring Keynotes: Finding Your Authentic Speaking Style with Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur: Podcast Ep. 439
How do you go from giving short, tip-focused talks to inspiring audiences with a full keynote? That’s exactly the journey our guest has taken and it’s one so many of us can learn from. Our lead speaking coach Diane Diaz talks with Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur, a senior project engineer who has spent over 20 years in…
Read MoreWhy Your Story Is More Powerful Than You Think
What if the most challenging moment of your life could become the catalyst for someone else’s transformation? That’s the question at the heart of my conversation with Karen Keene, a graduate of our Thought Leader Academy, who has turned her personal tragedy into a powerful keynote talk that inspires audiences and drives meaningful change. Watch…
Read MoreTaylor Swift’s Speaking Secrets: How to Connect with Any Audience: Podcast Ep. 438
When you think of Taylor Swift, you probably picture sold-out stadium tours, catchy lyrics, and record-breaking albums — not commencement speeches. But in 2022, Taylor stepped onto the stage at Yankee Stadium to deliver the NYU commencement address, and it was a masterclass in public speaking. In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast,…
Read MoreGrow Your Speaking Career by Escaping the Expert Trap [Client Case Study]
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in the Expert Trap, relying on data, facts, and polished presentations, but sensing a disconnect between you and your audience? You’re not alone. I see it all the time, especially with high-achieving women who have degrees, credentials, and deep expertise. It’s safe to stay in that zone.…
Read MoreHow to Turn Your Business Talk into a Lead-Gen Machine [Client Case Study]
What if your presentation could do more than educate – it could convert? Too often, I see entrepreneurs give talks packed with tips and information, hoping their audience will be impressed enough to buy from them. But here’s the truth: information doesn’t convert. Transformation does. That’s exactly what my client, Danielle Hayden, discovered when we…
Read MoreTurn Your Stories Into Impactful Messages: Live Signature Talks from Our Thought Leader Academy Grads: Podcast Ep. 436
The key to a powerful presentation isn’t just telling stories – it’s uncovering the lessons within them. When you share a personal experience or an impactful moment, you’re not just recounting events; you’re inviting your audience to see the world through your eyes, to feel what you felt, and to learn from what you lived. …
Read MoreFrom Blank Page to On Stage: What It’s Like to Create and Practice a Talk in One Day: Podcast Ep. 435
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…
Read MoreAI Needs Women: Why Your Voice Matters to Shape the Present and the Future with Carol Cox: Podcast Ep. 434
I vividly remember the day after Christmas 2022. Not because I was relaxing, but because I was at my laptop, updating my university courses and diving headfirst into AI tools for my business and podcast. ChatGPT had just launched, and I knew instantly: this was different. This wasn’t just another tech trend; this was a…
Read MoreWhy Your Tech Presentations Aren’t Landing – and How to Fix Them with Carol Cox: Podcast Ep. 431
You’ve packed your presentation with data, insights, and value — but your audience isn’t responding the way you hoped. If you’ve ever looked out and seen glazed-over eyes… or walked off stage and didn’t get the results you wanted, this episode is for you. As a former software developer and technology strategist who has presented…
Read MoreHow We Prepared for Our Recent TED-Style Talks (and What We Learned About Ourselves as Speakers): Podcast Ep. 430
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.…
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