Want to make your business presentations more powerful, memorable, and impactful? It’s time to bring in your personal stories.

In this episode, I share why storytelling is a must-have skill for speakers, presenters, and thought leaders—especially in business settings.

If you’ve ever wondered whether telling personal stories might make you sound less professional, I’m here to tell you the opposite is true: stories make you *more* relatable, *more* credible, and *more* unforgettable.

I reflect on my own experiences of favoring data over emotion—and how everything shifted when I took the risk to share something personal. That single story often becomes the most talked-about part of the presentation.

You’ll learn:
- Why personal stories build connection and trust with your audience
- How stories help your content land and stick
- The role emotion plays in driving audience action

Plus, I give you 3 practical storytelling tips you can use right away:
1. Choose a story that directly supports your main message
2. Focus on the moment of change or insight
3. Always close with a clear takeaway that ties back to your audience

Stories don’t need to be dramatic or deeply personal. Even small, honest moments from your work life can have a powerful impact.

The key is knowing how to use stories with intention. Because your audience isn’t just seeking information—they’re seeking transformation.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

How much of your talk should be memorized versus using notes?

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to memorize every word, but you do need to know your message by heart.

I walk you through a powerful mindset shift, plus specific strategies, that will help you become a more impactful and confident speaker - not a perfectionist reader.

From structuring your content to practicing your delivery in a more natural, story-driven way, you’ll learn how to make your message land without getting stuck in your head.

You’ll also hear:

- A real client example of what happened when she tried to memorize her 40-minute keynote - and how her delivery transformed with a different approach

- Why outlining your talk is more effective than scripting it word-for-word

- How to use personal stories and frameworks as anchors in your presentation

- Smart ways to use minimal notes to stay on track and sound polished

- The key mindset: you don’t need to be perfect; you need to be present

Whether you're prepping for a keynote, webinar, or pitch, this episode will give you the insight and encouragement you need to speak from a grounded, confident, and authentic place.

Want help crafting a talk that feels natural and compelling? Head over to https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together to bring your story and message to life.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

Have you seen a speaker on stage and thought, “How do I get there too?”

In this episode, I’m diving into the exact steps you can take to start getting booked for speaking engagements, whether your goal is to headline a major conference or be the go-to expert at industry events. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t happen by accident.

I’ll walk you through three key actions that will move you from dreaming about speaking to being seen and heard on real stages:

1. **Build Your Speaker Page**: What to include so event organizers know who you are, what you speak about, and how to book you.

2. **Get Visible in the Right Places**: How showing up - both online and in person - opens doors and creates the connections that lead to bookings.

3. **Pitch Yourself with Purpose**: What makes a pitch stand out to event planners and how to align your message with what their audience truly needs.

These strategies have helped our clients land incredible speaking opportunities and they’re exactly what I used when I first started my own speaking journey.

If you've been wondering when would be the "right time" to start speaking, this is your sign. You don’t need to have everything perfect. You just need to start showing up as the speaker you’re becoming.

Tune in and learn how you can take those first steps with clarity, confidence, and practical tools that get results.

Want help developing your signature talk or keynote? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.