066: Mastering Your Speaking Style and Stage Presence

I can remember talks I’ve given, especially ones on stages in front of large audiences, where it felt like an out of body experience. I gave my talk, it went really well, but it was a complete blur, like tunnel vision. It all happened so fast and I felt like I was observing myself rather than being truly present and a part of it.

Now, when I do a presentation, I’m in my comfort zone. I feel confident about my material and my stage presence.

That’s what I want for you too, which is what I’m sharing with you in this episode: specific techniques and strategies you can use when preparing for and delivering your talk, including what to do the day-of and on stage.

I also share a few personal stories of how I conquered my nerves and what happened to me in a dress rehearsal and why I’m really glad there weren't cell phone cameras back then.

Remember: Your audience doesn’t want you to be perfect; they want you to be present.

Download the free PDF with checklists for preparation, day-of, and delivery at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/66.

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The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com.

Highlights:

• What information to ask the event organizer ahead of time
• What to wear and why
• How to practice
• What to do the day of when you arrive
• How to reduce your nerves
• Using your body, voice, and movement effectively
• Feeding off the energy of the audience
• What to do at the end of your presentation

Links:

Download the free PDF with checklists for preparation, day-of, and delivery at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/66.

Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999.

Sign up for a Strategy Session to work on your speaking delivery and stage presence at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy.

Ready to create your signature talk and framework? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com or click here to schedule a call.

Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox.

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Other episodes and people mentioned:

• Episode 57: Why You Shouldn’t Sell from the Stage - and What to Do Instead
• Episode 41: Behind the Scenes of My Presentation at BizChix Live
• Episode 26: On-air coaching call with Jodi Flynn
• Jodi Flynn’s podcast Women Taking the Lead
• Amy Cuddy’s TED talk on power posing

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable