How to Be a Clutch Communicator Under Pressure with Jen Mueller

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:

• Use high-stakes moments to highlight your preparedness and expertise instead of shying away from them
• Prepare for spontaneity (yes, that’s possible!)
• Assert your presence even if you’re naturally quieter or more introverted
• Practice confidence and clarity through small, everyday interactions
• Recover gracefully when things don’t go as planned (including her stories of post-game interviews and a few Gatorade showers!)

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:

• Carol on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Jen on LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/
• Jen on Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/TalkSportyToMe
• Jen’s YouTube channel = https://www.youtube.com/@TalkSportyToMe

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 390: Why "Perfect" Speakers Don't Connect: Stop Memorizing & Build Confidence Speaking Off the Cuff
• Episode 370: Overcome Speaking Nerves & Anxiety: How to Develop Confidence on Stage

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