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. NEW! You can now listen to the Speaking Your Brand podcast directly on Amazon’s Echo / Alexa smart speakers. All you have to do is say: “Alexa, enable skill Speaking Your Brand.” After you’ve enabled the skill, you can then play the podcast any time by saying, “Alexa, play Speaking Your Brand.” 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 [email protected] or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! 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 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/.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.