Public Speaking Coach Aurora Gregory was just 14 when she stepped onto her first stage—an eighth grader reluctantly roped into a local speech contest by her social studies teacher. She didn’t win. But she did walk away with two insights that still shape her work today: a compelling story can command a room, and the person holding the mic instantly becomes the most visible—and often the most trusted—voice in the space.
If you’re not using speaking as part of your business strategy, you’re overlooking one of the most powerful tools you have to build authority, drive connection, and convert your audience into clients or customers. And no, we’re not just talking about conference stages or panel events. In a digital world, there’s a microphone for everyone—whether it’s podcast guest spots, Instagram reels, webinars, or your weekly LinkedIn Live.
Speaking with purpose doesn’t just build brand awareness—it drives results. When done well, it positions you as a go-to expert, helps you connect more deeply with your audience, and moves people from passive listeners to active buyers. But to really make it work, you need more than a polished bio and a decent slide deck. You need clarity, strategy, and a laser-focused view on the one transformation your audience is craving.
Let’s dive into Aurora’s guidance on how to make that happen—and why your next marketing move might just be grabbing the mic…
Why Speaking Is One of the Smartest Marketing Moves
Let’s get one thing straight: public speaking isn’t just about standing on a stage in front of 200 people with sweaty palms and a handheld mic (though that can be part of it). In today’s digital world, your stage might be a podcast interview, a live Instagram story, or a virtual mastermind. There’s a mic for everyone—and if you’re not using yours, you’re missing one of the most powerful relationship-building tools out there.
Because whether you’re on a stage or in someone’s feed, the goal is the same: connection first, then conversion. And speaking—when done right—is the fastest, most efficient way to help your audience understand who you are, what you do, and why they need it now. But it’s not just about sharing what you offer. It’s about crafting a message so clear and specific that your audience instantly sees the transformation you can create for them.
Building a Speaker Brand That Connects and Converts
When you step onto a stage, your approach as a speaker differs from your role as a business owner. While your content should relate to your business, your speaker brand is about offering a transformative experience for your audience. It’s not just about selling—it’s about what impact or shift you can create in their minds.
Think about what you want your audience to walk away with: What transformation will they experience during your talk? When you pitch yourself to event organizers, focus on this transformation rather than just what you sell. This will help you stand out as someone who adds real value, not just someone pushing their services.
If you nail this, your audience will be eager to learn more, Google you, and seek out your services—without a hard sell. That’s the power of building a speaker brand that truly resonates.
Gaining Clarity on What You Want to Be Known For
When deciding what you want to be known for as a speaker, it’s key to get clarity on your unique selling proposition (USP). Begin by revisiting your audience’s specific challenges and narrowing down one key problem you can solve in a 20–25 minute talk.
Instead of trying to solve everything in one presentation, focus on solving ONE problem effectively. This makes your message clear and impactful.
Don’t overcomplicate things either—what seems basic to you can feel like magic to your audience. And when tailoring your talk for different groups (e.g., advanced vs. beginner), ask event hosts about the audience’s experience to adjust the level of detail and complexity.
Keep it simple, solve a problem, and remember that clarity is what makes your message resonate.
Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Pitching Themselves (According to Aurora)
Aurora shares some key insights on common mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching themselves:
- Relying on business brand: Entrepreneurs often focus too much on their business brand without considering how it aligns with the specific audience they want to speak to. It’s important to tailor your pitch for that audience, not just your sales funnel.
- Pitching about yourself: Many new speakers make the mistake of pitching themselves by emphasizing their qualifications and expertise. Instead, the pitch should be about the audience. Event hosts want to know if you can serve their audience effectively.
- Focusing on you, not them: When pitching, focus on the audience’s problems, how these issues hinder their success, and how your solution can help. The pitch should convey that you understand their needs and can deliver a transformation.
Top tip: The key is to communicate that you’re there to serve the audience. Event hosts want to know that you’re ready to work with them to provide a great experience for their people, not just promote yourself.
Aurora’s Advice for Nailing Your Speaking Strategy
- Serve the Audience First: Always prioritize how you can help and serve the audience, whether you’re on stage, doing a podcast, or creating social media content.
- Shift the Focus: While your expertise is important, make sure your message addresses the audience’s pain points and offers a transformation, not just showcasing your credentials.
- Cultivate Confidence: The first time you speak may not be perfect—embrace the learning process and keep improving with every opportunity.
- Make It Easy for Hosts: Have a professional speaker one-sheet ready, detailing your topics and expertise. It makes you stand out as prepared and easy to work with. (See Aurora’s free “One Sheet wonder” checklist here)
- Own Your Role: Don’t just see yourself as a speaker—own the title, lean into it, and keep refining your craft.
Keep refining your skills, make it about your audience, and ensure you’re always ready to serve. With time, your speaking opportunities will only grow!
More about Aurora Gregory ( Public Speaking Coach & Speaker Brand Expert)
Aurora Gregory transforms experts, entrepreneurs, and authors into unforgettable speakers who captivate audiences and land stages. An award-winning marketing communications expert with extensive digital marketing experience, her passion lies in helping experts turn business success into powerful speaking opportunities. She is the host of “The Stage Whisperer” podcast where she shares tips and strategies for speakers at every experience level.
Aurora equips clients with the tools and strategies to create compelling speaker brands, refine pitches, and master presentation skills. Her approach, grounded in authenticity, innovation, and support, inspires clients to position themselves as experts in the brightest spotlights. Aurora’s innovative strategies, genuine connection, and proven success record have helped countless speakers elevate their careers and make a lasting impact.
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