The 3 Biggest Mistakes Speakers Make When Sharing Personal Stories — And How to Fix Them for Impact

What story are you *not* telling because you’re afraid it’s too personal, too messy, or too much?

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself after sharing a personal story — or avoided doing it altogether — you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Confident Speaker podcast, I talk about why telling your personal story is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience — and the common mistakes to avoid so your story lands with meaning and impact.

Too often, women speakers worry that being vulnerable will make them look unprofessional or self-indulgent.

In reality, it’s your humanity that draws your audience in and helps them see what’s possible for themselves.

In this short but powerful episode, I guide you through three story-sharing mistakes and exactly how to course-correct:

- Mistake #1: Telling a story without a clear takeaway (and how to “universalize” it)
- Mistake #2: Making yourself the hero (and how to reframe your role as the guide)
- Mistake #3: Oversharing or under-sharing (and how to find the right emotional balance)

You’ll also hear a real example of a client who took a personal moment of rejection and turned it into a message of empowerment — one that made her audience sit up and lean in.

If you’ve been holding back your story, this is your sign to stop playing small. Your experience — raw, real, and reshaped with purpose — is your superpower.

Ready to craft a signature talk that’s both strategic and soul-stirring? 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.