Your personal brand is the sum of how others perceive you—your strengths, the expertise they associate with you, and the way you communicate your skills and personality both in person and online. But why is having a personal brand so important? Throughout your career, one thing is certain: you will need to pivot. Pivots are inevitable, often unexpected. Whether it’s a layoff, taking breaks to care for loved ones, or another curveball, having a strong professional brand already in place gives you the agility to respond and adapt on your terms.
But how do you build one, and how do you communicate it effectively? Join us as we talk to Rena Cook, founder of Vocal Authority about how VEST Members can communicate with confidence, authenticity, and influence. Enjoy this discussion on the importance of defining your personal brand for authentic public speaking, strategies for overcoming self-doubt, and how communication skills can elevate scenarios beyond the stage, like negotiations. From breathing tips to calm the nerves to defining your identity before you even start thinking about putting yourself out there.
From activists to CEOs, Rena has guided professionals to harness their voices as a powerful tool for leadership and connection. As a speaker, author, and vocal coach, Rena’s approach blends practical insights with actionable strategies you can start using immediately to elevate your presentations and everyday conversations.
Chapters
06:38 Creating Your Personal Identity Before Engaging in Public Speaking
16:33 Overcoming Performance Anxiety Post-Covid
27:16 Workplace Personal Branding Challenges
29:57 The True Meaning of Authenticity
45:26 Mastering Speech Techniques for Impact
About our Guests
Rena Cook is is a popular keynote speaker on Empowering Your Voice and Supercharging Your Presentations; she is a TEDx speaker, author, trainer, and the founder of Vocal Authority, helping activists, politicians, attorneys, and CEOs use their voice in more commanding and authentic ways. She is a Professor Emerita with an M.A. in Voice Studies from London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, an M.F.A. in Theatrical Directing and an M.A. in Guidance & Counseling. She is the author of four books on voice and presentation, including Empower Your Voice: For Women in Business, Politics and Life; and Her Voice in Law. She adapts actor training techniques to help individuals and groups be more confident and dynamic communicators. Connect with Rena on LinkedIn.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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