Carmen Sederino

Carmen Sederino is the powerhouse behind Illuminated Story, where public speaking becomes a performance that captivates. Drawing on her theatrical roots and two decades in corporate leadership, Carmen transforms high-stakes presentations into emotionally resonant experiences. She’s not just about coaching stage presence—she creates moments that matter. Carmen helps speakers avoid the top three keynote mistakes, manage nerves, and deliver their message with maximum impact. Her approach blends performance strategy with business clarity, making her a go-to expert for leaders who want to influence, inspire, and be unforgettable. Whether you’re stepping onto a stage, pitching to investors, or leading a team, Carmen shows you how to go beyond words and craft a keynote show that truly moves your audience.

What’s the difference between a good talk and an unforgettable keynote?

When Carmen Sederino hit her first major corporate stage, she knew something was missing- connection. Not facts, not slides. Story. That spark inspired her to fuse theatrical flair with boardroom brilliance and launch Illuminated Story. Today, she helps leaders elevate their speaking from “good” to unforgettable.

In this episode of Talking with the Experts, Carmen reveals how to turn a high-stakes presentation into a powerful keynote show. She shares the three biggest mistakes even seasoned speakers make—and how to overcome them with presence, purpose, and performance skills.

You’ll learn:

• How to manage public speaking nerves and anxiety
• Why your message must be felt, not just heard
• The secrets to designing a keynote that performs, not just informs

This isn’t about more slides or more rehearsing. It’s about rethinking the entire experience and delivering your message with authenticity and resonance.

Carmen’s blend of theatre, communication, and leadership coaching has changed how top executives and entrepreneurs connect with their audience. Her practical, passionate insights will inspire you to transform your next keynote into a moment that leads to real change.

🎭 Are you ready to make your message unforgettable?

📌 THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The three biggest mistakes most keynote presenters make—and how to fix them.
2. How to manage speaking anxiety and channel it into stage presence.
3. The framework for transforming any talk into a high-impact keynote show.

Introduction to Carmen Sederino

• Carmen Sederino is the founder and visionary behind Illuminated Story, a company that transforms high stakes presentations into unforgettable performances.
• Carmen has a background in theatre and two decades of experience in corporate business.
• Carmen crafts bespoke experiences that push the boundaries of traditional keynote presentations.
• Carmen’s work aims to create moments that move markets, shape opinions, and catalyze change.

Carmen Sederino’s Background and Journey

• Carmen was a shy child but discovered a love for performance through calisthenics and local theatre.
• Carmen studied a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Monash University in Melbourne and continued with an honours year.
• During university, Carmen also studied film and television, honing acting skills for both stage and camera.
• After university, Carmen worked for 18 and a half years at a large Australian retailer, rising to national roles and becoming a brand manager.
• Carmen started Illuminated Story about seven years ago to help intelligent individuals who struggle with public speaking to illuminate their stories and messages.

Common Mistakes in Keynote Presentations

• Overuse of PowerPoint is a common mistake, as it should be a supporting tool rather than the main focus.
• Underestimating the energy needed for keynote speaking compared to smaller settings is another mistake.
• Failing to create an emotional reaction in the audience is a significant error, as memorable presentations require more than just information transfer.

Managing Nerves and Anxiety in Public Speaking

• A little nervousness can be beneficial as it provides energy, but debilitating nerves are problematic.
• Mindset is crucial; thinking of the service one provides to the audience can reduce anxiety.
• Using physical activity like star jumps or deep squats can help use nervous energy productively.
• Breathing exercises, such as inhaling through the nose for two counts and exhaling through the mouth for six to eight counts, can calm the body.
• Practicing these techniques regularly can create muscle memory, making them more effective when needed.

Transforming Standard Keynotes into Engaging Shows

• Carmen is working with a Miami-based caterer to create a five-course meal-themed keynote called Dining with Bill, incorporating theatrical elements.
• The caterer’s story includes overcoming addiction and achieving business success, which will be highlighted in the show.
• Carmen is also working with a South African rugby coach to create a keynote on high-performance teams, incorporating his personal tragedy and success story.
• The use of sound, lighting, and storytelling techniques aims to create visceral experiences for the audience, leading to transformational moments.

Carmen Sederino’s Online Presence and Masterclass

• Carmen can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and her website illuminatedstory.com.
• The website offers a masterclass that delves into the various ways a keynote show can be created.
• The masterclass is aimed at thought leaders, including CEOs, authors, elite athletes, podcasters, and entrepreneurs.

• Introduction of the topic about turning high stakes presentations into unforgettable performances.
• Carmen Sederino’s background in theatre and corporate business led to the creation of Illuminated Story.
• The three biggest mistakes in standard keynote presentations: overuse of PowerPoint, underestimating the energy needed, and failing to create an emotional reaction.
• Strategies for managing nerves and anxiety during public speaking, including mindset shifts, physical exercises, and breathing techniques.
• Examples of transforming standard keynotes into engaging shows using theatrical elements and personal stories.

#PublicSpeakingTips #KeynotePerformance #LeadershipPresence #CaptivatingCommunication #StorytellingForLeaders #SpeakingWithImpact #KeynoteShow #ConfidentSpeaker