Speaking and Training Programs
Companies, associations, industry groups:
- Are you unclear about how to promote your organization without sounding like a commercial?
- Do you rely on volunteers to spread awareness about your cause, and know they’ll need training to share your message successfully?
- Is your leadership team great at management, but not so great in front of an audience?
- Are your employees too wordy, too technical or too unclear when they speak to colleagues, executives, community members and other stakeholders?
- Are you seeking training for your team that teaches more than just how to make eye contact and where to put their hands and allows them to immediately practice new skills?
- Are you seeking training that digs deeper and allows your team to bring their best and most authentic selves to their presentations?
- Are you ready for your team to fully connect with and engage their audiences in order to get your desired results?
One of the most critical skills for today’s professionals, in just about every field, is public speaking. Your employees, volunteers or team members are leading meetings, facilitating trainings, networking in the community, pitching vendors and customers, asking for donations, making sales calls, advocating for your cause, speaking at conferences—participating in every possible form of public speaking.
Yet most of them have no idea how to express themselves effectively to these audiences and, more importantly, to get the results they desire.
My public speaking and presentation skills workshops and group coaching programs are based on personal experience and solid research. They’re concrete, in plain English, fun, and full of practical ideas for participants to implement right away.
You and your group will learn how to be more prepared, more engaged and more confident in their speaking abilities.
My training audiences have shared the following in surveys 3-5 months after their training:
- 95% say they are 50%-300% (yes, 300%!) more confident about public speaking than they were before the training.
- 89% say they’re still using the skills and concepts they learned either daily, weekly, or monthly
- Trainings with live presentation practice deliver the best results!
“I recently used Lisa’s services for the training of a volunteer group within the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. While I had interviewed a few different organizations and trainers for this opportunity, I was drawn to Lisa’s style and services after our first interaction.
Right away, I could tell that Lisa understood the nonprofit world and would be able to interact with, teach and support a group of volunteers from a medical nonprofit organization. Lisa took the time to understand our organization as well as come up with a training that would meet our needs.
During the training, Lisa delivered a presentation that was engaging and interesting. I was impressed that her presentation also included multiple examples specific to our organization, showing that she took the time to further research our organization and was sincerely interested in connecting with her audience.
Most importantly, her training offered ample opportunity for those in attendance to practice their new skills. Lisa provided helpful feedback and support to attendees during the practice portion of her training. Speakers of all levels can learn and benefit from Lisa’s style, teaching and coaching.”
Laura Devitt
Manager, Volunteer Programs
Pulmonary Fibrosis FoundationFrom participants in the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation training:
“Lisa was a great help in putting my thoughts and ideas together in a professional easy format. Knowing how to start and end the presentation with a call to action was so helpful.”
“Lisa, between what you taught us in class and your book, I think my presentation is going to be really good and my anxiety will be in control!!”
“The session was fun and enlightening. Learned many way to speak in public. I will use techniques that were learned, and will improve.”
“Lisa, I gained a lot of confidence with your training. We are all human, make mistakes, not a big deal, and connecting with our audience was huge for me.”
“The training we had with Lisa was awesome. It was amazing to see how our team opened up within minutes and started toying with the concepts introduced. Even the introverts among us immediately participated in the exercises.
Personally, my main takeaway was the connection to be made with the crowd we speak with. I complete this through a number of approaches, both before and during the sessions. Also I always remember to keep my empathy levels tuned to the crowd’s pain points. Thanks for the great training!”
Oded Dvoskin, Sr. Program manager, Azure App Service
Microsoft
“I took the training one week before my four sessions at Microsoft Ignite. The training helped me a lot with confidence and preparation.
I got really good reviews for all my talks; I wouldn’t have been successful without Lisa’s coaching.
Ahmed Elnably, Program Manager, Azure App Service
Microsoft
Program Topics
Speak to Engage: Be Memorable and Meaningful with Audience-Centered Presenting
It can get pretty lonely on stage. Sometimes your audience is not there by choice. Sometimes your audience is skeptical or hostile. Sometimes your audience just needs their first morning coffee!
Whatever the reason, we don’t always receive the level of attention and interest we hope for as presenters. And if they’re not interested, and they’re not paying attention, they’re not engaged.
Why does this matter?
- You have a valuable message to share.
- You have something they need or want.
- You — ultimately — want to make the sale, get the client, teach the student, persuade the colleague and change people’s attitudes or behaviors.
If your audience isn’t engaged, you can just forget about all of that.
This interactive 1 1/2-day workshop gives tools and tricks for getting your audience’s attention and keeping it, and creating a memorable and engaging experience that will make them want more!
The time frame offers plenty of room for group discussion and the opportunity for each attendee to deliver and revise a short presentation.
Topics we’ll cover include:
- Openings and closings
- Audience interaction and involvement
- Toys
- Props
- Demonstrations
- Stories
- Examples
- Analogies and more!
Networking Works: Build Relationships to Build Your Business
Networking is a critical tool for building business, yet many business owners and professionals don’t represent themselves or their businesses effectively.
This workshop covers networking basics like:
- Preparation
- Elevator speeches (the good, the bad and the ugly!)
- Understanding what makes you stand out
- “Working the room”
- Entering and exiting conversations
- Dealing with anxiety
- Being a resource
- Following up, and more.
Workshops over 90 minutes include interactive networking practice.
Take Your PowerPoint from Mess to Success
What’s the fastest, surest way to bore your audience to tears, destroy your own credibility, ruin any good points you have to make, and kill even the best presentation?
Use PowerPoint.
At least, that’s what a lot of people used to say, but not anymore…
Experienced speakers know that used the right way, PowerPoint can add emphasis, dramatic flair and fun to your presentation, increasing retention of your content and delivering a valuable learning experience for your audience.
This workshop on best practices for effective PowerPoint covers the following topics:
- Image-based slides
- One idea per slide
- Research on effectiveness of bullets and slide titles
- Slides vs. handouts
- Effective font sizes and color contrast
- Is there such a thing as too many slides?
The Gift of a Challenging Audience: How to Connect and Engage With the Rebels in the Room
Every speaker has to deal with a difficult audience or audience member at one time or another. Some speakers, however, because of topics or situations that are inherently uncomfortable, or because of mandated/resistant audience members, will face these audiences more frequently.
It can be difficult to get a hostile audience/member to resonate with your message, but if they leave angry, uninspired, unmotivated or unlikely to act on your call to action, you don’t get the results you need or want.
This workshop will provide the tools a presenter needs to manage a difficult audience – and even get them on your side.
We’ll cover:
- Understanding what the audience needs, wants and cares about
- How to develop a clear purpose and objective(s)
- How to manage audience expectations
- How to develop trust and respect
- How to connect with and engage the audience
- How to handle criticism and resistance
“Thank you so much for the assistance this past winter. AgWest has recently accomplished our winter growth goals for the company and I truly believe Lisa had a big hand in making it possible.
The outcomes were tenfold our expectations. Lisa connected to our small group in the only way that counts. She gained our trust and confidence very quickly and allowed each of us to come out of our shells and perform.
Lisa gave each of our presenters the ability to show the outside audience (big or small) what we so desperately care about inside. All 14 that completed Lisa’s workshop are not only producing better results, they are less apprehensive about themselves and now can focus on the task at hand, the customer and their service. Our only regret is waiting too long.
Whether we’re speaking one-on-one or in front of a larger audience, the tools and techniques that Lisa shared with us shine through. Prior to Lisa, we thought our talks were for the audience; now after Lisa’s help, we know it’s only about the audience. This has led to more direct business and additional speaking events. Thank you Lisa!”
Paul Mussman, President
AgWest Commodities
“Lisa led a workshop for the Junior League of Santa Barbara that was engaging, insightful and I am certain will make a lasting difference in our members. She took the time to really understand the League and customized her presentation to truly benefit the group. Her vast knowledge and experience shown through in her ability to be educational, while also keeping it really fun”
Jenna Rogers, Junior League of Santa Barbara
“Lisa Braithwaite, because of her enthusiasm and passion for coaching, makes her public speaking classes fun and engaging.
But more importantly, her passion for her subject and life in general infects everyone in her classes, resulting in entertaining and engaging teaching experiences that help her students strip away the self conscious mannerisms that can be a speaker’s worst enemies.”
Leeana McNeilley, Director of Home Care Services
Help Unlimited
“It seems every day since our training, we at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara are finding ways to incorporate the many techniques, suggestions and guidelines for effective public speaking taught by Lisa Braithwaite into our work.
While we all admitted to being nervous at some level about public speaking, Lisa managed to break the process into manageable steps that allowed one and all to feel confident and ready, providing us with an assortment of tools and skills with which to build an interesting, well-organized, and memorable presentation. Who would have thought this would be fun?!!
As staff, we were so motivated by the training that we immediately began the process of reworking our longstanding PowerPoint presentations, with a goal of creating concise, interesting, factual and relevant new slides that will serve as our ‘talking points’ to share this fall at schools and in other public forums across the county.
We highly recommend Lisa’s training to any organization that hopes to improve the quality and effectiveness of its public speaking presentations.”
Vicki Wedmore, Director of Student Programs
Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
“Over the past several years, Lisa Braithwaite has provided several presentations for entrepreneurs through our organization. Most recently, Lisa presented to a group of small business owners and it was an exceptionally valuable experience for all participants.
She spoke about how to use your voice to authentically connect with your target client, and provided practical tips and challenges for the audience to put in to practice right away. Lisa had a friendly, engaging presence as a speaker that participants found easy to follow and enjoyable. Feedback from those who attended included:‘Great advice on building confidence for giving a speech.’
‘Very useful.’
‘I really was inspired by Lisa.’
‘Very funny and engaging!’
‘Tools I can use right away to tell my story in a compelling and connecting manner’Lisa’s expertise is very relevant for small business owners who are looking for ways to build their confidence, improve their ability to communicate clearly and, in turn, market themselves and their businesses more effectively. We are so grateful that she has shared her expertise with our organization and look forward to continuing to work with Lisa in the future.”
Nicole Raden
Thrive in Five Program Coordinator
Women’s Economic Ventures
More comments from Women’s Economic Ventures’ Self-Employment Training program
“I now have confidence when promoting my business! Thank you!”
“Super important lesson — will change everything!
“You have inspired me to move forward with my business.”
“Thank you for all the valuable info… professional intro done in ten minutes. Love it!”
“I have a professional introduction. Yippee!”
“Inspiring, sassy, compassionate. Thank you!”
“Thanks for making me feel better about how I speak.”
“Thanks so much for helping us with our speeches. It’s not at all scary now!”
“So helpful! Really got me thinking on how to describe my business well and short.”
“After all these years, I can finally say what I do. Where were you ten years ago?”
“THANK YOU for speaking at Expo. You are fabulous and deliver such an important message. My only wish is that the industry was up-to-speed a bit more.
Your participation led an air of excitement to the event. And thank you too for spearheading WTE social media outreach. I loved retweeting your tweets.
I too hope we work together again. I look forward to seeing you and next time, sharing a cup of tea.”
Kim Jage, Former Sales and Marketing Director, World Tea Media
World Tea Expo
Las Vegas, NV
“It was our pleasure to work with Lisa. Her coaching proved to be invaluable to our members at our event.
She most certainly brings impactful results to her audiences, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with her for many years to come.”
Robyn Shutak, Senior Director, Programs and Member Services
The Global Equity Organization
“I had a fair amount of experience with networking before the training, but have been ‘out of practice’ for two years. Lisa’s business networking training was a reminder to really think about how I present the organization I work for in terms that other people can understand and relate to.
I believe that our department became aware not only to be active when at a networking event, but also how to be an active and engaging networking host.
Lisa’s training really started the conversation about how we collectively present ourselves to others and how we can improve on how others perceive us as an organization.”
Ashley Butler-Soberano, Projects Coordinator and Assistant to the Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Santa Barbara Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
“Lisa did a fantastic job speaking at NAWBO (The National Association of Women Business Owners), Ventura County. She helped us all to think about elevator speeches in a different way. Her presentation was interactive and engaging. Comments from the attendees included:
‘Liked the interactivity.’
‘Great! I absolutely enjoyed it. I will take what I learned and implement.’
‘Very Relaxed, fun presentation. Made me think differently about elevator speeches.’
Thank you Lisa for taking the time to visit us and for sharing your wisdom. I hope that our paths cross again soon!”
Alison Balter, Best Selling Author and Owner of InfoTech Services Group, Inc.
Venice, CA
It was a thrilling experience to be the lead coach and trainer for Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch speakers in 2014 and 2015. Here’s a great little highlight reel that captures a fraction of the excitement and pride we all felt on the night of the 2015 finale. Enjoy!
Onsite Group Coaching
If your company or association doesn’t have the time or ability to bring everyone together for full-day trainings, group coaching might be the solution you’re looking for.
Public speaking group coaching is a six-week program which begins with a 3-hour foundational training, either in person or via a virtual platform.
After the training, we meet for 60-minute sessions, focused on all aspects of effective presentations, with an emphasis on building skills and confidence. The group size (6-8 participants) is small enough to be intimate and flexible, and the group’s input on topics and issues informs the sessions.
We use a presentation preparation checklist to guide discussion on all aspects of a presentation, from setting objectives, to presentation structure, to audience interactions and engagement, openings and closings and delivery.
The program also incorporates exercises and activities based on the needs of the group, and videotaping of three short presentations with (private) critique from me and feedback from the group. Discussion includes issues relevant to each group, like nervousness and relaxation techniques, effective PowerPoint, networking and other related topics.
“Although this wasn’t my first training, it was definitely the best!! I came out much more confident! I love telling my personal story of recovery and perseverance. Thanks Lisa Braithwaite!!”
Cathie Ortiz
Lived Experience Advocacy Development Project
Transitions-Mental Health Association
Lompoc, CA
“This training changed my life. Lisa’s training made it easy. The one thing I hold on to is ‘Have fun in your own skin.’ Now I enjoy speaking. Thank you, Lisa❤.”
Girlie Ford
Lived Experience Advocacy Development Project
Transitions-Mental Health Association
Lompoc, CA“I feel sooo much more at peace when public speaking. Thank you so much.”
Jacob McDuffee
Lived Experience Advocacy Development Project
Transitions-Mental Health Association
Lompoc, CA
“Thank you for spending time with the kids last night. You were fantastic! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cate students that engaged in an alumni event. You set a great tone for the Alumnae Network along with the Alumni Speakers Series. I’m marking it down as a full-fledged success.”
Casey McCann, Alumni Council President
Cate School
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage
Santa Barbara, CA
“Thanks for considering your audience and for putting together a dynamic presentation to 65 high school students, who you engaged from the moment you began. I thought the Q&A portion of your program best illustrated how interested the students were in the topic.”
Meg Bradley, Assistant Headmaster External Affairss
Cate School
Santa Barbara, CA
“Great job. Lisa really has a calmness about her that comes across when she speaks. I really enjoyed her style. She only had one hour to get us the main points which she did well. I still have a long way to go on my own. :-)”
Doug Kirton, Hockey Director
Sno-King Hockey
Kirkland, WA
“I always appreciate Lisa Braithwaite whenever she speaks, most recently for the Goleta Valley Chamber Ambassadors.
Not only did Lisa encourage the entire team to participate in her customized, interactive presentation, but she provided a fresh perspective with many terrific suggestions that we plan to implement at future events.
She made us realize that public speaking isn’t just about talking in front of a room, but can also take the form of business meetings, mixers, networking functions, etc.—as the group presenting the event, or as an individual introducing yourself to others.
In 2010, I hired Lisa to help me prepare a 10-minute presentation about my copywriting business to a professional organization; with her extremely valuable guidance, I was able to clarify my approach, simplify my message and maximize my impact. She’s the best!”
Teri Breier, The Writing Goddess
Santa Barbara, CA
“Lisa is an incredible public speaking coach and I always learn something from her, which helps me stay on the top of my game. I always appreciate knowing that Lisa will be a presenter at any event that I am involved in. I just wish that more people would take advantage of her professional knowledge and skills.”
Drew Wakefield, Director of Sales and Marketing
Ramada Limited
Santa Barbara, CA
“Giving young people the tools to feel confident while speaking in front of others will help them in immeasurable ways. These students will not live their lives trying to avoid public speaking. Instead, they will understand that speaking publicly is an opportunity. Ms. Braithwaite gave the students at Marymount a valuable gift with her training.”
Hilary Doubleday, Parent
Marymount of Santa Barbara
“I attended your Power Point webinar a little while back and made good use of the info you provided.
I do regular presentations at schools for CEC’s Rethink the Drink program and have been using the same PP for a few years now. Your webinar inspired me to update it and to use your 1 idea/1 slide guideline.
I used the new version at FOUR assemblies this morning and not only did it go over great with the kids, it was easier and smoother for me to stay on topic.
Thanks for the guidance!”
Kathi King, Donor Relations Manager
Ditch Plastic Program Manager
Community Environmental Council
Santa Barbara, CA
Policies
I’m happy to customize a presentation for your needs. Pricing depends on level of customization, length of seminar, travel and other factors.
I will send you a pre-program questionnaire to determine the needs and learning objective of the attendees in order to create a workshop that is tailored to your particular audience.
Preferred room setup
In order to make the presentation most effective and comfortable for me and for the audience, I will send you my preferred room setup form and diagram with the agreement package at the time of booking the speaking engagement.
Booking confirmation
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking and reserve the date, and will be invoiced with the speaking agreement. The balance is to be paid at or before the date of the event.
The deposit is refundable if cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to the event. If cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to the event, the deposit is non-refundable.
Travel
Mileage for engagements within driving distance and beyond 60 miles round-trip will be invoiced separately at the current IRS rate.
All engagements requiring airline travel to destinations within the continental United States are invoiced a flat $1,500 travel fee that includes round-trip coach airfare, airport parking, ground transportation/car rental if needed, per diem for meals and all incidentals.
My hotel room in the case of an on-site conference or retreat should be billed directly to the client’s account. I do not provide itemized expense reports.
Payment
I accept checks and electronic payments.
Special rates
You may take an additional 10% off the fee when paying in full at the time of booking (at least 30 days in advance of the training date).
If you find my services to be helpful, I offer a 10% discount for additional speaking/coaching engagements booked within a 12-month period.
Contact me for more information or to schedule a presentation.
Audio and Video Clips
Watch my Storytellers Project video, “Reluctant Relocations.”
Click here to listen to audio clips from interviews and previous presentations.
Click here to view more brief videos.
Speaking Clients
Microsoft Azure App Service team 2017
Antioch University Santa Barbara
Association for Women in Communication
Association of Fundraising Professionals
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Family Services
Citrix Online GoToToastmasters
Community Environmental Council
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
International Special Events Society
Junior League of Santa Barbara
Lt. Governor’s Tourism Summit, Louisiana
Massachusetts Association of RealtorsⓇ
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Occam Networks
Santa Barbara Female Entrepreneurs
Santa Barbara Referrals Associates
Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
Transitions Mental Health Association
UCSB Associated Students
UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
UCSB Extension
UCSB Housing and Residential Services
UCSB Professional Women’s Association
UCSB Women in Science and Engineering
Work at Home Expo