Liked and trusted are two things we should all strive for, especially if we want others to buy our ideas or services. It is now common knowledge that we do business with those we know, like and trust. Too many business professionals are overly enamored with their business– its repuation, size, or assets under management. Get over it. No one cares if you are a startup, Fortune 500 or 100 firm.

The doctors who were not sued also oriented their patients; “The pre-op is at 7am,  the procedure will be done by 9, and your wife can pick you up at 3pm.” These critical elements, added to their regular regimen, made physicians almost invulnerable to costly malpractice lawsuits. Test yourself to see if orienting is important: watch the first 10 minutes of a film and see if you squirm or lose attention because you don’t know what city or country you’re in, or the relationship between characters isn’t well defined. Or speak to an analyst, CFO, engineer, or scientist without giving them context and notice how quickly they interrupt and ask you for context regarding the idea or project you are outlining.

Every speech, presentation or dialogue is an exercise in recreating your brand, as well as the perception others have of your services. Concentrate on building trust in a business conversation before getting to the sell, or listing your features and benefits. Business decisions, like all decisions, are emotional. If you use these tools, you will create a bond between you and your listeners. They will make the decision to hire you, based on that feeling. Then and only then will they rationalize their choice based on your firm’s reputation, size, or assets under management.

Most corporate boardrooms look as though the designer was going for an updated Italian family dining room. They feature one large table with not much room at either end, and one small counter for refreshments. Sightlines are terrible, there is no center and no proper esthetic distance from the audience. Industrial designers rarely present, and don’t understand the dynamics of a performance space, and how the wrong space one can affect an audience.

Hotel ballrooms are equally impossible– wide spaces with no depth. Small conference rooms are cramped and poorly lit. If a pleasant spatial layout is available, reserve it immediately.

So what is a speaker or presenter to do? Accommodate. Live with it. Draw the audience’s focus away from the problems, and onto your message. Prior to your arrival, do your homework, and have a local contact photograph the space from several angles and email you. Most people can do this quickly via their cell phones. If your space is in a hotel, download a layout of the room, or call the hotel for photos and dimensions.

Even if you get the torture room from a Russian gulag, do what actors do. They know they must control the space they’re given, and never signal discomfort to the audience. Walk the space before your presentation, and deliver out loud, even to an empty room. If you can’t, sit in the back and walk yourself through the presentation, imagining where you will stand, move, and how you will make last-minute adjustments. Always ask for a lavaliere microphone, so that you are not locked behind a podium and have freedom of movement.

In advance, eliminate as many potential problems as possible, but expect the unexpected.
Even if you have to do it yourself, chat pleasantly with your audience or potential clients as you make adjustments to the podium, seating, or sound system. Don’t live with problems that could sink your presentation. Exhibit comfort and control of the space, and your audience will generalize that you do business the same way.

Even though Eloqui trains clients to embed their material into the audiences’memory, we have to acknowledge the struggle with information overload today. There are tools to facilitate that essential transition from short-term to long-term memory.

The oldest form of communication we have is storytelling. It is encoded into our DNA and used to pass on our tribe’s history, explain complex concepts, and entertain children. A brief narrative with a strong message is the best device for transferring information and driving action.

Attention precedes comprehension. A client recently told us, “Karen started with a story about horseback riding, and I thought, where is she going with this? Then I got it! She linked the horseback riding to her services and I was hooked.” Karen effectively used novelty and surprise to grab our attention. Never do the expected. The ‘attentional’ area of the brain will not fire until it hears something it doesn’t immediately recognize. When we need to pay attention, we do.

Simile and metaphor are not just the domain of poets. George Lakoff, a Berkeley linguist, professes that humans only understand their world in light of something else, so without metaphors, we’d be in the dark. Framing your content in an imaginative way, then connecting the dots is a potent engagement tool. This technique takes thought and practice, but is well worth the effort.

An Eloqui favorite is visual specifics. Fully one third of the brain is dedicated to visual processing. If you use descriptions to make your audience see what you are describing, you also activate nearby areas of the brain involved in decision-making. Put yourself back in the moment when an event happened, and your descriptions will have more tactility.

Abstractus, in Latin, means removed from (material reality). Great for concepts, bad for sticking in the imagination. Concrescere on the other hand, means language that describes the material world. Concrete language appeals to and engages the senses. Never speak about client challenges, difficulties, opportunities, or other abstractions without following up with like, such as, or for example to engage your listeners.

In a longer speech, use a theme with variations. Da-da-da-DAH (Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony) is the most well-known symphonic phrase ever written, still used in everything from commercials and cartoons, to films and pop songs. Beethoven varied this theme each time he revisited it, so he oriented the audience to his central idea, but never bored them.

Used in concert, these tools will deposit ‘grit’ in listeners’ minds and form the basis for your pearl of wisdom.

Even Mitt Romney, who looks like perfect Presidential material, will only win if no one with charisma enters the race. Mitt’s brand of charisma appears forced, manufactured; therefore, is not true charisma. And that’s the problem; the ancient Greeks defined charisma as a favor freely given or a gift of grace. Does that mean charisma is
not attainable unless one receives a gift from the gods?

In the secular world, Max Weber (early 1900’s) saw charisma as a form of authority. He defined charisma as: A quality of a personality that sets one apart from ordinary men and is treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or exceptional powers or qualities. These are regarded as of divine origin or at least exemplary, and the individual is treated as a leader. So, for thousands of years, humans have believed magical charisma is bestowed either by the gods or nature, and are willing to follow charismatic leaders
even into battle.

However, enterprising firms have been training Leadership Skills, Executive Presence, and the like for years. Demand creates supply, but can charisma be taught? Are these consultants, including Eloqui, selling smoke? In our tip, we mentioned the Sociometer, a recent MIT Media Lab invention that records personal interactions. MIT found that humans are attracted to a person who gestures with energy, and exhibits flow and consistency when speaking. Researchers could accurately predict if a business plan would be accepted, based on whether or not  the presenter spoke with excitement, including voice and gestures, and the plan was presented with logical flow.

At Eloqui, we acknowledge these persuasive elements– what is required of a leader. There is not one behavioral template that suits all, or that anyone can adopt. Business professionals are not actors, and need to work from their core of personal strength and authenticity. If they do, the new role they are aspiring to, and growing into, is one that has integrity and wears well over time. If one considers all the pieces; energy, flow, posture, gestures and passion, and rehearses the mechanics in context with a presentation, it becomes encoded into muscle memory. We believe with practice and focus, any intelligent individual can be charismatic.

The ancient Greek Charites, (or Roman Graces), were named Splendor, Mirth, and Good Cheer. If humans exhibited those qualities, wouldn’t we be much more attractive and charismatic to others?

Win Roney
CEO
Reel Grobman

“With Eloqui preparing us for a presentation to retain a large account, our team, which included staff from all functions within our company, effectively communicated what we do for this client and told stories that made an impact. The effectiveness of the presentation had us saying that this was some of the best money we could have spent: we retained a business that represents more than $3 million in billings.”

John Lavey
Managing Director
Hammock Publishing

“Our investment in Eloqui was business changing. Deborah and David gave our team the tools to better communicate amongst ourselves. We presented (using their suggestions) and shortly after our meeting, won a large engagement. We have already asked Eloqui to come back as we feel we have just scratched the surface. They truly are an incredible resource for any business.”

Shannon Eusey
President, Beacon Pointe Advisors

“As seasoned presenters, we felt we understood what it took to get the contract, but after just an hour with Deborah and David, we materially modified the presentation and refocused the message away from us and on to the client. We got the contract, and Eloqui deserves much of the credit.”

Gerry Preciado
Litigation Manager
Bickmore Risk Services

“Just wanted to let you know, your training for us at Bickmore paid off ten-fold and more! We recently were selected for final interviews presenting to a major client. It was a seven person team presentation.

Part of our preparation was reflecting on our sessions with you; honing the key points of each presenter, personalizing the story, practicing transition handoffs and minimizing the PowerPoint to only the key points of our message. The result was a win! Thanks for helping us tell our story.”

Rick Brush
Director, Business Development
Bickmore Risk Services and Consulting

“I wanted to thank you for taking the time to give me some much needed guidance for my interview with the City of Clovis. I greatly appreciated your insights and presentation tips, and am very pleased to report that we won the job!

We were able to turn a formal interview with unfamiliar panelists into a comfortable, 2-hour conversation among peers. We moved seamlessly from our presentation into an engaging conversation, and provided authentic and thoughtful responses to their questions. In fact, our dialogue kept moving into so many areas (which we were prepared to discuss) that we exceeded our allotted time by a good half hour. Certainly this was a good sign.

This was an important job win for us, and I owe you a debt of gratitude for helping me prepare.”

Jeffrey Harlan, Esq., LEED AP
Senior Planner

“I wanted to thank you for your insight. Every time we meet you open my eyes to something new. I don’t know if you heard, but we got the Safeco account. “

Malu Febres-Cordero
RLR Advertising & Marketing

“We less than 24 hours before our presentation. Deborah and David identified the strengths and weaknesses of a critical pitch we were making for a very competitive government contract.

“To make our joint sales pitch to the city of San Jose, one of the world’s largest insurance companies flew in their heavyweight sales staff from New York and San Francisco. I had one minute to introduce myself, but instead, skipped that, told the bike messenger story and how it related to the client’s experience.

After that, much of the interview became a conversation between me and the risk manager, with his staff listening intently and the insurance company interjecting only when they found an opening. In the parking lot wrap-up, one of the insurance company’s staff said if we get the account, it will be because of Bickmore.
I’ve been telling people the Eloqui training was the best since kindergarten.”

Chuck Gray
Bickmore Risk Services

“We knew our roles – facilitator – expert etc
We passed off with ease
We rehearsed
We stood up and practiced
We reminded each other of tips – - “don’t announce what you are going to say – say it”
We did not eat bananas
We drank room temp water
We planned where everyone would sit – -and when someone planted down we switched our
plan with ease

We nailed our 2 1/2 hour presentation and we owe it all to you two!”

Anne Koval
Producer
Carl Warren

“… Our pitch was compelling and solid. Your counsel was put to very good use. It helped me immensely and our team in the room (not doing the core presentation) said our performance was exceptional…

Thank you for a terrific job. Our entire team benefited greatly from your training. I know we’ll put it to good use in future opportunities and expect we’ll be calling upon you to take us to the next level.

Michael Kaddatz, CPCU, ARM
Director, Administration & Consulting Services
Bickmore Risk Services and Consulting

Dennis A. Tito
CEO Wilshire Associates
1st Civilian Space Tourist

“All the techniques worked great… What set it apart, however, is the conference organizer and a few others said my keynote was the best of the entire conference! This was a real honor.

Now I know I can do bigger-time keynotes, and greatly improve my usual run-of-the-mill presentations. Our time together was invaluable to making this happen!”

Brian Underhill
Founder and CEO
CoachSource

“I have always been comfortable with my public communication ability. But, I wanted to be great; not just good. Eloqui taught me to stretch my boundaries, use my talents more completely and not be a talking head. The results were immediate and clear. What was once a strength is now a talent.”

Don St. Clair
Vice President
Woodbury University

“So there I was at Deborah and David’s. I couldn’t resist telling the ‘doctors’ what was ailing me. They gave me a great prescription for a very difficult meeting I was facing the next day. They advised me to be authentic and vulnerable and admit my errors of leadership. Their advice was well taken, the meeting went well and I received many positive comments about how it was handled.”

Beverly Kaye
Founder/CEO
Career Systems International

“I just returned from my Rotary presentation and my greatest critic, my wife said it went very well… There were about 100 people; they gave me a standing ovation… The best part is they donated a wheelchair to someone in our community that needs one–in my name!”
OR/
“… what I have learned from both of you is how to structure a speech; how to read, understand and command an audience; and how to establish a speaking presence. After your ‘Power of Five’ training I find myself much more relaxed and confident than ever before.”

David Yudovin
International Hall of Fame Channel Swimmer

“Just gave the talk at Hawaii Tax Institute. 50-60 attendees. Was HUGELY successful. Well, at least it was very well received…But this was the last day of a 4 day conference, so you know people are dragging. I was in quite a few of the other presentations, and I can safely say that the response to mine was as good or better than any other I saw. Plus I had a 100% stay-awake ratio! Thanks SO much.”

Glen Janken, CFP – CLU
Estate and Financial Planning

“I enjoy public speaking and have worked up to a point where I needed professional coaching to sharpen my skills. I chose Eloqui’s Power of Five as my next step. Deborah and David provided an amazing coaching experience and an opportunity to test myself in a controlled environment. We established my strengths and weaknesses and what was important to accomplish. They focused their considerable experience on my issues, and we anatomized them one by one.

Each two hour segment honed in on specific skill sets. We would practice these, and then reflect on what was and was not working. What I enjoyed most was their intense passion for public speaking and willingness to engage that passion within me. This program is a winner.”

Ernie Gilbert
President
Safer Systems

“My wife has always been my toughest public speaking critic, and I was a little upset when her Fathers’ Day gift to me was Eloqui’s Power of Five.
Amazingly, I enjoyed this experience from beginning to end. I quickly realized I needed a total overhaul in my approach to presenting. Deborah and David always encouraged me by education and example. They are the perfect mentors for anyone interested in improving his/her skills.

The final exam occurred when my wife observed one of my presentations. She was so impressed that now she wants her own lessons. My new skills have empowered me to deal with a variety of situations, from public presentations to business meetings to media encounters. I now know how to tell my story. They’ve taught me to speak with ease and to have fun doing it. This is The Power of Five.”

Richard G. Just, M.D.
Managing Partner
San Diego Pacific Oncology and Hematology Assoc, Inc.
Director of Clinical Research, Premiere Oncology of San Diego

“The presentation went wonderfully. Thank you for all of your wisdom and training. I studied the handouts on PowerPoint and used them as a tool to accentuate and highlight my talk. The audience loved the slides… Then going to black with me on stage was perfect.

The energy in the room was electric, I maintained eye contact, engaged the audience and all I saw was a sea of smiles. Great feedback…”

Diana Crudeli
D Crudeli & Associates

“Thanks to you, I am now on the speaking circuit and really enjoying getting up in front of crowds and talking about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Before meeting with you, I had such a fear of public speaking. You guys are terrific!”

Samantha Parent
Author of “Torn”

“I just wanted to let you know that the skills Eloqui helped me to develop and refine are still serving me well years later.”

Caryn Siebert
CEO
Carl Warren and Company

“Good thing we worked on my speaking on Tuesday. I gave a speech tonight at the San Fernando Valley Business awarded—which was unexpected when I won the Business Executive of the Year. (You would think they would give you advance notice to speak)
I felt good about the presentation. It was a very long walk to the podium. It seemed as though it took forever for me to get to the mike. Loved working with you and given 10 more times to stand up in front of 200 people, it will be perfect.”

Sheryl Mazirow
President
Mazirow Commercial

“I used so much of what you taught me today. My talk went very well, and I got lots of positive feedback. I felt comfortable and spoke with enthusiasm and good body language. I told the Power of the Pedal, and the Blink stories, and both were well received. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help and support. You are so good at what you do, and helped me develop much better speaking skills.”

Sondra Goldstein
Clinical Psychologist

“I did a presentation this morning on harassment issues. I worked hard on my opening and opened with my story, instead of random filler statements. I had the room’s attention from the get-go, and got a laugh. It was more effective than any other program I’ve started.
I still need to work on my anecdotes (turning my usual case stories into what I did for the client with use of my action verbs) and a better closing, but in the meantime…at the end of the program, an audience member asked me to come into his workplace and train the rest of his staff. Woo hoo!!! Now THAT’s value added.”

Karen Gabler
Employment Attorney
Light Gabler

“The services David and Deborah provide are critical for anyone who earns a living by communicating their ideas. Working on my elevator speech for just one hour nearly doubled the volume of my referrals!

I sat with them in 2005 and I can still hear Deborah’s voice as I work on my presentations and elevator speeches. She made clear the importance of using empowering, action-oriented language – the phrase “I help my clients to grow” was quickly replaced with “My clients annual growth rate is 25-200% greater than last year, and their quality of life is dramatically increased.”

Jeff Hayes
Principal, The Vector Group

“As a forensic consultant, educator and synagogue president, my career depends greatly upon my ability to communicate effectively in court, at professional conferences and seminars. Deborah Shames and David Booth of Eloqui have enabled me to take my presentations from merely excellent to beyond incredible. They clearly provide the magical ingredient.”

Michael G. Kaplan, CPA, CVA, CFFA
Kaplan Abraham Burkert & Company

“Thanks to Deborah and David…. you two are the greatest! I will always be glad to give testimonials on how your customized training helped me to grow my business through “speaking”. As a former banker, I know firsthand the value of your services for the banking community and your names are on the top of my list for referrals.”

Kay Barzon
DMR Business Solutions, Inc.

“I do a lot of networking. At these meetings people give their elevator speech introduction—the one to which nobody listens or pays attention. Using the Eloqui method, I got a standing ovation. Three people I didn’t know buttonholed me after the meeting and made appointments with me to discuss their insurance. Now that’s results.”

Mike Altman
Partner
SAK Financial

“Thanks – my conference was phenomenal. I spoke at 4 sessions. I had a set of “groopies” that followed me to the other 3 after the first one, so I guess I was good.”

Andrea Gallagher
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
Rethinking Your Future™

“At my last ProVisor meeting, instead of getting up and telling everyone that I am a CPA that does business management, I told the group a story about a client problem and how I solved it. After the end of the meeting a couple of the members approached me to tell me that my elevator speech was “night and day” and “1,000%” better than how I spoke about my work in the past. Another member said that she has a potential client for me.
Thank you very much for giving me the tools to describe my business in a more interesting and memorable manner. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Mark Pariser
CPA
Dunn, Green and Pariser

“I want to thank you again for all the guidance you’ve provided me through Eloqui training. It has had very positive results. I spoke to approximately 200 people on March 24, 2011, as the keynote speaker at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Centennial Vigil.
I spoke for about 20 minutes at a podium without any visual aids.

The organizers had place a card at each place setting with the name and age of one of the 146 fire victims. You will be proud to know that because of your training, I elicited tears from my audience during some of the more moving passages of my speech and the rousing ending of the speech earned me a standing ovation. The speech was a collaborative effort, but the delivery was all Eloqui.”

Terrie S. Norris, CSP, ARM, CPSI
Manager, Risk Control Services
Bickmore Risk Services

“The skills I developed working with you are serving me extremely well! Our tradeshow was phenomenal and I received accolades from all corners. Our team loved your book and concepts, I gave them out and there were requests from other departments. I had wished I had ordered more. You really helped make this tradeshow mine. Thanks so much.

Luciana Perri
Solutions Consultant Supervisor
ADP

“Once again, the two of you have reinforced my belief that you are the greatest. As you know, I was concerned that reading a prepared statement to a legislative subcommittee about our Risk Management Audit findings would be boring. Following your advice, I outlined the script in my own words, putting that information into margin notes, read through the text– putting the emphasis on the wrong words so it would be fresh when I read it correctly, and I practiced with the mental model that what I had to say was important. I even rehearsed making eye contact.

It worked. The margin notes were especially helpful when they asked that we speed things along with a quick summary. When I finished the Committee Chair responded with “Wow…” Wow works for me!

Chuck Gray
Bickmore Risk Services

“My Eloqui training provided the framework and confidence to tell my story in a way that engaged the audience and allowed me to connect on a personal level. But I didn’t expect that my hours of preparation would lead to being voted the 2nd best presentation of the entire conference.”

Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Director of Marketing
Greenberg Glusker Law Firm

“Can I just tell you how HIGH my son was last night. To quote: Mom, that was literally the best experience I have ever had. They blew us away. The group was so pumped after we left. Thank you Soooooooo much! I am going to recommend that MTV hire them! They are unbelievable.
L-I-P-P-I-T- – B-I-P-I-T-Y!

ah….. does my heart good! (Pray for them…) xo you amaze and I am so grateful for you both! Thank you a thousand times over.

Amy K. Commans
General Manager
Westlake Village Inn

“Well, I didn’t throw up, but I was close. Actually, the speaking itself was fun. I spoke clearly and not too fast. People told me it was really good and that they really liked it. One guy asked me to speak on a panel with him. One guy emailed me later and said ‘Good job Caren. You really weave in stories well…’ That’s cuz I had my 3 buckets. Meeting with you two was really helpful. THANK YOU.”

Caren Nielsen
Estate Planning and Elder Care Attorney

“My entire perspective on professional business presentations and public speaking has changed after working with Deborah and David, the Principals of Eloqui. Colleagues questioned why I enrolled in Eloqui’s Power of Five program, since I’m a veteran radio host, TV commentator and had my share of keynote speeches and master of ceremony appearances.

The answer is that I have improved significantly in my focus, stage presentation, movement and ability to identify my audience– whether it’s extremely large or a one-on-one conversation.

Before working with Eloqui, I found myself exhausted after producing and moderating a panel about social networking. Through Deborah and David, I learned that I wore too many hats.
What I didn’t expect was that Deborah and David are both extremely connected and provide the added value of business coaching. They are adamant about ensuring that all of their clients succeed.”

Cindy Rakowitz
BR Public Relations

“My biggest observation/application since my session is your comment to trust my instincts. I’ve really started to notice how often I second guess myself. And how persuasive I become when I move out of my own way.
There is also the power of choosing a role and reading my audience, using the 4 personality types. Both have tremendously simplified my approach and given me confidence that even if I haven’t prepared to speak to someone, when the time comes, I will know how to show up and what to say.”

Julie Maloney
Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer

“Zillions of thanks for the help with the presentation I did at Cal State San Bernardino Friday. Turned out there were 230 people at the lunch – biggest group I’ve spoken to. The exercises worked very well – got everyone talking.
One man told me that I really reached people – that they were eating but paying attention. Nice compliment. The organizers were happy because many people signed up for their mentorship program and he thought my talk made that happen (that was my call to action at the end!)”

Lanie Denslow
World Wise Intercultural Training & Resources
Author of World Wise

“The lunch itself went very well… Specifically, I noticed that while people have often had to ask me to repeat something I said (because I was likely speaking too fast), that did not happen once during any of my interactions. I felt a lot more confident and prepared going into my meeting, and I actually enjoyed myself. The Managing Director also made a comment that he liked my attitude, which I am sure is in large part reflective of the application of your principles.”

Zachary Friedman
Recent college graduate and job seeker

“I recently joined a networking group; similar to the Chamber of Commerce. I volunteered at the meeting to do what they call a craft talk-5 minutes, to tell about what you do and your personal life. I used the Eloqui OSB/client story format and after the meeting several people came up to me and told me they enjoyed the stories. Thank you.”

Douglas K. Schreiber, Esq.
Anker, Reed, Hymes, Schreiber & Cohen

“THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! I killed today.”

Marc Hankin, IP Attorney
Hankin Patent Law

“I enjoyed meeting you and David and found you both very warm and easy to work with. I felt fortunate enough to have found your book (Own the Room) through the maze of others in the first place, but to then be coached by the authors is over the top. Only in a country like ours can businesses be built from scratch and opportunities flourish from a vision. I feel that we now have the tools to bring forth a bullet proof presentation.”

Robert Paul Curtis
CEO, Jungle Tech Group Inc.

“There is still more work I need to do on my presentations but I have already seen the benefits. I am so grateful that you have been so gracious to provide us with your two-on-two personal coaching. The skills you shared have already made a huge difference. Renee and I work together to encourage each other to grow and expand.”

Joanne S. Van Kampen
Owner, JVC Consultants

“I just want to thank you so much for your amazing help with my Keynote Speech. I had done some public speaking, but not for 45 minutes in front of over 200 people. You both helped me in all aspects of my speech. I was so prepared after you worked with me and took me out of my comfort zone, and helped me know in advance what my weak and strong points were. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with you both again, or refer anyone to also work with both of you!”

Steve M. Brooks, CIC,CPIA
President, B & B Premier Insurance Solutions Inc.

“I reviewed my DVD the same day it arrived in the mail. It was really fun watching it, and it also helped me remember specific portions of the training.

The most poignant moment for me came during my last session when following my 5-minute presentation you asked me to repeat it without using my notes. I could physically feel that the presentation was better when I used my own thoughts, words, and energy, as opposed to the well-prepared talk I had planned. It was a great ending to great training.”

Kathy Fitzgarrald
Graduate of the Eloqui Power of Five program
Retired Executive at General Motors

“I’m back from Bahrain. Everything worked just as you predicted. The connection was incredible. So many men came up to me to tell me that they liked my unusual style of presenting. My host was incredibly pleased…You can probably appreciate the large chance he took in putting me first. In the entire 4 day conference only one other woman spoke.
We could not have predicted that in Saudi Arabia people do not admit humble beginnings. Telling the story of my mother and my rise from poverty was considered a bomb shell of the positive variety… So many people thanked me for it that I feel I made a small difference in people’s lives at least for a while. You gave me the support I needed to discover my voice. I am ever so grateful!

Rosa Carrillo
Cross-Cultural Organization and Leadership Development
Carrillo & Associates

“I just got back from Korea yesterday. My presentation to the President of Samsung Telecommunications went brilliantly, if I do say so myself… Because I told myself beforehand that it was ok to be nervous, I ended up not being nervous at all. In fact, I was really enjoying myself. I was able to interact personally with Mr. Lee as I demonstrated each of our prototype cell phones. The best part is that they agreed to do a deal with us! So, I guess that was the most successful sales presentation of my life! Thanks again, Deb and David, for being my coaches.”

Portia LaTouche
Business Development Consultant
Dyna Corp.

“Some things get better with time and effort. Like my presentations for one, and my confidence for another. Then, there is my appreciation and respect for Deb Shames and David Booth without whom life would be less profitable and certainly my speaking more boring.

…My recent featured speaking engagement at the E Marketing Convention in San Francisco could not have happened without Eloqui and what they have taught me.
If you are thinking of making that pitch, or giving that all important public presentation, pick up the phone now and call Eloqui. There’s no one better to have alongside, whispering in your ear as the listeners are blown away by what you have to say.”

Cheryl Hodgson
Attorney
Hodgson Law Group

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights. Muhammad Ali understood that there is no substitute for preparation; I learned it firsthand recently when asked to speak at an international convention of legal marketers.

My Eloqui training provided me with the framework and confidence necessary to tell my story in a way that engaged the audience and allowed me to connect on a personal level. What I didn’t expect was that my hours of preparation would lead to being voted the second best presentation of the entire conference.”

Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Director of Marketing
Greenberg Glusker Law Firm

“I can’t thank you enough for your excellent coaching last week. I presented my show to our CEO and two other key, influential EVPs. All went exceptionally well. The Dusty Baker/GC store manager analogy worked well. Additionally, the three key points (not your lingo) was valuable. I felt incredibly confident and recognized that my speaking was smooth and well paced…but I wasn’t thinking about it during the shows.
The show prompted our CEO to request me to make a 60 to 120 minute tactical presentation to a group of execs in two weeks.”

Nick Shauer
VP Human Resources
Guitar Center, Inc

“It was February 14th, 2005, Stan and I were working with a group of colleagues preparing as panelists for a seminar. One of the colleagues suggested we all retain Deborah Shames and David Booth to help us; as they are well known in the LA Community and always receive rave reviews from their clients. I remember thinking, “What are they kidding? Dr. Stan Stahl was a professor for over 15 years, he is a national and international speaker and author. And me? I had been training computer classes since the mid 80’s and giving presentations at seminars, industry conferences, and client retreats throughout my career. Clearly, we didn’t need any direction on how to present or participate in a panel!”
I later came to discover we missed a wonderful and valuable opportunity!

Then, in December 2005, Stan and I were looking for a “new look and feel” for Citadel and we had been hearing positive comments about a company named Eloqui. Lo and behold, we crossed paths a second time with Deborah and David. This time we acted on the opportunity. At our request, they spent 20 minutes with us to discuss our needs and in those 20 minutes provided us with several valuable tips. So, we retained Deborah and David and after the first 2 hour meeting, I remember saying “Why didn’t we retain them earlier?!”

Not only was it a very different experience (we were videotaped at the first meeting and it was awful), they provided Stan and I with a variety of different perspectives on presentations, including how to present together instead of separately; which is what we had been doing for years.

The training focused on body language, voice inflections, stage positions, as well as the use of props to engage the audience and how to tell the best stories. But most of all, the lesson for me was to remember to “say it, like you feel it”. I am very passionate about my industry and Deborah and David taught me how to “strategically and constructively” share that energy with the audience. To get the audience engulfed in my story, put themselves in my story and get them to act.

I am psyched about the new insight, tips and techniques Eloqui has taught me. I will continue to polish these new skills to help me increase sales, communicate more effectively with my clients, business colleagues, family and friends and tell better stories throughout my life.”

Kimberly Pease, CISSP
Citadel Information Group

“As a forensic consultant, educator and synagogue president, my career depends greatly upon my ability to communicate effectively in court, at professional conferences and seminars. Deborah Shames and David Booth of Eloqui have enabled me to take the impact of my presentations from merely excellent to beyond incredible. They clearly provide the magical ingredient.”

Michael G. Kaplan, CPA, CVA, CFFA
Kaplan Abraham Burkert & Company

“The talk went fantastic – I had several people approach me afterwards and stated it was the best speech of the week. During my first session with you Deborah mentioned the difference between an educational versus a persuasion speech. This was a real “ah ha” form me. It was great to have some of those who heard my speech ask for more information from me on regarding the topic I spoke on.”

Tom Mauss
President
Louis and Company

Manuel Loya
Chairman
Southern CA Arthritis Foundation

“Thank you for helping our Chapter staff create authentic, experience-based elevator speeches! Your session resulted in “buzz” that will positively impact the way we communicate about the Foundation.”

Teri S. Lim
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter

“…the next time I got up to speak in front of a large group, I felt more confident and composed than I ever had before, using the tools I learned in the workshop. In fact, one of them “saved the day” when I lost my place in my very next presentation.

Gerry Keshka
Director, Girl Scouts San Fernando Valley

“I could not have done it without you. Thank you so much for your time and support… This has been great and I have really gotten better. It has spoken to me and told me I have a great voice, so I should share it with a great cause. Thank you again.”

Caitlin Ryan
11 yr old spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation

“I just want to thank you for all of your help and coaching over the last year. I feel like I continue to improve and look forward to continuing to master my oral presentations. Someone just forwarded me a few comments that volunteers submitted about my presentation at our Volunteer Leadership Training. I thought you would enjoy:
Julie is master of the spoken word. She gives off energy, great facts, wonderful narrative and puts it in a framework that we can see how everything fits in together.
Julie is a great speaker and keeps you interested in what she has to say. I am so glad we learned about the progress so I can take this back to my affiliate and give this information on finding early detection and a cure.
Thank you for everything you both do. You are fantastic at what you do!”

Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA
President & CEO
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

“WOW! Was what I heard from the staff as they came back into the office from the Eloqui training. They really enjoyed today and learned a lot from you two. Thank you for working with them and helping them become better at presenting, as well as feeling more confident when they’re speaking in front of groups.”

Mary-Jo Kennedy
Director, Community Outreach
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

“Thank you for the enlightenment and for giving us a new outlook on our public speaking potential. We can’t wait to give our next presentation! Now THAT is saying something!”

Erika Cospy
Senior Manager, Community Outreach
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

“Thanks again for your presentation training! You and David are such a dynamic and engaging duo-not only did we learn interesting tactics, but you two made the training fun! Because of the tone of the training that you created, we all felt the environment was a “safe zone” to give and accept critical feedback. I absolutely loved it! You Rock!”
OR/
“Recently, we had our annual Leadership Training. I did a couple of presentations, and my particular fave was my opener for Hosting Effective Meetings… It was well received by the audience, came off super natural and provided a really good transition to the topic…
I wanted to thank you! It was by far the most comfortable I have ever been at the beginning of a presentation and it was because I was sharing something about me– it didn’t matter word for word what I said, it was just me. And that really set the platform for a great presentation and allowed the audience to feel I was approachable. I also had some amazing graphics and tried to be a little unpredictable.”

Natalie Radtke
Regional Affiliate Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

“We will never think about public speaking the same way again. Deborah and David were not only engaging, but inspiring as they worked with each person’s unique style and gave recommendations based on our individual performance.
This was one of the best trainings we have ever participated in! The Community Outreach Department of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network have all committed to NEVER starting a presentation with “Today I’m going to talk about…”

“Thank you again for your helping me jazz up my speech… it was a hit! They were dazzled! Everyone immediately jumped from their seats in a rush to give all their money to INROADS!”

Ashley Burnett
Director of Marketing, Enesco, LLC
“The first session with Eloqui exceeded my expectations!”
Lindsey Gonzales, PHR
Director, Human Resources & Donor Relations
Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter

“Thanks for all of your support, good counsel, caring, generosity and love. I received many compliments on my speech/presentation/pitch. I’ve been able to apply so many of the Eloqui tips….that’s the best part…having a great tool box of presentation tools….from the opening, to where to say thanks to the hosts to answering questions….. YAY! And again, thanks from the bottom of my hurdle jumping heart!”

Janet Halbert
CPA and Founder
Hurdle Jumpers

“Within five minutes of meeting Deborah Shames, I’d already gained insight into how to be a better public speaker. “Don’t ever introduce yourself with just your name and job title,” she told me. “Introduce yourself with an anecdote, something memorable that captures attention and gives people a reason to continue listening to you.”
Cocktail parties and business networking events haven’t been the same for me ever since. Deborah’s invaluable ‘ice breaker’ trick allows me to connect with people more quickly and in more compelling ways.

In two brief training sessions, she taught me numerous other tricks that have made me vastly more effective at my job, such as: honing my presentations down to 3 key points; speaking in short soundbites; painting “word pictures” with specific details; and peaking audience interest with various “Did you know?” statements. I could go on and on, but Deborah has taught me that less is usually more, so I’ll simply say this: 5 minutes of advice from Deborah Shames is more practical, effective, and valuable than an entire book or conference on “How to Be a Better Communicator.”

Kimberlie Nitti
Director, Communications & Development
Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley

“One of the goals of Girl Scouting is to build girls of ‘courage, confidence and character’. Deborah has been enormously beneficial to our organization, providing media training to older Girl Scouts as they prepare for various public speaking engagements, and helping them develop greater poise and self-confidence. One of these girls is Tessa Blanchard, a Senior Girl Scout and an advisor to our Board of Directors. Here’s what Tessa had to say about her experience working with Deborah, in her own words:

Deborah helped me with a short presentation that I made about Girl Scouts. The speech that I had planned to give was pretty boring, so Deborah suggested that I just speak from the heart and to make it more like a conversation, like I was just talking to my friends. I’d already memorized and practiced my speech, but it was more fun and much, much better doing it Deborah’s way. I’m really grateful to her for what she taught me!

Gerry Keshka
CEO
Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley

I encourage you to spend some serious time with this book. Read and underline it to revisit the main ideas that connect with you. Make this your text as you gain a new education on how to influence others. And, take off your skeptic’s glasses so that you can fully ingest all of these great lessons. You’ll be a much better presenter.”

Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE
Professional Speaker Hall of Fame 1985
President of the National Speakers Association

“Own the Room is hands down the best book on presentations I have ever read.”

Mark Goulston, M.D.
Author of the book Just Listen

“Today, my son, Tommy showed me one of his essays and asked for my comments (that is unusual for him). He had to write a 150 word essay and picked Cross-Country since he’s been in the program for 4 years. His essay was pretty decent and I told him so. Then he asked me, “Would this essay stand out among 100 other essays?” I told him honestly that it would not.

Then I drew from your tips in Own the Room regarding story telling. I had him read the introduction of Mark who spoke at his temple about the impact of his disabled son (my favorite story from the book). Tommy’s going to re-write his essay using the principles in Own the Room. You were able to penetrate the mind of my 17-year-old son. That’s rather impressive. Thanks for the parenting help.”

John B. Stephens, attorney
Stephens Friedland LLP

“As a professional speaker I’m always interested in tips that can help me connect with my audience, inspire and engage the people around me. This book is full of ideas that work. The two chapters that draw me in are the first, Intention and the sixth, Stage Fright. Two critical issues for me. I highly recommend this book and know that your presentations will delight you (and your audience) when you build on what you’ll learn here.”

Lanie Denslow
Author of World Wise

“Late yesterday afternoon a client asked for some help preparing the ‘close’ for a potentially hostile audience today. I said, “Give me a few minutes.” I went right to Own The Room and the chapter on closings. Within minutes I had some great ideas and wrote him a closing that he just loved because I had him introduce a new concept at the close that moved the discussion forward. Your book is great. Thanks for writing it.”

Tim Gallagher
President
Gallagher 20/20 Consulting

“I have the books Speaking Briefly and Speaker Survival Guide. I cannot tell you what invaluable tools they are to me. Every page seems to apply to every situation… They stress the importance of having confidence and passion that allows the audience to have the confidence in you that you have in yourself.”

Tonisha M. Pinckney, CFE
Senior Forensic Accountant
Certified Fraud Examiner

“Finished the book yesterday. If anything it was better than promised.”

Michael Altman
Partner
SAK Financial

“If you’re speaking publicly and haven’t read this book, you’ve got more guts than I (and possibly less fans)! Smart, entertaining and chock full of client anecdotes– both success stories as well as train wrecks, Deborah and David have done all the homework for business professionals, to position themselves as savvy and engaging trusted advisors. This book is a MUST HAVE for any business professional who gets out of bed in the morning!”

Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Director of Marketing
Greenberg Glusker Law Firm

“…Those of us in business have to regularly make presentations, to prospects, our staff, our boss, at conferences, and to potential referral sources. Yet being a successful presenter is often hit or miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and it isn’t clear why.

Own the Room gives you the “keys to the kingdom” of making presentations that connect, engage, and generate your intended results. In simple terms, with effective examples for every point, David, Deborah and Peter take us through the principles and techniques they have learned from years of professional acting and coaching others.

Despite being a pretty good presenter (thanks in part to taking courses from David and Deborah years ago), the book showed me many mistakes I have been making. For example, in networking meetings my stories were about our largest and most well-known clients rather than our real target market, middle-market organizations.
David and Deborah recommend developing a set of stories based on the types of clients to which you want to be referred, each demonstrating your unique approach to only one difference you make with clients. Stories are one of the most effective communication methods, and there are a number of simple-to-follow templates that will leave your audience experiencing the message rather than you explicitly saying it.
Whether you are a manager presenting to your workforce or a business provider presenting proposals, Own the Room will make a major difference in the effectiveness of your presentations.”

Ivan Rosenberg
CEO
Frontier Associates

“Love love love the new book! You had me at ‘Own…’.” Always your raving fan.

Lauri Oakden
Council Director
NV Council of NAIW

“I am almost through your book Own the Room and couldn’t wait to finish to send you my congratulations on a fine, fine piece of work. Not only are the points of guidance spot on, but the flow and rhythm of your writing is as easy and conversational as I have ever experienced. WELL done, Sire and Madame– the product of astute and relaxed minds.”
Alex Wilson

“…While looking for a management book at Barnes & Noble this weekend, your book Own the Room just jumped off the shelf.
And I may be weird, but to me the book is a page turner. I bought it Saturday and already it is covered in yellow highlighting and red pen notes. Since I have several presentations coming up, I have completely embraced your concept that presentations should be persuasive and not simply informative or educational (among other great lessons like the section on elevator speeches). The book just resonated with me.
I was so impressed with the book (and company) that I need to know if you have a program where you license or certify consultants to put on your programs…”

Tom from Philadelphia
responding on Amazon

“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me a few weeks ago. I used the tips and framework from your book (Own the Room) during a presentation I had. I think it was my best presentation thus far. The audience loved the story that I chose to open with, which I crafted, based on the tips in the book.”

Seetha Speeney, SPHR
Assistant Vice President, Talent Strategies Group
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

“I’m a marketing consultant who often leads meetings, gives presentations, and tries to convince others to follow my recommendations. I’m always open to learning new ways to be more effective and more comfortable in all sorts of business situations and so I’ve read my share of business/sales books and have attended many corporate training sessions.
What’s great about Own the Room is that it’s not the typical business book “fluff” that has one idea and fills 300 pages giving examples of that idea. It offers chapter after chapter of smart, practical advice that I started using right away.

I also liked that the authors don’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all list of “must-do’s” for speakers. Instead, they tell you how to be more effective using your own individual talents and strengths. That was far more comfortable for me and more useful in my day-to-day work. If you want to up your game in terms of effective communication, get this book.”
Joshua Kirby

“As a Silicon Valley based CEO in the world of ventures, I have had to raise considerable sums of money privately and publicly to fund companies I was responsible for. Raising money is an art with a critical component being “the presentation.” I have also been called upon to speak at national and regional meetings… “Own the Room,” the making of an effective presentation, is a subject near and dear to my heart…much less, my livelihood…
I found it exceptional for giving speeches and for when presentations involve more than one person. “Own the Room” will make a valuable addition for those who depend on communication arts for their living, which is just about every executive, manager, professional, consultant, and salesperson.”

Thomas Loarie,
Top 500 reviewer on Amazon

“At last a pragmatic ‘how to’ book that gives pragmatic guides and instruction on every page. Most of these books say the same 10 pages for 200 pages! Not the Speaker Survival Guide. This book sits on a small shelf made up of my pantheon of super business books. I’ve had it a short time and the pages are already dog-eared. Every business owner and executive needs to read and heed this book.”

Michael B. Altman
Principal – Simon Altman & Kabaker, Inc.
Insurance and Financial Services

Donna Polimac
Sr Manager – Marketing, Boys
Mattel Canada

“Eloqui trained my Strategic Sales division. Almost immediately, we achieved stronger buy-in from our clients at Walmart, Target and Toys R Us. Two of our team members were promoted… And our numbers improved. Now we never construct a presentation without using Eloqui techniques. Once you’ve worked with them, you never go back!”

Ricardo Solar
Director of Strategic Sales
Mattel

“I just want to THANK YOU for the outstanding job you did leading our team through communication training this week. We all thought that it was extremely valuable and immediately relevant. You are both so engaging and effective, and perfectly role model the strategies you teach. Everyone loved the training.”
AND/
I just delivered my presentation this morning to at the Toy Design Summit to an audience of about 120 Toy Designers. I was able to incorporate what I learned from you this week; and if I must say so myself it was a great success. I had a clear intention, a consistent theme, a great opening story that tied back to the theme and the closing, and 3 main buckets supported by a PowerPoint that was almost entirely visual with a few videos to illustrate my points.
I even practiced the voice warm-up exercises on the way there, and calmed my nerves by telling myself that they needed to hear what I had to say. Thank you again for helping me understand the strategies that helped me to “own the room.”

Melissa Kustell
VP Sales
Fisher-Price

“…the Eloqui session was two of most productive hours I’ve ever spent in a training– even better than I anticipated. Deborah and David were great and I’ve learned tons of tips I’ll use in my presentations – starting today! If the opportunity arises count me in to take a follow up course next year.”

Lisa Martin
Assoc Manager, Customer Marketing – Wal-Mart
Strategic Sales Planning
Mattel

“I just wanted to let you know that my Operations Update presentation went well overall… Three people (our EVP, VP and colleague) referenced my presentation in their presentation which means they at least paid attention and found it meaningful.
The best/funniest part is a lady came up to me afterwards and said “I didn’t know you were allowed to do that – talk about your personal life. If I knew that then it would have been easier for me. “ I thought that was interesting. It did still feel like I was ‘breaking’ the rules even though it linked back to my content nicely.”

April Muggelberg
Director, Operations Finance
Mattel

“Our customer marketing team had a best practice sharing session on Friday and Ashley was one of 5 planners who presented. She kicked off the day first and would have made you proud.

She was the only one who stood and presented from the front of the room. Her opening was engaging. She was successful in setting the tone right away! She was the only one who had a theme for her presentation, and it made her content memorable. And to finish it all off, she closed with a bookend.

Ashley really stood out this week and made the most of an internal meeting to put all your techniques into practice! Thank you for inspiring us!”

Kim Magnus
Manager Customer Marketing
Fisher-Price

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful session this week. I really feel I was able to gain many skills that will help me not only in presentation, but also in every day communication with my buyer. I was extremely pleased with the skill set that I can now apply to my job!”

Ryan J. VanNortwick
Category Management Specialist – Walmart
Fisher-Price

It seems that most sales people hate to go to ‘training’ and I heard the complaints about lack of time, too boring, etc. However, after the first session I began to get positive feedback and by the end of the eight sessions, they were thanking me for providing this training…

I would highly recommend Eloqui. In this economy, we want to spend our training dollars as effectively as possible. This is a good investment!”
OR/
“The Eloqui training has benefited our company by improving our sales reps presentations skills. They feel more comfortable giving formal, as well as one-on-one presentations… When they use the team approach with a client, they are much smoother, each supporting the other partner throughout the presentation.
They’re also better because they think about their audience and what the audience/client needs. I still have employees who talk about how good the training was and how it has helped them in so many ways.”

Sharon Stull, J.D., SPHR-CA
Director of Human Resources
Poms & Associates

“I gave a speech at a charity function recently when Wells Fargo and Fireman’s Fund gave the foundation a large check. There were 4 people that spoke and I dare say mine went the best…
One of my own folks said that he thought I was one of the best public speakers he had seen… thanks for helping me get my MOJO back.”

H. David Wood
Regional Managing Director – West Region
Wells Fargo Insurance Services

“Eloqui was the most valuable training I’ve had, not only at Bickmore, but in every way. Whether I’m presenting to a potential client, State regulators or to an existing client, Eloqui partnered with me to structure my presentation– an interest catching opening, keying in on only a few points, personalizing it and knowing I have a strong close have made me a more effective communicator.”

Rick Brush
Manager, Program Administration
Bickmore Risk Services and Consulting

“Thank you! I really enjoyed participating today. My expectations were far exceeded.”

Chris Trombley, CIC
Vice President
White Sutton & Company Insurance Services

“I want to give you some amazing feedback on a presentation and communication training course that the salespeople at Leisure Werden and Terry were fortunate enough to recently participate in.

Actually, calling it “presentation and communication” doesn’t give it the credit it deserves. The actual name of the training course was “Own the Room,” which tells you that it doesn’t matter if you are in front of one person or 100, it’s about owning the room. Deborah Shames and David Booth were introduced to us through a broker of ours. The broker was in the audience during one of our presentations, and felt that we could improve our presentation skills and referred us to them. Boy, was he right.
From where I sit, the training was the single most effective and important “course” I have had in my 25 year career. I know that says a lot, but believe me that these folks know what they’re talking about. They are communication experts… They know all of the tricks of the trade (knowing what role to play, persuasiveness, how to engage people, closing, etc) and really teach each person how to be a significant and effective communicator. In our business, we can’t get enough of that…When it comes to practical skills, Deborah and David’s methods are where the rubber meets the road.

Dave Donchey, CLU
President
Leisure Werden & Terry Agency

“Our team was recently invited to engage in a joint strategic planning session with a major insurance company. There were 16 people from their company and 6 from ours. Using the training tools we’ve received from Eloqui over the years, we each knew our role, did not speak over one another, and selected strategically positioned seats in their Boardroom. Two hours went by quickly, productively, and with mutual purpose and respect.”

Caryn Siebert
CEO
Carl Warren & Company

“I wanted to let you know that I have heard from most all participants that you are working with and they are giving you rave reviews. In fact, I have never seen the response across the board on any other program of this type that has been provided to help them grow professionally.”

Jeffrey D. Carroll, CLU
Leisure Werden & Terry Agency

“As you know, I’ve engaged the services of Eloqui for over two years on several fronts: intimate group sessions, one-on-one Power of Five training, and group sales presentations. Everything you’ve done for me (and put me through) has made me a much more confident and effective speaker. For that, I am eternally grateful. You’ve helped me advance my career and have elevated my stature in the insurance industry.

Your professionalism, your techniques and, most importantly, my personal results prompted me to expand my training regimen with my sales team. I’ve enjoyed watching my employees grow and develop under your tutelage. As you know, it’s challenging to determine the return on investment with your type of service, but the results are undeniable.
Eloqui has a client for life.

Jeffrey Lang, CPCU, ARM, RPLU
Executive Vice President
Bolton and Company

“…. My son Daniel and I came to you to help us speak better together as a team. Our firm put on seminars each year as a way of providing information to our clients and their advisors… You taught us how to speak together by having each of us assume a “role.” The results were wonderful. We began to really have fun on stage, joking and poking fun with each other. The audience enjoyed our interaction and our ratings increased dramatically.

Our attendance also increased substantially, by about a third. Our act became a “show” to many attendees. Many told us that they actually looked forward to our seminars. Remember, our seminars are about the design and administration of retirement plans for companies; not an exciting topic.

Daniel was a bit of an introvert when we began. Being a teacher helped him be comfortable in front of an audience. However, I think the positive receptions he was now receiving helped turn Daniel into an accomplished public speaker. The more we spoke together, the more I became confident of turning the firm over to his leadership. Daniel now heads our firm. Thanks so much.”

Louis Kravitz
Founder of KRAVITZ

“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me a few weeks ago. I used the tips and framework in your book during a presentation I had to do on the 15th. I think it was my best presentation thus far. The audience loved the story that I chose to open with, which I crafted based on the tips in the book. So thanks again for a great book.”

Seetha Speeney, SPHR
Assistant Vice President, Talent Strategies Group
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

“Thank you. Today’s experience and your positive feedback are a good tonic for me, it confirmed that I have the ability to share my knowledge and experience. It helps to be reminded that I have the ability to communicate and influence.”

Robin L. Martin CIC
Vice President
Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

“Eloqui was the most valuable training I’ve had, not only at Bickmore, but in every way. Whether I’m presenting to a potential client, State regulators or to an existing client, Eloqui helped me structure my presentation. An interest catching opening, keying in on only a few points, personalizing it and knowing I have a strong close have made me a more effective communicator.”

Rick Brush
Manager, Program Administration
Bickmore Risk Services and Consulting

“The talk went great! They even applauded after the one line zingers. I could not have done it without you and your advice was right on! You made a huge difference in my confidence level too.”

Liz Sampson
Life Insurance and Benefits Specialist