Speaking Topics
“Make the most of yourself….for that is all there is of you.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Regardless of the topic, I always invite my audiences to be inspired, to gain new insights and to interact. My heartfelt wish is for people to come away feeling empowered, transformed and ready for action!
It’s about opening people’s minds and hearts to the amazing possibility of . . . themselves, through encouragement, learning and humour.
All the talks are interactive. I ALWAYS share at least one punchy framework that participants practice during the session. This leads to high energy, lively programs that create genuine transformation *in the room*.
Topics are delivered as a 25 minute to 1 hour speech/keynote, an interactive 2 hour talk or a half day to full day workshop. Each topic can be followed up with online training or ongoing consulting. Please ask me what’s available and we can discuss your needs.
INFLUENTIAL: transforming technical know-how into leadership skills using the power of communication
Whether you’re a STEM professional, a lawyer or an accountant, these days technical know-how alone isn’t enough to ensure continued career success.
This is a high energy, interactive keynote or workshop. Participants walk away transformed, having used the skills there and then in the session.
Key learnings include:
- Become an effective communicator using speaking frameworks
- Understand and use the principles of persuasion to influence colleagues and clients
- Learn a simple and effective way to tell stories that keep people on the edge of their seats
- Tools for introverts to increase their impact in meetings
Optional follow-up materials are available including worksheets and online training videos.
INCLUSION THROUGH EMPATHY: how to communicate so EVERYONE feels they belong
In a highly competitive market for top employees, company culture is becoming increasingly important. How do you use workplace empathy to attract and retain great staff, creating an environment of belonging and cohesion? Based on Shola’s TEDx talk, this is an insightful, practical and interactive session for leaders, managers and staff on the ground, that will change your workplace for the better.
Key topics include:
- What is empathy and how does it help create an inclusive workplace?
- The business case for an empathetic environment
- How can you ramp up the empathy in your workplace using the N.E.T. framework?
- How to skyrocket your listening skills
- What would you do if… scenario-based group exercises
Available as a keynote through to half-day workshop.
SPEAK UP ON THE SPOT: frameworks to answer difficult questions and speak on your feet
Excellent for corporates, conferences, associations and other groups wishing to bring out the best in their attendees and encourage confident communication. The talk uses material from Shola’s upcoming book of the same title. Key learning includes:
- use of on the spot speaking frameworks to speak powerfully and coherently
- coverage of the various kinds of difficult questions and how to answer each one without appearing evasive or getting defensive
- performance strategies to feel at ease during tense or high pressure moments
HOW TO BE A D.I.V.A. AT PUBLIC SPEAKING: powerful presentation techniques to help you shine during conferences and meetings
Excellent for corporates, associations and women’s groups. Uses the analogy of pop singers vs speakers and songs vs speeches to help inspire your audience to speak up and communicate with authenticity and power. Please note that this talk is suitable for all genders; D.I.V.A. is an acronym. Key messages include:
- be a DYNAMIC speaker to engage your audience
- be an INSPIRING speaker to connect with others using stories
- deliver VALUE to build trust
- be AUTHENTIC to foster inclusion and diversity, and to build courage and confidence
Optional follow up materials include paperback or PDF versions of the accompanying book, and online video training.
The infotainment advantage:
INFOTAINMENT: Information plus entertainment
There are so many common threads between the worlds of business communication and music. An evocative title. A punchy opening. A memorable and repeatable message. Storytelling.
What lights me up as a speaker is sharing insights while inspiring my audiences to laugh and learn. I’ve performed on 4 continents, recorded a couple of albums, studied stand-up comedy and I try to pack all that experience into making every keynote and workshop unforgettable. That sounds like a looong presentation but don’t worry, I just give you the heavily edited highlights.
I make sure I deliver more than just entertaining fluff. Expect actionable lessons too.
All this from someone who once got in trouble at a corporate job for being too quiet and shy to speak up during meetings.
Expect to be empowered and uplifted with real-life stories interspersed with practical insights and applicable content. I get everyone engaged and involved so that transformation can begin during the speech. We’re all in this together!
Some of Shola’s clients:
