PowerSpeak- Public Speaking Training

“The ability to communicate effectively is arguably the most valuable professional skill you and your colleagues can acquire.”

Kate Parker at the podiumPowerSpeak is a 10-week, 20 hour series designed to develop your public speaking abilities. Timid speakers become more confident, and competent speakers become extra-ordinary. Presenting your message effectively to larger groups means you can increase your impact exponentially.

I have been offering this class for over 13 years, and hold an Advanced Toastmaster certification. In addition to providing core curriculum to develop technical expertise, I also share tips and techniques learned from my years of experience speaking, teaching, and training.

Weekly facilitator presentations include effective use of vocal variety and body language, facilitation and speaking protocol, building rapport with an audience, setting the stage for success, gathering effective feedback from each presentation, use of props such as PowerPoint, creating logical structure to your message, and using the power of emotion to move your audience to action.

Each class provides the opportunity for extemporaneous speaking, planned presentations, and immediate feedback. By blending theory and hands-on practice in a safe, nurturing, positive environment, you will make tremendous progress in this immersion training.

A workshop participant

What benefits can I expect?

  • Increased confidence
  • Improved ability to give constructive feedback that helps rather than hurts
  • Enhanced listening skills
  • A more professional image
  • Reduced use of filler words
  • Improved ability to speak off the cuff
  • Ability to create presentations that are logical yet compelling

What do past participants have to say?

“I began simply wanting to be able to speak my mind, but finished with new possibilities!”

“I could not have imagined how much fun this would be!”

"Just do it!!! PowerSpeak is a great class and Kate is a fabulous instructor!!! I was not a fan of public speaking and would get heart palpitations and nausea whenever I had to get up in front of groups.  But, PowerSpeak is a safe and fun environment to learn and try out new skills -- and when it was over, I actually missed our weekly meetings!!! You'll be shocked at how much you get out of this class --I highly recommend it!!! :-)"

Heather Steenkolk, PHR, Senior Human Resources Generalist, EWEB

"... As for the wedding, it was a great event - clearly one of the best days of my life. ... You'll get a kick out of this. Kirsten asked if I would speak at the reception before the best man, etc. made their toasts.  After my open/body/close (with rapport, humor and no fillers - and my prop was dressed in white :-)), my wife said, "Wow, I'm impressed. That class really paid off! There is no way I could do that." I owe it all to you, Kate."

  Mark Johnson, SVP/Commercial Banking Director, Sterling Savings Bank

“With PowerSpeak, Kate taught us to deal with our fears, to connect with an audience emotionally, and ultimately, to realize the personal power of persuasive speaking. I would highly recommend this class to anyone.”

Attention Human Resource Professionals!

PowerSpeak has received HRCI Certification approval from the Society for Human Resource Professionals for 20 hours credit!

Next series

The next 10-week series will be sponsored by Pacific Continental Bank, and will begin Tuesday, April 13th, 2010, from 1pm to 3pm. Space is limited.  Class has just a few seats left.  Register via email at effectivecommunication2002@yahoo.com.

If you know you need to work on your presentation skills, but have been hesitating, now is the time to take action! Say yes to increasing your confidence as a public speaker. You’ll be glad you did.