Melissa Lewis--Upside Down Speaking
Services . . . SPEAKING/PRESENTATION SKILLS PROGRAMS

Speaking Skills Programs


Melissa has several core programs for developing your speaking skills: Turning Passion to POWER, The Zen of Speech, Finding Your Voice: Speaking Confidence for Women, Connecting with High Level Listeners, the Presentation Skills Learning Lab, Speaking Confidence: An Upside Down Approach, and Serenity in the Spotlight. Skip to the program by clicking on its name, or scroll down to review them all.
 
line
 
People Holding Hands on Globe Turning Passion to POWER:
Speaking Confidence as a Tool for Change
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop; half-day to two-day in-house training

You want to make a difference in this troubled world, but you withhold your knowledge or talents because you’re anxious about public speaking. It’s time to get that fear handled, because. . .

THE WORLD NEEDS YOU!

Luckily, there’s a fresh, new, positive approach that fosters authentic CONNECTION  between speaker and audience vs. fearful, "us-them" thinking. In this inspiring and liberating program, you’ll learn an entirely new approach to speaking confidently on the issues you care about most. With a few simple shifts in thinking, your natural passion can come through more powerfully so you can make a profound difference in your workplace, your community and your world. An unheard message can't change the world but your passion, turned to POWER, can!

line
 
Zen Man The Zen of Speech:
Public Speaking as a Spiritual Practice
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop; half-day to two-day
in-house training

You may have never thought of this, but the common themes of the major spiritual traditions (service to others, present-moment awareness, trust in the Divine, relinquishment of the ego to serve a higher purpose, forgiveness of self and others) are all present any time you speak in front of a group. A presentation isn't just a chance to look good or impress; it's an opportunity to apply spiritual truths to serve your listeners and deepen your connection to others, yourself and the Divine. It doesn't matter what spiritual tradition you come from, or even if you have a tradition. This program will give you an entirely new view of speaking, making a richer and more meaningful experience for you and your listeners.

line
 
Man listening intently Finding Your Voice:
Speaking Confidence for Women
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop; half-day to two-day
in-house training

"I'll lead the project, but someone else will have to do the presentation; I can't speak to groups."

"I know how to solve this problem, but I'll write it up so I won't have to speak at the staff meeting."

"I'm OK around a table, but I can't address the whole conference! I'd be too nervous!"

Women everywhere have creative solutions and ingenious ideas but are hiding their light under a bushel because of self-consciousness and timidity. Luckily, it's easier than you think to release old beliefs and fears that keep you in the shadows. When you find your voice, you'll surprise yourself as a rush of energy, joy and passion flows forth to enliven the projects that matter to you. Join us and release the lifetime habit of shrinking from the spotlight and embrace the power you have to be heard and to make a difference.

line
 
Man listening intently Connecting with High-Level Listeners:
Their Preferences, Pressures & Peeves
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop; half-day to two-day
in-house training

High-level audiences such as executives and senior officials often complain that presenters miss the mark when it comes to giving them the information they need in a form they can use to make decisions. The more powerful your listeners are, the more skillfully you must make your case while adapting to their unique needs and pressures. In this program, you will get a glimpse into the mindset of high-level listeners and gain valuable tips for connecting with them on the issues that matter most. When your high-level listeners sense that you understand them, they see you as a valued and trusted advisor, and are therefore more likely to accept your proposals, support your initiatives, contribute their resources and embrace your vision.

line
 
Woman making presentation Presentation Skills Learning Lab:
Self-Awareness, Skills & Support
©

 
1.5- to two-day workshop
 
 
In the Presentation Skills Learning Lab you'll get extensive practice, feedback and support as you learn to connect powerfully with internal and external audiences. When you can make an authentic connection with listeners, they are far more likely to accept your proposals, grant you their business, support your initiatives, bolster your reputation, commit to your vision and give their best to your organization. Through a unique combination of light-hearted humor, exercises, discussions, realistic practice sessions and peer/instructor feedback, you'll walk away knowing your top three 3 strengths, your top three things to work on, and much more. With the self-knowledge and skills you'll gain, you'll be able to transform any presentation into an opportunity to build trust and commitment with others. Presentations are videotaped for private viewing in the fun and funky "Learning Lounge".

line
 
Confident woman with hands up Speaking Confidence:
An Upside Down Approach
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop
 

In this fun, energizing, active session you will learn to let go of limiting beliefs about public speaking and embrace a fresh, new approach to expressing yourself in front of groups. This is not about technique with a long, overwhelming list of public speaking rules to follow. This is an entirely different approach to shift your ATTITUDE toward speaking and your ability to move and inspire an audience. Through interactive exercises, games and vivid illustrations you'll walk away with a new, positive perspective on speaking before groups that will open exciting possibilities for your professional and personal life. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the things you're supposed to do and not do while speaking before a group, this is the program for you!

line
 
Man smiling in spotlight Serenity in the Spotlight:
Getting Comfortble as the Center of Attention
©

 
Conference keynote, breakout or workshop
 

Have you ever said, "One-on-one, I'm fine. It's only when I have to speak in front of a GROUP that I get nervous"? If so, there's good news: you don't need to work on your speaking. You need to make peace with being the center of attention , which is another matter entirely! Whether you're just mildly uneasy or downright petrified, you'll walk away with an entirely new way to respond to being in the spotlight, which will help you feel more peaceful, connected and centered. This program is based on the principles of SPEAKING CIRCLES©, a revolutionary new approach to build speaking skill and confidence based on the book Be Heard Now by Lee Glickstein.

line
 
Copyright © 2008, Melissa Lewis