• Home
  • Coach with me
    • Coach with Me
    • What is it like working with me?
  • Speaking
    • Speaking
    • Videos
    • What do people say about me?
  • Media Mentions
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy

Speaking

speakingProfessional associations, business organizations and women’s groups are energized, educated, and yes, entertained when I’m at the front of the room.

They thrive on the human-to-human connection that’s been my hallmark since I was a talk show host. I know for sure that listeners learn best when they’re deeply engaged and active. Sitting back, reading bullet-points and hearing a bunch of blah-blah-blah doesn’t cut it.

In keynotes, breakout sessions and workshops, I skip the blahblah, get to the heart of things and share not just information but also inspiration. Of course I’ll customize a program for your group. Here are some possibilities.

Uninterruptible: Make the Conversation Count

Even in our highly visual culture, the way you sound has enormous impact on the people you hope to influence. Of course that’s especially true when your meeting’s on the phone or web. (92% of sales conversations happen on the phone. How do you make the most of those calls?)

Outcome: Your members know how to use vocal nuance and subtle shifts in language to build rapport, direct a conversation and get results. They develop comfort and confidence that they can achieve their goals in phone conversations, conference calls and web-based meetings. And they’ll have an extra advantage in face-to-face conversations too. 

Magnetic Introductions: How to Have Them at Hello

What’s more boring than listening to somebody drone on about their business and their bio and their background? There’s a better way describe your business and the value you offer so that you can make meaningful connections at every networking event, association meeting or social occasion.

Outcome: Your group discovers a new take on the old elevator speech. With a different way to talk about their work, they can deliver a quick, compelling intro that captures attention, keeps it, and opens the door to deeper business relationships. (And that won’t send their listeners into snooze-mode.)

Executive Presence: Embody Confidence and Charisma

speakingPeople make up their minds about us in seconds. Then the way we look and sound continues to have a huge impact on every professional interaction. So how do you make the kind of impression that will serve you well? How do you show up and shine?

Outcome: Your people become aware of habits that undermine a strong personal presence. They understand how to use their physicality and voice to influence how they’re perceived—and how others respond to them. They discover how to pick up on feedback and adjust so they increase their influence. And they have a chance to practice so they can see, hear and feel the difference in themselves and each other.

Leadership: It’s Being, not Doing

Corporate executives can learn one more technique for running productive meetings. Or managing up. Or managing down, for that matter. None of it hits the mark if they don’t have Presence. Leadership Presence commands respect, creates connection, and cultivates a natural impulse to join in. And yes, Leadership Presence can be developed and enhanced.

Outcome: This is about doing the groundwork to become an individual people want to follow. Your team will discover how to make the most of their natural gifts and maybe change some things about the way they show up. That might mean coming out of hiding to step into a bigger role. Getting comfortable being at the forefront. And communicating like a leader.

Transition: What’s Next and How to Get There

Some people cave in completely when a job ends, a company closes, or a merger changes the landscape at work. They can’t do what they’ve always done in the way they’ve always done it. They can’t imagine doing anything else. They get swept into a downward spiral—and some never recover.

speakingOthers reinvent themselves when the rug is yanked out from underneath them. They figure out the next right thing. They prepare themselves for an altered role, a new employer, even a completely different career. They rise from the ashes of what was and create a new future.

This program is about becoming that resilient.

Outcome: Participants get new ways to think about the whole experience of transition. Specific strategies for sorting out their options. Exercises that help them get clear on what they have to offer—and who needs it.

They also get a fresh perspective based on my many experiences of “one door closing.” Sometimes you find that open window. Sometimes you have to cut a hole in the wall.

Catherine completely wows me every time I see her work.

She has presence, poise and power from the stage and can teach you to have those things as well.

Larry Winget
New York Times/Wall Street Journal bestselling author and TV personality

Catherine Johns
2015-03-11T18:28:09-05:00

Larry Winget
New York Times/Wall Street Journal bestselling author and TV personality

She has presence, poise and power from the stage and can teach you to have those things as well.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/catherine-completely-wows-me-every-time-i-see-her-work/

People said “useful,” “more like this” and “it was so great.”

The Association for Women Journalists wants programming that will delight, educate, inspire and embolden our members and guests. It's a tall order to find something that stands out and feels like it should be a priority for our members.

Everyone had fun at Catherine’s program, definitely learned something about the way they present themselves that they previously weren't aware of and left with specific elements of their personal presentation that they were going to work on.

We saw a woman come to the realization she wasn't standing up to her boss in a very basic way, and you could practically see inside her head the way she was going to approach him next time. We had another woman whose timid presentation made everyone feel bad for her and by the end, she powerfully stated her name in a way that made you want to jump out of our seat and cheer for her.

It was incredibly gratifying to see such a clear before and after and know with certainly that all the attendees got something very valuable from the experience. We had feedback that our members "loved" Catherine's talk and felt it was very useful. It made everyone think about things they never realized or never knew they cared about -- and inspired them to want to change.

The Chicago weather was especially inhospitable that winter night, and not a single person left with regrets: It had been worth it for them.

Kim Bellware
Association for Women Journalists, Program Chair

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:16:22-05:00

Kim Bellware
Association for Women Journalists, Program Chair

The Association for Women Journalists wants programming that will delight, educate, inspire and embolden our members and guests. It's a tall order to find something that stands out and feels like it should be a priority for our members. Everyone had fun at Catherine’s program, definitely learned something about the way they present themselves that they previously weren't aware of and left with specific elements of their personal presentation that they were going to work on. We saw a woman come to the realization she wasn't standing up to her boss in a very basic way, and you could practically see inside her head the way she was going to approach him next time. We had another woman whose timid presentation made everyone feel bad for her and by the end, she powerfully stated her name in a way that made you want to jump out of our seat and cheer for her. It was incredibly gratifying to see such a clear before and after and know with certainly that all the attendees got something very valuable from the experience. We had feedback that our members "loved" Catherine's talk and felt it was very useful. It made everyone think about things they never realized or never knew they cared about -- and inspired them to want to change. The Chicago weather was especially inhospitable that winter night, and not a single person left with regrets: It had been worth it for them.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/people-said-useful-more-like-this-and-it-was-so-great/

Catherine is a game changer.

A wholehearted presentation that gave our customers tools and how to implement them to grow sales.  The interactive discussion format Catherine uses, allows the attendees to actually practice the techniques at the seminar, so they can immediately start using them back at their shop.

Bob Joynt
Director of Training, Auto-Wares Group of Companies

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:17:52-05:00

Bob Joynt
Director of Training, Auto-Wares Group of Companies

A wholehearted presentation that gave our customers tools and how to implement them to grow sales.  The interactive discussion format Catherine uses, allows the attendees to actually practice the techniques at the seminar, so they can immediately start using them back at their shop.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/catherine-is-a-game-changer/

We got what we were looking for.

The biggest challenge in finding the right keynote speaker for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium is finding someone who can share knowledge and skills that cut across all types of business owners or “wanna be” business owners that meets them where they are now.  Someone that everyone can learn from and immediately put into practice, but still has a link to entrepreneurship.  We got that when we brought in Catherine Johns.

I heard so many people say, after Catherine’s talk, they were having to evaluate themselves as to how they are, perhaps, their own worst enemy.  Looking at their posture, attitude, etc.

Speaking for myself, I had an important meeting with our very new Vice President for Academic Affairs and I did the “jumping jack” posture for the full two minutes before going into that meeting; I really did feel confident and I was definitely heard.

The evaluations for Catherine’s session were very positive — I am sure she has many new followers from the conference.


Kelley A. Still, Ph.D., CPA -
Executive Director, Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship
Associate Professor, Breech School of Business Administration, Drury University

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:19:31-05:00

Kelley A. Still, Ph.D., CPA -
Executive Director, Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship
Associate Professor, Breech School of Business Administration, Drury University

The biggest challenge in finding the right keynote speaker for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium is finding someone who can share knowledge and skills that cut across all types of business owners or “wanna be” business owners that meets them where they are now.  Someone that everyone can learn from and immediately put into practice, but still has a link to entrepreneurship.  We got that when we brought in Catherine Johns. I heard so many people say, after Catherine’s talk, they were having to evaluate themselves as to how they are, perhaps, their own worst enemy.  Looking at their posture, attitude, etc. Speaking for myself, I had an important meeting with our very new Vice President for Academic Affairs and I did the “jumping jack” posture for the full two minutes before going into that meeting; I really did feel confident and I was definitely heard. The evaluations for Catherine’s session were very positive — I am sure she has many new followers from the conference.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/216/

Catherine Johns has performance in her soul.

Hire her to speak at your next event!

Jimbo Marshall
Hell Yeah Studios

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:22:06-05:00

Jimbo Marshall
Hell Yeah Studios

Hire her to speak at your next event!
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/catherine-johns-has-performance-in-her-soul/

This will have lasting, positive impact.

We are laying the groundwork to go from being a $3-million company in 2013 to a $10-million company by 2023. $10-million in ten years. That means we have to give our emerging leaders all the training we can to help them grow into those leadership roles. After reading Show Up and Shine, we knew it would be empowering for our staff and managers to learn how to command respect, make confident decisions, expect accountability and exude personal power. And it worked. Our team discovered they used weak voices, carried themselves in ways that signaled they felt inferior or unqualified to lead and unconsciously presented their ideas in ways that guaranteed they would be dismissed.

Now, employees are standing taller, walking and speaking more confidently, and having fun coaxing each other to avoid the mistakes of weak-speak and poor posture.

The consensus at this morning's staff meeting was that Catherine’s workshop and her book have set us up to make "personal empowerment and confident presentations" part of our company culture.

Gary Whitaker
Publisher, 417 Magazine

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:23:10-05:00

Gary Whitaker
Publisher, 417 Magazine

We are laying the groundwork to go from being a $3-million company in 2013 to a $10-million company by 2023. $10-million in ten years. That means we have to give our emerging leaders all the training we can to help them grow into those leadership roles. After reading Show Up and Shine, we knew it would be empowering for our staff and managers to learn how to command respect, make confident decisions, expect accountability and exude personal power. And it worked. Our team discovered they used weak voices, carried themselves in ways that signaled they felt inferior or unqualified to lead and unconsciously presented their ideas in ways that guaranteed they would be dismissed. Now, employees are standing taller, walking and speaking more confidently, and having fun coaxing each other to avoid the mistakes of weak-speak and poor posture. The consensus at this morning's staff meeting was that Catherine’s workshop and her book have set us up to make "personal empowerment and confident presentations" part of our company culture.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/221/

There is no fluff and no hooey. 

If you think investing a day with Catherine will be full of fluff you guessed wrong!  I didn’t know what to expect at my first event with Catherine.  As business owners, we’ve been to events that were a waste of time and money.  Let me tell you this, Catherine will not waste your time or money.  She knows we all have tons on our to-do lists and took a chance investing a day with her. 

I appreciate that Catherine gets to the point and even when I thought she was going woo-woo with her body poses I realized even that segment had a purpose.  Each time I attended one of Catherine’s events I met great people, learned about some unique businesses and yes, took home tips to refine my message and improve my speaking. 

Let’s face it most of us don’t need more friends; we are at an event to improve something in our businesses.  Make the decision to attend the Oak Brook event – you’ll be glad you did!

Sue Harrawood, CEO
Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:26:35-05:00

Sue Harrawood, CEO
Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance

If you think investing a day with Catherine will be full of fluff you guessed wrong!  I didn’t know what to expect at my first event with Catherine.  As business owners, we’ve been to events that were a waste of time and money.  Let me tell you this, Catherine will not waste your time or money.  She knows we all have tons on our to-do lists and took a chance investing a day with her.  I appreciate that Catherine gets to the point and even when I thought she was going woo-woo with her body poses I realized even that segment had a purpose.  Each time I attended one of Catherine’s events I met great people, learned about some unique businesses and yes, took home tips to refine my message and improve my speaking.  Let’s face it most of us don’t need more friends; we are at an event to improve something in our businesses.  Make the decision to attend the Oak Brook event – you’ll be glad you did!
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/223/

Catherine far exceeded what I could have imagined.

Since Catherine spoke at our Associated Business Networking group I have been flooded with people who were so pleased at all the depth of knowledge they received to help them present their companies in a much stronger manner.

Many of them have asked where she will be speaking in the future as they want to see her again. And there was a line of people wanting to purchase her book.


Lynn Lionhood

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:35:02-05:00

Lynn Lionhood

Since Catherine spoke at our Associated Business Networking group I have been flooded with people who were so pleased at all the depth of knowledge they received to help them present their companies in a much stronger manner. Many of them have asked where she will be speaking in the future as they want to see her again. And there was a line of people wanting to purchase her book.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/catherine-far-exceeded-what-i-could-have-imagined/

Fresh and encouraging!

One of the biggest challenges I face when arranging programming for our meetings is to keep our meeting content fresh, encouraging and interesting to all of our members.  Our meeting with you was all of those things!

Your presentation prompted us to take an honest look at ourselves and how we communicate to clients and other people we do business with. Taking the tips we learned from you, we are excited and ready to meet every business opportunity with a smile and a confident attitude.

Julie Ahearn
Interior Design Society

Catherine Johns
2015-05-22T19:36:46-05:00

Julie Ahearn
Interior Design Society

One of the biggest challenges I face when arranging programming for our meetings is to keep our meeting content fresh, encouraging and interesting to all of our members.  Our meeting with you was all of those things! Your presentation prompted us to take an honest look at ourselves and how we communicate to clients and other people we do business with. Taking the tips we learned from you, we are excited and ready to meet every business opportunity with a smile and a confident attitude.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/fresh-and-encouraging/
Victoria Anderson

Incredible!

Catherine Johns is not only elegant and humorous; her evidence-based Show Up and Shine techniques are extremely insightful.

Body position, head tipping, hair flipping… these are all things that, as women, we need to be mindful of when in professional company. Catherine takes this a step further to show us how, with little effort, we cannot only show up with confidence, we can project a little testosterone of our own into the room…and still be as feminine as ever.

Our gals are still commenting on the difference it’s made in how they are perceived.

Victoria Andersen , Chicago Regional Leader B.I.G. - Believe, Inspire, Grow

Catherine Johns
2015-03-11T18:14:30-05:00

Victoria Andersen , Chicago Regional Leader B.I.G. - Believe, Inspire, Grow

Victoria Anderson
Catherine Johns is not only elegant and humorous; her evidence-based Show Up and Shine techniques are extremely insightful. Body position, head tipping, hair flipping… these are all things that, as women, we need to be mindful of when in professional company. Catherine takes this a step further to show us how, with little effort, we cannot only show up with confidence, we can project a little testosterone of our own into the room…and still be as feminine as ever. Our gals are still commenting on the difference it’s made in how they are perceived.
https://catherinejohns.com/testimonials/incredible/
0
0
Catherine Johns

Copyright © MMXVIII Catherine Johns

(773) 688-8570