Inspire Trust Through Storytelling

I’ve worked in nonprofit marketing/communications for 15+ years, and there is no shortage of people who position themselves as “expert” storytellers. But the people who come to this craft propelled by their own transformative story and a passion for helping people find their own voice are few and far between. Allison is among them. While I only got a snapshot of her approach in our 90-minute session, her own compelling story combined with her welcoming demeanor resulted in a room full of strangers sharing their personal stories and understanding the power of telling them.

I’m a recovering opera singer …’ What a fabulous self-introduction, and from that moment forward, all the way through to her closing remarks in each training workshop, Allison skillfully commands and navigates the attention of her audience with professionalism, grace, humour, and insight. She provides tips, tools, and tricks that can be immediately applied to almost any public speaking activity. Having observed Allison sharing this expertise with numerous audiences from diverse cultures, sectors, and geographies around the world since we started working with her in 2014, I have witnessed the shyest person in the room, positively squirming in the corner of the room just at the very thought of speaking in front of an audience of trusted colleagues, transform into a confident speaker raising their hand to be the first volunteer to practice their speech.

I had the pleasure of meeting Allison at a recent WIT event in Washington, DC, where she talked about Speaking with Impact. Her passion and energy filled the room as soon as she started to speak. Through her powerful and authentic message, paired with simple yet engaging activities, she explained the key elements of impactful verbal communication and how we can strive to achieve it with understanding and practice. I left the session inspired and empowered; her speech gave me a new perspective. I have no doubt I share this feeling with many others who have heard her speak.

Immediately after the privilege of hearing Allison present on Public Speaking Skills at the NAWBO Women’s Business Conference, I had no fewer than 5 people tell me she’s the best breakout session speaker they’ve ever heard at any conference. Ever. And I thoroughly agree! Can’t wait to read the book!

As you can see [from your evaluations], you almost went off the charts! As a planner and trainer, I was so pleased to see a full room with an audience so thoroughly engrossed in your presentation. The exercises were especially useful, and I was especially proud of how well our intern shined during his brief speech. Public speaking can so easily give people confidence. You made it seem natural and even easy, and you truly conveyed how powerful the spoken word can be.