Coaching and Public Speaking

Coaching and Workshops on Speeches and Presentations

Areas of coaching include:

  • the overall structure: We will make your speech consistent, comprehensible, and coherent and make sure the audio-visual material reinforces the speech.
  • the details: We can make your language appropriate using clear, correct diction and syntax.
  • the style of presentation: We will practice so that your voice is clear and loud and that you use your hands and body effectively.

Clients have included:

  • Computer Science faculty at the University of Toronto engaged in computer-supported, multi-media presentations
  • People preparing to answer aggressive lawyers in marital dispute court cases
  • McMaster University faculty and researchers. 
  • A marine engineer presenting his findings of a shipping disaster at a government hearing
  • Graphic designers presenting advertising plans
The Centre for Leadership in Learning at McMaster added Lil's workshop notes to their website.  Please visit http://cll.mcmaster.ca/resources/misc/speaking_with_confidence.html

Consultations also available on workplace communication problems such as running effective meetings, group work skills, and other areas where cooperation among humans can be improved.

 

 

Chris Gray, Phillip Raffi, Tyler Sures (4th, 3rd, and 2nd from right) and  Rhandy Adolphe on ground are four of my 2013 MDM students.  They won $25,000 for their business plan and pitch.

The story is here:   http://www.ryerson.ca/news/news/General_Public/20140402-slaight-business-plan-competition.html

 

Testimonials

"I have never been as grateful for a course in all the years of my education.  Lil taught me more than simply making an impact with my sentences.  She taught me how to communicate, how to listen, and how to have a positive effect on everyone I spoke to.  Much of what I learned was not on the syllabus, but happened from being in the class, and I can't thank her enough.  It has changed my relationships with those closest to me, not to mention the attention I receive when I speak to those I do business with.  I find myself channelling Lil all the time, even months after her course. Thank you Lil...your lessons have made my life so much more enjoyable!" - Jennifer Duke Holmes - MDM Ryerson University

"I wish you’d come back to Victoria to give the faculty another session. The few hours I got to spend with you were some of the most useful I’ve ever spent on professional development." Lorna Crozier, award-winning poet, professor University of Victoria

“The ability to communicate effectively is especially important in my role as an elected official, and I have Lil Blume to thank.  Her communications course has taught me important lessons on how to listen with empathy and communicate non-defensively – skills that are essential whether I am in a boardroom debate, being interviewed by the media, or on the phone with a constituent.  Lil is a dynamic and energetic teacher who delivers with passion."
– Shaun Chen is a Canadian politician who was elected to represent the riding of Scarborough North in the House of Commons of Canada in the Canadian federal election, 2015

"As a business professional, Lil's class taught me the importance of connecting with my audience during a pitch or presentation.  Her teachings were truly inspiring and eye-opening." – Phillip Raffi, student in Master of Digital Media Program, Ryerson University.  Phil’s presentation on his team’s business plan, Materialyze, won $25,000 start-up funds in the Slaight Communications Business Plan Competition. 

“I've kept the notes from your class.  I'm still very on top of nondefensive communication.  I'm working on active listening for my medical school interview right now.  It's the only material from my masters I still keep in mind daily.”
Ryan Primeau, MScAC graduate.