At the risk of tooting my own horn, at age 58 I’ve been paid as an author, speaker, educator, and trainer for decades. I spent several years as a professionally trained challenge course facilitator, which taught me to react on the fly. I’m on hiatus as a comedy performer at Dallas Comedy House and active on the Dallas storytelling circuit, which ironically has really helped me in my writing. I’ve worked with groups from 5 to 500. I’ve been interviewed for newspapers, magazines, and talk radio.
Publicity Strategy
I was privileged to learn from Steve Harrison and his publicity/media experts over three years as part of Quantum Leap Platinum. Quantum Leap is an intensive marketing, media, and publicity training program for authors, speakers, and consultants. I can help you design a publicity strategy to get your message out, consistent with standards in your industry, including but not limited to
- Print: Professional Journals, Trade Journals, Magazines, and Newspapers
- Books: Publishing Companies, Hybrid Publishing, and Self-Publishing
- Website Content, Blogging, and Podcasting
- Media Interviews: Newspapers, Magazines, Blogs, Podcasts, Radio, and TV
- Social Media: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
- Marketing: Inbound, Outbound
Conference Presentations
Remember those endless powerpoint presentations? The ones with so many words you couldn’t read the print from the front row? The ones where the speaker droned on and on. And, you thought, “I will NEVER do that!”
In 2012, I was the first presenter to speak about the issue of post-9/11 military in transition at the National League of Cities annual conference. It was an honor and I also felt a tremendous sense of responsibility. I asked a friend who is a six-time Emmy award winning reporter to work with me. Her first comment as I laid out my presentation? “Oh, honey, you’re not doing that.”
Now, I have a reputation for creating memorable and interactive conference presentations and workshops. Participants consistently comment on my engaging, visually impactful PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and storytelling ability. I love working with people to create those “wow” presentations!
Public Speaking
The greatest fear most people have is public speaking. When I got started in public speaking, I knew I needed help. I have worked to improve my public speaking with several award-winning producers and reporters. My ease with public speaking improved tremendously through my comedy training, storytelling, and countless performances. I would be thrilled share that knowledge with you, so that you shine in whatever you do!
Training and Workshop Design
I will work with you collaboratively to craft a training or workshop that highlights your academic content while effectively engaging the audience. In my own work, I routinely incorporate ice breakers, improv games, team-building exercises, art activities, and mindfulness practices. Let’s put our heads together and see what we can come up with!
Media Interviews
I can help you to feel comfortable in the classroom, with a live audience, on talk radio, or on TV. I can work with you to align your personal image with your academic presence.
I’ve been a popular media guest, including CBS News, Fox News Radio, and Clear Channel Radio. Talk radio host Leslie Marshall said, “Gretchen, you are awesome. . .I forgot how good you are, how knowledgeable.” Tom Gulley called me, “One of the most articulate, well-spoken, level-headed guests we’ve ever had.”
Why not get started today?
Set up a complimentary, no-obligation, no sales pitch call today!
Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn! You need to share your message!