Testimonials
In Your Own Words Client Testimonials
Public Speaking Training Improves Confidence
In Your Own Words public speaking training is about showcasing your best assets, like your quirky personality and insightful thoughts. Sometimes fear gets in the way and it’s hard to show the world who you are and what makes you unique – stuff that you want a prospective client or employer to see. Now, imagine how every social interaction can be transformed if you were simply able to confidently express yourself. Wow, the experience is truly amazing!
Participants of my public speaking courses agree that In Your Own Words offers streamlined processes and practical methods for feeling comfortable during any social situation. Here’s a little bit of what they have to say about public speaking training from In Your Own Words.
Susan Vigland, Human Resources, Hagerty Insurance
Onlee’s Beginning Public Speaking Course has become an integral training class for our employees at Hagerty. Her class is offered through Hagerty University, our corporate university that provides over 25 training classes for employees. Onlee has the ability to connect with our employees and settle their fears about public speaking. Below is an example of the types of comments that I receive after employees take her classes:
“I just finished my last In Your Own Words class and wanted to let you know what a great class this was for me. It really did change my life. I was terrified of speaking in front of large groups and this class put all those fears to rest. I learned some great techniques for controlling my fear and anxiety. I am also so thankful for learning the proper structure of a presentation. I will apply these tools on a daily basis I’m sure. Thanks for this great opportunity!”
- Susan Vigland, Human Resources, Hagerty Insurance
Megan Raphael, Co-Director, National Writers Series of Traverse City
“Onlee is an absolute pro! She has the amazing ability to shift clients from being nervous and overwhelmed to becoming strong and effective. As an author and life coach, I’m often called on to do public speaking. As a writer, more comfortable with the written word, it hasn’t always been easy presenting to large groups. Through her proven methods and insights, Onlee helped me tremendously gain direction and confidence. I now know that I can and will do a great job speaking to any size group. Onlee’s knowledge, tried and true presentation tools, and passion for her work…priceless!”
- Megan Raphael, Co-Director, National Writers Series of Traverse City
Award-winning author, The Courage Code
Tom Clynes, Contributing Editor, National Geographic Adventure
“My experience with Onlee Bowden’s speaker’s “bootcamp” was nothing short of a breakthrough. I had tried other training programs with mediocre results, but Onlee’s approach turns traditional presentation orthodoxy on its head. Instead of trying to change the speaker, Onlee’s approach builds on strengths and develops the ability to comfortably and confidently speak from the heart. In four days she trimmed my tendency to over-plan, and had me deliver – largely without notes –a half-hour presentation that had a great impact.”
- Tom Clynes, Contributing Editor, National Geographic Adventure
Connie Deneweth, Developer, Copper Ridge Marketplace
“Onlee Bowden is very talented and gifted speech trainer. Her training has proved invaluable to me when I speak publically or when I wish to eloquently express my opinion in a small meeting.
Every entrepreneur and business person who has the good fortune to have been trained by Onlee feels that the experience has propelled them to a dramatically higher level of communication.”
- Connie Deneweth, Developer, Copper Ridge Marketplace
Woody Smith, President, AVERO Research
“In my work I regularly present research findings to CEO’s and senior managers of local and national businesses. I began working with Bowden and Associates to strengthen the form and delivery of these presentations. The results were almost immediate. I was able to deliver findings more clearly and with greater impact. This change has helped my company as well as my clients, leading to improved client satisfaction. As an added bonus, our company’s new business pitches have gotten stronger. Our close rate is higher and our bottom line is showing the wisdom of the investment in Bowden and Associates.”
- Woody Smith, President, AVERO Research
Jennifer Hutchinson, Marketing Consultant, Complete Solutions Inc. – Real Estate One
“What an amazing experience! My career has been spent presenting. From large corporate groups to just a handful of vital clients around the conference table. Although the anxiety that never left me may not have been apparent, it fogged my ability to be 100% in the moment. Onlee’s training guided me toward taking full control of the process on every level. As a direct result, I better retain not only what I say, but those crucial responses from the audience that allow you to form strong relationships. Dynamic, energetic, and systematic. I will recommend Onlee to everyone that I know.”
- Jennifer Hutchinson, Marketing Consultant, Complete Solutions Inc. – Real Estate One
Douglas H. Baker, Vice President of Group Operations for National Dentex Corporation
“My experience with Onlee was extremely enjoyable. I’ve taken public speaking courses in the past walking away feeling picked on and inadequate. Onlee’s teaching techniques makes learning how to be interesting, comfortable, relaxed and fun while speaking seem so easy. After working with Onlee, in just five private sessions, I received the highest compliments from my peer’s imaginable. She is a fantastic teacher and coach.”
- Douglas H. Baker, Vice President of Group Operations for National Dentex Corporation
Michelle London, HUB International
“I was very hesitant when initially taking the step to join Onlee Bowden’s speech class because of prior experiences. After the first class meeting I was amazed how one person could put such a creative spin on teaching and having a way to make all involved feel completely relaxed and in control of what they were doing. I would recommend this class to anyone that is up for an amazing experience. This experience has helped me organize my thoughts not only in my head before speaking, but has also provided the tools to get the information that I am presenting in a format that is easy to follow and has a flow.”
- Michelle London, HUB International
Steve Merten, Fawcett/Dopke Agency, Inc.
“I found myself at a crossroads in my career knowing that public speaking opportunities, participation on boards of directors, and committee involvement would greatly enhance my professional growth and the success of my team. Speak For Yourself has given me the confidence and skill set to tackle these challenges and maximize these opportunities.”
- Steve Merten, Fawcett/Dopke Agency, Inc.
Bonnie Alfonso, Owner Alfie Embroidery
“Onlee Bowden has a true gift for breaking down the basics of how to give a dynamic presentation. I have taken several other speech classes before and this was by far the most effective. If you are interested in overcoming your fear, improving your presentation skills or just feeling more confident in a meeting, this class will teach you techniques you can begin using immediately.
Thank you Onlee!”
- Bonnie Alfonso, Owner Alfie Embroidery
