Spoken with Authority

Spoken with Authority is dedicated to providing customized, on-site training that develops the communications skills young professionals need to be effective at work and to advance their careers. 

It values:

• Growth: novice and seasoned speakers alike can improve their communication skills

• Experience: the most effective way to hone presentation skills is through practice

• Fun: interesting and non-threatening exercises build confidence and reduce nervousness associated with public speaking
  

Christine Clapp, Founder and president

Over a decade ago, Christine participated in debate as a college student to fulfill a requirement for her major.  After her first debate -- a humiliating defeat to a top team in the region -- she realized that she needed to be as articulate and confident as her opponents to excel academically and professionally.  That's when she dedicated herself to becoming a great speaker and empowering others with communication skills.

Since graduating in 2001, Christine has taught public speaking to undergraduates and currently is a lecturer in The George Washington University's Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication.

Christine earned two degrees in communication: a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, where she debated at the national and international levels, and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Christine spent five years on Capitol Hill as a communications aide.  An active member of U.S. Senate chapter of Toastmasters International, she received the organization’s highest distinction, Distinguished Toastmaster, in June 2008.

Learn more about Christine's qualifications.

Training expertise

• Crafting speeches quickly and effectively
  
• Speech rehearsal
• Presentation review
• Videotaped performance analysis
  
• Managing nervousness   
• Speaking with confidence    
  
• Voice
• Movement
• PowerPoint and visual aids
• Question and answer sessions
  

• Employment interviews
• Impromptu speaking
  
• Informative briefings 
  
• Technical presentations
• Pitching ideas, services and products
  
• Leading meetings
• Listening
  
• Evaluating
• Toasting

Learn more

Read Christine Clapp's article, "The Five Secrets of Speaking with Confidence," published in the ABA's The Young Lawyer in June 2009.

“Christine is a very personable, talented, and effective presentation leader.  She connects well to an audience, is very professional, focused and accomplished.” -- Carl Evensen, Director of Special Projects at The George Washington University Comptroller’s Office