Stylized letter design with an "S" and "W" in bronze color on a black background.

STANDOUT SPEECHES:
STOP BORING, START ENGAGING

Boring presentations aren’t inevitable—they’re avoidable. Scripted speakers and dense slides weaken credibility, dilute impact, and disengage audiences. There’s a better way. 

Standout Speeches: Stop Boring, Start Engaging is a highly interactive program designed to help participants move beyond scripted delivery and transform presentations into engaging, audience-centered experiences. Rather than simply learning best practices, participants actively apply Spoken with Authority’s foolproof Sandwich Structure and proven audience-engagement techniques to a presentation or topic of their choice—during the session itself.

Participants will learn how to shift from reading slides to speaking with clarity, confidence, and authenticity, using purposeful visuals and storytelling techniques to support their message without overshadowing the core purpose. With guided practice and real-time feedback, they’ll refine content, strengthen engagement, and adapt delivery for in-person, virtual, or hybrid settings.

The result: presentations that feel dynamic, intentional, and compelling—regardless of format—so audiences stay engaged, ideas land clearly, and speakers leave a lasting impression

Advanced Level

The DETAILS

Advanced LEVEL
Up to 75 Minutes or 90+ minutes
In-person • ONLINE

Up to 75 Minutes or 90+ Minutes

In-person | Online

    • Identify common preparation mistakes that lead to scripted presentations, text-heavy slides, and disengaged audiences.

    • Apply the Why Am I Method to tailor content to a specific audience, context, and speaking objective.

    • Learn and use Spoken with Authority’s proprietary Sandwich Structure to organize presentations that are clear, engaging, and easy to follow.

    • Practice applying the Sandwich Structure to a presentation or topic of your choice, with real-time facilitator feedback to strengthen message clarity and build confidence.

    • Replace word-for-word scripts and dense slides with stories and purposeful visuals that support a more dynamic, engaging delivery.

    • Develop strategies for rehearsing effectively, managing nervousness, and presenting with confidence and authority—in person, online, or in hybrid settings.

    • Mid-career and seasoned professionals who deliver presentations, briefings, or pitches

    • Mid to senior-level associates, partners, and leaders at law firms

    • 60 minutes

    • 90 minutes

    • 2 hours

    Longer formats offer time for a true workshop experience where participants draft a presentation and receive feedback on content.

  • Workshop/Webinar, Showcase, and Coaching

  • High or Very High:
    Participants will develop a sample presentation, refine it in break-out groups with fellow participants, and (in the two-session format) deliver this presentation and receive encouraging feedback

  • Part I: Virtual Skill-Building Group Webinar (90 minutes or two hours online)

    Participants learn key presentation-structuring and audience-engagement strategies, then apply them in real time to a presentation or work topic of their choice. This session emphasizes moving away from word-for-word scripts and text-heavy slides toward clear structure, purposeful visuals, and engaging delivery across in-person, virtual, and hybrid settings.

    Part II: One Hour of 1:1 Coaching Support

    Participants each receive individualized support from a Spoken with Authority coach to refine content, strengthen structure, and rehearse the presentation. This session focuses on sharpening clarity, increasing confidence, and preparing to deliver with presence and impact.

    Part III: Presentation Showcase & Feedback Session (2 or 3 hours in person)

    Participants each deliver a 4–5 minute presentation on their chosen topic, demonstrating newly developed structuring and engagement skills. Participants receive constructive feedback from the facilitator and peers, reflect on growth, and set clear goals for future speaking opportunities.

Get Started

“That was one of the best – and most productive – training sessions I have ever attended!”

– Bonnie Jackson, Manager, Talent Strategies at The Annie E. Casey Foundation

“This workshop with Lauren Shear was exactly what we needed! Lauren listened to our needs and quickly understood our organization, and our team members found the training series very enjoyable. At the end, Lauren facilitated a Showcase of Presentations, so everyone could deliver a mini presentation to put new skills to use immediately. Lauren provided useful feedback to everyone that was both constructive and positive. This training series laid the foundation for our team members on public speaking approaches, giving everyone the confidence and skills to speak authentically and effectively about our work.”

– Anonymous, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Association