Keynote Speaker, Trainer & Coach: Matt Sherwood
I’m a part time Workshop Trainer and Executive Level Speaking Coach. While this is a part time job, it is very meaningful!
See my TEDx Talk here. For more info, Read Testimonials. For private coaching: Click Here or Email Me.
I publish a bi-monthly email with tips and techniques for how to improve your speaking skills: Public Speaking Real Talk.
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THE Public Speaking Course: Los Angeles, California
Back in May, I hosted a 2 day intensive workshop and while I only had two total in attendance, it was a fun two days and I think both Celeste and Becky got a ton of great techniques and one-on-one coaching!
Culver City, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday May 6th and May 7th
Back in May, I hosted a 2 day intensive workshop and while only two courageously career-driven professionals were in attendance, it was a fun two days and both Celeste and Becky got a ton of great techniques and one-on-one coaching!
Below is a list of the format for the event and for future events like it:
Day 1: Tips and Techniques
- Learn how to loosen up; play improv games and learn warm up exercises will make you feel at ease and get you out of your own head
- Deliver a prepared speech that is videotaped and reviewed, highlighting your strengths and identifying areas for improvement
- Study tried and true speech structure methods for organizing any speech, from an informational work update, to a persuasive sales pitch, or an entertaining toast
- Understand basic speech delivery techniques; build a solid foundation so that you can connect with your audience
Day 2: Practice and Polish
- Practice advanced speaking styles; take your game to the next level and get the audience eating out of the palm of your hand
- Write and perform mini speeches based on topics of your choice, testing out new techniques in a fun and playful, fast paced format
- Receive customized coaching and set individualized goals for how to maximize your newfound skills in the real world
- Deliver your initial prepared speech, incorporating all the new and improved tips, techniques and style that you’ve learned in the last two days
All attendees get 1 free hour of coaching after completing the weekend seminar.
Travel Tales: Corning Life Sciences Discovery Labware
Yesterday, I delivered a 1 hour presentation at the Corning Life Sciences Discovery Labware, a subsidiary of Corning. The talk was part of their Lunch and Learn series and I was invited by Senior Scientist: Tim Creegan, through my mother who has worked at the company for many years.
Corning Life Sciences Discovery Labware, Woburn, Massachusetts
Thursday, March 30th, 2017
Yesterday, I delivered a 1 hour presentation at the Corning Life Sciences Discovery Labware, a subsidiary of Corning. The talk was part of their Lunch and Learn series and I was invited by Senior Scientist: Tim Creegan, through my mother who has worked at the company for many years.
For most of my presentations, I don’t use a lot of slides, or PowerPoint. I may use a whiteboard when instructing, or maybe have a slide or two up while I present. But, this presentation was focused a lot on my travel photography, and stories from my travels. This was a record for me---240 slides!
I really enjoyed talking about my travel experiences and relating some of the more entertaining tales. I hope to do a similar speech in the future at a different venue. And, I know I will be sharing stories from my travels until the day I die!
Sadly, I did not get any pics from the event. Completely dropped the ball on that. What am I still jetlagged?! Well, here’s a pic of the Thank You card the audience signed for me a day after the event.
No, thank YOU for the opportunity, Corning!
Communication Community: Los Angeles, California
Two years ago, I started a workshop series in the Culver City area of Los Angeles, called "Communication Community. The workshops were held every 2-3 weeks and were free to join. I did most of my advertising on Meetup.com and Facebook.
Culver City, California
July 2015 through February 2016
Two years ago, I started a workshop series in the Culver City area of Los Angeles, called "Communication Community. The workshops were held every 2-3 weeks and were free to join. I did most of my advertising on Meetup.com and Facebook.
Over the course of ~6 - 7 months, I conducted 11 workshops and the group started to gain some traction, with an average attendance of 12-15.
Every workshop was custom created and unique. Sometimes I would focus on speech delivery, sometimes I would focus on vocal technique and sometimes I would focus on some of my favorite speakers, comedians or orators.
But, the general meeting format was typically similar. We would start off with warmup exercises, mixing improv games, with stretching. Then, I would spend a bit of time on instruction, hosting interactive discussions with the group on various speaking topics. Following the discussion I would give the group an assignment, asking them to craft a mini-speech based on a certain topic. And, almost always, I would have a keynote speaker to end the event.
Unfortunately, I had to end the series when I decided to travel abroad with Remote Year. But, it was a great learning experience, and a great way to grow my personal coaching business.
Testimonials
Feedback from some of my clients:
Nghĩa Lê, President - UTC - UEH ISB Toastmasters Club
“It’s always full of energy to work with one of the most awesome trainers like Matt. My friends and members at Toastmaster Club love him so much (so much that they keep asking me when will be the next Matt Sherwood’s training session). The way he inspires us to come up and make a speech is so unique that it can yield love for public speaking from almost any one. Say no more – as a trainer – Matt is a veteran and a warrior, whom can make others become one like him.”
Alejandra Clarke, Personal Trainer and Blogger - Babes & Weights
“Matt Sherwood is an exceptional communicator. He has a way of being that captures the room and motivates and inspires with his positive energy. I had the pleasure of being part of a public speaking seminar where Matt was the leader and I didn’t want to miss a class, the room was always full when Matt was in leading. Gracias Matt for all the encouragement and motivation!”
Rob Austin, Business Manager - Alkermes
"I owe much of my improvement in my communication skills to Matt. Prior to working with Matt, the feeling I would get when I knew I had to speak in front of small or large groups was one of anxiety, sweaty palms, a voice that cracked due to nervousness and outright fear. After working with Matt, I became extremely confident and my employer tells me my speaking and communication skills are unmatched. He always sought to give me personal feedback on a speech (both verbal and written). His workshops are fun, engaging and challenging - in a good way! I highly recommend Matt for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills, overall communication skills and their overall self confidence."
Becky Moine, Director of Touring - Live Nation Entertainment
"Matt was very personable and passionate, he took the time to work with each individual to identify his/her goals and create a plan to reaching them. His workshop was informative and fun, he creates a comfortable environment to practice public speaking in a judgement-free zone. I would recommend Matt to anyone who wants to improve their communication skills, speech preparation and overall confidence. He is a great guy and truly cares about the cause!"
Jennifer Puckett, Social Engagement Manager - The Social Element
"I have had to give presentations throughout all of my professional life; and while part of the process is very rewarding, it's also been very stressful. Matt's Communication Community workshops were so positive, he really made these classes a safe place to practice and improve your skills in an environment that felt supportive and positive.
In addition I have since been involved in panel discussions and other public speaking events; and have used Matt's techniques to help me manage my stress in a positive way. I've even had some compliments about my work from colleagues!
Whether you have never given a speech before, or present all of the time, I would definitely recommend working with Matt. I can't wait for his next session!"
Mariano Pérez Silvestro, Student - Saint Andrew's School, La Paz Bolivia
"We met at Saint Andrews School we were a day previous a trip to represent School in a Model of United Nations. Since that day, what you told us helped me to improve. And i wanted to thank you because you helped me to achieve what I am now. Tomorrow I will present as General Secretary of SASMUN. The Model of united nations of Saint Andrews. So I just wanted to thank you."
Denise McCanles, Health and Life Coach - Life Change Up
“I am lucky to have joined Matt’s Communication Community Meetup Group. It’s a wonderful safe place to conquer your fear of public speaking. Matt’s enthusiasm and love for speaking is contagious. He puts you immediately at ease and really supports everyone’s effort. He inspires and motivates! Thanks Matt!”
Miranda Weston, Business Development and Strategy Consultant - SEWNR
“I was able to use all your tips at my first ever pitch event with TechCrunch tonight! I can't thank you enough for running your workshop events in Buenos Aires and Cusco to help me feel prepared.”