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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UTC - UEH ISB Toastmasters Club Training Workshop
Let’s roll it back to October 2023. I was invited to the UTC Toastmasters Club to do a 2 hour training on Body Language and. Vocal Variety.
University Toastmasters Club (UTC) - UEH ISB - Body Language & Vocal Variety
I started writing this blog 2 years ago, but got incredibly busy with work! So now, we’re BACK! I’ve got loads to share, so many speaking events and exciting happenings!
Let’s roll it back to October 2023. I was invited to the UTC Toastmasters Club to do a 2 hour training on Body Language and. Vocal Variety.
Now, I could easily do a 2 hour workshop on both of these topics. But, combining them both into one was a little bit of a challenge. It’s a lot to cover in a couple hours, especially with activities for the Club Members.
BODY LANGUAGE
One of the most important thing about training workshops is getting the attendees involved and getting them to interact!
We had a blast, especially with the Body Language Gestures activity: How many different ways can you express the emotion of love?
In this next photo, I was trying to impress upon the Club Members the importance of standing with a confident but casual posture and get them to avoid covering themselves up!
So many times, speakers end up putting their arms in front of their mid-section, covering their precious areas, in a subconcious defense mechanism.
Here I am demonstrating how some speakers tend to overdo it with gestures!
Clearly I look a little too locked into the physicality of gesturing.
Maybe too much? hahaha
VOCAL VARIETY
In the second half of the training, we talked about how to vary up your voice for a more interesting speech experience. We call this Vocal Variety.
We talked about 5 different ways to vary up your voice during a speech:
Volume
Pace
Emotional Tone
Pitch
Pause
The best part about training workshops is the relationships you form. This young man is a legend, phenomenal leader in his community, Thai An! And a speech contest winner too, btw.
I was incredibly thankful to see some of my friends from Hot Cool Milk Toastmasters show up for the workshop as well! Much love to HCM TM, including the legendary Panda Le!!
ICIS Public Speaking Club - 'The North Star' Event
I was honored to be a Speaker at the ICIS Public Speaking Club - The North Star event at the PHIN workshop cafe in Biên Hòa province!
September 20, 2020
I was honored to be a Speaker at the ICIS Public Speaking Club - The North Star event at the PHIN workshop cafe in Biên Hòa province!
Lots of people helped make this event a success, but BIG kudos to the core team of organizers:
Giang My
Tram Anh
Thanh Thao
Ha Mi
Hai Dong
Nam Binh
The PHIN Workshop was a really great space for an event with the 2nd floor overlooking the main lobby.
Event Theme: ‘IKIGAI’
Ikigai, this Japanese concept that translates to ‘reason for life’ comes from a region in Japan that boasts the most 100 year old people (Centenarians). Their secret to a long and prosperous life is to satisfy your Ikigai.
Finding one’s ‘reason for living’ involves 4 parts:
What you love to do
What you are good at
What the world needs
What you can be paid for
If you can satisfy ALL of these 4 things, then CONGRATS! You have found the sweet spot, your Ikigai. And you will live to be 100! Maybe.
I shared my Ikigai story centering around 2 things:
Arts and Travel
Thankfully, I’ve always known I wanted to pursue the arts. It definitely fits right into all 4 sections of the Ikigai Venn diagram. And I’ve been doing it successfully for over 20 years.
Another component that I introduced into my life 4 years ago was international Travel. This has inspired me on many levels to be a better artist!
It was great to meet the 2 other Speakers: Vy, and Sally, both bright young superstar Saigonese women! Vy talked about Personal Branding, and Sally discussed Business.
The organizers did a fantastic job in putting on a very successful event. Look at me, I’m happy!
The audience for this event was basically a bunch of super smart kids—-future leaders! The organizers are graduates from the Luong The Vinh, High School for the Gifted.
I was super impressed with not only the English fluency, but the forward thinking questions that on their minds. Very inspiring young people!
This future pilot kid was a legend. Flirtin’ right there during the opener, havin’ the time of his life!
Great participation for everything!
I really appreciated all of the work that went into the event—-like the graphics they created for the flyers, posters etc.
Kudos to the talented graphic designer, Ha Mi!
Great job by the emcees who kept things flowing and led the group in ridiculous ice-breakers:
The first Speaker was a rep from an event sponsor school and not only does he win BEST DRESSED award—he brought a great charisma to the stage!
Oh, here’s me:
Including this one cuz I look a lil demon eyed!
Sally talking about her experience in business:
And lastly, Vy to bring it home!
Everyone seemed to be having a good time!
Break-out Discussions
After the speakers finished, we broke out into 3 smaller groups, and attendees could bounce around and check each group out.
Sally was discussing Business.
Vy was Personal Branding and Public Speaking:
Here is my little world, Arts and Travel.
Here is the charming and talented Tram Anh! She was my contact for the event and she was awesome! A great speaker too, by the way. Vietnam, watch out for this superstar leader in the future!
The final section was Q & A, and these bright youngsters had me stumped a couple times! DEEP.
After-party pics, with some of the organizers and attendees!
And, that’s a wrap! Fun, motivating, and I always learn something at each of these events.
I get inspired too, especially by the youth of Vietnam and around the world. On a Saturday afternoon, they could be anywhere. But they’re a high school kid at a networking event trying to better themselves.
Parents of these organizers and students in attendance should be very proud. And to the parents of any students that want to become a professional artist:
Let them go for it! Support them!
Maybe, they will find their Ikigai. And live to be 100. :)
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!
IMPACT Speaker Series, Split Croatia
Thursday, November 3rd, I had the opportunity to present a short talk at the Amosfera CoWorking Space in Split Croatia. My presentation was entitled, "Speak to Succeed" and I discussed the importance of public speaking for all professionals.
Split, Croatia
Thursday, November 3rd 2016
Thursday, November 3rd, I had the opportunity to present a short talk at the Amosfera CoWorking Space in Split Croatia. My presentation was entitled, "Speak to Succeed" and I discussed the importance of public speaking for all professionals.
I spoke for about 15 minutes, sharing personal stories, and success stories from colleagues of mine that are fantastic presenters. Then, I fielded questions from the audience. Overall, it was a great event! I wish the audience was a little bigger, but I think there was value for the people who did attend.
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.”