“I was tasked with interviewing a NYT bestselling author for an audience of 140 people in person and over 150 on Zoom. Public speaking had long been my singular biggest fear. Dana not only helped me frame the experience with a positive perspective and provided emotional context, she appealed to my interest in mindfulness, and gave me the gift of confidence and support that transformed my ability to pull this thing OFF. I was not only NOT nervous, I ENJOYED it, all thanks to Dana’s help.”

Michael White, Librarian, Glenview Library

“Dana has been a critical delivery coach for the last four years with TEDxChicago. She listens for and coaches authenticity, how to truly bring out [a speaker’s] heart, generosity, and connectivity to ensure their talk not only is delivered well, but also means something powerful to those who listen. She brings an energy, joy, respect, and ease of connectivity that our speakers find incredibly helpful, and her coaching delivers fresh perspective and guidance that elevates their voice. We wouldn't be where we are without her, and our talks garner hundreds of thousands of views a year much because of her talents.”

Dustin Huibregtse, Director, Lead Curator, and Speaker Coach, TEDxChicago

"Working with Dana transformed not just my business pitch, but the way I approach communication altogether. After Dana's intervention, I not only won the pitch competition but also learned to infuse my presentation with the heart and passion at the core of my business. Dana’s knack for uncovering the essence of an idea and her innovative visualization techniques profoundly connected the audience to my concept. Working with her is not just an investment in your project but in your career and personal growth.”

Brett Sigworth, Founder, We Heart Local

“Special thank you to Dana Black, my speech and delivery coach, who helped me organize all of the ideas and anecdotes I had into a cohesive speech to motivate and inspire others.”

Beatrice Tetteh, MD, MPH, Director/Owner of Tetteh Pediatric Health and keynote speaker at Launch to College for the scholars of College Track Sacramento

“Dana! Your help on my presentation and performance support really filled a big gap for me and I am forever grateful! I was just telling an executive coach friend about your skills.”

Nadene Cherry, CDW mindfulness coach and public speaker

"Working one on one with Dana has truly been one of the highlights of my professional development journey. First of all, you will have FUN with Dana. And fun is not to be underestimated, because it translates into bringing joy and lightness onto the stage! But more importantly, you will come away from your coaching with Dana feeling more confident in yourself, more calm in your own capabilities, and genuinely excited to get in front of a crowd (something I thought I’d never say)!"

Camille Hoisington, Director of Ecosystem Development, Traverse Connect

“To say Dana has helped me is an understatement; from helping me tell my brand story to overall confidence and how I communicate with myself. Working with Dana has been an incredible experience. I feel like she is my PERSONAL speaking coach."

Susie Grace, Founder, Valor Skincare

Thank you for such a comprehensive effort and for the follow-up. I learned SO MUCH!

Terrie Taylor, Board member and ambassador, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

“[Dana’s] coaching was great. It was a very informative and, dare I say, fun experience. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for chances to practice and improve my public speaking.”

Nate Richardson, Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

“Thankful for the opportunity!! You are amazing! So many valuable key takeaways today for our staff. 

Even more reason to take pride in working for a company who comes together on occasions like this and hires individuals like you to help strengthen their team. Keep being YOU!”

Alesha Paulsen, BSA Officer, Honor Bank

"I am almost in disbelief at the power Dana helped me uncover and release in my presentation this month! She was sooo fun to work with, and provided simple yet profound insights that helped me to connect with my audience and focus on bringing them something meaningful. 

One day later I already had an audience member reach out and say, 'Your presentation was very engaging—and motivating!' and then asked me when I was available to speak with her team! I am blown away."

Aubrey Jabour, PT, DPT, CEAS, Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness

“Dana and Shea presented an impactful, and at times, theatrical workshop on communication. The dynamic duo was able to craft a message that was custom tailored to our needs and kept everyone on the edge of their seats. I would highly recommend them for any gathering that has a need for fun, interactive, and inspiring speakers.

In a word, exceptional!”

Max Anderson, Vice President, Commercial Lending, Honor Bank

“Dana has the ability to listen, understand, and quickly offer ways that you can uplevel your skillset as both a speaker and a human. I launched a huge community initiative that required raising funds, speaking in front of a large audience, and selling what I stand for. I needed support on a clear message and developing an impactful opening/closing for my event. She quickly pulled emotion into what I was creating, offering more clarity for me and what translated as more buy in with my audience.

Her guidance helped me make sense of all the ideas that were swirling in my head so I could deliver more effectively, both in person as well as in my social media posts. Forever grateful to her!”

Jenna Morris, VP of Training, Club Pilates Corporate and Founder of Traverse City Wellness Week

“Thank you so much for your engaging, enlightening, and incredible training.

I was terrified. It showed. But my goodness I learned a lot about public speaking and myself. I think wizard or life coach could be added to your title. You have an innate ability to crack people open and help them see themselves, which adds so much good to the world!”

Emily Douglas, Land Steward, The Leelanau Conservancy