Book Of The Week – Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable, And Fearless Speakers

Every Woman Has a Voice—Now, Make It Heard

Now, more than ever, the business, social and political landscape is ripe for women to accomplish their goals. Women are entering law, medical, and graduate school in equal numbers to men. Two women are running for the highest office in the United States.

Women are steadily showing up in powerful positions, and better communication and public speaking give women the ability to develop their full potential, seize every opportunity, and realize their aspirations. Whether pitching for new business, delivering a talk at a conference, raising money for a non-profit, or communicating one-on-one with coworkers, women can become effective, powerful communicators when they learn to speak with authenticity and confidence.

Deborah Shames, a veteran speaker and master trainer, invites women to step up and be heard. “Out Front” is an operating manual with compelling anecdotes and applied performance techniques. Noting the perfection syndrome and negative self-talk that plagues many women, Shamesdelivers a how-to for battling these demons and identifies women’s special talents—from high emotional intelligence and leadership skills to storytelling. She guides readers in the mechanics of constructing talks efficiently, even with pressing deadlines.

A former film and television director, Shames coauthored “Own the Room: Business Presentations that Persuade, Engage and Get Results.” For 15 years, she has trained and coached thousands of top-level executives, celebrities, and professionals at major U.S. corporations and non-profits. After only a few sessions, her clients generate more revenue, advance in their careers, and often receive the highest evaluations when they speak.

“Out Front” is the definitive book for every woman who wants to realize their potential, engage an audience and expand their influence, whatever the venue or challenge.

Prior to cofounding Eloqui, Shames was an award-winning director of film and TV. She founded the only female-owned production company in the San Francisco Bay Area—Focal Point Productions, which she ran for 15 years. On camera, Shames directed luminaries including Wendie Malick, Rita Moreno, Danny Glover, and Angela Lansbury. To launch three of her independent films, she formed the video distribution company Deborah Films.

Now, Shames specializes in coaching CEOs and executives to improve their communication and presentation skills. She especially enjoys mentoring young people. And with David, she is frequently engaged as a keynote speaker or trainer for national firms including OneAmerica, Mattel, TD Ameritrade, and law firms such as Sheppard Mullin and Epstein, Becker & Green.

Shames speaks pro bono at educational institutions like UCLA’s Anderson School of Business, the USC Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Pepperdine graduate level classes, and Cal Lutheran to give young people a boost and confidence at the beginning of their careers. She has led a prominent business group in Calabasas for ten years and was honored as Consultant of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.