Finding Your Voice: Why Presentation Skills Matter More Than Ever
One of the most common gaps I see in leadership development—especially for those considering public office or stepping into visible roles—is not a lack of ideas, but a lack of confidence in how to communicate them.
That’s why I’m especially excited about our next Rise & Run - Lunch & Learn on May 14, focused on Effective Presentation Skills for Candidates and Aspiring Leaders.
This session is designed to be interactive, practical, and nonpartisan, giving participants tools they can use immediately—whether they’re preparing for a campaign, speaking to donors, engaging in community conversations, or simply finding their voice in leadership settings.
We are fortunate to have Lee Anne Mathews leading this conversation. Lee Anne brings a unique and powerful combination of experience—she has served as the resident TEDx speaking coach since 2012, helping individuals shape and deliver some of the most impactful talks on that stage. She is also a former COCA Biz corporate trainer and facilitator, and her background as an actor, director, and producer gives her a deep understanding of presence, storytelling, and audience connection.
This is not theoretical training. It’s grounded in real-world application.
Participants will explore:
How to craft and deliver a strong elevator pitch
Navigating donor conversations and one-on-one meetings
Reading and adapting to different audiences
Speaking with clarity and confidence in public settings
These are essential skills—not just for candidates, but for anyone looking to lead with intention and impact.
At Rise & Run, our goal is to reduce barriers to leadership. Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have, and it should be accessible, learnable, and practiced.
If you’ve been thinking about stepping forward—this is a great place to start.
