Episode 132: ‘Empowering Voices’ with Deb Sofield
In this episode:
Angela Gardner and Christi Powell welcome executive speech coach, author, and keynote speaker Deb Sofield. Deb shares her journey, expertise, and practical advice on public speaking, media training, crisis communication, and one-on-one coaching. She highlights the importance of preparation, the value of words, and overcoming personal barriers to becoming an effective communicator. The conversation covers tips for handling impromptu media interactions, crisis scenarios, and building goodwill through social media. Deb also talks about her books and how they can help improve public speaking skills. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Deb for speaking engagements, coaching, and more resources. Thank you for listening!
Supported by: Women Confidence Builders
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:22 Meet Deb Sofield: Executive Speech Coach
03:11 The Importance of Public Speaking Training
04:50 Understanding Media Training
10:52 Overcoming Fear and Shame in Public Speaking
13:42 Crisis Communication Training
15:52 Navigating Crisis Communication
16:13 The Power of Social Media Presence
17:24 Handling Negative Reviews Effectively
18:21 The Importance of One-to-One Coaching
20:08 Effective Public Speaking Tips
24:32 Deb's Books and Resources
28:41 How to Connect with Deb Sofield
30:12 Conclusion and Farewell
About Deb:
Deb Sofield is a Keynote Speaker and author of five books, Speak without Fear – Rock Star Presentation Skills to Get People to Hear What You Say, and her new book Perfecting Your Platform ~ Transforming Your Stage Presence into Stage Power, her book series Encouragement for Your Life ~ Tough Love Memos to Help You Fight Your Battles and Change the World, volumes 1-3. A former Radio Talk Show Host on the Salem Network, Podcaster, and President of her own Executive Speech Coaching Co., which trains women and men for success in speaking, crisis communications, presentation skills, media, and message development in the U.S. and abroad.
Recognized for her work for improving the lives of others Sofield was awarded the Order of the Palmetto – the State of South Carolina’s highest honor and has won numerous awards and recognitions of her public service for improving the lives of others to the state of South Carolina, the southern region, the nation and abroad.
Deb Sofield served as a visiting professor, teaching public speaking at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, and is on the faculty of The Campaign School at Yale University, she served on the board for the Women’s Democracy Network of Washington, DC. Sofield teaches Communications and Media Training for Civil Society around the world, and she served as a mentor and trainer for The Center for Liberty in the Middle East. Sofield is also a Liberty Fellow – affiliated with the Aspen Institute Global Leadership Network, a worldwide community of successful, high-integrity entrepreneurial leaders.
Sofield represents the City of Greenville as a Commissioner of Public Works for the Greenville Water System and is the first woman to hold this position since its inception in 1918. Sofield was formerly a two-term member of Greenville City Council.
To learn more about Deb visit: debsofield.com
To purchase her Books or Kindle downloads visit: Amazon
