AS FEATURED ON
Public Speaking Training
For Every Stage
I launched PrepTalk after 20-years of helping leaders communicate better because I learned one thing to be true: No matter where they are on the org chart, nearly everyone faces some barrier to communicating as clearly and confidently as they'd like.
For years, I watched truly talented executives approach presentation training with an almost apologetic stance - as though they should have come into the world ready to own whatever room they were in. But the reality is that the elements that make a great speaker - authenticity, confidence, clarity (and about 20 other qualities!) - are not those that come naturally to most of us. The trick to being great is to keep that center of authenticity - so that you can still communicate clearly and confidently and in a compelling way - but you don't ever need to feel like you are faking it.
One of the ways we make that happen is that there is no rinse-and-repeat training here. Think of PrepTalk as your personal trainer - handing you weights and exercises customized to your unique level of experience. A strong focus on on-camera practice means participants walk away with not only some intensive practice, but with an increased level of self-awareness. Sessions are fun and engaging - but also challenging and thought-provoking. Kirsten brings empathy, humor and most of all authenticity to any training engagement.
"Strengthening your presentation muscles isn't about fixing what's wrong; it's about making yourself strong where it matters."
About Kirsten Birkeland
Kirsten brings to every training the experience from a career that took her from being a journalist to a communications strategist to a corporate trainer. Years of crafting narratives and serving as a spokesperson and communications leader for public and private organizations alike led her to a career as a sought-after corporate trainer. Kirsten has designed and led trainings for TEDx Talk speakers, Fortune 100 executives, and teams and events around the globe. Kirsten has worked with a variety of companies across the technology, healthcare, retail and science industries, including:
Microsoft * Tillamook * Nike * AMD * Planar Systems * Twilio * Amazon * Ameriprise * LG * MercyCorps
Established in 2012, PrepTalk has developed a range of training models geared to ensuring that participants don’t just learn the art of powerful communication, but that they experience a shift in their behavior that stays with them, no matter what stage they are on. Kirsten’s programs are all custom-designed to ensure the right level of practice, challenge and support for each participant’s needs, from the C-Suite to the team level. There is no rinse-and-repeat training, and participants take away not just new skills, but an increased level of self-awareness that ensures these skills can stick over time.
Educational Background:
Undergraduate: Degrees in Communications and Psychology
Graduate: Master of Public Affairs studies; Graduate training in Adult Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Corporate Training
Certification: Intercultural Communications (Intercultural Communications Institute)
Member: Professional Speechwriter’s Association, American Society of Training & Development