Author Archives: LIZ

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About LIZ

Liz manages and markets professional speakers, entertainers, artists, authors and events anywhere in the world. She also writes. edits, ghostwrites and photographs for nonfiction or travel books, mobile apps and websites and blogs on many popular sites about favorite destinations, events, people, food and wine. Send your ideas, and she'll write about them too! Follow her blogs or connect via social media.

Communications secrets from highly decorated law enforcement expert

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This highly decorated law enforcement veteran effectively teaches how to connect, and make a positive and powerful first impression, that will build trust and confidence upon first meeting. Learn how to have an unfair advantage and communicate by using the same techniques as FBI Hostage Negotiators, and convert meetings into relationships for business and life.matt

Watch Matt Episcopo in action: http://www.speakermatch.com/profile/mattepiscopo/video/3765

Here are just a few of the skills you can learn from Matt:

How To Create A Point Of Impact: Build confidence, trust and rapport in under 10 seconds by using this secret sequence used by expert interrogators.
Secrets of Body Language: Learn how to see 80% more than you do now and use it to your advantage. This could be the difference between deal and no deal.
How To Instantly Build And Maintain Rapport: with anyone… Think about it, Matt built rapport with criminals, who knew his goal was to put them in jail for what they did. Learn the secret so you can do it too.

Matt’s energy will light up the room and keep your attendees on the edge of their seat hanging on his every word. The information that Matt shares is easy to learn, can be done by anybody, and is proven to work. Matt’s presentations are engaging and interactive so that the attendees experience a high retention rate.

Ask us about booking Matt Episcopo for your event.

Whitney Lane Concert Benefiting The Carolinas Leadership Academy

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Welcoming Maria Wall

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Introducing award-winning producer, author, talk show host and domestic violence/abuse survivor C. Maria Wall. She is available now for your event at your location or via Skype or blog talk radio!maria new

 C. Maria speaks about Healing through Hurt. Her emphasis is on developing self esteem and finding the healing. Attracting listeners worldwide, she encourages interaction and is rapidly building a worldwide fan base of those who turn to her soft voice and understanding nature. Sharing her own story of abuse, she knows and shows the route to healing.

As founding president of the non-profit The Wall Foundation, Inc. Maria has developed programs for girls and women. Topics include artistic expression, public speaking and many other areas aiding in developing self esteem and road maps for success.

Author of Silent Noise Lip Service that describes the hurts of life presented in poetic form, Maria has brought her life journey full circle in this book and her new book A Woman of Wisdom and Worth Messages to Myself, both full of messages of her journey and those of others while she continues her purpose-filled walk in preparation to let her past go.

Ask us to learn more about C. Maria and her award-winning shows and programs. She is looking forward to helping you find your F.O.C.U.S Her motto reminding women of all ages: Stop putting up with the cream of the crap, because we deserve better.

Ready, Set, LET’S GROW! with C. Maria Wall

Want to Know about Tiny House Living?

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Guest post by Joel Allen, featured on Speakers International for topics including tiny houses, media training and other communications.

joelYou’ve heard about the tiny house movement. Maybe you’ve seen TV shows like Tiny House Nation or Tiny House Hunters. You’re no doubt aware that the traditional American dream of a roomy, multi-bedroom home is not as attractive (or affordable) to Millennials as it was to previous generations. But you probably haven’t heard how local and state governments around the country are (belatedly) responding to the revolution in downsized living by altering zoning laws and building codes. Or how aging Baby Boomers are waking up to the advantages of tiny house living in retirement. Or how some activists see the smaller house trend as a potential solution to homelessness.

I’m Joel Allen, a seasoned broadcast journalist who’s done more than just research and report on the tiny house movement. I’m living it. My wife and I made the transition from 2,000 square feet, three bedrooms and a two-car garage to less than 400 square feet, one miniature bedroom and no garage. And we love it.

We’ve learned a few things about the pros and cons of tiny house living and we’re not saying it’s entirely easy. But I’d be happy to share with your group or company some of what we now know about the ins and outs of a downsized life and maybe I can help open your eyes to the huge benefits of a tiny house.

Ask Speakers International to Schedule David Holloway

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“David is an outstanding leader, an exceptional teacher, who has a very powerful message!” – Jonathan Holloway –  Dean of Yale.

“I’ve known the Holloway family for over 30 years… they are leaders among their peers, grounded in strong family values of discipline, hard work, integrity, and love for their country” – General Colin Powell

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David A. Holloway is a compelling keynote speaker, author, and business leader.

Today, he brings the most important messages, and his compelling story, to leaders who are committed to an extraordinary future — and for organizations who must outperform the competition and win.

The “Ultimate Underdog” Story:

 From the very beginning David was fortunate to have grown up around leaders and world-class competitors.  He was born on a game day, where his All-Pro father’s New England Patriots were victorious. On that day he was soon greeted by his maternal grandfather, two-time NHL champion with the Boston Bruins, Johnny “Pie” McKenzie.

Later on David also wanted to play sports, but in the beginning – he was labeled “too small, too slow, and too weak.” Despite all the obstacles he made a declaration to never stop dreaming big.

He walked on at the University of Maryland and started out on the 6th team who couldn’t even get into practice. He later rose to become one of the all-time greats, a record holder, leader of one of the best defenses in Maryland history and team captain.

He continued onto the NFL where he made an immediate impact. He was nicknamed Superman by his team 14 days into his pro career.

While in Arizona he helped completely turn the losing culture around in record time. Building the foundation of a winning culture that took the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl, for the first time in franchise history. That winning culture is still intact today.

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David is more than just another pro athlete – he is an engaging speaker, an expert on leadership, peak performance, and team building.

As an international and motivational futurist his speaking engagements reach tens of thousands of people worldwide. Giving audiences a look into the future of highly successful world-class competitors – who consistently outperform the competition.

His credibility and therefore bottom line results are based on the fact that turning around underperforming teams, building championships, and organizational transformation is something he’s done – rather than just talk about.david speaking

“Insightful, inspirational, motivational, articulate, compassionate, a great leader,” are just some of the words used consistently by participants to describe David.

David’s accomplishments have landed him appearances on ABC, NBC sports, ESPN, ESPN Classic, the 700 club, and featured coverage on USA Today and the Washington Post. He’s guest lectured at Yale and has been featured speaker at the Challenger Center.

 “We share a lot more than just, formerly, being the number 54 at the University of Maryland.” – Kevin Plank CEO of Under Armor

 “David came to Maryland as a walk-on. With his lead we were able to do things that we have never been able to do before, and he left here as one of the best!” – College coach

David Holloway Speaking Highlights

 

UPDATE FROM CAROLE SPIERS – THE STRESS GURU

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Guest post from Carole Spiers, 

author of Show Stress Who’s Boss!

Contact us if you need a great speaker on Stress Management!

CEO, Carole Spiers Group [London]
International Stress Management & Employee Wellbeing Consultancy
Chair, International Stress Management Association [UK]

An American study of patients with cardiac problems appears to show a significant improvement when stress-management training forms part of their treatment.

A group undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehab was split into two, with one half also receiving anti-stress interventions such as techniques for relaxation and coping under pressure. Those patients were found to have a 50 percent lower risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes. Another similar group who did not take the exercise programme, but received the stress reduction training, showed a 40 percent lower risk than those who took neither.

This was only a small-scale study, with no opportunity to evaluate the anti-stress interventions individually, or to investigate reasons why some patients had rejected exercise-based rehab. And stress management is not a curative therapy. But the findings do suggest that this approach could help improve cardiac rehab programs.

“Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., this could represent a new treatment that will help us reduce the impact of this disease,” said Dr. Eric Aldrich, a researcher in neurology and rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. (As reported in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.)

  •  ·         Cardiac patients were taught how to relax and cope with pressure
  • ·         The anti-stress training was found to cut heart problems by 40%-50%
  •  These findings may be used to improve cardiac rehab programs

Educating the educated

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Commentary from our friend  David H. Brown who is an accomplished author and experienced speaker:

About 20 years ago, when I was an adjunct professor at Montgomery College, I was asked to teach a continuing education course to about 20 high school teenagers who were elite students.  I forget the subject, but I remember asking them, “Who is your idol?”  Of course the responses ran the gamut – with one startling omission.  Not one mentioned a parent.  I wonder whether the same would hold true today.
    Those who know me well expect some “sermon” on education.  This is no exception.  There are those who recall I did a survey of 9 Ohio colleges asking students and professors what each thought of the other.  That was in 1959.  I don’t think much has changed, except for the classroom use of electronics.
    My beef is that too much of education today seems to still be straight up-and-down like 6:00 or 12:30, when it should be wider like 9:15 or 3:45.  What’s missing in this picture?  The answer is one word – Why?  Why did I learn long division? Why did I have to read novels?   Why did I have to memorize dates in history?
A companion is this — What did I learn from my courses?  The answer is one word – relevancy.
    My approach to this is something I have said before but bears repeating.  When I reported for work as a copy boy at The Cleveland Press, Associate Editor Norm Shaw said, “Forget everything you learned in college.  We’ll teach you our way.”
    Did you enjoy all those courses you took in public school and beyond?  Is there one teacher whom you feel made a difference in your life and could rate the title of “idol?”  Did you ever thank that person? Did you ever thank your parents for guiding you through your early years, or did you do it on your own?
    Have you instilled the love of learning into your progeny?  Do you encourage them never to stop learning? Did you emphasize grades over what they learned? Are you your progeny’s “idol?”
    I feel too much classroom instruction is still linear because textbooks are linear.  Did you or your progeny ever take more than one class in analytical thinking?  Too many “teachers” spend too much time getting through a course based on how many chapters in the text book have to be covered, and the tests reflect that.  I feel more textbooks should be written by top people in that subject field, and not by academics for their advanced degrees.  And, more of those top people should give back to students the lessons they have learned.  Call it a reality check.
    Yes, I have pulled an Obama and sermonized.  But, I did not want to Simonize education.  When we stop learning, we stop living.
    Determined Dave

Great Speaker Still Available for Black History Month

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International guest speaker, celebrated author and  Philanthropy Consultant,  Rooney International Scholar, TEDx Speaker and Wellington, New Zealand Rotary Member – Getrude Matshe

Watch the TEDx Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzIyOtusDxE

Read her Huffington Post articles http://www.huffingtonpost.com/getrude-matshe/

 Getrude Matshe is an inspirational speaker who has been described as a vibrant bundle of African energy whose zest and passion for life inspires everyone she meets. She is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and find their individual life purpose. She is passionate about individuals’ success. This makes her an energetic, inspirational and enlightening speaker. Getrude has written several books and is now a book writing coach.

About Getrude Matshe

Her speaking career started in Norway 1989 and for 12 years she has worked in the IT industry as a Systems Analyst, Systems Support Manager and Project Manager. Getrude immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 with nothing and is now the Director of three successful companies.

 

  • She started Medical Recruiters of New Zealand Ltd
  • GM Global Investments Ltd (Property)
  • As an owner she formed Simzisani Ltd, a talent agency catering for the film and advertising industry and has been instrumental in supplying ethnic extras for prominent movies such as Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” and James Cameron’s Avatar
  • She is the founder and CEO of the Africa Alive Education Foundation, an organization that supports HIV orphans in Zimbabwe
  • She formed Walk on the Wild Side Tours – a symbiotic tourism company that takes tourist to Zimbabwe to work with HIV and Aids orphans
  • She became a Rooney International Scholar in 2012 and worked at Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
  • She is married and the mother of three children and a well known African Storyteller, poet, artist and published author.
  • She is a script writer and an Independent film maker
  • She writes for CNN iReport – http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-946671?ref=email
  • Getrude blogs for the Huffington Post – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/getrude-matshe/
  • Actress in the movie “Cry Freedom” with Denzel Washington in 1987
  • 15th March 2014 Getrude was a speaker at the UN Annual Summit on the Status of Women
  • Getrude supports and volunteers for :-
    • The John Fawcett foundation in Bali Indonesia
    • Mustard Seed Orphanage in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    • The Ubuntu Africa foundation in Cape Town, South Africa
    • Ujamaa Children’s Home in Arusha, Tanzania
    • Global Camps Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa

Getrude is a dynamic entrepreneur who has started life in a new country and who has proved that anything is possible if you have a purpose.

An Ode to Alzheimers

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An Ode to Alzheimers

By Andreann Geise
There are no words to describe such pain, to live the life through the eyes of a dying soul
I have become the eyes, ears, body and mind.

I take care of her every need, it is not by choice but by love that I do this, but the price is endlessly tragic.

There is no rest for me, no moments of peace, I am tortured day and night by the knowledge of what will inevitably be the end and terrified of the many horrible paths that may lead there.

There is no time stamp to tell me when this will all come to an end or what will be left of me when it does.

Each day I feel further and further from the person I was, forever changed by what I see her going through and by the solitude that we both live.

People keep their distance, its not contagious but it is too much reality for most.

It is too much reality for me but it is the path that I must follow, and the further down it I travel the more alone I feel.

Time does not stand still and these long days and nights will never be given back to me.

I can not do for myself in order to tend to her requirements. My body, my mind deteriorating as I neglect my own needs.

The future I planned for is now but a faint memory, a pipe dream of sorts.

Life does not wait for anyone.

The gifts I had been given, my intellect, my strength are all fading and I have no means to keep them from doing so.

All my time all my energy is used up, the sadness of the situation beats me down.

I am not the only causality of this war, my husband suffers too, his love for me keeping him as shackled as I am.

This disease has not just taken my mother but it has taken our lives as well.

I never could have imagined such a torture, every day we loose something else. The loss we have is physical, emotional, financial and eternal.

Holiday Sea Island Gullah Celebration

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Holiday Sea Island Gullah Celebration

Date: December 4, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Production by Anita Singleton-Prather and The Gullah Kinfolk in historic Beaufort, South Carolina, at the University of South Carolina Beaufort campus Center for the Arts. The evening includes a taste of Gullah soul food buffet, artist showcase and marketplace, full stage musical with Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk: Christmas Wish Freedom Coming.

Gullah Christmas art by Diane Britton Dunham

Gullah Christmas art by Diane Britton Dunham

Meet Diane Britton Dunham and many more featured artists exhibiting before the show. Sample local Gullah foods and mingle with local chefs.

Freedom Coming is a significant performance that shares the Sea Island Gullah tradition with audiences in a new way, performed by Anita Singleton-Prather and her singing ensemble The Gullah Kinfolk from Beaufort, South Carolina.aunt pearlie sue

It is Christmas 1860, the last Christmas before the Civil War begins. The scene is a Sea Island slave cabin where enslaved Africans are anticipating Christmas day and talking about freedom. Gullah songs and storytelling include everything from spirituals, work songs and play songs to rhythmic, foot stomping ring shout songs that are unique to the Gullah praise house traditions.DSC_9314

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Book tickets at this link or call the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce 843-986-1102 to reserve your tickets for the Gullah performance, feast and art show or to arrange a weekend tour including history, culture and entertainment. Tickets are $35 at the door, $30 advance and $10 for children. Special group rates are available.