“I was tasked with interviewing a NYT bestselling author for an audience of 140 people in person and over 150 on Zoom. Public speaking had long been my singular biggest fear. Dana not only helped me frame the experience with a positive perspective and provided emotional context, she appealed to my interest in mindfulness, and gave me the gift of confidence and support that transformed my ability to pull this thing OFF. I was not only NOT nervous, I ENJOYED it, all thanks to Dana’s help.”

Michael White, Librarian, Glenview Library

“Dana has been a critical delivery coach for the last three years with TEDxChicago. She listens for and coaches authenticity, how to truly bring out [a speaker’s] heart, generosity, and connectivity to ensure their talk not only is delivered well, but also means something powerful to those who listen. She brings an energy, joy, respect, and ease of connectivity that our speakers find incredibly helpful, and her coaching delivers fresh perspective and guidance that elevates their voice. We wouldn't be where we are without her, and our talks garner hundreds of thousands of views a year much because of her talents.”

Dustin Huibregtse, Director, Lead Curator, and Speaker Coach, TEDxChicago

"Working with Dana transformed not just my business pitch, but the way I approach communication altogether. After Dana's intervention, I not only won the pitch competition but also learned to infuse my presentation with the heart and passion at the core of my business. Dana’s knack for uncovering the essence of an idea and her innovative visualization techniques profoundly connected the audience to my concept. Working with her is not just an investment in your project but in your career and personal growth.”

Brett Sigworth, Founder, We Heart Local

“Special thank you to Dana Black, my speech and delivery coach, who helped me organize all of the ideas and anecdotes I had into a cohesive speech to motivate and inspire others.”

Beatrice Tetteh, MD, MPH, Director/Owner of Tetteh Pediatric Health and keynote speaker at Launch to College for the scholars of College Track Sacramento

“Dana! Your help on my presentation and performance support really filled a big gap for me and I am forever grateful! I was just telling an executive coach friend about your skills.”

Nadene Cherry, CDW mindfulness coach and public speaker

"Working one on one with Dana has truly been one of the highlights of my professional development journey. First of all, you will have FUN with Dana. And fun is not to be underestimated, because it translates into bringing joy and lightness onto the stage! But more importantly, you will come away from your coaching with Dana feeling more confident in yourself, more calm in your own capabilities, and genuinely excited to get in front of a crowd (something I thought I’d never say)!"

Camille Hoisington, Director of Ecosystem Development, Traverse Connect

“To say Dana has helped me is an understatement; from helping me tell my brand story to overall confidence and how I communicate with myself. Working with Dana has been an incredible experience. I feel like she is my PERSONAL speaking coach."

Susie Grace, Founder, Valor Skincare

Thank you for such a comprehensive effort and for the follow-up. I learned SO MUCH!

Terrie Taylor, Board member and ambassador, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

“[Dana’s] coaching was great. It was a very informative and, dare I say, fun experience. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for chances to practice and improve my public speaking.”

Nate Richardson, Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy