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Retreat Testimonials Video | Audio | Written
Video Testimonials
Audio Testimonials
Written Testimonials and Letters
“Doug
Stevenson has to be experienced. Words can’t
convey the uncanny ability he has to reach in
and capture one’s natural talent and masterfully
stretch that talent to a new level. I was
absolutely thrilled with the progress I was able
to make and the tools I now have at my
disposal.”
Karyn Buxman, CSP,
CPAE - St. Louis, MO
"This is the best money I have spent in my
professional development all year. Invaluable.”
Jan Carothers,
Portland, OR
Testimonial letter from Allison
Blankenship:
Professional speaker gets nine bookings
off of a speaker showcase.
“The retreat worked for me because there was
space for each person to be him/herself. This
gave me full permission to be myself. In a
nutshell, there was no judgment in the room,
either from Doug or from the other students.
There was really no space for judgment to enter
the process, which made it safe. I particularly
appreciated how Doug was able to work with each
person at the level of that person. It was
amazing to watch Doug coach each person right
past his/her comfort zone. Also, because Doug is
so committed to the process, we become committed
to the process.”
Dana Lightman,
Tucson, AZ
“This retreat made me see the difference
between amateur and professional speaking. It
allowed me to compare my Toastmasters speaking
against members of a professional speakers
association. I learned that if I work hard I
will be able to become a professional speaker. I
also learned that my timing and my deadpan
humour are a strength which can be exploited in
the future. In my mind, it was the best value
for money course that I have been on in the last
five years.”
Ciaran Blair –
Dublin, Ireland
“This is the best coaching I have had. Doug
has designed a program that pushes the
participant in both technique and authenticity.
He creates an atmosphere to take risks. He
models the behaviors. This is worth three times
the cost. It is a must investment for any
speaker.”
Marjorie Brody, CSP
– Philadelphia, PA
“In the retreat I learned that I am my worst
self-critic. Watching myself on video was
amazing.....I was not at all what I envisioned.
I have spent a lifetime, using negative
self-talk. In the first taping, I watched body
language that I was totally unaware of. It was a
gesture that demonstrated that inner, negative
self-talk. During the second taping, I caught
myself the first time I did it and amazingly
enough, I was able to NOT repeat the gesture. I
actually had to say ‘Who is that amazing woman?
This can’t be me!’”
Mary Morgan,
Phoenix, AZ
“Thanks to you for helping me to tell my
story more effectively. When I told it recently,
it was well received. I was shocked, however. I
got emotional. So did they. In the middle of the
day when I shared it, they gave me a standing
ovation. Couldn't believe it.”
Lois Creamer, St
Louis, MO
Testimonial letter from Dan Maddox:
Executive Director reveals the
difference between the ordinary
presenter and the extraordinary
storyteller.
“I arrived at the Story Theater Retreat
without significant speaking skills. Less than
two days later I delivered a powerful speech
that connected with and moved my audience. I was
shocked! I’m already preparing to tell the most
powerful stories that are inside me in a way
that my audiences will connect with me, get the
real message, and respond. I learned that people
need the stories I have…and I can now give it to
them like they’ll want! I learned to tell MY
stories…for myself and others. How about you?
What powerful stories and messages are bottled
up inside of you? What are your stories that can
change lives…yours and others…when you tell them
powerfully? Commit the time and money it takes
and fully participate in a Story Theater
Retreat. Learn how to really tell your
stories…for yourself and others.”
Phil Hamilton,
Austin, TX
“Your workshop and book have truly provided
the push in the right direction. My feedback
has been huge and I'm booking gigs like crazy.
It's a total blast to ride the wave when telling
my favorite stories, especially my Bank Bag
Story. Thanks for making a positive impact.”
Rob Bell, Lancaster,
WI
"You cannot get this anywhere else! Unique!"
Stephen Head -
London
"It's not an easy thing to commit one full
weekend out of our busy lives, in addition to
the financial investment. However, the
opportunity to absorb yourself in intense work
on your skills and craft is crucial to
stretching and growing. It's not an easy thing
to expose yourself to coaching in front of
people you may not have met before and open
yourself up to the possibility that you don't
have all the answers and your favorite approach
may not be working as well as something new and
different. But we're not in this business
because it's easy...we're in it to have an
impact on others through the spoken word and
through who we are as people. It's up to us to
use a vehicle that helps others ‘get’ who we
are, what we've been through, and what we've
learned from the process. Doug's Story Theater
workshop is the perfect vehicle.”
Laura Benjamin,
Colorado Springs, CO
“If you want to grow as a speaker, I can
think of no better way, no faster way, and no
more fun way than to attend a Doug Stevenson
Story Theater Retreat.”
Sam Silverstein, NSA
Board member - St. Louis, MO
“Let me just
say that Doug Stevenson’s Story Theater Retreat
was the best money I have ever spent on my
speaking career...and I’ve spent a lot. I’ve
been with several coaches and he’s the best.”
June Cline, CSP –
Atlanta, GA
“People from diverse backgrounds were able to
come together and sincerely work as a team to
help each person reach their potential as a
speaker. A unique bonding took place. We were
encouraged to find our inner truth and this
freed us to allow everyone else to do so. People
often hide behind masks and try to be socially
correct. We were supported and rewarded for
being "real." Doug set the tone by modeling the
behavior. The various improvisations forced us
to "get out of the box." Also, the presentations
followed by intense feedback helped everyone
learn more about the Art of Storytelling.”
Sandra Sowell-Scott
– Norfolk, VA
“I found the audio six-pack a great
preparation but I needed the retreat to help me
start doing it. The retreat is a great
combination of well thought out methods that are
easy to follow and a highly creative experience
that helps everyone go outside their comfort
zones. The magic ingredient was Doug. His
coaching examples were practical and inspiring
at the same time.”
Carl French - London
“Take this workshop now! This is the single
best workshop on storytelling that I have ever
attended. Doug is direct, to the point, positive
and very helpful. I got so much more for my
money here than at any other workshop. Just
fabulous. Even better than I had hoped.”
Mary Ellen Barnes -
Los Angeles, CA
“You are an insightful, helpful coach. What I
liked best was that you helped us discover the
best in ourselves. You made suggestions, not
commands. To be honest, this is the best I’ve
ever felt about my gifts and talents in this
area. It was a true blessing.”
Dr. Pat Gangi –
Phoenix, AZ
“Story telling is a dance between connecting
and theater and Doug is the best chorographer!
He doesn't change you - he stretches you. I had
only 8 days between two international
engagements but something in my gut said you
can't afford to miss this. Three weeks later, I
got that fantastic telephone call inviting me to
do a general session at NSA. Timing is
everything. Be prepared. Sign up now!"
Marcia Steele –
Atlanta, GA
Testimonial letter from Ric Giardina
(Keynote speech on Human Issues in Management is
a breakthrough success.)
“I left the class with a renewed confidence
in my ability to deliver material and make it
more entertaining than it’s been in the past. I
finally understand the block I’ve had with
conveying my humor through storytelling to an
audience. This retreat is an absolute must for
anyone who wants to improve their ability to
captivate and audience with a story. I will
recommend it to anyone who will listen!”
Dan Maddux – San
Antonio, TX
“Story Theater
was unlike anything I have ever been through. It
took me a day to let it all sink in. When people
asked me on Sunday how it was, all I could do
was say “good/fine/different.” Today, I am
saying, ‘The best learning experience I have had
in over a decade. Doug is in his element and is
so totally immersed in the experience it is
energizing.’ This isn’t just about the mechanics
of telling a good story, it is about becoming a
better human (of course, better humans are
better speakers). One who is more aware, more
alive, and more aligned with the future God put
here for them – if they go for it. Be prepared
to be taken out of your comfort zone. Be
prepared for the unexpected, but it is all good.
Be prepared to take your craft to a new level.”
Wally Adamchick,
Raleigh, NC
“I learned more in two days with Doug than
with any other coach. I now have a model to
develop new materials. The class was cheap for
the value received.”
Carol Mills, Denver,
CO
"Doug has a terrific way of positively
affirming each and every member of the group
while still making suggestions for significant
improvement. Now that I know my performance is
up to me and not in relation to a particular
audience's response, the roller coaster of
emotion after each program will be minimized.
"
Bill Karlson,
Nashville, TN
"This is the best money I have ever spent on
any training including the NSA national
convention. I'm still blown away by your
training. I didn't expect it to have such a
specific impact on my overall presentation. This
technique of speaker and actor is a must in
today's competitive marketplace.”
Margie Seyfer, Wheat
Ridge, CO
"I have always considered myself a good and
frequent storyteller, but Doug's presentation
showed me that there are myriad things I can do
to make my good stories great! While I learned
what I was doing was intuitively right, most
importantly Doug taught me the technical aspects
of telling a tale-the components, the mechanics,
and format in order to make sure each of my
stories is the best it can be. Doug's
information and enthusiasm sparked my
imagination. With just the limited time we spent
together, I'm excited to get going improving my
old stories, developing new ones and most
importantly crafting my signature story."
Karen Rowinsky,
Kansas City, MO
"I now really get how the great entertainers
do it - Carson, Leno, it's with calculated
detail, not just a genetic disposition or luck.
I learned that I really can be funny. Thanks so
much for helping me break out of my box. I think
it will help me skyrocket."
Sue Artt , Denver,
CO
"Doug is a master at making a simple story a
masterpiece that will live on after we have left
the stage. He clearly took my stories and me to
the next level. I wanted to work on one story
and had the time to improve four. I'll be more
clear, concise, visual, entertaining and
memorable.”
Ruby Newell-Legner,
Denver, CO
"I very much appreciated your sense of
organization, well thought out exercises, and
excellent feedback and presence. I loved your
coaching. It was very positive, very helpful and
empowering. This class is for any kind of
speaker, beginner or advanced. It will support
you in really honing in on what you can transmit
to an audience through voice, body and
movement.”
Peggy O'Neill-Laise,
Los Angeles, CA
"I learned how to create and write humor and
what was holding me back. It helped me to
overcome obstacles of inexperience and
uncertainty. Doug helps you to realize your
performance potential and rise to a level of
excellence. Great coaching, fabulous mentor. It
was worth twice the money.”
Linda Shepherd,
Longmont, CO
"Doug is totally engaged and engaging. He has
the ability to remain present and 'laser beam'
each speakers strengths and weak spots. You'll
learn to replicate your spontaneity so every
audience experiences the brilliant diamond in
you.”
Carolyn Martin,
Happy Valley, OR
"I know you like feedback. The benefit of the
follow-up coaching for me was that when left
alone to work on something different from a
single story like I worked on for the retreat
and the CAPS showcase, I went back to my old
ways. It was good to be pulled out of that. This
coaching is a very valuable part of the follow
up to the retreat and I appreciated it very
much. I can't tell you how much I feel I have
found something I was looking for in Story
Theater. I have taken acting lessons and stand
up comedy lessons. I even stood on the stage at
YukYuk's and made them laugh for five minutes. I
just didn't know how to pull this all together.
Especially the feeling that I didn't just want
to do comedy. Story Theater lets you put across
any message you want to in a way people will
listen and get it. I will be back for more
coaching."
Pat Beelby, Sherwood
Park,
AB
"What I learned about myself is how much
deeper I must look to be authentic. When you
get still and ask, your wonderful mind will
respond and show you pictures you have
forgotten, hurts that have been hidden and
dreams that have been forgotten. That is
the message of a good speaker, to show you how
to take the garbage and make gourmet.
Doug, you have provided the road for my travel.
I won't forget this time. It was
transformational."
Nancy McMillon,
Greenville, SC
"I want to thank you for the quality,
intensity and insights of your Story Theater
Retreat, not to mention the effectiveness of
your hands-on coaching. It has done
more for my speaking ability than any other
coaching I have ever received. Not
only do I not know anyone better than you, I
cannot imagine anyone better at this
than you. We will work together again."
David McIlhenny,
Carlisle, MA
"Wow! I knew this would be an exceptional
weekend, but it exceeded those expectations.
It was phenomenal! In 48 hours you have provided
more insightful, constructive and
useful feedback than I have received in twenty
years in the speaking arena. You are
a master at this and your passion is evident. I
will be the first in line for your
advanced workshops and for your audio series."
David Dempsey,
Atlanta, GA
“The retreat worked because of your constant
pushing us to the edge. The book can never do
that. I believe the book will be a resource to
help us remember what we learned from you. The
exercises, and your feedback are tremendous.
Seeing you work with others and seeing how your
advice to them is so dead on, makes it easier
to trust the advice you give us. Because
inevitably, your advice takes us to places that
we don’t really trust. For that reason, I would
advice people to take your workshop before
taking individual coaching. After attending the
retreat, I am to the point where I trust your
advice and would follow it. So individual
coaching from you will work better for me now. I
am more apt to apply what I learned. The video
is absolutely priceless. After watching the
video, I could not believe how much I had
already forgotten. “By the way, I used the ‘new
and improved’ keynote and got rave reviews. I
had several people tell me they’d never seen
anything like it and that the “IN” parts were
the most powerful and memorable. I’m going back
through the book and CD’s to pick up and
implement everything I can. Thanks again!"
Ruben Gonzales,
Three-time Olympian Luge Racer, Katy, TX
“A combination of things makes the retreat a
very powerful learning experience:
- A small
group of people who have willingly chosen to
be there for the specific purpose
of improving their story telling ability
- The prep
work helps make sure that everyone gets the
most out of the workshop
experience by being prepared and not just
"winging it”
- A
wonderful coach who provides specific
feedback in a caring and non-judgmental way
- Being
able to see significant changes in ourselves
and in others through observation and
videotape
- Having
this retreat in your home studio is a real
plus. It makes everyone feel more
comfortable and relaxed.”
Joan Brannick,
Tampa, FL
“I had the pleasure of attending your Story
Theatre workshop in Ft. Lauderdale last summer,
and I loved it. I recently had a chance to
perform my story for a very tough audience -
about 500 inner-city high school students from
the local vo-tech school, half of them with
serious discipline problems. These kids have
seen it all, let me tell you, so I pretty much
expected to bomb. Why in the world they would
respond to me, an old white lady, telling a
sailing story to teach them how to set goals?
Well, those kids were hanging off their seats,
waiting breathlessly for the next line, laughing
at every point where I expected them to laugh,
and even calling out the Phrase that Pays at the
right places. Since I had practiced the whole
performance so often, I could really relax and
focus on the delivery. You can imagine how much
I enjoyed myself, and it got even better when
half the audience came up to me afterwards
saying, "I want to be like YOU!" What a great
experience!
“Just thought you'd like to know that I got my
money's worth (and then some) from working with
you.”
Ellen Bristol,
Bristol Strategy Group, Miami, FL
"I must say that my investment in your
two-day Story Theater Retreat was the best
investment I've made in the three years I've
been in NSA. I spoke to the Georgia Speakers
Association in December and received my first
standing ovation! What a thrill. I had it taped
and edited
into a demo. As a result, I've booked six
speeches in the next 60 days. So, it's fair to
say that my investment has been returned at
least ten times over."
Marilynn Mobley –
Atlanta, GA
“I have just gotten a taste of the outrageous
person I can be on the platform. I learned that
I can be brilliant and hilarious. Doug helps you
find your stories and yourself. I really
appreciated Doug’s loose style, very relaxed but
also very attentive to each speaker. This is an
unbelievable opportunity to practice, learn,
develop and create your stories.”
Diane Seig – Denver,
CO
“If you're willing to use your mind, your
body, your face, your memory and your emotions,
you will learn from Doug how to be authentic on
the platform, no matter what your audience and
what your topic. Doug's full concentration on
each person is wonderful, as is the way he had
us work on a few sections of our stories right
then and there, and captured it on tape.”
Susan Trivers -
Washington, D.C.
“Doug reinforced my strengths, but helped me
to see, with great clarity, what I needed to
change. He was very nurturing and supportive,
yet very matter of fact. He helped to
jump-start the inner work that needed to happen
before the outer work could be done. I learned a
structure that allows me to use my high energy
more effectively - the "Step In/Step Out"
technique provides a space for me to turn up the
volume, as well as a place to give the audience
a breather. He taught me how to be authentic,
to show up in my life. What a blessing! The
Retreat was worth the monetary investment, as
well as the emotional investment.”
Marilyn
Sprague-Smith - Washington, D.C.
“What worked about the retreat for me was
lots of personal attention and the quality of
your coaching. It was specific, supportive,
on-point, and helped us improve our own story
and style, rather than trying to make us clones
of Doug. I knew I could make people laugh, but I
learned that I can expand my range of ways in
which I do that, and that there is a technique
that can be applied that ups the percentage of
times people will actually laugh.”
Rick Maur –
Baltimore, MD
“If you really want to improve your
storytelling ability, and your keynoting skills,
if you really want to take your professional
speaking to a much higher level, if you really
want to see IMMEDIATE and SIGNIFICANT
improvement, you MUST attend this. I learned
that I can cut loose up there, have a good time,
and be funny. This will push me to work hard to
perfect my delivery, and will allow me to
connect with audiences. The course was well
worth the investment because it showed immediate
results in improved storytelling and it taught
me a process to use in the future. It would have
literally taken years to develop this on my own
through research and experience.”
Terry Wall –
Philadelphia, PA
“Doug’s coaching opened a new door for me.
This is a ‘to die for retreat.’ If you have to
choose between Doug’s coaching and an NSA
workshop, choose Doug.”
Karla Brandau, CSP –
Atlanta, GA
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