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Prepare to immerse yourself in a five-day journey that transforms your ideas and stories into an unforgettable keynote. Designed for those with a passion for learning and a coachable mindset, this program will equip you to create a powerful presentation that captivates any audience. Through expert coaching and hands-on practice, you’ll gain the skills, confidence and clarity to make your message truly resonate. When you leave, you’ll take home a refined keynote that effectively delivers your unique message, a plan for your next audience and connections that fuel your growth as a speaker. You'll gain valuable insights into the business of professional speaking and a roadmap to “making it” in the field. Plus, you’ll walk away with a new network of friends, coaches and ideas to amplify your speaking skills.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Every element of this journey is designed to support your transformation, from the curriculum to the setting, and even the journey itself. Experience will be hosted in Chicago, Illinois.
Intimate group for tailored insights.
In-depth, hands-on training focused on mastering the art of professional speaking.
Expert facilitators with training in human psychology and impactful storytelling.
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW:
Day 1: PREPARE
Design your keynote with a powerful opening, key objectives, moving stories, experiential audience participation and a mic drop ending
Find the stories inside you, and in the world, that best support your objectives
Put it together into a structure that unlocks creativity
Day 2: POLISH
One-on-one coaching and story polishing to catapult you from good to great
Small group practice to notice and integrate audience responses
Build your “memory castle” and talk checklist
Day 3: PRACTICE
Multiple rounds of deliberate practice and directive coaching on delivery
Add flourishes, vocal shading, physical punctuation and emotional impact
Learn to use, own and play with the stage and the audience
Day 4: PERFORM
Learn to channel your nerves to produce a high-octane performance
Create a plan for your next live audience and your pathway to professional speaking
Present with poise, panache and passion and celebrate your victory
Day 5: Perspective & PLACEMENT
Discover what it takes to be your own first, best and most successful “audience member”
Learn about the business of speaking
Decide where to speak, the types of audiences your keynote is for and your approach to getting booked
Identify your fee for speaking and learn to negotiate your fee
Depart with a keynote that is ready to take on the road!
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Leaders with a meaningful idea they want to shape into a keynote that sparks action
Individuals who feel called to articulate the message emerging in their next chapter
Executives and founders who want their voice to influence outcomes and open new possibilities
Those seeking expert coaching, structure and a clear path to build a compelling keynote
Anyone ready to use language as creation and share a message that reflects who they are becoming
SCHEDULE & LOCATION
8-12 June 2026 | 9:00am - 5:00pm daily
Coffee, beverages, light breakfast, snacks and lunch provided.
We will gather each day at Cerené Zero, located at 1018 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60202. Free parking is available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Inspire gives you a focused space to shape one idea into a keynote that carries real impact. The work begins with one big idea. We dive into its purpose, its promise and the action it can generate. You learn how language creates influence and how a message gains emotional and intellectual weight, then apply those insights through structure, immediate coaching and hands-on practice. Each session sharpens clarity, strengthens narrative momentum and amplifies your presence. You leave with an hour-long keynote designed to move people, created through a method that goes deeper than traditional speaking training.
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We limit the group size to ensure each participant gets ample 1:1 and group coaching.
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The structure of each day: facilitator-guided inquiry, individual and group reflection, dialogue and practical exercises.
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We expect your full participation and willingness to disrupt comfort. We request no technology present during sessions to ensure an uninterrupted Experience.
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You will be led by Cerené Lead Facilitator, Andrew Sykes, and receive coaching from both Andrew and Founder & CEO, Elise Madrick.
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Leaders need a way to communicate ideas that create momentum. Inspire builds that capability. You learn how to shape a message others can follow, speak with clarity when the stakes are high and design language that generates action. The process strengthens alignment, elevates influence and equips you or your team to move people toward what matters.