Message Development Counseling
When every spoken word must be Persuasive
Carmie McCook
Want 9 guaranteed quick tips to make you a more commanding and engaging speaker?
Whether preparing for a media interview, crisis situation, major sales presentation, or keynote address, successful outcomes depend on delivering attention-grabbing and unforgettable messages. Message strategy sessions are essential to meeting this goal.
Carmie McCook has created, and helped her clients develop, hundreds of memorable quotes that have used when speaking to the press and to the public. Her “outsider’s” objective point of view has been critical in ensuring that key messages resonate with her client’s target audiences. She also teaches clients techniques to develop their own messages that are remembered by the public and repeated by the media.
Our message development session covers:
- Detailed audience evaluation
- Condensing complex information into “public-friendly” terms
- Using CMA’s unique “Message Manager” system to organize key points
- How to make key messages memorable
- How to get quoted accurately and often
- Preparing responses for difficult questions
"Carmie, you were a major contributor to the success of our conference. Evaluations from all 300 attendees were consistently in the 'excellent' category."
Allen R. Brinkman ll Former Regional Senior Vice President, Wachovia Bank (Now Wells Fargo)
"Carmie, you were a major contributor to the success of our conference. Evaluations from all 300 attendees were consistently in the 'excellent' category."
"Carmie is great at teaching and coaching you on how to draft and present a memorable presentation. She transformed my talk from a somewhat boring one to a presentation that captured the audience from the beginning to end. She helped me to be myself while maintaining focus on the audience. I strongly recommend her for individual coaching as well as group business presentation classes for any organization. Both are fantastic and produce great results.”
Esmael Dinan Founder and CEO Ofinno Technologies, LLC, Herndon, VA
"Carmie is great at teaching and coaching you on how to draft and present a memorable presentation. She transformed my talk from a somewhat boring one to a presentation that captured the audience from the beginning to end. She helped me to be myself while maintaining focus on the audience. I strongly recommend her for individual coaching as well as group business presentation classes for any organization. Both are fantastic and produce great results.”
"Carmie gave our team the tools to both prepare our message properly and to execute it with conviction. Since then, each speaking opportunity has been better than the one before. It took my abilities to a new level."
Rabbi Phil Karesh Director of Education and Alumni Coordinator, Midwest National Conference of Synagogue Youth
"Carmie gave our team the tools to both prepare our message properly and to execute it with conviction. Since then, each speaking opportunity has been better than the one before. It took my abilities to a new level."
Meira Spivak Director, Oregon National Conference of Synagogue Youth
"Carmie gains the confidence and trust of the audience and connects them with the subject matter in a very effective way. We are still getting rave reviews of the presentations she gave at our Business Expo."
Berta W. Maginniss Executive Director, Manchester Vermont Regional Chamber of Commerce
"Carmie gains the confidence and trust of the audience and connects them with the subject matter in a very effective way. We are still getting rave reviews of the presentations she gave at our Business Expo."
"I have attended other media training workshops at national meetings and this was by far the best and the best instructor. Carmie was fantastic!"
Linda Tilly Executive Director, VOICES for Alabama Children
"I have attended other media training workshops at national meetings and this was by far the best and the best instructor. Carmie was fantastic!"
"Your program, 'You're Talking but is Anyone Listening?' was a big hit. Immediately following your presentation we were flooded with e-mails regarding how much the attendees enjoyed themselves. We look forward to seeing you again."
Lori Derkay Sr. Vice President, American Society of Association Executives
"Your program, 'You're Talking but is Anyone Listening?' was a big hit. Immediately following your presentation we were flooded with e-mails regarding how much the attendees enjoyed themselves. We look forward to seeing you again."
"Carmie helped me understand that a presentation is not just providing information, but how the message is delivered is equally important. I saw a marked, and almost immediate, improvement in my public speaking and how to package a message. I highly recommend her training to anyone that is looking to become a more influential and powerful presenter and speaker."
Dan LeFevers Vice President Federal Affairs, Waste Management
"Carmie's interactive and thoughtful training to key members of our staff really made a positive impact. She reminded us of the value of having a structured, strategic approach to handling the media. Her energetic, personable program helped us build a successful plan and her interview training allowed us a unique way to evaluate our personal skill sets."
Keith Laughlin President, Rails to Trails Conservancy
"Carmie's interactive and thoughtful training to key members of our staff really made a positive impact. She reminded us of the value of having a structured, strategic approach to handling the media. Her energetic, personable program helped us build a successful plan and her interview training allowed us a unique way to evaluate our personal skill sets."
"The research Carmie had done on my company and the industry was painstaking and proved quite useful. The difference she made between the before and after was remarkable. Her style is engaging and personalized. I highly recommend her services."
Alexa Raad CEO, .ORG, The Public Interest Registry
"The research Carmie had done on my company and the industry was painstaking and proved quite useful. The difference she made between the before and after was remarkable. Her style is engaging and personalized. I highly recommend her services."
"Your approach to communications training has proven invaluable to me. I know I will be a more dynamic speaker in the future. I look forward to our future sessions. Thanks so much!"
Linda Mae Southerland Vice President, ALLTEL
"Your approach to communications training has proven invaluable to me. I know I will be a more dynamic speaker in the future. I look forward to our future sessions. Thanks so much!"
Jada Keye Hebra Director of Admissions, St. Paul School
"Anyone who has to speak to a crowd-whether it's a crowd of 5 or a crowd of 500-should call Carmie. She is funny, puts you right at ease and gets results quickly."
"Carmie's focused approached to communications training insures success.
Her professional style and attention to the details creates the difference in achieving a positive outcome. I would highly recommend her program."
Sam Schreiber Washington, DC Regional Executive, Wells Fargo
"Carmie's focused approached to communications training insures success."You provide insight into the workings of the media that is dead-on, not an academic view…in a word, you were excellent."
Susan Moore Past Director, Georgia Medical Care Foundation
"Carmie's techniques are very subtle yet extremely effective. The instruction was very precise for each person. Most important is the results were evident in practice when presented with the opportunities."
Robert Hilton Vice President, Power Technology, Alstom Power Corporation
"Carmie's techniques are very subtle yet extremely effective. The instruction was very precise for each person. Most important is the results were evident in practice when presented with the opportunities."
Michael G. Hirshfeld Vice Rector for External Affairs, St. Pauls School
"Before I met Carmie, I had no idea how much I didn't know about preparing for interviews with the media. Carmie showed me how to simultaneously answer questions with effective sound bites that speak to the viewer. Her advice definitely helped face the press with confidence and get my book sold."
David Ross Author, "The Engagement Ring Secrets"
"Carmie is fabulous. Enthusiastic and well-prepared, she works easily and effectively with everyone, from the CEO, to scientists, to policy types. We were particularly impressed with her aptitude for helping us develop strong messages. We look forward to having her back for refresher courses in the future."
Katie Mandes Director of Communications, Center on Climate & Energy Solutions
"Carmie is fabulous. Enthusiastic and well-prepared, she works easily and effectively with everyone, from the CEO, to scientists, to policy types. We were particularly impressed with her aptitude for helping us develop strong messages. We look forward to having her back for refresher courses in the future."
"Carmie is absolutely fantastic. Some instructors are experts in their field but cannot convey their knowledge effectively and produce results. Carmie has the special talent of being able to apply her wealth of experience in presenting/public speaking to make her students successful. One session with Carmie gave me more insights into my personal speaking and presenting style than years of experience in school and at work. Thanks so much Carmie!"
Jim Liu Yale University
"Carmie is absolutely fantastic. Some instructors are experts in their field but cannot convey their knowledge effectively and produce results. Carmie has the special talent of being able to apply her wealth of experience in presenting/public speaking to make her students successful. One session with Carmie gave me more insights into my personal speaking and presenting style than years of experience in school and at work. Thanks so much Carmie!""Carmie is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She tailored training to provide exactly what I needed and she follows up regularly to offer additional tips for my presentations. She’s also extremely personable and friendly! Would highly recommend her for speakers of all skill levels!"
Jessica Reed, Analysist United States Airforce
Emily Swartz Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Public speaking is something I have always struggled with, and I was genuinely convinced that at this stage in my career it was something I would just always struggle with. I feel so empowered by what I’ve learned in your training, and have been volunteering to give as many presentations as I can to practice and hone my skills. Thank you again for helping us help others!
Carmie McCook provided an excellent training session on developing and delivering effective presentations with relevant material. Our group found the session extremely insightful and worthwhile. The tips for planning a presentation were invaluable. The group was pleased with how she was able to tailor the session, specifically tor what we do for the region. The breakout practices and the exercises were very helpful.
Nicholas Ramfos Director, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board
Carmie McCook provided an excellent training session on developing and delivering effective presentations with relevant material. Our group found the session extremely insightful and worthwhile. The tips for planning a presentation were invaluable. The group was pleased with how she was able to tailor the session, specifically tor what we do for the region. The breakout practices and the exercises were very helpful.
"Carmie McCook is a truly engaging Keynote Speaker. She spoke on the impact of storytelling in sales presentations at our annual sales conference. She is a funny storyteller, and her stories are relevant to the topic at hand. She presents articulately and intelligently, yet creates an intimate, almost familial atmosphere. We enjoyed Carmie tremendously and will be inviting her back!"
Rosa Mendoza-Friedmehim President Convention Sales Professionals Intenational
"Carmie McCook is a truly engaging Keynote Speaker. She spoke on the impact of storytelling in sales presentations at our annual sales conference. She is a funny storyteller, and her stories are relevant to the topic at hand. She presents articulately and intelligently, yet creates an intimate, almost familial atmosphere. We enjoyed Carmie tremendously and will be inviting her back!"
"Carmie, the public speaking tips and coaching you gave me really upped my skills! I’ve been through a few presentation classes before, and while they helped some, I definitely gained the most improvement from your coaching. I look forward to next time. I will absolutely recommend you to anyone looking to improve their presentation skills."
Michael Scheppke VP Sales, Asia Pacific Region, EXFO
"Carmie, the public speaking tips and coaching you gave me really upped my skills! I’ve been through a few presentation classes before, and while they helped some, I definitely gained the most improvement from your coaching. I look forward to next time. I will absolutely recommend you to anyone looking to improve their presentation skills."
"Carmie is an absolute pleasure to work with and her public speaking training goes far beyond what most expect…Among other things, she helped me methodically think, and in much greater detail, what different audiences want to get out of my speeches or business presentations, then crafted my content and delivery to suit. I would have told you I was doing this already, but she helped me see there was significant room for improvement!"
James Repenning Partner, ShiftGear, Hartford CT
"Carmie is an absolute pleasure to work with and her public speaking training goes far beyond what most expect…Among other things, she helped me methodically think, and in much greater detail, what different audiences want to get out of my speeches or business presentations, then crafted my content and delivery to suit. I would have told you I was doing this already, but she helped me see there was significant room for improvement!"“Even seasoned speakers will quickly notice the Carmie McCook difference! She is a gifted media coach who brings extraordinary commitment and a wealth of tested experience and proven talent to every assignment.”
Rosa Whitaker, President & CEO The Whitaker Group
Carmie is the absolute BEST! I had done lots of public speaking before working with Carmie, but I always felt nervous and uncomfortable. I didn't think I'd ever be comfortable in front of the camera until I worked with her. She taught me things that I would've never thought of on my own. Her experience and knowledge are second to none. She has the most comprehensive content on the planet and really shines on helping you deliver the most effective presentations in the most authentic way. She is worth every penny and more! Carmie's course was my best training investment since medical school!
Angela W. Marshall, MD FACP, Founder, Comprehensive Women's Health, Inc.
Carmie is the absolute BEST! I had done lots of public speaking before working with Carmie, but I always felt nervous and uncomfortable. I didn't think I'd ever be comfortable in front of the camera until I worked with her. She taught me things that I would've never thought of on my own. Her experience and knowledge are second to none. She has the most comprehensive content on the planet and really shines on helping you deliver the most effective presentations in the most authentic way. She is worth every penny and more! Carmie's course was my best training investment since medical school!
"Carmie is by far one of the best media trainers in D.C. Her individualized training techniques help both novice and experienced spokespeople enhance their media interview skills and comfort level. I recommend her highly."
Carole Roper Public Affairs Manager, National Apartment Association
"Carmie is by far one of the best media trainers in D.C. Her individualized training techniques help both novice and experienced spokespeople enhance their media interview skills and comfort level. I recommend her highly."
Philippe Morin CEO, EXFO
"Carmie strikes tremendous balance in her approach to media coaching. She pushes trainees to their limits in the all-important 'worst-case scenario' while keeping them actively engaged with her charisma and enthusiasm. To the surprise of many, even our most apprehensive senior executives walked away feeling far more confident and better prepared to meet the media. To make that big of an impact on members of our senior management speaks volumes about her abilities."
Nicole Anderson Vice President of Public Relations, Ciena Corporation
"Carmie strikes tremendous balance in her approach to media coaching. She pushes trainees to their limits in the all-important 'worst-case scenario' while keeping them actively engaged with her charisma and enthusiasm. To the surprise of many, even our most apprehensive senior executives walked away feeling far more confident and better prepared to meet the media. To make that big of an impact on members of our senior management speaks volumes about her abilities."
"Your presentation training program was informative and extremely beneficial for our executive management team.
As a matter of fact, the conference evaluations rated you as the overwhelming favorite aspect of the conference."
Joseph Persichini, Jr. Former Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation
"Your presentation training program was informative and extremely beneficial for our executive management team.
The audience loved her engaging, warm style, and sharp insights. We look forward to having her back every year!"
Meng Jia Yang Women's Leadership Initiative Speakers and Workshops Chair, Yale University
She can teach you how to communicate with real impact. She helped us tremendously at UPS and I know she can do the same for others."
Oz Nelson Former Chairman and CEO, UPS
"If you have a key audience to reach and want to make sure you do so effectively, call Carmie McCook.
Louis Adam Corporate Director, Marketing, EXFO
"Excellent at teaching what you really need to know when meeting the media! Carmie has really done her homework on our subject!"
Karen Johnson Director, United Way of Texas
"Excellent at teaching what you really need to know when meeting the media! Carmie has really done her homework on our subject!"
"I learned more about giving strong media interviews and delivering engaging business presentations in the two-day intense workshop with Carmie than I had in 7 years with my PR department. She had very carefully prepared for the sessions by learning an impressive amount of information about my field of activities beforehand. I would highly recommend her training to anyone who gives media interviews, important business presentations, and keynote speeches. She is in a class all her own!"
Bruno Fulda High Council Member Ecology and Sustainable Development, Government of France
"I learned more about giving strong media interviews and delivering engaging business presentations in the two-day intense workshop with Carmie than I had in 7 years with my PR department. She had very carefully prepared for the sessions by learning an impressive amount of information about my field of activities beforehand. I would highly recommend her training to anyone who gives media interviews, important business presentations, and keynote speeches. She is in a class all her own!""Carmie is the absolute BEST! I had done lots of public speaking before working with Carmie but always felt nervous and uncomfortable. I didn't think I'd ever been comfortable in front of the camera until I worked with Carmie. She taught me things that I would've never thought of on my own. Her experience and knowledge are second to none. She has the most comprehensive content on the planet and really shines on helping you deliver the most effective presentations most authentically. She is worth every penny and more! Carmie's course was my best training investment since medical school!"
Angela Wright Marshall, MD Founder of Comprehensive Women's Health, Silver Spring, MD
"Carmie is top-notch at public speaking, presentations, and media training! She is passionate about her work, engaging for the audience, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her tailored workshop on public speaking and media presentations was so well-received, I booked her for a professional networking seminar the following month. I highly recommend Carmie!"
Alexandra Ghara Program Director, Robertson Foundation for Government, Washington, DC
"Carmie is top-notch at public speaking, presentations, and media training! She is passionate about her work, engaging for the audience, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her tailored workshop on public speaking and media presentations was so well-received, I booked her for a professional networking seminar the following month. I highly recommend Carmie!""I can honestly say that learning from Carmie McCook has completely transformed the way I speak publicly today. I talk confidently with little notes; I have learned to slow down so that my message can be better absorbed and start all of my speeches strong and with a smile. I'd recommend working with Carmie any day!"
Meira Spivak Director, National Conference of Synagogue Youth, Portland OR
"Ms. Carmie is the greatest! She is a very patient and understanding coach. In my experience, her teaching transcended publicly speaking. It taught me how to carry myself in everyday life. My posture, utilizing my voice with different tones, and much more. She is a one-of-a-kind coach!"
Rehan Staton Staff Analyst, The Robert Bobb Group, LLC, Washington, DC
"Carmie McCook is an amazing public speaking coach. The day my boys, ages 15 and 17, spent with her was invaluable for success in delivering a speech at a major event. They really enjoyed working with her. She made the practice day fun; they had an important message to deliver at a major Alzheimer's fundraising event to an audience of 1000 people, and with her assistance, it went off without a hitch…She is an amazing person. Approachable. Engaging. Professional. Helpful. I can't recommend her company highly enough."
Sara Poole Director, Strategic Communications & Marketing, Center for Innovative Technology, Herndon, VA
"I am an American scientist currently working in the Caribbean. I was invited to participate virtually in a webcast panel discussion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenting virtually was a new experience for me, so I contacted Carmie for coaching. She immediately set up a virtual training session with me. It was outstanding! Not only did she help me hone my messages and provide other valuable tips, she also taught me how to look and sound my best using remote video technology. Virtual communication for business is here to stay, and Carmie McCook is the expert you need to help you succeed in this new world."
Deborah Brosnan, Ph.D. Deborah Brosnan & Associates, Washington, DC
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