Jim Comer

About Jim Comer

Whether you\'re giving a major speech, product kick-off, recognition event or a wedding toast/employee roast, I can help you sound like your best self - the person your friends and associates know and enjoy.What sets me apart is that I am a triple threat: speechwriter and speech coach who has worked for CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and a nationally known keynotes speaker on presentation skills.Here\'s how I work with clients: First, we focus on content and work to create a talk in your own natural style. Once the script is in great shape, we work on developing natural delivery that conveys likability, clarity, and connection. Most importantly, I create a safe, supportive environment where we build on your strengths and overcome difficulties quickly.Our goal is to create a positive feeling between you and the audience to make business points that are clear and memorable, whether in a board room, ballroom or to a team of associates.My thirty-year background as a communication consultant includes diverse industries from retail to high tech to direct sales – Dell, Avon Products, Office Depot, KPMG, AMD, Emerson - and agencies such as LCRA, Austin Energy and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.I have presented my keynote, You Are the Message, in more than 25 states, Canada and Mexico. In addition, I’ve given presentation skills workshops to thousands of business leaders from Halifax, Nova Scotia to San Diego, California.Along with writing scores of speeches for top executives and business leaders, my articles have been published in The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News and Readers’ Digest. As an author, my book, When Roles Reverse: A Guide to Parenting Your Parents, was published by Hampton Roads and was a finalist for the Writers’ League of Texas Best Non-Fiction Book. I can help in three key areas:* Writing/outlining a presentation* Delivering it to employees, clients, or business audiences* Training your executive team in presentation skillsKey skills: Speechwriting, speech coaching, speaking, presentation consultant, PowerPoint editing, communications strategy, ghostwriting books, and comedy writing for corporate events.

Experience

1. Speaker

   Comer Communications

   Oct 1996 — Present

   Keynote Speaker on topics including:\"The Message Is You\" helps audience members realize that their greatest strength as communicators is the individuality they bring to every presentation. The talk emphasizes the power of making a few points well - not many points badly, how to deal with the unexpected and turn it to your advantage, and how to make a point memorable by telling a story. At the end of the speech, each member of the audience gets to practice what I\'ve preached by sharing a personal story with a partner.\"The Joys and Jolts of Caregiving\" is based on my book,\"When Roles Reverse\". The audience shares the ups and downs of moving back to Texas after 30 years to become an overnight caregiver. Based on 14 years of experience, the talk appeals to those who will be caregivers and need to prepare, those who are current caregivers and can use encouragement and those who have been caregivers and deserve recognition. Audiences laugh a lot, cry a little and learn practical tips on how to deal with a subject every family will face.\"It\'s an Inside Job\" is a humorous look at my many attempts to become \"rich and famous\" in NY and LA as a performer and writer. After glamorous jobs as a waiter, dog walker, apartment painter, and office temp - being on seven quiz shows including \"Jeopardy\" and writing one-ine jokes for Joan Rivers - I had a house on hill in LA and found a niche writing speeches for CEOs. When I was 50, I became a caregiver for my parents and learned that the most important job of my life would not involve red carpets or private jets.\"How Not to Speak Like a Geek\"- is desperately needed by PowerPoint-addicted presenters. Audiences learn to use slides effectively, focusing on great visuals and limited text. We even discuss the possibility of giving a great presentation with no slides at all. In a lively and interactive talk, I show how to avoid mind-numbing jargon and acronyms and bring authority and energy to every presentation.

Education

• Trinity University

  B.A., Political Science, English

• Dallas Theater Center

  Acting

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Coaching
• Executive Coaching
• Leadership Development
• Writing
• Editing
• Strategic Planning
• Training
• Team Building
• Leadership
• Newsletters
• Small Business
• Management
• Teaching
• Policy
• Marketing
• Negotiation
• Strategy
• Internal Communications
• Workshop Facilitation
• Social Media Marketing
• Staff Development
• Team Leadership
• Start-Ups
• Publishing
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Media
• Public Relations