“At Focus, the last thing in the world we want is for our extraordinary talent to feel constrained or overly-managed during their support for the films they have made, and all too often, ‘media training’ can be a code word for those constraints. But with Ruth, it’s the exact opposite. Ruth frees people up to feel confident and open about what they truly want to communicate, without having to worry about anyone – most importantly, themselves – looking over their own shoulders.”
James Schamus, CEO, Focus Features (Universal)
“I first worked with Ruth in my former capacity as President and CEO of Timex. I depended on her to help me get my message out both in writing and speaking. My audiences were broad, ranging from our international workforce to our worldwide clientele to the Board of Directors. Today, as Chairman of UltraMotor, I still rely on Ruth’s insights and recommendations to help me do the vital work of influencing and persuading.”
Joe Santana, Chairman, UltraMotor; Former President & CEO, Timex
“I hired Ruth to work with me on the hospital’s annual meeting presentation. I wanted to represent the hospital and its employees in an excellent manner. Ruth knew exactly what would work and what wouldn’t, helping me refine the personal stories that supported our mission and allowed the audience to connect. She was a gently constructive critic of my delivery and it certainly paid off. I’ll definitely use Ruth again.”
Dan DeBarba, CEO, Norwalk Hospital
“I was honored with a big award, but was then told I’d have to give an acceptance speech in front of 800 people – read: 800 potential clients. I needed help. Ruth Sherman came to my rescue. In record time, Ruth rewrote my remarks, coached me to deliver and rehearsed me until I could have some fun with it. One thing I’ll always be grateful for: Her insistence I open with a personal story I was hesitant about using. She was right! It got a huge laugh and it set the stage for rest of the speech. Put your trust in Ruth Sherman.”
Amy Wilfert, Senior Partner, Day Pitney LLP
“Ruth Sherman truly is the “Speech Coach to the Stars.” When my new book came out, I wanted to be sure I was ready for “prime time.” Ruth worked with me on everything from on-camera presence, to developing my main messages, to returning to them again and again. Ruth has made sure that each time I appear, my books go flying off the shelves. In fact, I recently appeared on a national TV show, which went so well the host asked me to speak at a live conference. I am honored to know Ruth and thrilled to work with her. If you need to do a speech, presentation, or appear on the 6 o’clock news, call Ruth or you’ll be making a BIG mistake!”
Jennifer Edwards Abernethy, CEO, The Sales Lounge and Author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Social Media Marketing”
“When Universal/Focus Features bought and adapted my book, “Taking Woodstock,” for Ang Lee to direct, I was practically dancing on the moon. Then Universal informed me that I needed a handler to train me how to handle the upcoming onslaught of worldwide press/media that would be interviewing me. I didn’t think I needed a handler. After all, I’ve been doing interviews and radio/tv shows for over 30 years.
How wrong I was.
They brought in the very delightful and knowledgeable Ruth Sherman to meet with me. Ruth coached me on how to handle what would be awkward and embarrassing questions. Her advice served me well in that she trained me how to redirect potentially damaging stuff into positive as well as statements that would have the desired impact that Ang Lee’s vision of my memoir was aiming for in the movie.
I expressed my deepest concern that my normal humorous way of expressing myself might get lost. Ruth analyzed those concerns and came up with exactly the right mix of my natural humor that would help me win the respect both my publisher and Universal/Focus Features wanted.
Ruth Sherman’s guidance continues to accompany me in my nationwide tour of colleges and universities. I can handle the enormous variety of questions from both conservative audiences to the liberal fans I generally appeal to. Of course, when not onstage, I am still free to rant and rave as I love to. lol”
Elliot Tiber, Author, “Taking Woodstock”
“Ruth is AMAZING in a professional capacity as well as being an incredible human being. First and foremost, she is a tremendous motivator. I personally worked with Ruth on a project and acquired skills and tools during that process I have been able to successfully set and attain many professional and personal goals. Ruth is honest, precise and most of all, an expert in her field. She has a natural ability to unselfishly share her experiences and empower others to be successful. I’ve also hired her to speak (The other women in the group were truly impressed and empowered by her words and came away with tools to be used ASAP.) I am very much looking forward to working with Ruth and seeing her in action again.”
Bridget Klein, Partner, BDO Seidman
“Ruth Sherman’s ‘Platform Confidence’ was a great program! And it was fun! (I never thought public speaking could be fun.) I think everyone learned a lot, not only about presenting but also about themselves. I certainly did. It was one of the most useful presentations I’ve ever attended. As a result, I have invited Ruth to present again at our next Annual Conference.”
Lorna Bolduc, Executive Director, Connecticut Society of Association Executives
“Ruth Sherman was a key part of helping us to achieve balance during that tumultuous summer of Woodstock Mania 2009. Ruth worked with our author, Elliot Tiber, to help him promote the film adaptation of his book, “Taking Woodstock,” as we were working the book side of the PR equation. She was a great team player to all parts of the process and very much into the “big picture” allowing for Elliot’s reality of having both a book and a film that were important to him at the same time. We look forward to working with Ruth again!”
Anthony Pomes, Director of Marketing, Square One Publishers (Publisher of “Taking Woodstock”)
“We had always been disappointed – then we found you! Your experience at the highest levels of the corporation is just what we needed. By the way, we got the account – thanks!”
CEO, staffing services company
“The road show was a huge hit with investors and our stock opened significantly above our expectations. I guess that’s why you do what you do.”
CFO, music/video distributor
“The actress was fabulous on the morning show. She was fun, hit all the talking points and a far cry from her last media interview, i.e., pre-Ruth. Thank you!”
Senior Publicist, entertainment publicity firm
“Our CEO was able to face the press with a level of confidence and dynamism I had not seen before. You’re a miracle worker!”
Managing Director, Corporate Affairs, global bank
“Excellent – just what I envisioned. All the instructors were’world class’.”
General Auditor, global bank
“I felt very comfortable with the storyline you helped us develop and the panel discussion went very well.”
CEO, regional bank
“She (the EVP) did a tremendous job. We know because there was no mistaking the reaction of our 3,000 guests.”
Managing Director, global bank
“Ruth’s coaching enabled me to make the best presentation of my life at a critical time for my business, my agency and my career. I will always be grateful.”
Executive Vice-President, major ad agency
“Your approach was thoughtful and intellectual – not cookie-cutter. I found the training to be most helpful and look forward to continuing my education.”
Sr. Managing Director, Corporate Affairs, global bank
“Ruth Sherman was excellent. She gave insightful and constructive feedback. It was a great learning experience and I was able to improve my skills immediately.”
Director of Sales, TV network
“The best workshop on the topic I have ever participated in-and I’ve done many. I’m sending you overseas to work with our European investment bankers.”
Managing Director, global investment bank
“Very, very useful. I have to present in Baltimore – care to come along in my pocket?”
Vice-president, financial services company
“Excellent – provided tips and recommendations to effectively communicate and be heard. I would like a follow-up class.”
Vice-president, global bank
“Both trainers are excellent, well-informed. They gave the class and me very useful information. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Vice-president, global bank
“Absolutely wonderful, excellent background, fabulous job!”
Director of Affiliate Sales, TV network
“Ruth’s style, format and presence were professional and kind. The environment was “safe” and comfortable allowing us to get the most our of the seminar.”
Vice-president, sales, TV network
“The facilitators had excellent theoretical and practical knowledge – a high standard – comfortable and extremely effective training style. The workshop was very enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Vice-president, global investment bank, UK headquarters
