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About
We all know what it’s like to feel anxiety while speaking. For some of us, it’s resulted in the loss of a job, promotion, or relationship. What many of us don’t realize is that ANYONE can learn to develop a captivating stage presence.
I teach a unique, holistic method that enables executives, academics, and other professionals to uncover their natural ability to deeply impact an audience.
My background is in theatre, and I hold an MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University/ The Shakespeare Theatre and a BFA in Acting from NYU-Tisch. After seeing the difference performance training made in my fellow actors - not only onstage but in their overall fulfillment in life - I developed a strong desire to share this work with professionals in the other fields. Since founding Joy of Speaking, I believe even more firmly that all people can learn to be captivating communicators. Developing these skills leads not only to more effective presentations and more successful interviews, but also to accessing an inner confidence and connection to your innate creativity.
I help clients tell engaging stories, develop a confident physicality, improve vocal clarity and diction, and speak from the heart. Clients use these skills in all areas of life: from high stakes presentations, to job interviews, to dating.
Clients can choose to work short-term to prepare for a specific speech or interview, for a few months to address a particular habit or skill, or indefinitely-- there are always new skills to uncover.
Overview
Hired 40 times
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2022
2021
Services offered
Public speaking goals
To prepare for an event
To develop a skillset
To build confidence
To explore as a hobby
Level of experience
No experience
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Setting for speech
Personal
Business
Academic
Political
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
45 reviews
5
100%
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3
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Read reviews that mention:
Diana G.
Mar 29, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jennie helped me overcome a challenging period in my life that affected my publicspeaking ability. With the help of specific exercises and tools provided by Jennie, I was able to break through those barriers and create positive growth and a better lifestyle that still holds true today. Jennie is a great listener and has a great sense of empathy for her clients, which is invaluable for making progress. Thank you, Jennie!
Details: Intermediate • 45 - 64 years old • Verbal delivery • Body language • Connecting with audience • Speech content • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • To prepare for an event • Business • More than 1 month away • Remotely (phone or internet) • My home, venue, etc.
Joy of Speaking's reply
Thank you so much for this thoughtful Review, Diana! You are wonderful to work with!
Public Speaking Lessons
Clara G.
May 19, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jennie is truly incredible. I found her after getting a new job which required tons of publicspeaking engagements. I was struggling with anxiety, voice quivering, and just general dread about speaking. She taught me some amazing exercises, helped shift my thinking about my publicspeaking, and was just so warm, supportive, and lovely to work with. I liken her to a personal trainer who helps you get comfortable at the gym - she helps you tackle scary things when you don't even know where to start, and you leave feeling like you can tackle more of them on your own. I'm now practicing more mindfulness, something I've tried doing for YEARS and never could actually manage to do and keep up. And my anxiety and outlook about publicspeaking is just infinitely lower than it was where I started. I highly highly reccomend her!
Details: Intermediate • 26 - 44 years old • Verbal delivery • Body language • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • Business • Within 1 week • Remotely (phone or internet)
Joy of Speaking's reply
Clara, thank you so much for this kind review! It means the world to me - it's an honor to work with you!
Public Speaking Lessons
Linda D.
May 23, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
I was starting a new job where I would have to facilitate meetings and communicate clearly to stakeholders. I wanted to work with a speech coach to help me overcome my "stage fright." After working with Jennie for just a fews months I definitely see an improvement in my communication and speaking abilities. I've worked with other speech coaches, but wasn't able to figure out why I would freeze or get tongue-tied in meetings despite preparing and using strategies suggested by coaches. Jennie really helped me break through, and I look forward to each session.
Details: Beginner • 26 - 44 years old • Verbal delivery • Body language • Connecting with audience • Speech content • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • To prepare for an event • Business • Within 2 weeks • Remotely (phone or internet)
Joy of Speaking's reply
Thank you so much, Linda! It is a joy working with you!
Public Speaking Lessons
Jack ..
Sep 14, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jennie definitely helped me drastically improve my publicspeaking techniques and my overall confidence when speaking! She helped me identify areas of improvement, such as my breathing rhythm while speaking and the pace/pausing of my speech. Over the weeks working together, I was able to become a better speaker in these weaker areas where I initially struggled. I will definitely continue using the techniques to become even more confident and comfortable when publicspeaking. I would definitely recommend Jennie for any publicspeaking goals that you may have.
Details: No experience • 18 - 25 years old • Verbal delivery • Connecting with audience • Body language • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • Personal • Not applicable, just interested as a hobby • Remotely (phone or internet)
Joy of Speaking's reply
Thank you, Jack! You are fantastic to work with!
Public Speaking Lessons
Ashley S.
Nov 16, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Honestly so so grateful for my time with Jennie! She ha such a warm and welcoming energy that makes you feel so open. I was so surprised by how tactical and useful each session was! She was always well prepared and took the time to know me and customize each session. It honestly sometimes felt like therapy how much she honored and held space so beautifully. Cannot say enough wonderful things about her! She supports reaching your goals around publicspeaking and raps deeper to get at the core of some personal fears and anxieties surrounding publicspeaking.
Details: Beginner • 26 - 44 years old • Verbal delivery • To develop a skillset • Business • Not applicable, just interested as a hobby • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Joy of Speaking's reply
Ashley, thank for this incredibly kind review! It means so much to me.
Public Speaking Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Jennifer Bissell
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We will start with a free, 20 minute phone consultation.
After that time, I am happy to offer income-based pricing discounts.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We begin by outlining what you like and dislike about public speaking, your wildest aspirations as a communicator, and relatively how long you'd like to work together.
Each session begins with a brief vocal/ physical warm up that's tailored to your needs. We will work together to develop a warm up you can do independently before a talk or meeting (or daily) to help you feel grounded and confident, and communicate with ease.
We then might move into exercises designed around building a particular skill (such as storytelling, improved diction, etc), or begin to work on a particular speech.
We'll work on speeches (or interview questions, stories, etc) formally, but also creatively-- we might play games, work with your imagination, or explore new styles of delivery-- whatever is necessary to help you communicate with impact.
A major focus of our work will be on developing awareness of your body, voice, and connection with others. There's a reason they call it stage "presence!"
Clients typically schedule sessions 1-2 weeks apart, and some homework will be given between each meeting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University/ the Shakespeare Theatre and my BFA in Acting from NYU-Tisch.
I've trained in the UK with the British American Drama Academy, and with US Master Teachers such as Matthew Corozine and Tessa Lang.
I am currently training in Accent Modification with Compton PESL.
I am also certified as a Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, and a certified to teach Trauma Informed Mindfulness via the Engaged Mindfulness Institute.
