Pitch! Master the Speech that Matters

Ready to shine when it counts? Join us in person for Pitch! – the ultimate workshop to hone your speech skills and make every word count. Whether you’re presenting a big idea or just want to speak with confidence, this workshop is for you. Don't miss the chance to learn how to captivate your audience and pitch like a pro! Workshop limited to 10 participants.

Come ready to work on a short piece of your own — about 1–3 minutes. This could be:

• A pitch — something that promotes your idea, project, or you.
• A true story — a meaningful, funny, or pivotal moment from your life or work.
• A section from an upcoming presentation — something you want to strengthen or refine.
• A dramatic monologue — a short passage you’d like to explore for performance or voice work.

• Customized Speech Review: Receive detailed feedback to refine your speech for maximum impact.
• Audience & Room Management: Learn strategies to engage, influence, and command any audience.
• Vocal Variety & Presence: Master tone, pacing, and energy to hold attention and convey authority.
• Discover Your Why: Clarify the purpose behind your message to make it resonate.
• On-the-Feet Practice: Rehearse your speech in real-time with direct coaching andfeedback.
• Big Speech Prep Tools: Templates, exercises, and best practices for any public speaking scenario.

Who This Is For:

1. • Executives, founders, and professionals with a high-stakes speech to deliver.
   • Anyone looking to boost confidence and presence in front of an audience.
   • Individuals committed to mastering persuasive, memorable communication.

"I want to thank you for all that you did to set me up for success with my speech. Thinking back on our time together, your warm presence and the way you encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone meant so much. You have energized me and built my confidence in a way I did not realize was needed. I believe that gap is gone now because of you." --Robert G., CEO

"Denise was INCREDIBLE!!! We recently had to prepare a pitch for a competition. Denise not only helped us with writing the pitch, but she rehearsed it with us countless times, helping us with our timing, with when and what to emphasize, thus making our pitch sound incredibly professional (if I do say so myself:). Denise is a thoughtful, talented and amazing coach." --Sarah S., Entrepreneur

"I wanted to write to offer my deepest thanks. My presentation went unbelievably well. It was the first time in my life that I've ever actually enjoyed speaking in front of a room. My voice wasn't shaky or monotone...and I didn't stutter. That it went so well with a film crew in the room is even more shocking.” --Sam S., Professor

Denise Stewart is an Executive Coach specializing in public speaking and executive presence. She helps leaders, executives, and teams strengthen their voice, presence, and influence—on stage, in meetings, and in high-stakes conversations.Drawing from her background as a theatre artist and speaker, Denise works with corporate clients and organizations such as UVA's Health Leadership Institute, Devil's Backbone Brewing Company, BattenX, UVAHR, WRISE, the Darden Business School, Crutchfield Corp., MicroAire Surgical, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Kluge Children’s Rehabilitation Center, and CFA Institute. She is also a frequent keynote speaker and emcee, recently hosting the 4th annual Cville Disrupt HR event and the Silverline Theatre Exchange Gala.A past Charlottesville TEDx speaker and current TEDx speaker coach, Denise has guided countless professionals in mastering storytelling, personal agency, and stage presence. Her one-woman show Dirty Barbie and Other Girlhood Tales toured internationally, including performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and New York City’s 59E59 Theatre.Denise holds an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Virginia and a Certificate in Nutrition from Cornell University. She currently serves as a Lecturer at UVA’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where she teaches public speaking and leadership communication.

Also check out other Arts events in Charlottesville, Workshops in Charlottesville, Theatre events in Charlottesville.