HVWiB Lunch & Learn Recap: Speak with Impact
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Host: Hudson Valley Women in Business (HVWiB)
Speaker: Helen Johnson, Founder & Chief Storyteller, Helen Johnson Media; journalist, emcee, workshop presenter; host of the Kaleidoscope Career podcast
Real talk. Real tools. Women supporting women.
At this month’s HVWiB Lunch & Learn, communications expert Helen Johnson led a timely, energizing session on how to speak with impact in every setting, including Zoom, client calls, team meetings, interviews, networking, and the stage. The focus was practical: own the room, introduce yourself with confidence, craft a memorable passion statement, and ask and answer questions with clarity.
“Every single one of us speaks for a living,” Helen reminded us. “Your voice and presence are tools. Use them.”
Key Takeaways You Can Use Today
1) Own the moment before you speak
Take a cleansing breath to calm your mind and relax your vocal cords.
A grounded breath naturally lowers your pitch and projects confidence.
2) Lead with your full name
Always introduce yourself with first and last name.
Follow with a concise “long-tail” line that explains why you are in the room.
Example: “I’m Helen Johnson, Founder of Helen Johnson Media and an HVWiB Events Committee member.”
3) Drop the apologies and fillers
Skip “I’m sorry,” “I think,” “um,” “like,” “so,” “you know.”
Think the thought. Say the answer. Confidence is clarity.
4) Craft your passion statement (not a sales pitch)
A passion statement shares your why, not an offer. Short, human, memorable.
Example: “I help leaders strengthen their spoken communication so their message moves people and the mission forward.”
End on a power word people will remember—like “thrive.”
5) Answer in complete sentences
Treat every conversation like an interview. Mirror the question in your first phrase.
Q: “Why are you presenting tomorrow?”
A: “I’m presenting tomorrow because …”
Benefits: you sound composed, you prove you’re listening, and your answer stands on its own for recordings and edits.
6) Use names—intentionally
Saying “Nice to meet you, Lourdes” helps you remember and makes others feel seen.
7) Coach your delivery with simple tools
Record yourself explaining your intro and passion statement conversationally.
Consider practice apps that flag filler words. Repetition builds ease.
HVWiB is a community where women do business differently with honesty, support, and practical tools you can use the same day. Speaking with impact is a leadership skill that touches every part of your work: sales, collaboration, fundraising, hiring, advocacy, and service.
Bring your voice. We’ll help you amplify it.
About the Speaker
Helen Johnson has spent more than four decades in journalism and media—on air and behind the scenes with outlets including NBC, CBS, CNN, NPR, PBS, Forbes, and more. She coaches leaders and teams to craft messages, tell concise stories, and deliver them with confidence. She hosts the Kaleidoscope Career podcast and serves on the HVWiB Events Committee and the board of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival.
Connect with Helen! Visit her website.