Michelle E. Shaw
Clear communication for all occasions
Topics include:
Communication Studies/Theory
Corporate Communications
Interpersonal Communications
Homiletics/preaching
Journalism
Race
Religion
Rhetoric
Available for:
Breakout sessions
Emceeing
Facilitation
Panel discussions
Training
Workshop Facilitator
Biography
Michelle E. Shaw is a PhD candidate in Rhetoric and Public Culture at Northwestern University. She earned her BA in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University, and while working as a full-time journalist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center. She later earned a Master of Theology degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
Before returning to the classroom to pursue her graduate education, Michelle wrote for several newspapers in the South and Southeast, including The (Nashville) Tennessean and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, over the course of 15 years. As a result of her journalism career, Michelle is passionate about general and interpersonal communication, and particularly helping speakers craft clear, concise messages.
Michelle’s academic interests dwell at the intersection of rhetoric and religion. Her dissertation project focuses on Black women who teach preaching, and questions whether their memories and current experiences of being Black women in the world influence their pedagogical approaches and practices.
Why She Is Your Speaker
“Michelle did an excellent job leading us to a place of reflection as she facilitated a discussion with several of our founding church members. The conversation maintained the tension of the past but helped us imagine what our future could be.”
Dr. G.J. Mitchell, Senior Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Most Requested Talks
That’s Not What I Said: The Difference Between What You Said What They Heard
It has happened to all of us. What you said, and what they heard did not match. At. All. Why does that happen? How can it happen less? This workshop will help participants think about not only their message, but the audience and the words they use to communicate their message. Attendees will leave with a communication plan for saying what they mean, and meaning what they say. This workshop is most effective with a medium-size group, and a time frame of 60 minutes. The workshop can be adapted for larger groups, and the time frame can be extended or reduced.
Public Speaking 101: Finding Your Voice
Does the idea of speaking in front of strangers frighten you? Is your mind suddenly blank and your mouth dry as soon as you stand up in front of more than two people? If so, these are common occurrences, but these circumstances don’t have to be your reality. Attendees of this workshop will engage in several exercises that will increase their comfort level in public speaking settings. Participants will leave this experience with coping mechanisms they can employ before, during, and after their next speaking engagement. This workshop is most effective with a small group, and a time frame of 90 minutes. It can be adapted for larger groups, and the time frame can be extended or reduced.
Becoming A Stronger Public (and Private) Speaker
What is the difference between a good communicator and a great communicator? How do YOU go from better to best or from good to great? This workshop will discuss advanced communication methods and give attendees ideas of areas their public speaking could improve. Participants will engage in small group discussion about effective communication practices and develop personal action plans. This workshop is most effective for medium size to large groups, and a time frame of 45 minutes. The workshop can be adapted for smaller groups, and the time frame can be extended or reduced.
Critical Thinking and Effective Arguments
How do you process information? How do you form opinions? How do you know what you know? This workshop will challenge participants’ ways of knowing and being. Attendees will engage in large group discussions about what it means to form an opinion, and how to create a sound argument for that opinion. Participants will create a personalized method for taking in, processing, and disseminating information. This workshop is most effective for small to medium-sized groups, and a time frame of 90 minutes. The workshop can be adapted for larger groups, and the time frame can be extended or reduced.