"Tom Landry, Ernie Staunter, Frank Bauer, Bob Blasi, Bob Vessey, Abe Gibron, Al Davis. I’ve had some of the world’s greatest coaches help me realize my potential. The Great ones push hard, while backing off just at the right time to instill a focus on the proper motivation. Your talent as a coach is not surpassed by any of the wonderful men with whom I’ve had the privilege to work. Thank you for pushing me!"
David Stalls
LA Raider / Dallas Cowboy
Three-time Superbowl Champion
"Picture a rough-edged Iowa farm boy coming before a sophisticated, beatiful red headed preeminent consultant. Imagine the growth that this green, ill-at-ease man of the sod would experience from three intense days with an eloquent, penetrating, caring facilitator. That's me. That's you. It happened.
You are making a positive difference in a lot of lives, I am sure. God love you for that."
R. James Nicholson
Former Chairman, National Republican Committee
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican
U.S. Secretary for Veteran's Affairs
"I have been told before that I am a good speaker; that I have the potential to reach people and influence them positively; that I have a gift! But never before have I been so keenly aware of how to channel that 'potential' and work my 'gift' as I am now. You are one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever encountered and I am blessed because of it. Love ya!"
Rick Smith
Director of Pro Personnal, Denver Broncos
"It’s rather like Androcles and the Lion, with Jo being Androcles and finding the thorn in each person which keeps that person from presenting themselves the way they could."
Ruth Brogoitti
Librarian, Colorado Supreme Court
"This seminar was excellent. I both enjoyed and benefited from it. I believe the emphasis on honesty, enthusiasm, and the general personal presence were the most beneficial aspects for me. I do think that you have a gentle wisdom which you offer to each participant. Many thanks for the important gift you gave me."
Most Reverend John J. Meyers
Bishop of Peoria
Currently, Archbishop of Newark
"I must confess that because of my previous experience I had some ambivalence when I was originally approached about participating in the Master Communications Seminar. During the initial introductions, I fumbled around to state a reason for being there because I did not need to overcome a blatant hurdle such as fear. Well, two days later, I was appalled at my arrogance. Not only did Jo have a great deal to teach me, I also loved the learning.
An intimate experience within a supportive peer group, Jo gently – and sometimes not so gently! – pushes each participant to achieve peak performance. Jo orchestrates the seminars with a keen eye, ear and also great ease. However, the ‘picture’ that comes to mind is of a mother bird lovingly teaching her nestlings to fly and then pushing them from the nest. We all flew!"
Laureen Casteel
President, The Hunt Alternatives Fund
"For far too long, our Church is the poorer because we take the Jo Farrells and place them under bushel baskets instead of on a lamp where they can give a light."
Fr. Thomas P. Thorne
Priest, Dominican Novitiate
"I thoroughly enjoyed this seminar! Seminar doesn't seem quite the correct word - how about conversations? Pep Talks? Motivational Moments? Jo's Jewels? I so enjoyed basking in the many years of your varied personal and professional experiences. I came away with a better understanding of my own strengths."
Dean Prima, M.D.
Partners in Pediatrics
"Overall, the seminar was outstanding. I learned far more than I expected – not just about public speaking, but about life. Thank you for everything!"
David Miller
Principal, Greenburg Baron Simon and Miller, Inc.
Currently President & CEO, The Denver Foundation
"The seminar was a source of personal growth for me. The group, under Jo's guidance, helped me find my voice, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Jo has developed a format that really works and it was thrilling to see each of the participants improve dramatically."
Sheila Bugdanowitz
President and CEO
Rose Community Foundation
"After your program, I was required to attend another seminar on presentation skills. This was a prerequisite for my job, so it was not by choice that I attended. After my first presentation in the class, a gentleman asked, 'what are you doing here, why aren't you teaching this class?' After my second presentation, the instructor said, 'it's obvious that you have had a lot of formal training in public speaking and a lot of experience.'
I wasn't about to tell them that my formal training was a two-day seminar I spent with you; I doubt they would have believed me. When the instructo made the comment I smiled and my mind flashed back to the day I stood in your seminar totally frozen, tongue-tied and on the verge of tears."
Dee Schneider
Business Analyst, Texaco
"I have always believed the ‘tougher’ the instructor, the better – you rank above all!"
Larry Schwartz
Colorado State Legislator
"This has to be the most rewarding, self-fulfilling training session I have taken. In many ways, there are similarities to the Dale Carnegie course I took when I was 16 years of age. This session was more detailed and definitely better structured!"
Gary Weston
Headmaster, Sterling Hospital
"I have learned so much from you in three days. You are much more than a teacher – perhaps you could hang shingles in your office that say, ‘Jo Farrell – Counselor; Jo Farrell – Humorist; Jo Farrell – Chef’ and so many more. You truly are a remarkable woman."
Julie Boston
President, Continental Graphics, Inc.
"The intensity of our conversation, the depth of openness and the linkage between pure speechmaking and those factors that contribute to our daily feelings of insecurity were very appropriate.
This is a very powerful seminar and I will be happy to recommend it to others."
Steven De Wire
General Manager
Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek
"…without any question, learning from you has been a turning point in my life. Our sessions together will forever be vivid, incredibly important living memories.
You really care and have taught yourself to take risks using special skills to achieve extraordinary success while helping others to do the same thing."
Richard Moritz
Martin Marietta
"Because of your generosity, your gifts, your patience and your wit, my preaching has been transformed, and I'm not the only one noticing. Now parishioners are thanking me each week for some element of the homily that affected them deeply. But what strikes me most about the changes in my homilies is not that I hear positive comments, but that those who thank me are saying the homilies have led them to change! Praise God! And Jo...thank YOU!"
Fr. Jim Crisman
Parochial Vicar, St. Michael the Archangel
"The format is minimal (possibly unique) and much more effective than a nuts and bolts-type format."
Zane Anderson
Asset Team Manager
Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.
"Microphone level...check. Posture...check. Smile...check. Touch tongue and stride - fearlessly and confidently - to the front of the room. Look out at the happy audience and let the gift begin.
Hardly a day goes by when I don't reflect on how well you teach what comes naturally to you. You're an amazing woman, Jo. Be it in the kitchen tossing your fancy chicken salad, behind the camera, or at the head of the table in your magnificent offices, you are always on top of your game.
My colleagues have noticed and remarked on the remarkable changes in me. Thanks to your class, I now welcome the opportunity to share."
Karrie Williams
Alumni Director, Colorado College
"Your technique for dealing with our greatest fear is a gem. I am amazed at how simple and easy you made a difficult subject. Your approach to dealing with fear is the most powerful I have experienced.
Integrating the suggested techniques and skills has been surprisingly easy due to how creatively the material was presented. I have taken various related courses over the years – this seminar ranks No.1!"
Joanne Goldcamp
Regional Transportation District
"I was asked to give the eulogy at my grandma's funeral. That cold Minnesota day, as I sat in my pew waiting for the Ave Maria to finish so I could walk to the altar, I reminded myself, 'I have a gift. I have a gift.' I knew she deserved a special farewell. I didn't want to let her down. I was able to muster the strength to honor and commemorate an incredible woman who touched countless lives.
As I walked solemnly out of church I heard the words 'she was a classy lady...' repeated by a cluster of her friends. My opening line had stuck with them."
Jennifer Darling
Denver Botanical Gardens
"Awesome! What a way to empower us to greatness. I want to win, too!"
Vaughn Halford
Engineer, EG&G, Idaho Falls, Idaho
"Learned a lot! Jo is a great motivator."
Dr. Robin Fischer, M.D.
University of Massachusetts
"Delightful! Valuable! Stimulating! I can see why every participant has valued it so highly."
Roy Shore, M.D.
Former Regent, University of Colorado
"Jo Farrell’s program helps with all aspects of public speaking, from broad overviews down to every last detail. The program covers everything from how to plan, how to finish, and how not to lose your audience."
Bill Marolt
Former Athletic Director,
University of Colorado
"I was recently asked to be on a local television station for an interview about SafeHouse. My mind was racing with excuses about how to get out of the engagement. I plopped down onto the couch feeling the defeat.
As I sat there, all of the "scripting and answers to questions" began to drain out of my head. And something else took its place...hook, point, illustration, point, illustration, punch line! I realized that I was already good and knew the material. I just had to trust myself.
The interview went beautifully. I spoke from my heart and not a script. I arrived home to the greatest complimentary message from my dad — we were so proud of you...wonderful job!"
Amy Farnan
SAFEHOUSE, Denver
"This was a terrific workshop – very well organized from start to finish. The feedback was given bluntly, directly and positively. Because we observed the accuracy and sensitivity with which you supported others in the group, you created a climate in which each of us felt safer to try things on our own."
Larry Dougherty
Headmaster, Graland Country Day School
"Thanks for one terrific seminar. What a confidence booster!"
Coleen B. Brown
Former VP, KUSA TV
VP / General Manager, WFMY TV
"The magic of the seminar is what you personally share…for that I thank you."
Richard Fleming
Former President, Denver Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO
St. Louis Regional Commerce & Growth Association
"It’s a life-changing experience!"
Linda Childears
President,
Young American’s Bank
Currently, President,
The Daniels Fund
"This was the finest experience of my priesthood. The last time I was challenged to look at myself and see the potential was in the seminary thirteen years ago. Jo forced me – dragging and kicking, protesting and protecting – to regain my dignity as a priest and a man. I can only say thank you. Few have so entered my heart and exposed it to new and exciting possibilities."
Fr. Michael McCleary
Pastor, Durango, Colorado
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! We learned infinite ways to inject three-dimensional stories into our communication to make it more fun, memorable, and persuasive. You showed us the importance of humor.
You stress the positive in all of us. I love you phrase, ‘you must take ownership of your own goodness!’"
Joanne Johnson
Controller, The Colorado Trust
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"This workshop has impacted almost every aspect of my life in terms of risk-taking. It is definitely more than a speech course or even a communications course! Your belief in all of us was paramount and made us feel supported even when criticized. Thanks for being the person you are."
Dottie Lamm
Lecturer / Columnist
Former First Lady of Colorado
"Terrific! The class helped in speaking, not only in front of groups, but in everyday conversation. P.S. I have quieted my 'second voice' while playing golf!"
Randy Weeks
President, Denver Center for Performing Arts
"For practicing attorneys, I think the Jo Farrell Experience would be invaluable. It would improve court techniques, business conferences and civic appearances."
Carl M. Williams
Attorney
"Jo's personal touch is what drew my best from where it was buried. The knowledge I got from the class will forever be a beneficial tool for me in my quest to excel."
Alex English
Denver Nuggets
"Your presentation is very different from those that lawyers and prosecutors are accustomed to hearing. I believe this is exactly the reason why it was such a resounding success. Without exceptions, the participants rated your presentation 'superb.'"
Peter A. Weir
Executive Director
Colorado District Attorneys Council
"You go beyond the simple mechanism of how to put a speech together. You deal with the fears and foibles that we all seem to have that prevent us from being our best when standing before an audience, and that intensity, generated during the three-day session, will not allow what was learned to be forgotten."
Jack Mitchell
Martin Marietta / Denver Aerospace
"Since I've taken your class and given speeches, I've never had so much fun in my life."
Mike Shaw
President and CEO, Shaw Automotive Group
"I do a lot of technical stuff and I'm now able to give these speeches of up to 45 minutes, even without notes, while letting people see my fun side."
Tom Clark
Executive VP, Economic Development
Denver Chamber of Commerce
"I must admit that I really didn't want to take that trip to Denver. I was just getting over a cold, things were hectic here at the theatre, and I certainly knew that I was a good public speaker, besides, it was going to be cold.
Boy was I wrong! Your seminar / therapy session / spiritual retreat was inspiring, entertaining, enlightening, and most valuable to me both professionally and personally."
Richard L. Barr
President, Pasadena Civic Auditorium Foundation
"I was impressed with your technique and philosophy and how insightful you were at reading people. Well done! I am not a person who is easily impressed."
David Westerlund
Sr. V.P. of Administration
Ball Corporation
"Words cannot express the improvement in each of our speakers since they worked with you. The first year they ended with a 40% increase in contributions. The second year ended with an additional 22% increase. This year, we're up another 44%. You are a true gift. Your honesty, enthusiasm, encouragement, frankness and personal experiance is a blessing to our ministry."
Joan C. Vidal
Director, Speaker's Bureau
Food for the Poor, Inc.
"'Miner surfaces into sunshine, after years of burial by his own grey blanket.' An appropriate hook to the simple thanks I give you for the days we shared in your Master Communications Seminar.
Jo, in the dozens of courses I've submitted myself to since high school some 35 years ago, none has given me as much as your three days of enlightenment.
You have a gift of removing human impediments and adding knowledge advantages. Our class was a perticipatory joy."
Robin Hickson
President, Cyprus Amax Engineering and Project Development Company
"You 'de-mystified' public speaking. With a few very simple principles, I was on my way. I'll never be the same!
To those who ask I say, 'Jo is an eccentric pain-in-the-ass' who picked on me for three days. But she is brilliant and delightful. And I am a vastly improved speaker."
Bill Shepard
President and CEO, Menaghan Packaging
"When the student is ready, the teacher will arrive.’ I do not believe in chance. The “MCS” turned out to be much more than I anticipated. The class has relieved my fear of speaking in public. Now, when my heart is pounding before a speech, it is because I can’t wait to “get up there.” I have never met a teacher who is so unselfish. I highly recommend this class to everyone in the public eye."
Linda Gregg
Marketing Representative
Space Master International, Inc
"How do you improve a fine wine? Like opening the bottle, we come with much anticipation, and, from the opening greeting (sip) to the final departure (drops), we have a delightful experience.
“You bring a wealth of expertise to the seminar and relate that to each individual in a manner that encourages and demands that we unlock our door and relate to others the gifts we have.
“You are an excellent teacher. You don’t miss anything. You have found the solution to successful communications and have established a mission in life to share that with others."
John Muenchen
Vice President, ING America Life
"Jo Farrell clearly raised the bar of excellence. Not only does she have a remarkable gift in unleashing talent, she is also a confidence builder, motivator and a warm human being.
The three days I spent in Jo's classroom were clearly life changing. All of us were challenged to face our fears and re-discover our strengths...truly an inspirational experience."
Debbie Jessup
President, Key Bank
Currently, Guaranty Bank
"The best description of being an expert witness is probably “spear catching!” You have to catch every spear as a single mistake can mislead the jury. The training allowed me to focus on the questioning and keep ahead of the onslaught. Being able to answer directly, without hesitations, calmly, and in an professional manner was a direct result of the training I received from you; the classes gave me the confidence to operate in a hostile environment without being rattled by the opposition, to answer each questions without being misled by the attorney or allowing the attorney to mislead the jury.
You may not have known the great help your training had, Jo. Nothing, but nothing, says it better than success! The endless depositions and the trial are over and the evidence, being well presented, achieved the correct verdict: a settlement resulting in Honeywell recovering in excess of $350,000,000 from the Japanese camera manufacturer."
Dennis J. Wilwerding
Senior Engineering Fellow, Honeywell
"Never has learning been so much fun."
Sheldon Friedman
Attorney
"It was an excellent course that offers an incredible experience to those who attend it. It is probably one of the few worthwhile investments that we will ever make in increasing our communications level here in the hospital. Again, I emphasize that this is not a remedial course. It is more of the polishing of gemstones that already exist in each of us."
Barbara Brannen
Vice President of Human Resources
Rose Medical Center
"Fascinating format and information. As I found out, it’s not that hard to lose the old tapes! A must for survival in today’s business and personal environment. I loved it!"
Dr. Steve Barker
Dentist
"Your Master Communication Workshop truly is a life-changing experience. When we met the first time, you told me, ‘You can’t afford "NOT" to take this class.’ Though skeptical, I committed to attend. And you were right! At my last two-hour presentation, I received a standing ovation – and that was for a ‘data presentation’ to a group of firefighters and board members. My computer door remains open and I feel like a child in a candy store with no spending limit!"
Chris W. Hornick, Ph.D.
CEO, CWH Research
"You will be glad to know that when I accepted my award from the Governor last week, I was open and did not have my arms crossed in front of me! Attending the class was very stimulating."
Phyllis Coors
Coors National Literacy Program
"Occasionally we find an unsought and unexpected treasure. Each time this happens, I fell slightly guilty as though I have partaken somebody else’s just dessert. I expect to use the things I’ve learned both in my practice and in my personal life."
Tim Correll
Attorney
"I have not stopped talking about your seminar. The actual issues you teach are not rocket science – it’s all in your methods. From the day after our seminar, I’ve wanted to use it as a stepping-off point for self-improvement and I’m proud to say, at least a month later, I haven’t lost sight of that goal."
Margaret Henry
Controller, University of Denver
"When I came to the seminar on Friday morning, I was under the impression that I was a pretty good speaker. I learned through a lot of hard work, and caring and intelligent participants, that I had a lot of room to improve. The people who walked in the door Friday morning were not the same people who walked out the door Sunday evening."
Cathy Donahue
Former President,
Denver City Council
Director of Regulatory Reform,
Office of the Mayor -
City & County of Denver
"I am struck by your emphasis on what to do rather than what not to do. This places the focus into an area that is forwarding and liberating for the speaker and allows people to be more genuine and authentic; to speak from whom they actually are, rather than from, a false persona."
Rocco Dal Vera
Professor, Theater Department
Willamette University, Salem Oregon
"To give the message you want, it needs to come from inside, where you are centered and safe, and able to let ‘your computer’ feed you in a colorful mosaic of ‘connected’ communication. Great Seminar!!!"
David Lacey
Corporate VP, Storage Tek
"Last Friday, after four weeks of trial, the jury returned a verdict totally vindicating me. My former client had benefited from my legal work in the approximate amount of ten million dollars. Your work with me helped me have the confidence to do this. Your work with me, in fact, was critical to my success. I thank you deeply for your contribution to the outcome of my ordeal."
Judith D. Judd
Attorney, Berryhill, Cage & North
"The stories I tell, in talks and speeches I give all over the nation, I owe to personal experience and the blessings in my life. But I owe the fact that I tell them to you. I have had more fun, getting more practice, in more different speaking environments, over the last year than I ever have in my previous life. And when I stray from Jo Farrell’s rules, I regret it."
Charles W. Manning
Chancellor, University of West Virginia
"Your focus on ‘what’s inside’ is what makes a difference. You shifted something inside of me. Not only are my presentations more powerful, I’ve also noticed a chance in my communication in general. I ‘own’ my uniqueness and I’m having a great time doing it! You’re an amazing woman with a great gift!"
Stephanie Kelso
VP Sales and Marketing, Z-Axis
"I learned about life. What I absorbed will stay with me every day and will flow from me in every conversation that I have."
Brenda Lucio
Regional Director, Armadillo Restaurant
"Jo, you’re the best…thanks for your insight on delivering dynamic presentations."
Daniel R. Gaspero
Former Executive Director,
Boy Scouts of America
"Can you clone Jo Farrell?"
Larry Cerrillo
Manager of Operations
Louis Berger International
"This seminar has proven to be the single most beneficial training I have ever participated in. Jo Farrell has a technique and insight that really gets to the point and forces you to look deep within to improve."
Chuck DeCoste
Director, Department of Veteran Affairs
"If there was only one personal improvement class to take in your LIFETIME, this is it!"
David Chao
Director of Marketing, I.J.L. Creations
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