How do people experience you?
Communication is at the heart of it all.
How do you intend for people to experience you?
Why would you work with Accent On Business?
Accent On Business is a leadership presence and professional communication advisory firm for people who want to be of greater influence. Ellen works with competitive professionals who want to project a confident and competent image and be better influencers. She shows people how to say what it is that they need or want to say, in a way that demonstrates they know to whom they are speaking and why. And she equips them with techniques to look and sound and feel their confident and influential best.
Knowledge is power. Knowing your strengths and your potential blind spots equips you with ready-to-use tools to be your best, for yourself and your organization. Coupling this knowledge with evidence-based techniques and deliberate practice in how to use your tools can elevate your performance and your influence.
Think about it…this is what well-coached athletes do. They have their skills assessed along with their potential and capacity to learn and develop, then they engage in specific and substantive feedback, they flex their muscles and adapt based on the feedback, they get back in the game and try it again with adapted technique, they get more feedback and adapt again, and they continue on this development path to extraordinary performance.
That’s what we do here. It’s not about tennis or golf; it’s about your leadership, influence, and communication. Essential skills to use every day personally and professionally.
What Clients Say
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak to us. I enjoyed your presentation and am looking forward to becoming a better public speaker. I’m working on my mantra and I’ve already been spending more time preparing for meetings.
Thank you for helping us learn some pointers on how we can get relaxed and do a better job delivering our message. You had helpful hints to turn our anxiety into positive energy. I hope to take you up on your offer but my plate is overflowing for the next few weeks. I want to get in touch and appreciate your willingness to help.
I thought I would always have to live with my scratchy voice. I was so tired of people asking me if I was sick or asking me to ‘speak up’. You have made a real difference in my life, both personally and professionally.
Many thanks for your thoughts and insights on public speaking. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you.
With little experience, I knew that when I decided to begin using public speaking as a means to market my practice and take it to the next level, it would be wise to get the help of an expert. Ellen Dunnigan was (and is) the expert I chose to work with. While Ellen did help me with all of the major aspects of communicating my message, her greatest value to me was her ability to help me improve in “subtle” areas that I would have never considered even thinking about on my own. Based upon the feedback that I’ve received from my talks, Ellen’s coaching and encouragement has helped me gain a level of credibility with my audience that I simply could not have gained on my own. If the outcome of any project or endeavor is at least partially based upon your effectiveness as a communicator, you would be very wise to seek the help of Ellen Dunnigan.
Dear Ellen, Thank you so much for taking time to prepare our Lugar Series Class of 2017-18 for our final speeches. I have used your techniques (especially the mantra and power pose!) many, many times already. In fact, I have shared those techniques with other young women I mentor. Your impact continues to spread! Thank you for the feedback you provided during our last class as well. It made me better, and for that, I’m very appreciative! Because of people like you, my Lugar Series experience was outstanding. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
J. Putnam, Community Health NetworkEllen, A potential new client gave us this feedback: “Engaging Solutions’ years of experience and depth of understanding are impressive and your ability to present the subject in such an interesting way is exceptional.” Thanks for your help! This will mean more work for our company.
T. Robinson, Engaging Solutions, LLCThank you again for your incredible presentation…You make me feel so at ease preparing for my presentation.
I needed to cut my Elevator Pitch down from a 5-minute explanation to a few words. Ellen helped me do that. When I achieved a position with Rainmakers that required me to speak at the meetings, she helped me tame the butterflies and learn techniques to reduce the nervousness. In addition to the spoken word, she also worked with me a written presentation so the words flow better, by being more powerful and expressive. Best of all, Ellen is professional and fun to work with – a winning combination! I highly recommend Ellen to anyone who wants to leave the proper impression. You’ll be amazed what a few hours with her will do for you!
C. Hartman, Owner, Hartman Inventory & Nationwide Inventory Professionals, Director of NICAThank you for your presentation. You were insightful and intriguing – can’t wait to see what’s next!
Ellen has to be one of the best people I know on the planet. She helped me address my strengths and weaknesses as a public speaker over the period of many months. In doing so, she pushed me way out of my comfort zone more than once and I am far the better for it. I look forward to our sessions and would hire her again and again! There is none better.
Working with Ellen at Accent on Business has been a considerable boost to my professional presence. I really appreciate her coaching and training techniques, as they are science based and individual to my personality and professional development needs. Her coaching has definitely provided me with improved communication that I am applying in my career, seeing the results in the manner that senior management communicates back to me with opportunities. I highly recommend Ellen and Accent on Business if you are looking to move up into the next step in your career and boost your professional image. Thank you!
M. Krishnayya, Vice President, Compliance and Permitting Service Line Director - Brown and CaldwellCommunicating effectively is the key to any relationship- business or personal. What I learned in this Accent On Business workshop will help me be a better communicator in every area of my life.
Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing so many great tips! I’ve already used a few of them. They make me feel more confident. I’m excited to learn more from you.
I appreciate your help in improving our public speaking skills.
L. Keesling, Manager, Accounting/Benefits/Information Systems at CWC LogisticsMy English is 100% better. My co-workers and patients haven’t had to ask me to repeat myself in weeks.
Your insights on storytelling and presenting were very useful and I am sure they will benefit me in the future.
Ellen taught a class through Rainmaker University that was GREAT! Her expertise in the area of professional speaking is quite extensive- yet she is able to bring it down to a level that is easy to understand for business professionals, sales people, and those that just want to learn to speak better in front of peers, colleagues, business associates, etc. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the class!
I always learn so much from participating in your sessions.
D. Dodd, Director & Director of Business Development for the Business Partner Network at Indiana Rural Health AssociationThank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to speak to us. Your breathing tip and techniques are amazing and I can’t wait to learn more. – Thanks again!
Just wrapped (the meeting); feeling very positive – thanks so much for all your coaching and support. It’s changed the game for me and I really appreciate that!
Albert K., Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity (National Office)Dear Ellen and Alex, A quick note to let you know my promotion is effective January, 2016. WEWW! And so much thanks to both of you for your counsel, support, encouragement, and candor over this time. Thanks Again! See You Soon!
My presentation went extremely well. My mentor told me it was the best one I have ever done. I had a team member come up to me after and was super impressed at my delivery and said I was an “amazing performer”.
K. Leonard, Vice President, Finance - edgefactoryWe’ve greatly benefited from our relationship with Ellen. She has trained and mentored our sales and customer service representatives over the last two years. We’ve had great results in the areas of public speaking, sales presentations, and in preparing an elevator pitch. As the COO of Bacompt Systems, I highly recommend her for your organization.
D. Hurt, Chief Operating Officer at Bacompt Systems, Inc.Ellen, I just had amazing unsolicited feedback on my … interviews from (Sally Smith) who ran the search. She said everyone was amazed at how I commanded the room, my level of sophistication and preparation. She said I accomplished transforming the board’s view of me from staff to leader which she said is rarely accomplished. Thanks so much for your help with everything!
I should add that I had an interview with a recruiter last week and his eyes nearly popped out of his head with excitement when I pulled the “draw my ideas on the white board” trick. Excellent tip! You’re the best!
Thank you for speaking to our Lugar Series Class! I learned a lot about public speaking, even though I know I will forget all of it when I’m up in front of a group! I am really looking forward to working with you on my Lugar Series speech.
My, do you make it look easy! Thank you for speaking to our class and for your generosity in assisting us with your coaching. I’m going to need it! You truly are inspirational.
After experiencing Ellen’s presentation at the United Way Women’s Speaker series, I knew our team would benefit from her techniques and resources. Her techniques are practical, specific and tailored for professionals in our environment. We have already seen evidence that our people have been able to implement Ellen’s methods.
S. Alexander, President, Employee Benefits - Gregory & AppelThank you so much for spending time with our Lugar class. I love the 4-step process.
The Lugar Series class is raving about how much they love what they are learning!
A. Hathaway, Hathaway Strategies, PresidentThank you, again, for your support and encouragement!
I’ve had the pleasure to work with Ellen on executive presence and management. As a rather introverted person, she helped me with tools to prepare for presentations and executing presentations that were confident but maintained who I am as a person. I implement these tools often and I am thankful to have Ellen as a resource.
C. Copeland, Senior Director of Business Management - Beekeeper MarketingWow! Loved, loved, loved your presentation! You and the content of your presentation holds amazing professional and personal relevance and application! I can’t wait to continue the work ahead. – Thank you very much!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to come and work with our class on their presentation skills. They had a lot of great feedback. We look forward to seeing you again next month!
G. Maze, Project Manager, Hathaway StrategiesI just cannot thank you enough for your time and dedication to all of us. In just your first session, I gained some valuable insight to apply. It means so much to me what you are doing for all of us. – Thank You!
Thank you so very much for presenting at our Women Leaders Symposium! You made such a positive impact on women business leaders. One survey respondent called your session “vital for all women”. Thank you for making a difference and empowering business women – Ever onward!
Working with Ellen on my presentation style and content gave me the ability to conduct a seminar that was informative and stimulating to my audience.
Thank you for your time. I love your approach and the neuroscience behind it.
Hello Ellen – Thank you for your help this past Tuesday! I used your advice and I really did feel the difference. I feel very confident about my chances after walking out of the interview and that is a direct result of my confidence walking into the interview! Thank you again and I wish you the best!
It was a pleasure to be part of your instruction regarding public speaking. Like many, I find the task a little daunting. I am excited to test the impact of the suggested changes that you gave at class on Friday. What a wonderful opportunity for our class! Thank you for taking the time away from your busy schedule to share your thoughts. I very much appreciate this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to speaking to you soon!
I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Ellen through Rainmakers, a business networking association, and whenever I am around her, I am thoroughly impressed by her professionalism and sincerity. She is one of those people you instantly trust because you know she is truly trying to help you grow as a person and become more than you thought you were. Ellen’s business, Accent on Business, has helped so many people within Rainmakers become stronger, more confident speakers. It is amazing to see those transformations.
The presentation today could not have gone better! Thank you for all of your help!
Thank you! Your advice and guidance have been major factors in getting to this point. It is much appreciated.
A. Hamersly, P.E., Trails and Parks Manager - Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc.Your insights are so valuable, and I know this will make me a better ambassador for Gleaners and our community.
My startup has gone through a rapid scale up phase this past year and Ellen has been a tremendous asset to me on that journey. She’s a great speech coach, but has also helped me as a general business coach in some respects. Even the smallest nuances and details, she will notice and bring them to light for me. All the incremental changes have really added up and I can truly see an improvement from my time with her. I’m thankful for her insights and would recommend her to anyone looking to improve the way they communicate with their team and how they speak in a public!
C. Gauss, CEO/Founder - Viral LaunchI wanted to thank you again for speaking to our IndyCREW group and sharing some really great things yesterday!! We appreciate the time you spent with us.
C. Amore, Duke RealityYour techniques gave our people confidence and credibility as speakers and we were amazed at how painless it was. Thanks for meeting our irregular schedules and deadlines.
Ellen, Thank you for being an awesome speaker for our Professional Women’s Group! You’re clearly very good at what you do, but you’re also very gracious and generous to share that with us. The PWG members had only enthusiastically positive feedback and many asked for you to come back. On behalf of the PWG, thank you!
C. Brisson, Dress For SuccessThank you for coming to our class. I am very much looking forward to the skills you are going to teach us.
I appreciate the constructive criticism and I learned a lot.
Three successful events today and You were a part of that success. Thank you – You still have lots of work to do!
I use many of your suggestions on a weekly, if not daily basis.
I was at the Wood-Mizer annual trip to Kings Island on Friday. There wasn’t supposed to be a program, but when we all met in the picnic area there was a stage and microphone. I quickly put some thoughts together…just in case. Next thing ya know, I was on stage talking to 500+ employees and families! It all went well.
I’m so glad that you and I are working on this! Obviously, I will be speaking to groups quite a bit more than even we anticipated!”
Thanks!
Thank you so much for presenting at our recent leadership conference…I look forward to working with you on additional projects in the future.
Thank you so much for presenting at our recent leadership conference…I look forward to working with you on additional projects in the future.
Dr. L. Campbell, Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Diversicare Healthcare Services, IncEllen, thank you so much for your fabulous presentation yesterday! It was just what we needed. We were out to dinner last night and talked about all the different techniques to reduce anxiety and how they will help the chairmen relax before they have to present their annual reports. We look forward to working with you again.
I’ve learned a lot from you so far, and I hope to put your tips to practice soon!
Ellen was a trainer assigned to help me develop a speech I was giving for Rainmakers Marketing Group. She did a terrific job at telling me I wasn’t prepared, couldn’t wing it, held me accountable and provided great direction. I would recommend her to anyone who needs to speak in front of people.
I’ve worked with Ellen on and off for nearly 10 years and she is a skilled professional. At the risk of sounding like Tony Robbins or some cheese ball life skills coach, Ellen really does transform people’s lives. Whether it’s someone who’s struggled with speech impediments or a foreign-born EVP looking to improve his connection with employees, Ellen works one on one to improve what and how people communicate, which allows THEM to build their confidence and unlock their potential. They go from poor communicators to good ones, or from uninspiring managers to inspirational leaders – depending on their talents, opportunity, ability and desire to implement Ellen’s guidance. I’m working on a before-and-after video built from footage from she’s collected of clients and their improvements it’s obvious and moving.
M. Magan, Marketing Programs Manager, CloudBlue TechnologiesIt was great getting to know you and your business. I’m looking forward to staying connected! A special thanks for all you did for Trailblazers. It was a success because of you!
D. Kunce, CORE Planning StrategiesMany thanks for working with us on the important and dreaded topic of public speaking! I really appreciate the tips and techniques you shared. As an attorney I often have to speak in court, which is ok, but I still struggle with giving speeches to groups. I will implement your techniques and work on getting more opportunities to work on my skills.
I really enjoyed your presentation this past month. Thank you for working with our group. I’m looking forward to our upcoming learning about presentation skills.
We are so lucky to have passionate and giving professionals like you to share with these future entrepreneurs. Thank you so much for supporting Indiana 4-H Entrepreneurship Academy!
Thank you for sharing your expertise and making me more comfortable in public speaking settings!
Thank you so much for a great presentation last week. I learned so much and had fun while doing so. You made public speaking a lot less scary! I look forward to seeing you during our next class. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for the very helpful tips you shared with our Lugar Series Class last week. I am really looking forward to learning more. Thank you for providing this very valuable service.
Thank you so much for your help with preparing my speech. I really learned a lot and will use these skills as I move forward in my career. Thank you for volunteering so much of your time to work with our class. Keep in touch!
A. Stansfield, AES Development, LLCIt’s clear, from reading through these raving recommendations, Ellen Dunnigan knows how to help people present themselves and their ideas better. If you need to pitch investors, close a sale, or introduce an unpopular-but-necessary corporate policy, Ellen will stun you with ways to make each situation more persuasive and palatable. For anyone in business, three sessions with this woman, and she’ll make you better at your job; it’s that simple.
But, those are far from the only ways a few meetings with Ellen will benefit you. That Sunday School class you teach? With her guidance, you can go from informative to INSPIRING. She can help you raise money, get volunteers and certainly delight people more by offering tips and techniques for crafting memorable presentations. And those wedding speeches and toasts? Learn how to ‘speak from the heart’ more effectively with a little planning and practice. (And on behalf of every wedding attendee everywhere, if you’re giving a Best Man speech soon, please, for the love of God, have a session with Ellen first). I’ve worked with Ellen often. She’s a strategic thinker, motivating trainer and a generally fabulous resource for anyone interested in developing some ‘game’ when it comes to personal and professional presence.
MY recommendation? Get her on your team before your competition does.
J. Long, CEO/Founder - Mr. Canary CompanyEllen, thank you for taking the time to speak to my Lugar Series Class. I very much appreciated your presentation. I enjoyed hearing of your career journey, and you teaching us techniques for when we do present. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
Ellen – Once again you knocked it out of the park! That group really saw and >felt the value of your expertise. There were a lot of comments during the rest of the meeting about your learning points.
Thank you so much for coming to present to us! We all took so many good tips and information away from your training! Wonderful Job! Thank you both so much!!!
S. Downing, MHSThis week I gave a sales presentation to a roomful of people. For the first time, I saw people nodding their heads and smiling in agreement with me.