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Mary Van Dorn specializes in coaching established executives and emerging leaders preparing for pivotal presentations, high-stakes stages/meetings, and those investing in personal development. She works with her clients to craft presentations for maximum engagement focusing on impact and growth.

She sets herself apart by providing individualized coaching with the understanding every person approaches their fear and their goals differently.

Mary is the host of “Speak Easy, Speak Bold,” a podcast where she provides presentation and speaking tips and interviews people who are using their voices powerfully to grow their business and impact their communities.

Signature Keynote Portfolio

Story That Sells – How Strategic Storytelling Builds Trust and Drives Result

Facts inform—but stories persuade. In this keynote, Mary demonstrates how leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals can use storytelling to create stronger connections and influence decisions. Participants learn how to transform everyday experiences into compelling stories that make ideas memorable and persuasive.

Audience Takeaways

Why stories are the most powerful communication tool in business.
How to structure stories that engage and inspire.
Techniques for using stories to strengthen influence and drive results.

Command the Room – The Leadership Communication Advantage

Great leaders are remembered not only for what they know, but for how they communicate it. In this keynote, Mary Van Dorn reveals the communication principles that help leaders command attention, earn trust, and influence the room. Audiences learn how to strengthen executive presence, speak with clarity and conviction, and communicate ideas in ways that inspire action.

Audience Takeaways

How to establish immediate credibility and presence.
Techniques for speaking with clarity and authority.
How influential communicators hold attention and drive action.

The Art of First Impressions – How Influential Communicators Make an Immediate and Lasting Impact

First impressions are formed quickly—and they often determine whether people listen, trust, and remember you. This keynote explores the subtle but powerful elements that shape how others perceive you the moment you begin speaking. From body language to vocal delivery to message clarity, audiences discover how to create impressions that build confidence, connection, and credibility.

Audience Takeaways

How to establish trust and authority in the first moments of communication
The elements that make speakers memorable
Practical adjustments that elevate professional presence

The Silent Language of Leadership – Body Language That Builds Trust, Credibility, and Influence

Before a single word is spoken, the body is already communicating. In this engaging keynote, Mary reveals how posture, movement, and facial expression influences how messages are received. Leaders learn how to align their physical presence with their message, so they appear confident, credible, and authentic.

Audience Takeaways

The nonverbal signals that strengthen or weaken authority
How to use body language to reinforce key messages
Subtle adjustments that increase confidence and connection

From Nerves to Authority – Mastering the Inner Game of Confident Speaking

Even the most accomplished leaders experience moments of speaking anxiety.

This keynote reveals why nervousness occurs and how high-performing speakers channel that energy into confident presence. Mary shares practical strategies to quiet self-doubt, maintain composure, and deliver messages with confidence and clarity.

Audience Takeaways

Why speaking anxiety happens even for experienced leaders
Techniques to manage nerves and speak with confidence
How to transform nervous energy into authentic presence

Cardiceph Speaking Institute

Cardiceph Speaking Institute draws on intellect and empathy, cultivating presence with purpose. Named for the Latin roots of Cardi, (heart) and Ceph (head). We believe the strongest leaders connect, inspire and influence through both heart and mind.

My Coaching has helped people just like you to get people on their feet & lining up to take action

Here’s what others just like you, have said after working with me.

“Mary demonstrates her ability to be a strong coach by using great questions and being an outstanding listener. She has a way of identifying what a presenter is needing to express and helping them spotlight it in their message. She has trained multiple speakers for SUE Talks. Her speakers are always well-prepared, polished, and confident. with an inspirational and heartfelt presentation.”

“I’ve given over 650 keynotes, workshops, radio and TV appearances… This summer Mary worked with me to create and present the best speech I’d ever given. She taught me how to use fewer words to say more. Wherever you are in your speaking career, I would highly recommend Mary Van Dorn.”

“Mary has some of the most in depth skills in working with speakers of anyone I know. She infuses confidence and inspiration in all of her speakers to give the very best presentations. Her dedication to her speakers is paramount.”

Mary has recently joined our SUE Rising team of coaches—who have been carefully vetted and gone through several rounds of coaching the SUE Talkers. SUE Risers are young women aged 13-18, and Mary has done a fantastic job in working one-on-one with these special young women to create 6-minute talks based on their experiences in school and life.

I’ve invested in communication training before, but nothing compares to this. The personalized attention and practical techniques gave me tools I use every single day. Worth every penny.

About Mary Van Dorn

Mary Van Dorn has been helping executive leaders master the art of communicating from the stage for almost 2 decades. Her coaching style, knowledge, and training expertise have helped countless leaders move audiences to their feet and line up to take action.

Let’s Connect!

mary@maryvandorn.com