You are successful. You are a leader. People look to you for counsel and wisdom.
What if you could be even better? Engender greater levels of trust – and sooner? Garner more influence? Build greater rapport with everyone you meet?
Elevate Your Presence will get you there.
How you speak and present determines your ability to influence and lead. Elevate Your Presence will help you sharpen these tools allowing you to perform at your best.
Hear from Clients
Clients span a range of sectors including finance, professional services, consumer products, tax, law, non-profit and academia.
“I owe Wendy a big debt of gratitude. I speak to large crowds quite regularly, and I used to race through my speeches. Now I am comfortable pausing and slowing things down – it improves my focus, while giving the audience time to digest my messages. I recommend Wendy to anyone who wants to get better at engaging audiences. She’s terrific – an expert and fun to work with; she helped me a lot!”
Roger Martin
Writer and Strategy Advisor
Former Dean & Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at Rotman School of Management
“Wendy’s focus, combined with a disarming and personable approach, makes it easy to learn and get better. She has helped me analyze my audiences to truly understand what will resonate and persuade. Rehearsing with Wendy has also helped me to connect more with my audiences, and achieve results. I have recommended Wendy on a number of occasions – and will continue to – for improving formal presentations and boosting boardroom presence.”
Mary Lou Maher
Corporate Director
Retired KPMG Partner: Canadian Managing Partner Quality & Risk and Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity
“I engaged Wendy to help me prepare for a big client event. Wendy and I worked intensively through three separate 2-hour sessions to (1) hone my presentation skills and (2) craft a compelling presentation for our event. Initially, I found the prospect of watching myself on video daunting but Wendy quickly put me at ease. Her feedback was sequenced in such a way that each session built on the previous one. The culmination of our hard work was an engaging speech in front of 250+ people which received lots of positive reviews. I’m thankful for all of Wendy’s assistance in preparing me for that event and look forward to working with her again. ”
Jamie Coulter
Former CEO, Raymond James Ltd.
“I’ve known Wendy Chong for 20 years and she has been a real delight to work with. She has been very effective at helping me with public speaking and I cannot recommend her and her services enough.”
Tony Arrell
Chairman, Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.
“I’ve been giving speeches for a number of years and wish that I had worked with Wendy sooner. Her process helped fine tune the content of my speech, ensuring the material would resonate with the audience. She provided many specific recommendations on how to improve delivery (she considers every detail). I rehearsed with her, practiced these refinements further on my own, and implemented them on the day of my keynote. Wendy’s feedback encouraged me to make more meaningful connections with the audience members during the presentation. After working together, I had much more confidence in my content and delivery. I highly recommend working with Wendy. The skills I learned are ones I will continue to implement in all future presentations.”
Rosie MacLennan
Two-time Olympic Champion, MSc.
Vice-Chair Canadian Olympic Committee Athlete Commission
“Working with Wendy reminded me of the importance and value of continually refining and updating our skills, even at the executive level. She both firmly and professionally moved me out of my comfort zone to attain the results I was after.
Wendy helped me prepare for a critical and strategic board presentation; it went well, which had considerable impact on how I have been able to lead a project for offices in Canada, US and Latin America. It felt like I was working with the “Wolf”* of presentation skills.”
*The Wolf is a reference to Harvey Keitel’s character in Pulp Fiction
Glen Brookman
Chief Information Officer, KPMG Canada
“I have been fortunate enough to work with Wendy and have achieved noticeable success with her guidance. She has helped me unlock a new level of confidence and awareness with my speaking and presentation skills.
I’ve known Wendy for years and she consistently brings the same things to the table: intelligence, integrity, energy and a true desire and ability to help me achieve my goals.
Wendy has a unique ability to listen intently and offer meaningful adjustments and suggestions. The calm, confident and safe environment she establishes with her clients allows them to open up, practice and fine-tune their approach.
Even when the ideas or concepts are vague or cloudy, Wendy is able to decipher the meaning and effectively articulate a direction. I have achieved sustainable change through our work together. ”
Christina Sorbara
Vice President, Corporate Knowledge, Sorbara Group of Companies
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could deliver a speech to an audience of 800 clients without notes! Wendy planted the seed and got me there, fast. Her positively infectious ‘can-do’ attitude and highly effective coaching strategies gave me the tools and confidence I needed to show up and deliver on game day.
Wendy is a master in the art of communication. She taught me how to ground my words, tone, gestures, expression and posture in something real and personally meaningful. In this way, she taught me how to communicate with impact.”
Anne Maggisano
Vice President, Burgundy Asset Management
“As a first time CEO, and the new leader of Canada’s oldest staffing firm I felt a great deal of pressure to improve the impact of my communications. I had to be able to communicate and gain approval for my new vision for the company from the Founding Chairman; make it inspirational and actionable for our team, and inspire confidence from our current and future clients.
Having worked with Wendy in my past role; I immediately reached out to her for assistance. She spent multiple sessions with me to gain clarity on the needs of each stakeholder group so that I was able to deliver a focused and powerful message. Six months into the role, we are making huge changes to an established business; while increasing revenues and lowering costs. I attribute this success to the work that Wendy did in helping me become a better communicator.
Wendy is a fantastic coach for anybody whose success is dependent upon the ability to communicate and inspire.”
Chris Welsh
Founder and Partner, People Machine
Former CEO, Drake International
“Wendy is really an all-encompassing coach with public speaking. Her help ranges from content refinements and messaging, to presence, poise and delivery. She keeps you focused on what is important: what is best for the audience. Her pleasant personality and working style makes practicing easy. I highly recommend Wendy for anyone trying to deliver a more impactful, engaging speech. Her help was the difference maker.”
Doug Winslow, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Burgundy Asset Management
“Wendy was exactly what I needed to tackle my first industry conference presentation. Wendy’s approach is honest, fun and exceptionally effective. Rehearsing with Wendy was intimidating at first but she is very positive with her feedback – she knows exactly how to help you undo your bad habits and replace it with positive habits. I am now more confident taking on presentations knowing how to better connect with my audiences to more effectively get my messages across. I also apply everything I learned from Wendy with my day-to-day meetings, internal presentations & vendor meetings – Wendy has helped me improve my overall executive presence. I strongly recommend Wendy’s coaching to elevate your executive presence & effectiveness!”
Debbie Lai
Vice President, Marketing, Staples Canada
Former Senior Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty & Strategy, Rexall Pharmacy Group ULC
“A trusted friend introduced me to Wendy as her “secret weapon.” That was an understatement. Wendy took my ability to present publicly to another level.
While I’d witnessed my own increasing confidence as a result of more speaking opportunities, Wendy helped me add a layer of professionalism and confidence. Through our work together, I am developing innate finesse and comfort, while engaging the audience more intimately. Equally important, Wendy ensured I remained true to myself, my own image and personal brand, never compromising authenticity. That was of the utmost importance to me.
Wendy always delivered feedback in a positive way, knowing the right amount at each stage, almost magically understanding my capacity at each meeting. It was truly iterative, and we continued to build skills at each level. I look forward to continuing to evolve my skills with Wendy for the next opportunity that comes my way. Instead of being nervous, I’m actually excited. And that matters. Because an audience can see and feel your enthusiasm. It’s captivating… and contagious. ”
Andrea DelZotto
Director, Tridel Group of Companies
Co-founder, Concrete Cardinal
“I have worked with Wendy for several years on several speeches targeted at both internal and external audiences. Wendy is a true expert in how to craft and deliver a meaningful and memorable message to any audience. She is highly astute, extremely thoughtful, and is just as passionate about the end result as the individual ultimately delivering the speech. Wendy’s approach is effective as it is not ‘one-size-fits-all’. In fact, it’s far from it. Wendy has challenged and inspired me – definitely testing my comfort zone along the way – but never at the expense of remaining true to myself. I would recommend Wendy to anyone who is committed to becoming a better speaker.”
Robert Sankey
Chief Executive Officer, Burgundy Asset Management
“Vulnerable. Extremely vulnerable. That’s how it can feel when, as a senior leader, you need to deliver a message that makes the difference between securing that next mega-project for your company or losing it. Wendy not only helps to refine your overt ability to present but she also helps you develop confidence – and yes, even joy, around being able to do it in a deeply relational and genuine way.
After just a couple of sessions with Wendy, my presentation team demonstrated marked improvement under very challenging circumstances where we not only had to present to an auditorium full of judges but also had to do it under the added pressure of “down to the second”, time and accuracy or be disqualified.
Wendy is truly the “presentation-whisperer” who can literally bring out the best communicator in all of us, regardless of experience and level of confidence. Her coaching is nothing short of transformational and her methods allow for immediate, clearly apparent, progress – regardless of who you are.
(And incidentally, we won the bid for the mega-project!)”
Danielle Feidler
Former Senior Vice President, Brand Experience, Tridel
“Wendy was highly recommended to me by global speaker and strategist, Roger Martin. I was interested in brushing up on my presentation skills both in the board room as well as speaking engagements–after a long hiatus from any formal professional training/coaching. Wendy had the innate ability to home in on areas of improvement through her warm, yet serious demeanor peppered with humor. She was able to wipe away ineffective habits through insightful tips and clever challenges, while reinforcing strengths, including highlighting my personal brand. She is a terrific coach and champion and now I, in turn, can highly recommend her!”
Marie-Louise Skafte
General Counsel & COO, Roger L. Martin Inc.
Founder Skafte Global Law
Board Member
Pilot
“Working with Wendy has been a monumental professional and personal win. Wendy gave me confidence in public speaking that I’d never had, and didn’t think I could ever have. While I knew I didn’t love it or feel great doing it, I could never pinpoint what was missing, until Wendy. The feedback and tools she gave me during our work together are so easy and tangible, I remember them automatically! Even now over a year later. Wendy went above and beyond our sessions, making sure I met my deliverable and goals. Unexpectedly I delivered my mom’s eulogy a few months after working with Wendy. Not something I’m sure I could have or would have done with the same energy before improving this skill. And I looked up and found Wendy in the audience, cheering me on, she is there supporting her clients, close and afar, always! Wendy is an exceptional human who I’m honoured to say has become a dear friend. Her energy, intellect, passion, and sheer genius for public speaking is unmatched. I can’t recommend Wendy enough to everyone at every stage of career and life. I only wish I had discovered her earlier!”
Katherine Marr, CPA CA
Partner, The Mason Group Strategic Search
Business & Personal Mindset Coach
“I have done a fair bit of public speaking and even worked with speaker coaches over the course of my career. In my current role I haven’t been on stage for a few years and was feeling a bit rusty. I really enjoyed working with Wendy to prepare for a panel session in front of a large audience. Her process helped to break my preparation into manageable pieces. Wendy’s feedback is very direct and tangible: a great mix of positive and constructive.”
Karen McNally
Managing Director, Head of Investment Solutions, RBC Global Asset Management Inc.
“I had the privilege of working with Wendy to help prepare our senior leadership team to present at a priority event in front of thousands of key stakeholders. We were on a very tight timeline and Wendy worked miracles within record time to coach our team with real, tangible and useful tools that yielded immediate results in their presentation style and delivery. Wendy was able to connect with our leaders immediately and they all raved about how comfortable they felt with her laid back yet extremely professional style. I’ve worked with many coaches over the years and can say without hesitation that Wendy is absolutely one of the best. Our speakers showed up with a truly elevated presence thanks to Wendy’s support and we can’t wait to work with her again.”
Anika Malik
Head of Communications, McDonald’s Canada
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”
– Maya Angelou
“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”
– Malcolm Gladwell
“A presentation that doesn’t seek to make change is a waste of time and energy.
– Seth Godin
About Wendy Chong
MBA, ICD.D
Since 2004, Wendy Chong has helped her clients improve their face to face presentation skills through private sessions, consulting engagements, and workshops. Her clients span a range of sectors including professional and financial services, real estate, technology, mining, consumer products, tax, law, non-profit and academia.
Wendy’s prior experience includes advisory work in mergers and acquisitions in KPMG’s Corporate Finance practice, management consulting at A.T. Kearney, business development at Artez Interactive, a software company that pioneered Internet fundraising in Canada, and communications with Podium Consulting.
Libby’s Zoodles 1984
Wendy attained her ICD.D designation (Institute of Corporate Directors) in March 2023, and earned an MBA, both from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University.
No stranger to audiences, Wendy gained several years’ experience on screen and the stage from age 3 to 16. You may have seen Wendy on a Zoodles commercial that ran for a decade (see video below), Sharon Lois & Bram’s Elephant Show or Mr. Dressup. Though retired from the world of acting, Wendy took to the stage with Toronto’s first rock choir, newchoir, from 2010–2017, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Koerner Hall in Toronto.
Wendy currently serves on the Board of Directors at Greenwood College School, and volunteers with outreach to new and prospective families. At her children’s previous school, Wendy assisted with fundraising efforts and parent outreach to new Canadians.
In 2022, Wendy launched a grassroots ultimate frisbee program for underserved communities in partnership with the Toronto Ultimate Club. Through this work, Wendy is a guest coach to grade 4/5 students, spreading the accessibility and joy of this wonderful sport!
Over the years, Wendy and her family have occasionally volunteered at the Yonge Street Mission and New Circles (both of which provide resources and community to Torontonians living in poverty). In 2014, she led a strategic renewal initiative for newchoir. She also served on the Bishop Strachan School’s Board of Governors from 2000-2012, chairing its Strategy Committee for 2 years, and has volunteered at Camp Oochigeas and the Framework Foundation. In 2010, Wendy also sat on an advisory committee to the Provost, University of Toronto.
Services
You can elevate your impact with your audiences – whether it is a keynote address to an audience of hundreds, an annual general meeting, a high stakes meeting, a pitch or a business lunch with an important contact.
Become more engaging and persuasive, and keep nerves at bay when they may occasionally creep in, through Elevate Your Presence’s coaching or consulting services.
Coaching - Individual
As an executive and high performing professional, you have a hectic schedule and individual needs. Choose the coaching package that is right for you, whether you prefer a quick tune up or a more comprehensive approach.
Through the process of presenting, receiving assessment, and attacking development exercises with rigor, you will become a more impactful, persuasive and credible version of you.
A minimum of 3, 2-hour sessions will ensure a meaningful learning experience that will lock in noticeable improvements.
Coaching - Enterprise
Do you want to ensure your high performers are operating at their best?
Is retaining top talent also a critical issue for you?
You can address both of these priorities by offering your top performers our one-on-one, face-to-face communication skills coaching.
Consulting
You have been invited to speak… again. Your expertise and opinions are highly sought after both on the public stage and in more intimate settings.
Though you are good, you could be better.
When you need focus and direction with your content, and honest feedback on your delivery, our consulting services will simplify your preparation and make you more memorable.
We can start as early in the process as you wish – from facilitating brainstorming to get clarity on your audience’s needs, to structuring the framework of your content, to reviewing your deck and speaking notes. The final stage of preparation is to take you through dry runs to polish your delivery.
Resources
Speeches / Presentations
Steve Jobs Launches the iPhone at MacWorld 2007
Martin Luther King Jr. – “I have a dream” speech, August 28, 1963
TED Talks
Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
Amy Cuddy’s research on body language reveals that we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions.
Nancy Duarte: The Secret Structure of Great Talks
Nancy Duarte believes that ideas are the most powerful tools people have. Her passion is to help every person learn to communicate their world-changing idea effectively.
Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts
Our world prizes extroverts, but Susan Cain makes a case for the quiet and contemplative.
Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret to Better Work
Shawn Achor is the CEO of Good Think Inc., where he researches and teaches about positive psychology.
Descriptions referenced here are directly from the TED website
Books
Ted Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking, Chris Anderson
Confessions of a Public Speaker, Scott Berkun
Quiet, Susan Cain
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, Amy Cuddy
Persuasion, Arlene Dickinson
Charisma Myth, Olivia Fox Cabane
Talk Like Ted, Carmine Gallo
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, Carmine Gallo
The Confidence Code, Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
The Responsibility Virus: How Control Freaks, Shrinking Violets–and The Rest Of Us–Can Harness The Power Of True Partnership, Roger Martin
To Sell is Human, Daniel H. Pink
The Naked Presenter, Garr Reynolds
27 Powers of Persuasion, Chris St. Hilaire
Contact
Should you wish to learn more about our coaching and consulting services, please contact Wendy Chong at 416-826-7222 or wendy@elevatepresence.com.
Elevate Your Presence is based in Toronto, Canada.
“Presence is about recognizing the importance of now. It’s a frame of mind that says, in effect, there is no past and there is no future. There is only this moment and this presentation and this audience.”
– Garr Reynold, Author
“Don’t make a speech. Put on a show.”
– Paul Arden, Advertising Executive
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.
– Albert Einstein