Out Front

CDK Communication Immersion Workshop
2025-11-11 - 2025-11-12
Deborah and David return to CDK Global to conduct their 2-day immersion workshop, this time in Hoffman Estates, IL. Thank you Kim Saylor and Leigh Ann Conver for bringing us back!
Following are comments from CDK attendees:
Deborah & David: You guys are a phenomenal duo. I am certain if Dostoevsky, Freud, or MLK were alive they’d be lining up for your guidance.
The techniques you teach on persuasive speech hit the nail on the head in terms of who, what, where, when, why, & how, as far as audience, intention, and self-awareness. Perhaps genius may be born, but greatness is coached.
Andy Matyukha
Analytics, CDK
I have never ever been so comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone to deliver a presentation to my peers as I was within your workshop. The Eloqui workshop has made me more confident in preparing and delivering a presentation more now than ever. I can’t wait to put my new tools to work. Thanks again, and until next time.
Don Zogg
Product Marketing – Fixed Ops, CDK
Just finished the most terrifying yet transformative presentation training class ever! It pushed me out of my comfort zone and equipped me with invaluable skills. Highly recommend stepping into the fear and embracing the growth! Thank you Eloqui!
Natalia Mischenko
Marketing Strategy, Product Marketing, Sales Enablement, CDK
A teammate asked me how training was this morning, and my response was “unexpectedly phenomenal.” Words cannot express the gratitude for what both of you do. It is a rare thing to run across an empath, much less two of them. You both also have an incredible ability to see someone beyond what is visible to the naked eye. When you went around the room and gave feedback to the group at the end of the session, the looks on everyone’s faces showed such appreciation for the kind words. If I had such a thing as emotions, I may have gotten slightly misty eyed.
It was so refreshing to not hear a “one size fits all” approach in presenting. Even outside of presenting, that is such a constant point of contention. Beyond presenting, it’s clearly apparent that you make a strong difference in people’s lives and have such strong admiration for that. While I still probably won’t do another recording if we’re in a class, I’d be willing to provide a testimonial – even on video. If there is anything that I can do to help either of you in any way, please reach out at any time.
Steve Mergen
Manager Commercialization & Pricing, CDK
Thank you for facilitating the workshop, Deborah and David!
It was a fantastic opportunity to gain takeaways on approaching our presentations from a new perspective. Ex: practicing mixing up the talk track and working backwards – way harder than I imagined! Great way to retrain your brain so you stay fresh w/content.
The feedback was so essential as it gave me insight into the gaps that I need to firm up – and most importantly – a good reminder that the audience will always be more engaged when you speak “off an outline” vs practiced speech.
Lastly, I loved the ECI (Eloqui Communication Index) section – perfect for identifying internal SMEs and leveraging each person’s skillsets in working toward a common goal.
Lisa Finney
Senior Manager, External Communications, CDK
…Speaking of the class, it was wonderful! I’ve been through maybe 4 or 5 speaker courses through my career and counseled plenty of executives on media interviews and even some presentations. This was by far the most engaging, fun, and useful class I’ve been through. I liked the nice modern touches, especially adapting to presenting in the virtual world we live in now, and I think the Eloqui Communication Index is useful information that everyone should learn at least once in their career. I won’t be a stranger, and I look forward to staying connected with you both!
PS – I’m kind of an introvert who has adapted to the business world over the years, so maybe that’s why I come across as so guarded. It’s not personal!
John Wise
Senior Manager, Communications, CDK
Deborah, you and David are both the absolute best. Thank you for being ‘you’. My gratitude to Eloqui is endless!
Emily Jean Hernandez
Product Marketer, CDK
This has stretched me so much, but in a good way. It is the best and most useful training I have been to in years. I look forward to reading your book.
Michelle Clark
Product Marketer, CDK

Rising Stars Communication Immersion workshop
2026-01-12 09:00 - 2026-01-13 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Whether you pitch for business, raise money for your favorite non-profit, or want to be seen as a thought leader on the global stage, this Eloqui workshop provides the necessary tools.
Over two days, a select group of professionals under 35 come together to learn new skills and find their voice. With a maximum of 8 attendees, everyone is up-on-their-feet multiple times, with the opportunity to hear from their peers, as well as the trainers, and make adjustments to ensure success.
This workshop will be held in the Santa Fe room at the famous La Fonda hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 9-4:00 pm on January 12th & 13th, 2026. We limit attendance for maximized personal attention. The workshop fee (including all meals and materials) is $2,750. Plus, we’ve negotiated an Eloqui nightly room rate of $179 when their rates during this period are much higher!
The first day of the workshop is focused on creating a make-or-break presentation, incorporating the critical elements of structure and delivery. It will also cover the differences between virtual and live presentations.
The second day is all about communication skills, rehearsal techniques and impression management: what you project, and how to engineer the perception you want. The agenda also covers how to read and respond to any audience, and advanced techniques from the professionals’ playbook to becoming an engaging speaker.
Your fee includes a specially prepared dinner on January 12th. Local chef, Johnny Vee creates a memorable experience, whipping up a 4-course meal right outside of town. Have a glass of champagne, wine and appetizers, learn about New Mexico cuisine, watch the sunset, and relax.
Stay an extra few days. This is premiere time to ski or snowboard Santa Fe or Taos peak… Visit the art galleries on Canyon Road… Hike Ghost Ranch where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted… Go to museums, concerts or visit Tent Rocks, Via Caldera and Bandelier to see where the cliff dwellers lived.
You can fly into Santa Fe (via Phoenix, Dallas or Denver), or directly into Albuquerque and either rent a car, carpool, or take a Groome shuttle to Santa Fe.
Here’s what ‘graduates’ had to say.
I attended the Eloqui workshop after hearing excellent reviews from my fellow attorneys at Greenberg Glusker. Naturally, I had high expectations. Deborah and David exceeded those expectations by a mile.

I absolutely loved the workshop. I learned a lot. I saw my fellow attendees learn a lot. Frankly, even their growth taught me a lot.
I still cannot believe the difference in our communication skills in just two days! I guarantee that your communication skills will improve. But that’s not even the best part. The workshop will also teach you more about yourself and everybody that you interact with, and how to navigate those relationships…
Vish Mohan
Entertainment Attorney, Partner Greenberg Glusker
Thanks again for an amazing workshop! The entire experience was exhilarating, supportive, warm, fun (a little scary) and highly productive. The tools are fantastic but the energy you two brought to the workshop was where the real magic happened. I couldn’t have done it with anyone else.
Rebecca Jennings
President and CEO of Hips and Curves and Vistage member
Words cannot describe my gratitude to you both. You are the 8th wonders of the world. And I am beyond grateful to have experienced your supernatural gifts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sincerity and guidance.
Dr. Tina Shenouda
M.D., M.B.A.
What an experience in growth this trip has been for me. Thank you and David a million times over.
Mary Kathryn LaMaster
Legally Blind Visionary
Co-Founder of Eye See You
I never thought I would say this, but I am looking forward to getting outside my comfort zone, safe in the knowledge that I now have the tools and resources to succeed. I have never met better trainers, nor have I attended sessions that are as fun, practical, and inspiring.
Jenny Isaacson
VP Community Engagement, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Eloqui Communications training gave me hands-on tools and lots of practice and feedback. Deborah and David’s seasoned expertise, memorable advice, and the interactive quality of the workshop was truly transformational, inspirational and fun.
I’m eager to use what I learned right away to connect and engage with a variety of audiences and situations.
Ellen Taaffe ‘97
Director of Women’s Leadership Programming
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
The Eloqui workshop was the most impactful professional development activity I’ve experienced in my fifteen years as a lawyer. I’m not prone to hyperbole, but I genuinely believe it will be a turning point in my law practice as it relates to public speaking and communication.
I’m amazed at the number of skills and concepts you taught me in two days. I’ve already started to put those skills and concepts to good use in my practice. I never again want to give a presentation the way I used to… I strongly recommend Eloqui to any professional who wants to take his or her public speaking and communication skills not just to the next level, but into the stratosphere.
Brian Moskal
Environmental Attorney, Partner at Greenberg Glusker
Words cannot express my gratitude for the incredible experience I had at the Eloqui training. The entire thing was so beneficial for my skills, knowledge, and confidence. I am a trial/kinesthetic learner, so having to get up in front and present was absolutely the best. You and David made it OK to try things, make mistakes, and learn in a supportive environment.
Ann Bowers-Evangelista, Psy.D., MBA
Llumos, LLC
Twelve of my law firm’s attorneys and staff have attended Eloqui’s Immersion Training and Workshops, and each has come back excited from what they had learned. They implement and use Eloqui’s innovative training and skills in order to better meet and communicate with clients from around the world in addition to lecturing and presenting at international conferences and symposiums. As an attorney, I benefit from Eloqui’s training every day. I’ve been able to better understand and adjust my communication skills with clients and colleagues so that my daily business runs more smoothly.
David Hirson, Immigration Attorney and Partner
David Hirson Partners, LLP
Best presentation training I have ever received.
Mike Grimme
Retirement Sales Director, Pacific Northwest of OneAmerica
Thank you so much for a GREAT 2 days! I have never been so entertained, had so much fun and learned so much at any training. While I normally struggle to keep my eyes open after lunch, your program kept me constantly engaged. Because of your training, I will never again look at speaking or other speakers the same way!
Leigh Harris
Inside Sales Trainer, ADP Dealer Services

For-Women-Only Communication Immersion workshop
2026-03-30 09:00 (America/Denver)
Whether you pitch for business, raise money for your favorite non-profit, or want to be seen as a thought leader on the global stage, this Eloqui workshop provides the necessary tools.
Over two days, a select group of female professionals come together to learn new skills and find their voice. With a maximum of 8 attendees, everyone is up-on-their-feet multiple times, with the opportunity to hear from their peers, as well as the trainers, and make adjustments to ensure success.
This workshop will be held in the Stiha room at the famous La Fonda hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 9-4:00 pm on March 30th & 31st, 2026. We limit attendance for maximized personal attention. The workshop fee (including all meals and materials) is $3,000. Plus, we’ve negotiated an Eloqui nightly room rate of $229 when their rates during this period are much higher!
The first day of the workshop is focused on creating a make-or-break presentation, incorporating the critical elements of structure and delivery. It will also cover the differences between virtual and live presentations.
The second day is all about communication skills, rehearsal techniques and impression management: what you project, and how to engineer the perception you want. The agenda also covers how to read and respond to any audience, and advanced techniques from the professionals’ playbook to becoming an engaging speaker.
Your fee includes a specially prepared dinner on Monday, March 30th. Local chef, Johnny Vee creates a memorable experience, whipping up a 4-course meal right outside of town. Have a glass of champagne, wine and appetizers, learn about New Mexico cuisine, watch the sunset, and relax.
Stay an extra few days. This is premiere time to enjoy the high desert and all the tourists have gone! You can ski Santa Fe or Taos peak… Visit the art galleries on Canyon Road… Hike Ghost Ranch where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted… Go to museums, concerts or visit Tent Rocks, Via Caldera and Bandelier to see where the cliff dwellers lived.
You can fly into Santa Fe (via Phoenix, Dallas or Denver), or directly into Albuquerque and either rent a car, carpool, or take a Groome shuttle to Santa Fe.
Here’s what recent ‘graduates’ had to say.
Participating in Eloqui’s women-only workshop was an absolutely transformational experience. It was fun, informative, and deeply engaging—a rare combination that kept me energized and inspired from start to finish.
The facilitators created such a supportive space for women in leadership to learn, grow, and truly find their voices. I walked away with practical, actionable tips that immediately elevated how I communicate and lead. Most of all, the experience was empowering—a genuine confidence boost that continues to influence how I show up every day. I can’t recommend Eloqui highly enough to any woman ready to take her communication and leadership skills to the next level.
Lindsay Archuleta
Vice President of Operations
School for Advanced Research

The Eloqui 2-day workshop wa of the most transformative experiences of my professional career. The trainers made the environment comfortable and provided an immersive experience that both challenged me to think differently and invited me to rise within the exercises!
I am already employing the skills the workshop provided in my relationships and at work. The added bonus was the opportunity to explore communication styles; this area of the training is invaluable for anyone who works in a team – honestly, it’s invaluable to everyone! If someone was on the fence about training with this group, I implore you to take the leap and commit to it. You will be changed in more ways than I can even describe in one testimonial!
Meredith Schweitzer (she/her)
Director of Communications and Marketing
Thanks again for an amazing workshop! The entire experience was exhilarating, supportive, warm, fun (a little scary) and highly productive. The tools are fantastic but the energy you two brought to the workshop was where the real magic happened. I couldn’t have done it with anyone else.
Rebecca Jennings
President and CEO of Hips and Curves and Vistage member
Words cannot describe my gratitude to you both. You are the 8th wonders of the world. And I am beyond grateful to have experienced your supernatural gifts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sincerity and guidance.
Dr. Tina Shenouda
M.D., M.B.A.
What an experience in growth this trip has been for me. Thank you and David a million times over.
Mary Kathryn LaMaster
Legally Blind Visionary
Co-Founder of Eye See You
I never thought I would say this, but I am looking forward to getting outside my comfort zone, safe in the knowledge that I now have the tools and resources to succeed. I have never met better trainers, nor have I attended sessions that are as fun, practical, and inspiring.
Jenny Isaacson
VP Community Engagement, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Eloqui Communications training gave me hands-on tools and lots of practice and feedback. Deborah and David’s seasoned expertise, memorable advice, and the interactive quality of the workshop was truly transformational, inspirational and fun. I’m eager to use what I learned right away to connect and engage with a variety of audiences and situations.
Ellen Taaffe ‘97
Director of Women’s Leadership Programming
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
Words cannot express my gratitude for the incredible experience I had at the Eloqui training. The entire thing was so beneficial for my skills, knowledge, and confidence. I am a trial/kinesthetic learner, so having to get up in front and present was absolutely the best. You and David made it OK to try things, make mistakes, and learn in a supportive environment.
Ann Bowers-Evangelista, Psy.D., MBA
Llumos, LLCA
