There’s always more to every story…

My talks help nonprofits and small businesses spread their message

in ways they haven’t before using what they already have.

Notice where the cameras aren’t pointing? 

I promise that’s where you’ll find stories made to inspire people the most.

Because where the cameras aren’t pointing is where you get to witness firsthand something remarkable.

A moment no one else was expecting, not even you. It’s what I like to call untold stories.

There are so many untapped narratives we may not realize are happening around us. 

My goal is to show you how to find them, and how to tell them.  

Lauren Ready, here!

​Emmy Award-Winner & Principal Storyteller of Forever Ready Productions

I had no idea after a decade in front of the camera as a video journalist, I’d trade it for a life behind the camera through my now video production company, telling local stories of nonprofits and businesses making a difference every day.

And honestly, I couldn’t picture doing anything else. 

I want to encourage your audience to shake things up, try something new, and dig a little deeper with their storytelling.

Whether that means showing them best practices for conducting client interviews or redefining what “storytelling” means altogether. 

So if you’re looking for someone who can teach your audience how to leverage stories and video to drive impact, then you’re in good company. 

Keynotes

  • Letting go of the script, everyday humans, and insatiable curiosity are all you need to form a powerful story. So in this talk, I highlight unexpected instances throughout my TV career and behind the camera that resulted in beautiful moments. Your audience will be challenged to look beyond the headline and use what you have, imperfections and all, to tell a story that inspires people to DO something.

  • How do you know you’re ready? What does it take to make the right decision? More importantly, what is the cost of doing nothing? Pulling from stories of my career (and beyond) your audience will hear a call to action that leaves them ready to take the next step; in life, career or business. Explore how our values and vision unlocked a heightened ability to make impactful decisions. Leave inspired, prepared to take daring leaps with unwavering confidence and courage.

  • My favorite hobby of rock climbing is not a solo sport, and neither is leading others. This keynote takes you through the 180 shift of my 10+ year career in TV. I went from wanting the spotlight on me to leading a fully staffed video-production team, behind the camera, that tells others’ stories every day. Through personal anecdotes over the past 10 years, I openly share the leadership lessons I’ve learned to help your audience think about how your personal story can drive their organization and its message forward.

  • When things are out of focus, it’s hard to pick a direction, let alone see the possibilities of the future. In this keynote you’ll hear strategies to positively move and shape your career and teams.

Workshops

  • You’ve got the data…now what? How can you go from a great stat to a great story without overloading your audiences? What does it really take to create a move-people-to-take-action story? Get ready for moment-by-moment breakdowns from video case studies that will inspire you to think differently about data. In this talk, you’ll learn 5 ways to take a stat and turn it into a compelling story, why less is more in storytelling and how it can help you get media coverage using your data. And no matter what, you’ll learn how to use what you have, imperfections and all, to tell a story that inspires people to DO something. 

    Learning Objectives:
    1. Analyze and Interpret Data: Analyze statistical data to identify compelling stories. Engage with data critically and creatively to find stories that captivate and engage audiences.

    2. Crafting Engaging Headlines: Evaluate the effectiveness of different headlines in capturing attention and encouraging further reading; assess and refine their approach to headline writing, ensuring it acts as an effective entry point to their story.

    3. Narrative Development Beyond Headlines: Create high-level story outlines that expand upon initial headlines, incorporating a flow that maintains audience interest and conveys the message effectively.

    4. Utilizing Available Resources: Apply creative problem-solving skills to leverage available resources, including imperfections, to craft stories that resonate with and inspire your audience.

    5. Inspiring Action Through Storytelling: Tell stories that not only inform but also inspire audiences (and employees) to take action.

  • Letting go of the script, everyday humans, and insatiable curiosity are all you need to form a powerful story. So in this talk, I highlight unexpected instances throughout my TV career and behind the camera that resulted in beautiful moments. You’ll be challenged to look beyond the headline and ditch your marketing agenda. Instead, you’ll learn how to use what you have, imperfections and all, to tell a story that inspires people to DO something.

  • We’re used to hearing the patient stories, the client impact stories, and the overly scripted brand stories. So what does it really take to create a move-people-to-take-action story? Get ready for moment-by-moment breakdowns from stories told through my video production company, Forever Ready. In this talk, you’ll learn 5 ways to guarantee impactful moments, down to interview styles and who should (and shouldn't) be in the room. More importantly, you’ll feel inspired to tell stories through a brand new lens.

Key Audiences

Nonprofits: If you’re a nonprofit leader, your #1 goal should be to showcase the lives of the people you serve in the most authentic and honorable way possible. Whether it’s for your next gala, fundraising event, or recruitment campaign, every talk is packed with ideas for your organization to boost sign-ups and donations.
 
Small businesses:  How many times have you heard we’re “in the age of video”? As cliché as it is, it’s also true. With TikTok and short-form video on the rise, I love teaching small business owners how to leverage the power of storytelling in a way that builds genuine relationships. 

Mid-Career Professionals:  I’m not shy when it comes to sharing how I went from being a video journalist to running a successful video production company. Mid-career professionals can learn a ton about how to get plugged into their community either for their career, personal fulfillment, or navigating their next steps.

Kind words from awesome people

“Lauren Ready's live workshops are engaging and informative! She does a great job breaking down the importance of incorporating video in our nonprofit organization's fundraising and outreach strategy.

I strongly suggest attending one of her live workshops!”

-Monica, Nonprofit Learning Lab

“Lauren has true talent! When asked to speak to our participants she immediately was engaged and intentional about her message. 

Lauren spoke at NEXUS and connected with both emerging leaders and proven leaders instantly. She provided honest insights on leadership and experiences she has encountered while running a business!”
-Heather Hunt, Executive Director, NEXUS Leaders. Inc.  

“Lauren provided our nonprofit audience with practical content, offering participants step by step guide to share their organization’s story in a powerful way.

Her welcoming approach takes the fear out of storytelling and inspires people – donors, staff, and volunteers — through the written word, images, or video. Our participants walked away with the start of a marketing piece, and the necessary tools, to lead them to a finished product that they could share with their constituents.” 
-Tricia Fusilero, Executive Director, Association of Nonprofit Consultants

How many unexpected stories are out there waiting to be told?

SPARK IN YOUR AUDIENCE A PASSION TO FIND THEM AND TELL THEM REALLY WELL

Want to book me for your next event?

Click that button below so I can share with your audience about all things storytelling, video, business growth, leadership, and much more.

It’ll be a good time!