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Speaker & public speaking expert

Allison Shapira

Enhance your leadership journey and make a positive impact on others with Allison Shapira, speaker, public speaking expert, and Founder/CEO of Global Public Speaking.

Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Harvard Kennedy School

Allison Shapira, Speaker | Public Speaking Expert
Allison Shapira

Allison Shapira

Boston, United States

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Boston, United States

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Allison Shapira's biography

At a glance

  • Leading public speaking expert and coach
  • Adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School
  • Former opera singer turned communication specialist
Allison Shapira, a leading public speaking expert, helps individuals confidently enhance their speaking skills. Your presence and speech can significantly impact your leadership journey by building trust with clients and colleagues. In today's dynamic world, mastering communication is crucial for improving productivity, teamwork, and retention. With over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits globally, Allison, an adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School and former opera singer, equips audiences with essential tools to conquer fear and take control of their careers. In her presentation "Lead With Your Voice: Developing Inspired and Purpose-Driven Leaders," Allison explores how historical leaders have inspired audiences through their voices. By sharing her ACE leadership communication model, she offers practical takeaways for professionals to communicate authentically, clearly, and energetically. Allison also discusses the future of human connection and the impact of AI on authenticity and creativity. She believes AI can ethically enhance authenticity and originality, guiding executives and emerging leaders in communication skills and public speaking. Addressing influencing without authority, Allison emphasises the importance of breaking down business silos and building partnerships. She teaches participants how to influence internal and external stakeholders through skill-building programs. Participants praise Allison's workshops for pushing them out of their comfort zones in a safe environment. Her engaging storytelling and professionalism leave a lasting impact on audiences, resulting in improved speaking skills. Overall, Allison's expertise empowers individuals to lead confidently and authentically. Her practical approach, diverse experience, and use of AI equip professionals to excel in their careers and positively impact others.

Allison's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Lead With Your Voice: Developing Inspired And Purpose-Driven Leaders
Throughout history, leaders have used their voices to inspire audiences and mobilize action. Words can be used to command, comfort, and ignite. As one of the world’s foremost experts on communication and leadership, Allison Shapira teaches audiences how to lead with their voice to build trust with clients, colleagues, and other critical stakeholders. Drawing upon her expertise as the founder of a successful public speaking company, her work with senior global executives, her unique background as a former opera singer, and her graduate course at Harvard University, Allison weaves together a powerful approach to using your voice. She shares her innovative ACE Model of leadership communication, providing tangible takeaways that transform how professionals communicate daily to have a powerful and positive impact on others.
Influencing Without Authority
One of the most critical challenges we face as professionals is convincing people to take action without having a formal line of authority. Learn how to break down business silos and build partnerships with others. This keynote combines the tools of persuasion, negotiation, and relationship-building and clearly illustrates how to apply these tools to your most pressing work challenges. You will gain greater clarity on how to influence others both internally and externally to your organization. — Understand why your current messaging is not working — Learn key frameworks for persuading others — Strategically analyze your audience to understand what will influence them to take action
Authenticity, AI, And The Future Of Human Connection
Can artificial intelligence actually make us more authentic? Communication Expert Allison Shapira believes that generative AI allows us to tap into our authenticity and supercharge our creativity like never before in a way that is both ethical and value-rich. As a thought leader in her industry, she is already using AI to guide executives and emerging leaders as they build their communication skills and overcome their fear of speaking. During this pivotal keynote, she will discuss current trends in AI that guide audiences to gain a better understanding of both its implications and limitations on the future of human connection. — Understand the ethical uses of AI in our daily communication — Identify tools to use AI to tap into our authenticity — See the future implications of AI on human connection

Why we recommend booking Allison

Allison brings over 20 years of experience in enhancing communication skills across Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits worldwide, ensuring your team gains insights from a seasoned expert. Her unique ACE leadership communication model and practical approach to public speaking will empower your team to communicate more authentically, clearly, and energetically, boosting productivity and teamwork. By booking Allison, you're investing in transforming your team's communication capabilities, fostering a culture of confident, inspired, and purpose-driven leaders.

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Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Harvard Kennedy School

Featured Projects

Speak With Impact
Speak With Impact VIRTUALLY: A Companion Guide

frequently asked questions

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What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.