Availability dot

Available to book

Trust strategist & nonverbal expert

Pamela Barnum

Elevate your team's communication skills with Pamela Barnum, trust strategist and nonverbal communication expert. Pamela equips leaders to build trust and authentic connections within their teams using field-tested techniques from her undercover police and federal prosecutor background. Her popular TEDx Talk reaches global audiences, providing immediate, actionable insights.

Trusted by UGN Inc, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi, Royal LePage

Pamela Barnum
Pamela Barnum

Pamela Barnum

Billings, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

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

Get Pamela's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Pamela

Billings, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Pamela Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Pamela Barnum's biography

At a glance

  • Trust strategist sharing proven field-tested techniques
  • Former undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney
  • Management consultant specializing in nonverbal communication
Pamela Barnum is a trust strategist who transforms organizational relationships through expertise gained as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney. Her unique experience provides actionable insights into nonverbal communication, trust-building, and influence, helping leaders and teams navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Pamela delivers keynotes and workshops globally, helping leaders and teams improve trust, influence, and communication. She has consulted with organizations around the world, and her TEDx Talk, What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust, attracted over 200,000 views within its first six months. Pamela helps organizations address critical business challenges by closing the trust gap that undermines relationships, retention, and results. Her field-tested techniques enable leaders to accurately assess nonverbal cues, influence tactically, and build authentic connections in high-stakes environments. These skills prove invaluable in negotiations, sales conversations, and team dynamics where trust directly impacts the bottom line. Book Pamela when you need more than theory—her real-world expertise delivers proven strategies that immediately enhance trust, influence, and organizational effectiveness.

Pamela's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

3D Communication Strategies For Powerful Results
Pamela Barnum emphasizes the importance of nonverbal communication, highlighting that over half of conversations are missed when we overlook what remains unsaid. She reveals the secret second language used by communication experts and law enforcement to convey confidence and foster common ground. Attendees will learn to display calm confidence, decode nonverbal cues accurately, and utilize science-backed techniques to assess misrepresentation and bluffing, ultimately improving their negotiation outcomes.
The Power Of TRUST: The Superpower For Leaders
Pamela Barnum addresses the crisis of trust in leadership, emphasizing its critical role in mitigating risks, enhancing culture, and fostering innovation for an unpredictable future. She outlines five essential qualities that distinguish trusted leaders: transparent communication, receptiveness to feedback, a willingness to embrace risk, self-confidence, and a tenacious mindset. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to inspire stability, improve collaboration, push beyond limits, enhance rapport, and consistently build trust within their teams.
Tactical Influence: The Tradecraft Of Success
In this session, Pamela Barnum empowers leaders to bridge the gap between intentions and impact, enhancing critical success outcomes. Attendees will learn about the Fortitude Four, which transforms adversity into strength, and how to cultivate integrity, respect, and self-awareness for effective leadership. By leveraging intentional communication and field-tested strategies from law enforcement, participants will discover how to push beyond their limits and achieve their true potential. This session equips leaders with the tools to thrive in challenges.

Why we recommend booking Pamela

With unparalleled insights from her experience as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, Pamela Barnum delivers field-tested trust strategies that transform organizational relationships and directly impact your bottom line. Book Pamela today to equip your team with practical tools for building authentic connections and communicating with impact in high-stakes business environments.

Check Pamela's availability

Trusted by UGN Inc, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi, Royal LePage

Testimonials

This was my favorite session. Pamela was engaging and dynamic throughout the entire session. She gave some great anecdotal stories, had the room participate in questions. Fantastic!

CSAE

I had the pleasure of working with Pamela at our Women In Leadership & Business Conference. She was one of the highlights of the conference. Her session was jam-packed so we know the topic - the Body Language of Trust resonated with so many. The participants were actively engaged because Pamela spoke in their language, using examples that hit home, allowing everyone to immediately see how and when to use the suggestions being offered. Relationships are so key in business today and Pamela very quickly helped our participants focus on a few key points that will help to build relationships for work or personal life. And from a conference organizer's perspective, she was a pleasure to work with. We are so thankful that she shared her expertise with us!

Pamela, we are getting rave reviews after your presentation! Thank you again for coming to Chicago and sharing your experiences. Also, I have had speakers for years and not one of them was as classy as you were. The results of the survey from your speech are in and you scored a weighted average of 4.29 our of 5 - Excellent! You might have broken the record for speakers!

Peter Anthony

President & CEO, UGN Inc

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Pamela Barnum for my next event?

What is Pamela Barnum's speaking style like?

Pamela Barnum draws on her background as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney to deliver field-tested frameworks, including the Fortitude Four model for converting adversity into leadership strength. She structures sessions around applied techniques for decoding nonverbal cues and assessing misrepresentation, grounded in law enforcement methodology rather than theoretical models.

What topics does Pamela Barnum specialise in?

Pamela Barnum's sessions cover nonverbal communication and decoding behavioural cues, trust-building in leadership, and tactical influence through intentional communication. Her headline credential is her background as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, with her TEDx Talk What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust drawing over 200,000 views within its first six months.

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.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

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.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

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.