Beth Sherman
Leadership Communication Keynote Speaker
Helping teams build trust quickly to accelerate decisions, expand influence, and improve outcomes
In any interaction, people decide within seconds to engage fully — or not.
Drawing on 30 years as a professional comedian and 7x Emmy Award-winning comedy writer, Beth Sherman teaches teams the principles entertainers use to create emotional connection quickly, and how to apply those same principles to build clarity, trust, and momentum in sales, marketing, and leadership.
The Ability to Build Trust Quickly Matters More Than Ever
Business moves at the speed of trust. When trust forms quickly, decisions move, alignment strengthens, and outcomes improve. When it doesn’t, conversations stall and momentum is lost.
In a world of constant change and distraction, teams can’t afford slow starts. The speed at which trust forms now determines how effectively people communicate, collaborate, and move work forward.
Building trust and holding attention is not a soft skill. It’s a competitive advantage.
Introducing Rapid Rapport™
Rapid Rapport™ is a practical communication framework for creating genuine connection quickly and intentionally, without scripts or performance.
It draws on the same principles comedians rely on when they have only seconds to engage a room of strangers. In comedy, if rapport doesn’t happen fast, nothing works. In business, the stakes are even higher.
You don’t need to be a performer to build trust from hello. You need clear, repeatable tools for creating human connection in real-world situations.
Beth Sherman and Rapid Rapport™ provide those tools.
-
![Heineken logo on green background. Heineken is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
"Brilliant and engaging! Our colleagues went on to use her framework the very next day!"
-
![The Marketing Society logo. The Marketing Society is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
"A superb speaker, and terrifically relevant for ambitious businesspeople who want to be more effective leaders."
-
![Institute of Practitioners in Advertising logo. The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
“Beth’s talk was an absolute masterclass in using humor to connect and persuade, and her content resonated deeply with our membership of advertising professionals."
-
![Institute of Internal Communication logo. The Institute of Internal Communication is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
"Fantastic! Her talk was one of our most popular and I could hear the laughter from the Green Room. Highly recommend!"
-
![Pride in Leadership Conference logo. The Pride in Leadership Conference is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
“Beth challenged conventional thinking while keeping the room laughing, engaged, and motivated.”
-
![AND Digital logo. AND Digital is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
"Brilliant to work with from start to finish, and the feedback we received from the event she did with senior leaders was exceptional."
-
![IPG Mediabrands logo. IPG Mediabrands is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
“Beth is incredible! I’ll absolutely be recommending her to anyone who asks - and even those who don’t!"
-
![Logo for Natixis corporate and investment banking, speaking client of Beth Sherman]()
Fabulous in every way! Feedback has been excellent.
-
![Great River MBA Conference logo. The Great River MBA Conference is a client of leadership communication speaker Beth Sherman.]()
"Thanks so much! Your session was a high point of the conference!"
You can’t convert until you connect
In an AI-driven workplace, influence still starts with human connection. Beth Sherman helps leaders, sales teams, and organizations build trust fast, reduce resistance, and move people to action using the same principles comedians rely on to create emotional connection quickly.
Where this content has the most impact
Beth’s keynotes and workshops are designed for moments where teams need to build trust quickly and communicate with clarity, especially when the stakes are high and time is limited.
Leadership & Executive Teams
When alignment needs to happen faster, decisions stall less, and influence must extend across senior stakeholders and functions.
Sales, Marketing & Client-Facing Teams
When trust and credibility need to be established quickly to move conversations forward, strengthen relationships, and win buy-in.
Internal Communications, HR & Culture Events
When teams need practical, human tools for connection, clarity, and engagement during periods of change or growth.
Trusted by global brands and professional audiences worldwide.
Popular Keynotes for Leadership, Sales, Marketing, and Change
One core framework. Four distinct applications.
Rapid Rapport™:
How Comedians Build Trust at Speed
Trust determines whether ideas land and decisions move forward. Beth Sherman shows how comedians build rapport in seconds and how those same principles apply in high-stakes business conversations.
This keynote focuses on reducing friction and increasing influence by creating emotional connection through observation, acknowledgment, and framing.
What Actually Gets People to Listen:
Trust at Speed in Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing both depend on earning trust before asking for action. Beth Sherman shows how the rapid rapport skills comedians use on tough rooms help teams capture attention and reduce resistance.
This keynote offers practical ways to create emotional connection early and increase influence across pitches, presentations, and customer conversations.
Rapid Rapport™ for Leaders:
Building Trust When It Matters Most
In periods of change and uncertainty, leadership success depends on how quickly trust forms. Beth Sherman reveals how comedians establish trust fast and how leaders can apply those principles without sacrificing authority or credibility.
This keynote equips leaders with practical ways to earn buy-in, align teams, and move decisions forward.
When Communication Has to Land:
How Comedians Get and Hold an Audience
This practical keynote shows audiences how to create emotional connection early so presentations lead to action. Drawing on principles comedians use to engage strangers quickly, Beth Sherman breaks down the communication choices that help ideas land.
Attendees leave with clear, usable tools for opening, structuring, and delivering presentations with greater confidence, clarity, and impact.
All keynotes can be paired with a Q&A, fireside chat, masterclass, or workshop.
Not sure if Beth is the right speaker for your event?
Take this 2 minute quiz.
Answer seven (7) simple questions about your event, audience, and desired outcomes to see whether Beth’s topic and approach align with your needs and goals.
No sales pitch. Just a clear recommendation.
About Beth Sherman
Beth Sherman is a leadership communication keynote speaker who helps teams build trust fast, turning early connection into clearer decisions, stronger influence, and better outcomes across organizations.
A 7x Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and veteran comedian, Beth brings a rare, real-world understanding of how rapport forms under pressure and how it can be used intentionally in business settings.
She honed her craft in environments where connection must happen instantly or nothing works, from live comedy stages to writing for global broadcasts and high-stakes events.
Today, Beth translates the skill comedians rely on most — rapid rapport — into a practical communication framework for teams navigating change and complexity. Her keynotes equip audiences to build trust quickly, reduce friction, and create momentum from the very first moments of any interaction.
Let’s explore whether this is the right fit
If your team or membership need to build trust quickly, communicate with greater clarity, and create momentum from the very first moments, a short conversation can help determine whether this approach is right for you.
This is not a sales call. It’s a focused discussion about your audience, goals, and timing so you can make the right decision with confidence.
Prefer to assess fit first?
Take the 2-minute Speaker Fit Scorecard →