Working with Claudia-Jean and learning the CHAT Communication System was pivotal in effectively communicating as a facilitator of an event. Awareness of my communication style and understanding how others best convey thoughts and ideas were empowering connecting the participants’ puzzle pieces. As a result of understanding preferred communication styles, I’m engaged in better conversations personally and professionally. The system is simple; however, it works when we actively listen and are consciously aware of how we communicate and understand the preferred communication style of others.

Johnny Crowder’s 2020 TEDx Eustis talk “How to Grow as a Person (And Why It Sucks)” reaching over a million views on TED.COM so far. Johnny worked with Claudia-Jean from the very beginning of the curation process to delivery: multiple drafts, to researching the title, to performance techniques, and practice, practice, and more practice. Johnny’s willingness to be coached and to put in the hard work, alongside Claudia-Jean’s guidance, made this talk TED worthy. The end product went viral, leading Johnny to several interviews as an expert in media outlets. Claudia-Jean enjoys nothing more than sitting back and watching all of Johnny’s well-deserved success! She is still one of his biggest fans. Click here to watch his TEDx Talk.

Dr. Marisa Franco delivered her talk “Why Friendship Is Just as Important as Romance” on the 2022 TEDx Eustis stage. Along with Johnny, Marissa worked with Claudia-Jean from the very beginning. She was also open to feedback and willing to do whatever it took to deliver her best talk. During their first meeting, they created a vision for the end result. They then crafted her speech and delivery around it. Marisa left the audience inspired by her authentic conversational delivery which Claudia-Jean believes will also cross over to TED.com. Stay tuned for her video coming soon!

Kelly Charles-Collins delivered her talk “Bystander Effect: Why Some People Act and Others Don’t” on the 2018 TEDx Ocala stage. Kelly and Claudia-Jean crafted Kelly’s idea worth sharing and went over her application process. Once Kelly’s talk was accepted (we had a feeling it would) Claudia-Jean also provided feedback during the scriptwriting process. To no surprise, Kelly’s idea worth sharing was also worthy of TED.com. Click here to watch her TEDx Talk.

I had the privilege of working with Claudia-Jean Virga who served as the Curator for TEDxEustis in 2018 where I gave a talk. She really pushed me as a communicator, helping me craft my “idea worth sharing” to something that really encapsulated the heart of what I wanted to share. She challenged me to think outside the box in how to get my message across. She was direct, but kind in her feedback. She was also enthusiastic and supportive throughout the entire process. This was the most significant professional development experience I have engaged in over the past decade and appreciate the role Claudia had in my growth as a speaker.

Tia Young delivered her talk “Etiquette: The Lost Art” on the 2022 TEDx Eustis stage. Tia met Claudia-Jean only two days before her TEDx talk. Even though she had two other coaches, she shares that the time with Claudia-Jean practicing gave her tremendous insight and guidance that she had not received before. Tia is looking forward to working with Claudia Jean again. Stay tuned for Tia’s TEDx video coming soon.