The only way to reach the top level in this industry is to build a better speech and improve your ability to perform it.

Look, we know you want to…

  • Get your big idea down on paper and onto the stage.
  • Increase your speaker’s fee.
  • Speak to grow your business and brand.
  • Create a repeatable process for developing content and rehearsing.
  • Deliver a compelling performance, even when slides don’t show on the screen, you fall into an orchestra pit, or 600 emergency texts start buzzing at once.
  • Hone skills that help increase positive results when you present to investors, shareholders, clients, customers, and employees.
  • Uplevel your negotiation skills.

… and yet, maybe you feel you haven’t reached your potential.

Michael & Amy at TEDx Michael & Amy

Co-Founders Michael & Amy Port realized they had a competitive edge with their formal background in Acting; it’s positively impacted their endeavors as professional actors, entrepreneurs, communicators, and (for Michael) as a NY Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 6 books. So they brought it to public speaking training.

You don’t have three years to drop everything and earn a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting—that’s an absurd ask— and not necessary—when you are a business owner or a professional speaker.

… But when you think of the great speeches that stick with you forever— the TED talk links you share with family and friends, the keynote speakers that you follow religiously on social, and the business owners you’ve witnessed closing big deals and investments—are the ones that are strong performances. There’s a touch of theatricality to make these performances memorable, to make them stick.

Theatricality doesn’t always mean mesmerizing a crowd with Shakespearean sonnets. Instead, theatricality offers you a way to wow audiences in a process where you’ll almost always know the right moves, the right tenor, and the right message.

You can learn craft and impact the world.

How It Works

You’ll focus on one project. Yes, you can choose a keynote, breakout workshop, TED-style talk, one-woman play, Instagram Stories series, high-stakes boardroom presentation, or another type of performance that’ll help you in your goals. Your choice. The curriculum adapts to the kind of material and format you’re working on.

Don’t have an idea for a script yet, but have a hankering that HPS GRAD is where you belong? No problem. Roughly 40% of students come in without a topic (and most refine their topic even more when they start).

The HPS GRAD experience
is split into two terms:

Write a
rehearsal-ready script.

12 Weeks | Virtual

Craft a
referable performance.

In-Person Sessions

Course Breakdown:

  • Opening Kickoff Event: Join your faculty and the HPS team for this social and informational welcome event.
  • Weekly video content: Experience lessons that are premium, from the production quality to the content guiding you in creating a rehearsal-ready script.
  • Masterclasses with Head Writing Coach AJ Harper: These sessions aim to help you better understand and increase the impact of your Big Idea as well as the foundational concepts of your intellectual property.
  • Live Editing Sessions: AJ (and maybe Michael!) will draw upon your on-time draft submissions to create breakthrough transformations with your content in real-time.
  • Coaching Sessions with the Ports: Wherever you are in your process, we’ve got your back. This is a time to share wins and let us know where you’re stuck. No matter where you are, we’ll help guide you forward through these interactive group sessions, serving as springboards toward your goals.
  • Big Idea Coachapalooza with AJ and Michael: Coachapalooza is an extended rapid-fire coaching session with Michael and AJ, focused on getting you real-time feedback on your submitted Big Idea (after you've worked through it in Masterclasses).
  • Superobjective with Michael: Dive deeper into why you’re writing a speech. What is the speech going to do for you personally? Professionally?
  • Introduction to the Writing Process with AJ Harper & the HPS Editing Team: The last learning module of the HPS GRAD: 1st Term curriculum is Editing. This session will introduce you to the editing process and allow you to learn from the incredible HPS Editing Team members—including the editor who will personally work with you and your intellectual property.

Here’s What we’ll cover:

  • Learn a repeatable process for developing content that contains a solid, understandable message for any audience.
  • Understand the difference between writing for the page and writing for the stage.
  • Identify your ideal audience so that you can inspire them to take action.
  • Articulate and apply the HPS proprietary Foundational Five elements that are essential for any great speech.
  • Catalogue the content you already have in your head—the good, the bad, and that which you should save for later—to truly understand how much additional content you’ll need to generate.
  • Craft powerful openings and commanding closings, captivating your audience and holding their attention from beginning to end.
  • Pinpoint contrast in your stories, making your storytelling more dynamic and memorable.
  • Craft powerful speaker bios & session descriptions so that people are on the edges of their seats before you even set foot on stage.

Course Breakdown:

  • All In-Person Sessions: Sessions will be held in-person, with virtual components in between.
  • Rehearsal & Performance: Master the proprietary HPS 7-Step Rehearsal Protocol so that you know your performances in and out (it’s never just about memorizing lines).
  • Contextual Models: Understand—and build your own—contextual models so that you can start to build a rock-solid intellectual property—something that extends BEYOND performance and into book ideas and stronger business foundations.
  • Business of Speaking: Collaborate and network with your cohort and HPS faculty with an inside look at how to get the attention of event planners and decision-makers.
  • Performance Masterclass with the Ports: Select students (perhaps you!) will explore their scripts in a 1-on-1 performance coaching, experiencing it come to life in front of this HPS GRAD: 2nd Term cohort. It is as transformational for those on the virtual stage as it is for those watching it.
  • Run-Through Sessions: Practice performing your script from beginning to end.

Here’s What we’ll cover:

  • Amplify what makes you unique (don’t shy away from your quirks, accentuate them … well, most of them).
  • Incorporate props and stage bits into your presentations.
  • Understand the right wardrobe to represent you and your brand.
  • Master the craft of Q&A sessions so that you keep calm and collected under pressure.
  • Garner audience interaction techniques so that attendees keep engaged and want to see you again and again.
  • Understand how to request the feedback that is necessary for your performances so that you can build stage presence and confidence, and block out unnecessary criticism.
  • Create easy movement with powerful body language so that your audience will keep their eyes on you the entire time.
  • Block your performance so you always know where to go on stage and when to go there.
  • Improvise so you can handle anything that the world throws at you—on stage or off.
  • Delve into telling a difficult story while being in full control of your emotions and the stage.
  • Garner crystal clear speech to keep your audience focused on your message, not second-guessing what you might have said.
  • Identify types of events and niche audiences that are perfect for you so that you can craft a compelling reason to book you.
  • Learn to set fees that are right for you (and when to break the rules and speak for free).
  • Go behind the scenes to learn how to book gigs — the work that’s needed, the fillers that aren’t necessary.
  • Understand how to connect with meeting planners and association chairs

Let’s Take Your Performances
to the Next Level

Let's set up a quick chat (via email or phone) to see if this training is right for you.

Previous special guest appearances include:

HEROIC PUBLIC SPEAKING HQ

Heroic Public Speaking Headquarters was designed specifically with Graduate School in mind. Of course, there are breakout rooms and a large space to rehearse. But beyond that, we want you to feel at home. There are comfy couches to sprawl out at as you create content and a local coffee shop across the street to get you up on your feet. With an oversupply of USB outlets for electronics, conference tables, and spaces to store your luggage galore, the Heroic Speaking team thought of how to fill up each nook to make your lives (and your travels) as accessible as possible. It’s versatile to intimate group conversations and larger rehearsals. In short, HPS HQ is a beautiful space to work, be inspired, and expand your craft.

HPS HQ is in Lambertville, NJ, a quaint historical town brimming with artists and hiking trails. It's equal distance from both Philadelphia and Newark airports. A place bursting with delicious food and independent shops, Lambertville encapsulates a blend of charm and community.

TRUST THE PROCESS
AND YOU’LL SUCCEED

This isn’t a one-day event. It’s work, it’s developing content, rehearsing, tweaking content, shaping your performance. You won’t be a remarkable public speaker after the first session. But, if you think Michael, Amy, and the Heroic Public Speaking faculty are the right teachers for you, then, yes, public speaking is in your future. No, more than that. Being an effective Speaker and performer and communicator is your future.

Let’s start this important professional & personal journey together.

These testimonials are only from one cohort. Scroll through,
and see your journey reflected through theirs.

quotation

“HPS was one of the best investments of my life. I didn’t sign up for HPS GRAD to become a professional speaker. I just wanted to be more confidence and deliver better speeches. In the past year since I finished HPS GRAD, I’ve been speaking at small groups for free. I also do live videos in my Facebook Group. I never realized the impact speaking would have on my income. I did a talk yesterday about how to get back 10 hours a week to a group of 30 business owners. I got fantastic feedback and they’ve asked me to come back. 11 people reached out to work with me after my talk. Mind blown. The training I received from HPS has made me a better communicator in every way: in my writing, my conversations, and my coaching. I’ve paid back my investment to HPS in spades. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone at HPS and my HPS GRAD class. Staying in touch with them has been an incredible gift. They are some of the best human beings I’ve ever met. Thank you for creating such a life-changing course.”

Jennifer Kim
Jennifer Kim
Speaker & Certified Small Business Coach,
Balanced Path Coaching
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“When I arrived, I was a jiggling mass of self-doubt. And now, as a proud HPS GRAD alumnus, I have a killer script, solid rehearsal protocols, a unique personal brand, a solid game plan for getting paid speaking gigs, and an enormous family of like-minded, talented people to support me through this new journey. HPS isn't just a training program, it's a fire hose.”

Dana Dobson
Dana Dobson
PR Consultant
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“I spoke at IBM Think in Vegas yesterday. Home run. I felt it was by far my best speech ever and that is due to the great training you and the team are giving me. I "went big" and the audience reacted. I really felt in the zone and well connected to the audience … I took it to a new level. I got applause during the speech three times and many more laughs than I've ever gotten before. Many attendees (50+) came up afterwards, thanking me for the inspiration and for helping bring clarity to their paths. I had a couple of people say that I changed their lives. Three people got choked up with tears in their eyes while expressing their gratitude.”

Steve Smith
Steve Smith
Former NASA Astronaut
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“I had a lot of rust. I hadn't spoken in front of an audience for 4 years. Fast forward: I'm so booked that events are coming out of my ears. 88 events so far this year, so I'm working on a new price sheet tomorrow to raise prices and stop wearing myself ragged. It has been an exciting year and a half, and I just wanted to give you a shout out for your huge contribution on getting me back into the groove as I launched.”

Lisa Cummings
Lisa Cummings
Professional Speaker; Founder, Lead Through Strengths
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“After completing HPS CORE and going straight into HPS GRAD, Amy and Michael Port showed me how to boost my self-confidence by silencing those inner critics and open up to countless opportunities. Now I have the elements of being a professional speaker and discovering my voice to spread my message to the world.”

Lisa Cummings
Sandy Rocourt
Communications Consultant
quotation

“When I came to HPS GRAD, I was hoping to be clearer on my message and content. To discover my big idea. Through my experience with the team, I can clearly express my message and better serve the audience. I have the tools needed to make a big impact.”

Jane Wilson
Jane Wilson
Entrepreneur & Speaker
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“This program has given me the framework for what it takes to be a public speaker. From the actual performance to the business and I wish I could've had this type of training earlier in life and I'm a young professional. After being a part of HPS there are so many ways to take this and I can't wait to see what's in store for where I'm currently at and my future endeavors.”

Garrett Enriquez
Garrett Enriquez
Field Sales Consultant
quotation

“Last week I was in Chicago doing my coaching bit for a total of 100 clients, 7 hours a day, for 3 days … and it was different. I have been doing this for 18 years, yet I felt the difference and so did my support team. Based on the comments from the clients, so did they. Tuesday I had three conversations about future speaking opportunities.”

Mary Miller
Mary Miller
CEO, JANCOA
quotation

“I started working with Heroic Public Speaking because I wanted to be a better public speaker. Specifically, I was focused on presence, energy, storytelling, and humor on stage. I've made huge strides in all of these areas, and the feedback from audiences is inspiring. I can also point to clients that we were able to bring on board specifically because of my improved public speaking.

Don Khouri
Don Khouri
Executive Coach, Fortune Management
quotation

“I was a good speaker when I came to HPS. Now, I deliver great keynotes with performances that entertain and inform. My speaking fee grew 50% in the year following my involvement and doubled the following year. I've recouped my investment many times over. Plus I'm part of a community of talented and diverse people whom I've come to know and love.”

Scott Wintrip
Scott Wintrip
Professional Speaker; Author High Velocity Hiring
quotation

“I started at square one not being sure if I even could speak on the topic I was thinking about, and now I have the content nearly developed for an hour-long keynote complete with terms I've coined and a contextual model, AND I improved my speaking skills so much. I also met so many amazing people that the connections alone made the cost of the class worth it.”

Clare Corado
Clare Corado
Founder, Indiana Immigration Law Group
quotation

“Before HPS GRAD, I was already making a living as an education speaker. I was getting speaking opportunities, but I didn't feel like my message had the impact I hoped it would. HPS GRAD was a serious personal investment, and I can now say that it's one that will pay off over and over. I am confident that my message will affect thousands of lives. My business will grow through the tactics that I learned with Heroic Public Speaking. And I will continue to improve as a speaker through the network I've joined. All in all, teachers' and students' lives will change thanks to my experience at HPS GRAD … and mine definitely has as well.”

Matt Miller
Matt Miller
Educator; Founder, Ditch That Textbook
quotation

“Taking the leap to be a professional speaker after 27 years in the military was a scary proposition. I joined this community and now have the knowledge, skills, and support to crush this next chapter of my life. Joining the Heroic Public Speaking community was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can't recommend it highly enough.”

Steve Drum
Steve Drum
Rtd. Navy Seal Master Chief
quotation

I came in feeling like a newbie speaker. I left feeling like a professional. Michael, Amy, and the entire HPS faculty are the best, most speaking helpful coaches you will find. HPS Grad has ensured that myself, my company, and my clients continue to get value from my speaking for years to come.”

Zach Basner
Zach Basner
Director of Video Training, IMPACT
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“A keynote for 375 people, thank you Heroic Public Speaking! It was such an exciting experience instead of a nerve racking one because of the awesome training from your team and phenomenal support from this community.”

Tammy Barlette
Tammy Barlette
Former Fighter Pilot; Co-Founder, Athena’s Voice
quotation

“I went into the program looking to increase my skill as a presenter. I left with the confidence to be a full performer in my job and in my life. If you are on the fence about going through this program, just do it. Whether you are a professional speaker, work as an entrepreneur or work for someone else, the return on investment is hands down the best I've ever seen from a career development perspective.

Jason Frazell
Jason Frazell
Mobile Security Specialist
quotation

“I am super-inspired to continue my development as a speaker and use all the things I've learned. The reason I signed up for HPS GRAD was that I felt I had reached a plateau and didn't know how to improve my speaking further. HPS GRAD helped me move on, I am now heading for the next level.

Gunnel Ryner
Gunnel Ryner
Professional Speaker; Coach & Leadership Trainer
quotation

“The HPS team is world class at creating a safe place where I could be vulnerable, stretch myself and move outside of my comfort zone and because of this I have a TEDx talk I can’t wait to perform.

Carson Tate
Carson Tate
Management Partner, Working Simply
quotation

“Heroic Public Speaking is my company's new competitive advantage.”

Mike Patterson
Mike Patterson
President, The Alias Group
quotation

While I've delivered 100+ speeches in the past, it's always been a bit haphazard in how I managed that process. Since completing HPS GRAD, I feel equipped to get out there and start actively building this arm of my practice in a deliberate and effective manner. Thanks to the comprehensive nature of HPS GRAD, I have clarity on what to sell, how to position it, how much to charge for it, and (most importantly) how to ensure that what I deliver is of exceptional value to the client.

Chris Taylor
Chris Taylor
Founder & President, Actionable.co
quotation

“Heroic Public Speaking creates magic.”

Ellen Latham
Ellen Latham
Founder, Orangetheory Fitness
quotation

“I wanted to improve my public speaking skills for work. HPS GRAD seemed like the best option because of its excellent faculty and immersive program. Through the course of the four months spent together, I not only transformed my performance as a public speaker, I found a loving and supportive community. I also found that I have something important to say to the world beyond my performance at work. If you want to become a world-class speaker and find your voice, I recommend HPS GRAD a thousand times over.”

Jered Odegard
Jered Odegard
Senior Product Design Manager, Redfin
quotation

“Much has changed for me. Tangibly for the immediate term, my publisher has already committed to sending me out on a national book tour with my dog. Also, the "being" a professional public speaker is new, and how it supports the rest of my platform is the professional game changer.”

Larry Kay
Larry Kay
Founder, Positively Woof; Author, Life’s a Bark

Let’s Take Your Performances
to the Next Level

Let's set up a quick chat (via email or phone) to see if this training is right for you.