Confident, Grounded Communication
Early career chaplains often enter their roles and workplaces with an extensive set of skills in spiritual care, counseling, and active listening, but they quickly find themselves surprised and under-equipped for the high-impact public speaking invitations coming their way. This cohort provides the specialized public speaking training and actionable preparation needed to turn that anxiety into confident sacred leadership and institutional influence within the context of a supportive peer community.
This workshop is led by Rev. Julie Avis Rogers, MDiv, public speaking coach, ordained minister (United Church of Christ), and former university chaplain.
All sessions will take place from 2 to 3:30 PM Eastern:
Introducing the “Chaplain’s Toolkit for Public Speaking”
Introduction to the 4 stages of the public speaking journey and an opportunity for the cohort members to begin building community.
January 20, 2026
Sacred Bookends
Leading Invocations, Blessings, Benedictions and brief moments of grounding for large groups.
January 27, 2026
Spontaneous Communication and “Thinking On Your Feet”
Techniques for navigating “spontaneous communication” such as extemporaneous prayer, responding quickly to difficult questions, and managing difficult Q&A sessions.
February 3, 2026
Officiating Community Gatherings
Mastering the complex roles of Memorial Services, Vigils, and other significant rituals.
February 10, 2026
Presentations Using Intentional Design
Structuring mission-critical presentations for diverse audiences (boards, staff, donors).
February 24, 2026
Closing & The Path Forward
Finalizing individual public speaking plans and integrating skills into institutional leadership goals.
March 3, 2026