Trainers are in the communication business. Whether designing or delivering training, persuasion is at the heart of everything. Providing information to colleagues, customers, and clients is one thing. Getting them to agree, believe, comply, or act is quite another...

• How do speakers move from "informant" to "advocate"?
• What is the role of emotions in persuasion?
• How much does speaking virtually change how we should persuade?

Dr. Constance Staley is a Professor of Communication at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She holds a B.S. in education, an M.A. in linguistics, and a Ph.D. in communication. As a mid-career academic, Dr. Staley worked as a trainer in an East Coast Fortune 500 company, designing and delivering all management and supervisory training. She was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to teach in the republic of Kyrgyzstan in the former Soviet Union; has won the University of Colorado Outstanding Teacher Award; and was twice nominated for a CASE U.S. Professor of the Year Award.

Connie has published 20 books/editions and recently served as Special Assistant to the Chancellor, leading a university initiative to design a next-generation campus Career Center for students. She is a sought-after conference keynoter and a highly popular trainer, both onsite and online. Dr. Staley currently teaches university courses in Communication, Training, and Consulting; Professional Public Speaking Online; and Conflict Management.