Debra Fine

Biography

Timidly, at first, she dipped her toes into the pool of small talk. But, Fine soon realized that conversation, like most things in life, comes easier with practice.

Now the formerly shy, tongue-tied “enginerd” is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, corporate motivational speaker, trainer. and bestselling author.

A former engineer, Debra Fine established her Denver-based company The FINE Art of Small Talk to teach all variety of C-Level, manager and stake holder, along with the spouse who is dragged along to banquets and meetings conversation skills for use at business networking events, conventions and meetings, trade shows, as well as when interacting with clients, customers, and patients. Fine studied the art of conversation as diligently as she had once studied engineering.

A member of the National Speakers Association Fine receives high accolades from her clients, which include Cisco Systems, Wells Fargo Banks, Hinckley, Allen and Snyder LLP, Spectra Energy, The US Treasury Department, Toyota, the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business, Lockheed Martin, Vermont Law School and hundreds of associations including insurance, real estate, legal, financial, engineering/technology, health care, and Chambers of Commerce and civic organizations across the country. Debra is also a member of Rotary International serving on the board of her club during her membership over the past 18+ years. In addition she is a past member of the Advisory Council of the University Of Colorado School Of Engineering, Mountain States Anti-Defamation League and the Communities Advisory Council of the Junior League.

Debra authored the best selling books The Fine Art of Small Talk How to Start a Conversation, Keep it Going, Build Rapport and Leave a Positive Impression (Hachette) and the most recent in the Fine Artseries: The Fine Art of Big Talk: How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work (Hachette). Debra’s recent media appearances include The Today Show, CNN, The Early Show, and NPR Morning Edition. She currently travels the country as a corporate motivational speaker.

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Debra presents keynote speeches and programs for corporations and associations nationally and internationally that combine humor and interactions offering concrete skills and tools. Her keynote presentations and workshops offer attendees the ability to develop and cultivate outstanding conversation skills, mingling tips and business networking techniques that result in meeting new people, recruiting new prospects, gaining visibility, increasing referrals, enhancing customer/client interaction and developing and growing successful organizations. Debra teaches conversation techniques, business networking tips, mingling skills to help leaders, groups and stakeholders’ alike reach new levels of achievement and does so in an entertaining, informative and interactive manner.

Testimonials

We heard many great comments about your educational program. Let me give you a few examples: - Bring Debra back next year! She’s great! All the information she discussed can be used in personal life, as well as professional life. - Debra was a great speaker. She kept it fun, exciting, and interesting. I learned a lot! - Speaker was excellent! Thank you for bringing her!

– Texas Dental Association

Your workshop had immediate results – our Specialists walked out of the classroom with more confidence in their communication skills and a better understanding of how to strengthen customer relationships. You did a great job of tailoring the presentation to our specific needs. Your ability to address the communication objectives of our employees made believers out of a potentially skeptical group of people.

– US Department of Transportation

It is rare that someone in a short period of time can have such a great impact on a group. You accomplished this feat extremely well. Demonstrating conversational skills and techniques that build rapport and relationships in both social and business situations is key to success. You gave all of us a learning gift in a meaningful, humorous, and creative way.

– AmerUs Group

Thanks so much for your wonderful keynote presentation at the TSTCI Accountants/Bookkeepers meeting last week. It was a great way to start the day’s sessions. It really got everyone’s energies flowing for the rest of the meeting. It’s hard to believe you were ever an engineer!

– Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Your presentation, while delivered in a very humorous and light manner, provided us with very valuable guidelines and suggestions to enable our sellers to better communicate with their clients. It was a pleasure to meet you and have you address our group.

– Dispatch Broadcast Group

Your presentation at lunch on Saturday was interesting, helpful, and very well-received. Several partners commented to me how much they enjoyed your presentation, and how useful they felt it was to them personally. Engaging an “after-lunch” group of attorneys is difficult enough on any given day, but accomplishing it in a setting like Beaver Creek on a Saturday is truly amazing! The fact that we lost no one during the presentation is testimony to your effectiveness.

– Holme Roberts & Owen LLP

I really appreciate and recognize your contribution and feel that you set a great tone for the entire conference. I am extremely grateful for your willingness to extend yourself and I hope you realize how truly wonderful you and your presentation were. The substance of your presentation was extremely helpful in beginning the networking process. You held the attention of two hundred very demanding women who rarely sit through a meeting without planning their escape, and who can hardly keep their mouths shut for a moment to listen. Indeed, they listened to you.

– Women Presidents’ Organization

Booksby Debra Fine

The Fine Art of Small Talk How to Start a Conversation, Keep it Going, Build Rapport and Leave a Positive Impression

The Fine Art of Big Talk: How to Win Clients, Deliver Great Presentations, and Solve Conflicts at Work

Beyond Texting The Fine Art of Face-to-Face Communication for Teenagers

For Meeting Planners

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Blog Posts

Five Essential Traits of an Exceptional Keynote Speaker

🎤✨ Event pros, you know the right keynote speaker can make all the difference. Selecting...

Mental Health Awareness: The Mark of a Modern Workplace

🌎✨ As we recognize World Mental Health Day, we're shining a spotlight on critical mental...

What’s Holding You Back from Managing Your Energy Effectively?

Have you ever wanted to get more energy in your day-to-day activities? https://youtu.be/hltabhE0QRM Have you...

Use Improv as a Mindfulness Practice and Improve your Well-Being

🌟 Mental Fitness Through Improv & Mindfulness 🌟 https://youtu.be/xuAhzUGZ438 Mental fitness is not just about...

Innovative Event Strategies to Inspire Your Attendees with Courtney Mesmer

https://youtu.be/1erTgGFdyW8 Watch this week’s podcast episode here: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon...

Valuable Life Lessons from Parenting & Overcoming Failures

Learn valuable life lessons from overcoming failure and parenting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTIi-nhq60&list=PLXTlGHk63lLgbS8LN-PENXDzwMdqWAnOm "Life’s greatest lessons come from...

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Reviews & Ratings

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tim Mooney 
 August 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was on point and tremendous help before and after the event! Two thumbs up!
  
 
       
   Anthony Veneziale 
 August 14, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is the real deal -- he knows the best speakers to make sure your event is successful. I've had the pleasure of working with Seth and The Keynote Curators and he's top notch. Also, his podcast is chock full of great insights and important topics. Thanks Seth!!
  
 
       
   M.D Milloy 
 August 8, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is a great host, very inspirational and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Aaron Farzam 
 August 3, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote speaker searches have been overwhelmingl for me and my team.  Seth made the process easy.  Our expectations were exceeded. Great company. Highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Dante Fabro 
 July 29, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote Speaker knowledge is unrivaled by Seth Dechtman and his team at The Keynote Curators.  If your event or conference requires a keynote speaker, call The Keynote Curators.  They are thorough and deliver the goods.  Seth makes sure that you get what you are looking for...in spades. Not to mention, Seth is very down to earth and speaks to people as equals. I really appreciate that. I'd recommend The Keynote Curators any day!
  
 
       
   Jamie Wright 
 July 25, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found out about these folks through The Keynote Curators podcast - really great stuff!!
  
 
       
   Alison Levine 
 July 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great podcast with a wide variety of speakers, topics, and themes. You can learn something unexpected from every episode!
  
 
       
   Victoria Matey 
 June 27, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of joining the Keynote Curators podcast as a guest. My experience collaborating with Seth and his team was great - fast, efficient, and most importantly, they are all wonderful human beings!
  
 
       
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 June 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Keybnote Curators and Seth Dechtman are a class act.

Timely, professional, and most of all hit the mark. Cannot recommend them with more emphasis.

If you need a speaker for your event conference or any program, do not hesitate to contact Seth and his team.
  
 
       
   Brandon Grimm 
 June 12, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth Deckman is the only Keynote Curator you’re ever going to need for your events and conferences that require the best Keynote speakers. His attention to detail and true concern about meeting your event’s needs to go above and beyond. I cannot recommend him highly enough call him as soon as you have your speaker need for your next conference or meeting.