Sarita Maybin

Communication Expert, Motivational Speaker, and Author

Topics: Communication, Employee Engagement, Change, Corporate Culture, Health & Well-Being, Inspirational & Motivational, Leadership, Personal Development, Productivity, Professional Development, Success, Teamwork, TED Speakers

Contact us for Sarita Maybin speaking fees and availability

Biography

Sarita Maybin is a seasoned keynote speaker and workplace communication expert who equips audiences with the skills to transform uncomfortable conversations into constructive communication and work together better.

Over the past two decades, she has presented in all 50 states, 10 countries, including Iceland, and on the prestigious TEDx stage.

Sarita blends real stories, real-world solutions, and a relatable presence that engages audiences and inspires positive action.

Her message has resonated with a wide range of clients, including the American Dental Association, Million Dollar Round Table, National Conference of State Legislatures, the Department of the Navy, and the University of California.

She shares strategies that strengthen collaboration and empower people to handle difficult conversations with kindness and compassion. Growing up as a “military brat” and thriving in a life of constant change, Sarita brings a unique perspective that makes her adaptable and at ease in a variety of settings.

Sarita is a former university dean of students with a master’s degree in counseling and the author of If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say? Her commitment to fostering positive dialogue continues with her second book, Say What You Mean in a Nice Way.

Contact us for Sarita Maybin fees and availability

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Say What You Mean in a Nice Way: Communicating with Kindness and Compassion

Learn how to transform uncomfortable conversations into constructive communication in this upbeat presentation based on Sarita Maybin’s new book Say What You Mean in a Nice Way. Take away real solutions for communicating with compassion, kindness and civility—in person and online. Gain fresh insights on how to say what you mean and mean what you say in a nice way.

Presentation highlights include:
- How to communicate with C.A.R.E. to create positive results
- You’re Not the Boss of Me – How to gain cooperation when you’re not in charge
- Do You Play Nicely? How to lead, follow or get out of the way
- How to navigate dialogue dilemmas when communicating online
- Are you a L.I.A.R.? – Four behaviors that make or break relationships

If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?

We’ve all been told “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” This high energy presentation based on Sarita’s book provides practical approaches and positive phrases for those times when you need to say something NOT so nice. Learn how to have difficult conversations and to constructively clue someone in, deflect the negative comment of a well-meaning friend, or let a business colleague know what he or she is doing drives you crazy — without destroying the relationship.

This presentation will provide answers to such questions as:
- How do I know if I should confront a situation or just let it go?
- How can I soften the sting when giving negative feedback or bad news?
- What should I do if someone asks my opinion and I have nothing good to say?
- How do I tell my boss a thing or two without appearing ugly or insubordinate?
- What’s the best way to respond to nasty comments like “that’s a dumb idea,” “I knew you couldn’t do it” or “what were you thinking?”

How to Stay Positive and Focused in Uncertain Times

The ability to stay positive and productive in the face of change, challenges and uncertain times is essential for career success. In this interactive presentation, you will learn how to stay motivated, respond to workplace challenges and rekindle passion for your career.

Presentation highlights include:
- Seven steps for thriving on change
- How to cope with workplace situations that are beyond your control
- Twelve motivators that can keep you motivated at work
- Five ways to rekindle passion for your career
- How to communicate concerns in a way that will get the results you desire
- How to effectively protect yourself from the negativity of others
- How to use your “resiliency resources” to bounce back from adversity

Communicating for Success

In this interactive presentation, you will learn how to communicate in a way that gets your ideas heard and encourages the cooperation of others. Sarita will also share her Top Ten Positive Communication Phrases and her two “green jello” principles of conflict resolution.

Presentation highlights include:
- Find out what your body language is saying
- How to overcome barriers to listening
- How to receive feedback without getting defensive
- Do’s and Don’ts of Giving Constructive Criticism
- Sarita’s Top Ten Positive Communication Phrases
- Three-Step Communication Model
- Sarita’s “green jello” principles of conflict resolution

How to Maintain High-Touch Relationships in High-Tech Times

From Facebook to email and texting, technology has taken over as the primary means of communication. Yet conversations are still a crucial part of relationship-building, both professionally and personally. This upbeat presentation will provide real-life strategies for maintaining “high-touch” relationships while taking advantage of the innovations of “high-tech” times.

Presentation highlights include:
- How to compose reader-friendly emails that cause people to respond
- Strategies for creating “community” among your eNewsletter readers
- High-Tech Checklist: Find out whether your cell phone behavior is respectful or rude
- 3 clues that you should choose to call rather than email or text
- How to make the most of networking at the “virtual water cooler”
- Text Talk: Cracking the code of cross-generational communication
- Sarita’s Survey: What the tech-savvy suggest for staying connected

Testimonials

Sarita, your presentation at our all-staff retreat was amazing. Thank you for your insight and ability to bring teams together.

– Pam Haggins, University of California, Riverside

Sarita is truly ONE OF THE BEST! She wowed our audience in the Carolinas and really connected with everyone. I hope to hear Sarita speak in the future and would recommend her inspirational presentations to everyone.

– Brian Boss, CCM Club Managers Association (CMAA) – Carolinas Chapter

Sarita thanks so much for creating such a positive and high energy beginning to this conference.

– Jim Koontz, California Association of Health Facilities

According to the feedback, 100% of those attending rated Sarita’s presentation in the EXCELLENT category! You can’t get much better than that!

– Pattie Vargas, American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)

I have received rave reviews about your presentation. You accomplished all that we had hoped for, and more.

– Mae Brown, University of California

Many attendees commented that your presentation was the highlight of the conference. What a great way to begin the week!

– Linnet Baskett, Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals

Sarita’s keynote was the perfect way to conclude the conference…her standing ovation was well deserved.

– John Bowen, Wisconsin School Counselor Association

As a committee chair, I cannot express enough what a pleasure it was to work with you before the conference. You are extremely organized, know your material and always followed through on anything you committed to do for us. Your flexibility was helpful to us as we tailored the presentations to our audience.

– Dolores Harper, American Association for Women in Community Colleges

Sarita speaks with a warmth and humor which truly reflects her authenticity. I have booked hundreds of speakers for events large and small and recommend her without reservation.

– William Murray, National Coffee Association

Sarita, you exceeded my high expectations! You are amazing!

– Pam Lovett, Comerica Bank

Booksby Sarita Maybin

If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?

Say What You Mean in a Nice Way

Insights from Sarita Maybin

Watch our full conversation here: Improve Your Communication with Kindness

"One of the best pieces of advice I ever received years ago from a mentor was when you get criticism. Ask for more. (...) We're always quick to try to give some excuse or reason for something rather than just hearing them out."

- Sarita Maybin

"I always say that 'please and thank you' are still the magic words. (...) in addition to that, I do what I call a kindness check. Is there somewhere in the email a please or a thank you?"

- Sarita Maybin

"I always like to say, you know, would you be willing to, so I think inviting the other person's input is a great way to not try to be the boss of someone."

- Sarita Maybin

"People will always have some reason why something won't work. And I think it's, it's really empowering to be able to say, 'I need your help in letting me know what went wrong (...) so that we can move forward."

- Sarita Maybin

"I always like to say, would you be willing to, so I think inviting the other person's input is a great way to not try to be the boss of someone. It's most of the time we're collaborating with colleagues, were not their boss."

- Sarita Maybin

"When someone is pushing back and, uh, instead of pushing harder to just step back and say, you know, I, I really need your help in helping us move the project forward."

- Sarita Maybin