What People Are Saying
“Thank you Rae Dubow for such a special coaching experience. You teach in a way that is honest, encouraging, and I love your positive energy. You are a master of the mechanics of speech and body language. Your listening and insightful feedback makes you an inspiring coach. I look forward to working with you again.”
— Linda Fondren, entrepreneur
“Last June, I had the privilege of sitting in on Rae Dubow’s coaching seminar at UCR Palm Desert, titled How to Give A Reading Without Boring Your Audience to Tears. (Aptly titled, I might add: trust me, I’ve been to enough readings to know there are many who might benefit from such a seminar!) Though I’ve been giving readings myself for over ten years now, I’m always interested helping my own students in all areas that relate to writing. Though we tend to think of writing as an isolated activity, a basic ability to perform and entertain is increasingly of value to a writer interested in publishing and sharing their work. Dubow’s session offerred guidance on all aspects of public reading, from selecting the best material, to posture and stance, and even what to wear.
I think what surprised me most about this seminar was that I learned numerous things not just to pass on to my students, but for myself. I won’t give away Ms. Dubow’s secrets here, but suffice it to say that her confidence, knowledge and warmth put the students at ease. Her instruction was thoughtful, clear and simple, and as she worked with the students one on one and they had the opportunity on the spot to practice her suggestions, it was easy to see the rapid improvement they made with her help. I can’t say enough about how impressed I was with what Rae has to offer, and I highly recommend her.”
— Elizabeth Crane, novelist
“Rae Dubow is a master teacher and coach. And it’s not only that her knowledge of craft is unrivaled, but having to do with her passion for the work—as well as uncanny intuition—she’s able to inspire the most authentic performances from actors, readers, writers, civilians—allowing us, whoever we are, to explore and discover the range of our talent and material in record time.”
— Dinah Lenney, faculty, Bennington Writing Seminars
“Tension and fear are creation killers. Because Rae helped me to prepare my most interesting, funny and personal material, I could relax into the ease and joy of sharing stories with others. Not being afraid of public speaking is one thing. Actually being excited to make that public appearance is extremely empowering. Rae is a coach who makes you your best.”
— Genevieve Angelson, actor
“Rae Dubow has helped me prepare numerous public presentations and I cannot praise her highly enough! Her insight and hands-on approach has helped me turn both theoretical and personal material into fun, interesting and accessible talks for general and specific audiences. I have also hired her several times to help my graduate students learn presentation skills and under her tutelage they have blossomed from tongue-tied students into engaging and mature speakers. Bravo Rae.”
— Barbara Bestor, architect
“Rae Dubow is a miracle worker. After meeting with her twice, not only have I become comfortable doing public events and readings, but I am more comfortable in my own skin. Rae has given me tools and tips on how to present my work to an audience, from the smallest details -- like when to pause, breathe, and look up -- to more transformative advice like how to ask for what I need. It's all about connecting with your audience, and if you're not connected to your scene, and ultimately to yourself, the audience won't be able to connect either. Rae has given me permission to let down my guard and let the audience in. Rae is a treasure. What a gift she has given me!”
— Nina Solomon, novelist
“Rae Dubow was the keynote speaker at a MOSTe workshop with a group of inner city middle and high school girls. She also worked in smaller groups with our young women. Rae’s ability to connect with these teenagers was incredible. She was masterful at drawing them out of their shells and offered tools and tips to help them better express themselves. The workshops Rae has conducted with our young women have helped them find their voices and learn to value their stories. She has given them the confidence to stand up and speak in a public setting, share their opinions and speak their truths. So often these girls feel they bring nothing to the table, but even the shyest of our middle school girls ended the day with new-found confidence. Rae showed them that they have something unique to present and helped them find a unique way of saying it.”