Pamela Barnum

Pamela Barnum

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The Trust Agent - Former Undercover Police Officer & Federal Prosecuting Attorney Trust Strategist & Nonverbal Communication Expert

Imagine what it would be like to live as a different person with a different name, identity, and background. For months, you live with a false identity, and your success depends on building trust and detecting deception with some of the most dangerous people imaginable. That’s precisely what Pamela Barnum did for years working undercover in the Drug Enforcement Section. She learned real-world techniques for building trust and interpreting body language.

When Pamela graduated from law school, she left policing and accepted a position as a federal prosecuting attorney. She spent countless hours in the courtroom, perfecting her proficiency as a trust strategist and body language expert.

Following a successful 20-year career in the criminal justice system, Pamela studied corporate negotiations in graduate school. Now, she shares her expertise with others, teaching them how to improve their communication skills to increase trust inside corporations, associations, and law enforcement agencies. She learned quickly how to separate fact from fiction and truth from falsehood.

As a nonverbal communication expert and trust strategist, Pamela delivers techniques once thought of as a “secret second language” participants can begin using immediately.

Take decades of experience in deep undercover work in narcotics and a successful legal career, and you get real-world strategies that help attendees crack the code on trust, improve professional relationships and increase effectiveness using proven field-tested techniques.

Pamela shares her experience, research, and expertise with humor, candor, and energy, blending actionable strategies with memorable stories.

She is also a featured expert and contributor in print media, radio and television news programs in Canada and the United States. In addition, she has appeared in person before live and virtual audiences ranging from 50 – 12,000.

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Speaking topics

CRACK THE CODE ON TRUST: The ABCs of Excellence for High Performers

Studies show that if you want better outcomes, you need better trust. That all starts with nonverbal communication.

Using proven, field-tested techniques, Pamela will help you Crack the Code on Trust by teaching you the ABCs of Excellence.

  • Accurately Assess non-verbal cues (body language), so you can build trust quickly and easily with anyone from demanding clients and challenging customers to skeptical stakeholders.
  • Behave in a way that communicates confidence and trustworthiness in any situation.
  • Create an environment that fosters authenticity and trust so you can turn first impressions into lasting relationships.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION: "LIFE" Skills for Leaders

Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts in the pursuit of goals, inspire positive change, and significantly increase revenue. Using proven techniques, Pamela will help you and your organization enhance communication outcomes with innovative LIFE techniques.

  • Leverage talent with intentional communication cues. Knowing how to tailor communication is essential to leading others and reaching goals.
  • Influence with the ability to decode nonverbal cues and impact how others perceive us.
  • Fearlessly connect in a way that communicates confidence, curiosity, and trustworthiness in every situation.
  • Empower with empathy, an often overlooked communication strategy that builds a stronger, more productive and engaged culture.

3D TRUST in a 2D WORLD: Enhance Trust Virtually

Within milliseconds, people judge your confidence, competence, and credibility. Virtual events and meetings enhance the subtle nuances that either improve or destroy your trustworthiness.
Participants will discover:

  • The in-person communication techniques that do not translate to virtual meetings and how to avoid awkward moments and “Zoom fatigue.”
  • Nonverbal techniques and platforms leaders can use to increase engagements during the meeting or event.
  • The top three nonverbal techniques that increase trust and the top three that damage trust during virtual events and meetings – and they aren’t what you think.

This program is delivered virtually on your platform of choice.

NEGOTIATE WITH INFLUENCE: Shape Outcomes

Using techniques developed as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, Pamela will teach you and your organization how to use and interpret body language to negotiate better deals, improve essential relationships, and build trust in challenging circumstances.

Learn how to use and identify techniques to maximize negotiation and persuasion skills to obtain your desired outcomes using the secret second language reserved for communication experts and law enforcement.

  • Display trustworthiness and demonstrate that you’re acting in good faith to improve and regulate how others perceive you.
  • Decode nonverbal cues that provide reliable feedback on how the other person feels – regardless of what they are saying.
  • Deliver excellence using verbal and nonverbal techniques so you can negotiate with ease in any situation.

IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS a SUPERPOWER

A growing body of evidence shows that a lack of confidence is devastating to our success. Demonstrating less self-assurance is what keeps us from achieving at the highest levels.

However, imposter syndrome has an upside, and attendees at this program will learn how turn
it into a superpower.

Develop immediate skills to:

  • Turn doubt and fear into valuable insights.
  • Maintain a strong executive presence when overcome by uncertainty.
  • Influence your environment to supercharge, not sabotage your confidence.

Although this content primarily focuses on people in executive positions, it is instructive for anyone aspiring to be a more influential and effective leader.

Video clips

Pamela Barnum - Speaker Reel

Pamela Barnum - Virtual Speaker Reel

Speaker testimonials

POWERFUL action steps that can be put into play immediately! You really nailed it Pamela.
You were exactly what we wanted as our keynote speaker and you were a hit with every participant. I really appreciate the energy, enthusiasm, excellent content and delivery that you brought to the event. You are truly unique, accomplished, humble, and funny! Thank you!

Stephanie Spahn, Director of Operations | Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi

Pamela, we are getting rave reviews after your presentation! Thank you again for sharing your experiences. Also, I have had speakers for years and not one of them was as classy as you were. The results of the survey from your speech are in and you scored – Excellent!
You might have broken the record for speakers!

Peter Anthony, President & CEO | UGN, Inc.

Pamela Barnum provided a keynote presentation for our FUBCON event at the Chelsea Theater in Las Vegas, and she was nothing short of amazing! Her energy, stage presentation and strong intellect were front & center from the moment she stepped on stage. She mesmerized the audience with her insights, data points and imagery that resonated with each and every viewer. She has the uncanny ability to keep the audience on the edge of their seats while simultaneously laughing and going, “AHA” that makes so much sense! I’d definitely recommend Pamela Barnum to anyone looking to give their audience something to not only think about, but to apply in their everyday lives.

Stacey Soleil, Head of Community & Industry Relations | Follow Up Boss Inc.

Dynamic. Engaging. Expert. All words used to describe Pamela Barnum by our conference attendees. She took the time to understand our audience, their cultural sensitivities and the information that was most important to them. She molded her presentation with that in mind. Pamela demonstrated total expert knowledge of the topics discussed and interacted with our virtual audiences in meaningful ways earning her the consistent position as highest ranked speaker at our events. Personally, Pamela was a pleasure to work with – accommodating, professional, prompt, and always with a bright smile. Adding Pamela Barnum to your conference keynote lineup will take your event to the next level!

Leslie Simpson, CFE, Director of Events | Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Pamela, Well I must say you have been the easiest speaker I’ve ever worked with in my career!!! When you write your book or have a new topic to talk about we’d love to have you back for a future event.

Bev Sturrok, Executive Administrative Assistant | Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

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