With a passion for learning, Laura brings a wide range of talents into her presentations.  Her previous roles (as an actress, theatre director, and award-winning playwright), bring vitality and play into her presentations.  Laura speaks on a wide range of emotional intelligence topics including:  assertiveness, customer service and emotions, handling difficult emotions, motivation, the benefits of optimism, how to motivate others, and more.

To listen to Laura speak about Emotional Intelligence, visit the website link to the right.

Assertiveness in the Workplace.  A dream or nightmare?

You CAN communicate assertively without upsetting your customers or team!  Laura shares the secrets with insights from emotional intelligence.

“Dynamic!  Vibrant.  Enthusiastic!”

From Tanya Sutton, Crown Point Village

Want Super Relationships?  Develop A Super Skill-- Empathy.
Empathy is the WD40 of daily life.  Explore the five components of empathy for smoother sailing at work and home.   

“She demonstrates a mastery of her topic….”

David S. Newkirk, Sargento Foods Inc.

Emotional Intelligence-- Learning to be Smart with Feelings.
Is it really possible to change? Yes!  Emotional Intelligence can help us master emotions (intelligently) and unlock the wisdom of our feelings. 

“...inspiring and thought provoking…”

Bob Skrocki, DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church

Motivation—The Secret Sauce of Success. 

How can I motivate Larry to take out the garbage?  How can I motivate myself to write that report?  These and other secrets are revealed in this dynamic exploration of psychology and emotions. 

"a day well spent..."  Sandy Babin, VP Marketing, Apple Vacations

How Can I Serve? Discovering Your Noble Goal.

What is your noble goal?  Release your brilliance and discover a mission statement that will motivate, inspire, and guide you.

“…Laura is extremely compassionate and dedicated…”

Joyce Daley, College of Dupage

Glass Half Empty?  Become an Optimist for Health and Wealth!
Are you a worrier?  Do you fret with anxiety?  You can change your thoughts and  your life.  Learn a formula that’s been proven (by scientists) to improve your immune system, enhance relationships, and earn you more money!

 “Laura is the complete package...... She has the knowledge, enthusiasm and creativity….

Deb Keisler  Director, Massage Therapy Program, Elgin Community College

Learning from the Scowl.  Lessons from Anger. 

We can learn to ride the waves of our anger and uncover the important messages hidden in this potent emotion.  Let’s explore how to use the power of anger--not for destruction--but to bring us vitality and wisdom.

“..it was great….”Jim Garrett, Manager, Colonial Cafes

Nurturing Ourselves--Lessons from My Garden

Even if you never put your hands in the dirt, this whimsical keynote will plant seeds in your heart and warm your spirit (like a Spring day).  We’ll explore 7 secrets of a garden and how we can apply these to cultivate ourselves at home or work.

I'm always adding new programs.  Here are some newer titles:

A program for women:

Unlocking the Pressure Cooker of Our Lives with Emotional Intelligence

Another fun program on nonverbals:

It’s Not What You Say but HOW You Say It!

Laura Lewis-Barr, M.A, 6SecCert., DDI Cert. is a former musical comedy actress, theatre director, award-winning playwright, public speaker, writer, training developer, college professor, and corporate consultant. Laura began graduate studies in Counseling Psychology but eventually returned to the theatre and earned a Masters Degree in Performing Arts. Using her extensive theatre background, Laura creates lively keynote speeches and training workshops.  Laura is a Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Certified trainer and a certified trainer through Development Dimensions International.