Erik Palmer is an author, speaker, and consultant from Denver, Colorado. He focuses on improving oral communication—whether one-on-one, small group, large group, informal or formal, in-person or digital—by sharing practical, understandable ideas that help all adults become effective speakers. Erik spent 10 years managing an office for a prominent commodity brokerage firm, where he was the national sales leader. He also taught in one of Colorado’s premier school districts for 21 years, and was named a Teacher of the Year. A frequent presenter at conferences, Erik has given keynotes and led workshops for adults across the United States and around the world. He is the author of many books on public speaking; his most recent book, Own Any Occasion, will be available from ATD Press in October 2017. Erik has a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado, Denver.