How does an English-learning, terrified-to-speak, flat-footed immigrant become a keynote speaker and communication trainer? Erik Dominguez lived most of his life afraid. When he came to the United States after his 8th birthday, he quickly discovered that his English wasn’t good enough for native English speakers. He transformed from a quirky, communicative kid into a...
read the rest
How does an English-learning, terrified-to-speak, flat-footed immigrant become a keynote speaker and communication trainer?
Erik Dominguez lived most of his life afraid. When he came to the United States after his 8th birthday, he quickly discovered that his English wasn’t good enough for native English speakers. He transformed from a quirky, communicative kid into a terrified introvert, scared to speak up for himself and constantly muting his own needs for the sake of others.
It was only after he found the academic sport of speech and debate that he learned how to use his greatest fears as fuel for his biggest dreams. He knew he could choose to play it safe by protecting himself from criticism, or he could open himself up to failure, commit to learning the tools and techniques he needed to communicate with confidence, and give himself the best chance to be seen and heard.
Now, he’s using his 25 years of experience as a keynote speaker, trainer, educator, and coach — combined with his educational background in literature, instructional design, and strategic communications — to help you and your audiences.
His life’s mission is to support you in transforming your fear into fuel through speaking, storytelling, and communicating with confidence. He doesn’t share the generic and technical tips most coaches and speaking courses teach. He gives you the guidance, tools, feedback, accountability, and encouragement you need to speak confidently and powerfully.
Through interactive keynote speeches with practical and applicable next steps, he equips and inspires audiences to:
- Build lasting confidence
- Communicate with confidence
- Share your unique story
- Build empathy for yourself and others
read less
Speaker Programs
Crucial Conversations: For Mastering Dialogue
Crucial Conversations: For Accountability
Redefining Communication: Own Your Message, Own Your Story, Own Your Courage
Studies show that communication affects employee engagement, workplace culture, productivity, and client relations. But here's a scary statistic: 86 percent of employees and executives identify poor communication as a major workplace problem. That means the ...more
Studies show that communication affects employee engagement, workplace culture, productivity, and client relations. But here's a scary statistic: 86 percent of employees and executives identify poor communication as a major workplace problem. That means the majority of your team feels they are not communicating effectively with each other. How are your communication issues impacting your organization overall?
This session will get at the core of your communication challenges and reveal how fear can mute even the most competent communicators. ...less
The Three T’s of Confidence: Enhance Leadership Skills by Transforming Fear Into Fuel
Leadership confidence is becoming one of the biggest problems in the modern workplace. Research suggests that a majority of leaders, up to the C-suite level, lack confidence in their ability to handle challenges and lead ...more
Leadership confidence is becoming one of the biggest problems in the modern workplace. Research suggests that a majority of leaders, up to the C-suite level, lack confidence in their ability to handle challenges and lead their teams through major changes. This can be summed up as a strong fear of failure and an inability to step outside the comfort zone.
These confidence issues trickle down to the team dynamic as a whole. In fact, a recent Gallup poll shows that only 21 percent of employees strongly agree that they trust their organization's leadership team. ...less
Navigating the Cave: Embracing Your Fear and Deepening Your Self-Understanding
Mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 Americans every single year, with anxiety disorders being among the most common issues. And yet, 6 in 10 Americans seek no treatment or support for their conditions. Studies ...more
Mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 Americans every single year, with anxiety disorders being among the most common issues. And yet, 6 in 10 Americans seek no treatment or support for their conditions. Studies show that many people still view mental illness as a negative thing that should never be openly discussed.
We often see our mental health struggles as just that - struggles. There are times in our lives that seem impossible and feel exceptionally dark. And it's made even worse when we treat our struggles as a shameful secret.
But here's the truth: It's in the darkness that we learn who we are, what we can do, and how much we can overcome.
In this keynote, I'll share my personal story of how my relentless pursuit of excellence came at a high cost to my well-being. Together, we'll explore how mental health issues can be reframed not as setbacks but as challenging adventures that lead to deeper self-understanding and resilience. ...less
Books
Reviews
“Erik was an exceptional keynote speaker. He worked with us to customize his message and ensure it was in alignment with our conference theme and agency core values. Erik was super easy to work with and definitely brought the energy and fun to our conference. His message was tactical and entertaining and suitable for any…
- Lori Burgmaier, Iowa Department of Transportation
* Fee ranges listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline. The speaker's speaking fee should fall within this “fee range” listed. A speaker's fee may be at the high end or low end (or possibly outside of) the listed “fee range”. Additionally, a speaker may change his/her fee without notice. For a speaker's most current speaking fee or to check availability, please contact us.
