
Episode #35
Alison Deyette on Confident Communication, Media Training & Why the Pause Is Powerful
What separates someone who simply has something important to say from someone people actually listen to? In this episode of The Experts, Dr. Jenelle Kim sits down with media trainer, television personality, brand strategist and communications coach Alison Deyette for a practical conversation about communicating with confidence, clarity and authenticity. With more than 20 years of experience spanning magazines, television and communications coaching, Alison has helped executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, celebrities and founders strengthen how they show up — from media interviews and red carpets to keynote stages and leadership teams. Her philosophy isn't about turning someone into a different person. It's about helping them communicate who they already are more clearly and effectively. Alison also shares some immediately useful advice: slow down, take the pause, prepare before you speak and remember that when you're on a stage or in front of a camera, the conversation isn't really about you. It's about what you're giving the audience. In this MUST-LISTEN episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why strong communication is essential to leadership ✅ How unclear communication can affect an entire team or organization ✅ Why speaking faster doesn't make you sound more confident ✅ How strategically using a pause can make people lean in and listen ✅ Why preparation matters even when you're experienced ✅ How to avoid rambling and going off on tangents during interviews ✅ Why practicing your answers out loud makes a difference ✅ How getting out of your own head can make you a stronger speaker ✅ Why your audience — not you — should be the focus when you're speaking ✅ How great media training enhances your personality rather than creating a persona ⏰ TIMESTAMPS (11:45 total) 00:00 – Welcome to The Experts Dr. Jenelle Kim introduces Alison Deyette and her more than 20 years of experience as a media trainer, public speaker, brand strategist, television personality and communications coach. 01:26 – How Alison Built Her Career in Media Alison shares how she began in New York City working in magazines as a writer, editor, journalist and fashion and beauty director before transitioning to an on-camera television career. 02:19 – From Being on Camera to Teaching Others How to Communicate After years in television, celebrities, athletes and brands began coming to Alison for help with positioning and messaging, creating a natural transition into communications coaching. 03:19 – Why Communication Is Everything Dr. Kim and Alison discuss why even the most important idea loses its power if you can't communicate it effectively — and why communication is fundamental to leadership, persuasion and motivating others. 04:06 – When Communication Problems Become Leadership Problems From disengaged teams to organizations that have plateaued, Alison explains why seemingly larger business challenges can often come back to how leaders communicate. 04:53 – When a Bad Interview Becomes a Wake-Up Call Alison recalls clients coming to her after media appearances where the public response made it painfully clear that they needed media training. 05:38 – Alison's #1 Speaking Tip: Take the Pause Alison introduces what she calls “racing brain syndrome” — when nerves make us speak too quickly because we're afraid of silence — and explains why a deliberate pause can completely change how someone communicates. 06:19 – Preparation Changes Everything Whether it's a major speaking engagement or a red-carpet interview, Alison explains why preparation matters and recommends actually saying your answers out loud beforehand. 06:51 – Nerves, Breathing & Staying Grounded Dr. Kim connects Alison's advice about pausing with her own teachings around breath, mindset and grounding — and why nervousness doesn't necessarily disappear with experience. 07:47 – It's Not About You. It's About the Audience. One of Alison's most important pieces of advice: whether you're on television or standing on a stage, get out of your own head and think about what you're giving the people listening. 08:41 – Why Alison Still Loves Working in Media Alison explains how television and coaching keep her constantly learning about different people, companies and industries — and why helping someone else succeed remains such a thrill. 09:42 – Great Media Training Shouldn't Change Who You Are Alison explains that her goal isn't to manufacture a character or personality. It's to strengthen someone's confidence and enhance what is already naturally there. 10:13 – What Alison Is Working on Now From television appearances and guest hosting to corporate workshops and one-on-one media training, Alison shares what she's currently focused on and why she loves collaborative work. 10:55 – Where to Find Alison Alison shares where listeners can connect with her before she and Dr. Kim wrap their short-form Experts conversation. FREE RESOURCES & LINKS JBK Wellness Labs: jbkwellnesslabs.com Dr. Jenelle Kim – Living Meditation & Longevity Potions: jenellekim.com Code: DJK15 for 15% off Connect with Alison Deyette Instagram: @AlisonDeyette LinkedIn: Alison Deyette Website: Alison Deyette Media Connect with Dr. Jenelle Kim IG: @drjenellekim FB: @drjenellekim LinkedIn: Dr. Jenelle Kim TikTok: @drjenellekim

