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Join date: May 5, 2024

About

Lori-Ann Jakel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Stand Up and Speak Inc., a premier Canadian academy dedicated to public speaking, confidence-building, and communication skills for children, teens, and adults. Known affectionately by students and parents as the “Public Speaking Maven,” Lori-Ann brings over two decades of coaching experience to the classroom—and to the blog.


A highly experienced and awarded speaker herself, Lori-Ann now empowers others to do what she wants the world to do: stand up and speak. Under her leadership, SUAS has grown from a four-student basement class in Mississauga to a multi-location academy serving over 450 students weekly. Her work has helped shape provincial speech champions, debate leaders, and confident communicators across Ontario.


Her writing offers heartfelt, practical insights on:


  • How to Build Confidence in Children

  • Public Speaking for Kids in Ontario

  • Communication Skills for Teens

  • Empowering Girls Through Speaking

  • Overcoming Speaking Anxiety at Any Age


Lori-Ann is a driving force behind SUAS’s inclusive and supportive teaching model, as well as its innovative speech feedback system. Her mission? To ensure that no child or adult is ever afraid to speak up again.


When she’s not running workshops or mentoring instructors, Lori-Ann enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, engaging in deep conversations, embarking on travel adventures, and witnessing a once-quiet student take the stage with pride.


“Your voice matters. You need to believe it—and use it.”


Posts (29)

Dec 4, 2025 ∙ 3 min
What Makes a Great Speaker? The One Skill Most People Overlook
Most people think great speakers rely on charisma, but the real skill that sets them apart is active listening. When you understand your audience, your message becomes clearer, more structured, and more impactful. Listening is the foundation of confident communication for kids, teens, and adults.
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Nov 26, 2025 ∙ 2 min
How to Practice Public Speaking When You Don’t Have an Audience
You can build strong public speaking skills even without an audience. Simple daily habits like recording yourself, practicing in short bursts, reading aloud, and using quick prompts can boost confidence at any age. With steady practice, your presence and clarity improve long before you step in front of a real crowd.
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Nov 11, 2025 ∙ 3 min
Why “How Was School Today?” Doesn’t Build Confidence and What to Ask Instead
Many parents ask, “How was school today?” and get the same one-word reply. The problem isn’t kids—it’s the question. By asking more thoughtful, open-ended questions, parents can spark real conversations that build reflection, communication, and confidence. Learn how simple daily chats can help your child find their voice and express themselves more clearly.
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Lori-Ann Jakel

Lori-Ann Jakel

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Public Speaking Maven & Co-Founder

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