From Improv to Impact

From Improv to Impact

Applied Improv + The Hall of Fame Hot Seat with Stephanie Staples

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Antoine Gaborieau Hall, CCFM | Winnipeg
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
* Coffee and muffins will be supplied!

Join CAPS Prairie Shield for a special morning with Stephanie Staples, CSP, HoF, one of Canada’s newest inductees into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame.

What does improvisation have to do with professional speaking? More than you might think.

We’ll begin with an interactive Applied Improv for Professional Speakers workshop designed specifically for people who make their living communicating, presenting and connecting with audiences.

Applied improv isn’t about being funny or performing on stage. It’s about becoming more present, adaptable, connected and confident in the moments that matter.

Through fun, low-pressure activities, Stephanie will explore how the principles of improv can help you:

• Think on your feet when the unexpected happens
  
• Recover gracefully when things don’t go according to plan
  
• Strengthen your connection with an audience
  
• Sharpen your listening skills
  
• Respond in the moment rather than simply react
  
• Bring greater spontaneity and authenticity to your presentations
  

Whether you’re delivering a keynote, facilitating a workshop, speaking with a client or networking at a conference, these are practical skills you can put to work immediately.

Then We Put Stephanie in the Hot Seat!

Following the workshop, we’ll shift gears and put Stephanie in the Hall of Fame Hot Seat.

In this candid conversation, we’ll explore the journey that led to the highest honour in Canadian professional speaking: induction into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame.

We’ll go beyond the highlight reel and get into the journey behind the recognition.

What did she learn along the way? What decisions made the biggest difference? How did her speaking, business and platform evolve? What challenges did she encounter? What would she do differently? And what can other professional speakers learn from her path?

Expect an open conversation about the craft, business, choices and persistence behind building a Hall of Fame speaking career.

Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Networking, coffee and muffins
Connect with fellow CAPS Prairie Shield members and guests before the program begins.

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Applied Improv for Professional Speakers
Interactive workshop with Stephanie Staples

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
The Hall of Fame Hot Seat
A candid conversation with Stephanie about her speaking career, business and journey to the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame.

Come ready to participate, connect and learn. You’ll leave with practical tools to become more adaptable and engaging in the moment, along with an inside look at what it takes to build a Hall of Fame speaking career.

About Stephanie Staples

Stephanie Staples, CSP, HoF is a Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame speaker known for bringing humour, heart and highly practical ideas to audiences around the world.

A former nurse turned professional speaker, Stephanie has spent more than 20 years helping people become more energized, resilient and effective in both their work and lives. She has delivered more than 800 programs worldwide, from the Mayo Clinic to the Middle East, and is a multi-title author, facilitator and longtime member of the professional speaking community.

Stephanie earned the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation in 2013 and, in 2025, was inducted into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame, recognizing excellence on the platform, longevity and success in the profession, and contributions to the speaking industry.

Known for her warmth, energy, audience interaction and willingness to try just about anything, Stephanie brings a wonderfully fitting perspective to a morning devoted to thinking on your feet, connecting in the moment and making an impact.