Pamela Barnum
Trust Strategist and Nonverbal Communication Expert

With decades of experience in the criminal justice system as both an undercover cop and a federal prosecuting attorney, Pamela Barnum shares real-world techniques and strategies to negotiate, influence, and build trust through intentional communication and nonverbal cues.
Barnum spent more than a decade in drug enforcement doing deep undercover work. Her success was dependant on establishing trust with some of the most dangerous people imaginable. This was followed up by a career as a federal prosecuting attorney, where she spent countless hours in the courtroom, perfecting her proficiency as a trust strategist and communications expert.
Having studied corporate negotiations in graduate school, Barnum now shares her expertise with others, teaching them how to improve their communication skills to increase trust inside corporations, associations, and law enforcement agencies. She blends actionable strategies with memorable stories, sharing her experience, research, and expertise with humour, candour, and energy.
Barnum is often a featured expert and contributor in print media and radio and television news programs in Canada and the United States. She has also delivered two TEDx talks, which garnered praise and interest from around the world, and has spoken to audiences ranging from 50 to 12,000 and on countless virtual stages.
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Speaking Topics
Crack the Code: 3D Negotiation Strategies for Powerful Results
Most of our communication is nonverbal, and we miss more than half of the conversation when we ignore what is not being said. Learn the secret second language reserved for communication experts and law enforcement to communicate confidence, elevate influence, and improve negotiation outcomes.
Audiences will learn how to:
- Display calm confidence and trustworthiness in every situation. Use nonverbal cues to regulate how others perceive you.
- Decode nonverbal cues with certainty. Understand what is being communicated, regardless of the words used.
- Detect deception with greater accuracy using science-backed techniques. Confidently assess verbal and nonverbal misrepresentation indicators, bluffing, and lies in real time.
The Power of TRUST: Inspiring Growth through Change
Trust is in crisis, and earning trust has never been more imperative than it is now. Trust solves risk problems, improves culture, and increases innovation to prepare for an uncertain future.
Learn how to master the five qualities that set trusted leaders apart from the rest:
- Transparent communication. Establish stability and security in times of uncertainty without overcommunicating or micromanaging.
- Respect for yourself and others. Understand why respect is the most powerful currency and how to use it effectively.
- Unimpeachable decisiveness. Learn proven strategies to make accurate split-second decisions.
- Self-confidant communication cues. Learn to use fear to your advantage.
- Take charge tactfully and humbly. How to inspire those around you to take risks and push beyond their self-imposed limits.
Tactical Influence: The Superpower for Leaders
Tactical influence is vital to gaining trust, aligning efforts to pursue goals, inspiring positive change, and significantly increasing revenue. Using field-tested techniques backed by science, learn how to enhance essential outcomes critical to long-term success.
Learning outcomes:
- How to leverage intentional communication cues for increased collaboration and improved negotiations.
- The number one undercover technique that makes you five times as likely to close a deal even when all seems lost.
- How to design a culture of trust to increase productivity, creativity, and happiness within the organization without spending more time or money.
- How to fearlessly communicate confidence and maintain a strong executive presence in times of uncertainty. Use fear and doubt to supercharge insight and eliminate imposter syndrome.
WORKSHOP: Strategic Negotiations: Innovative Approaches to Enhance Trust
Research reveals that nonverbal communication accounts for most communication in our personal and professional lives. Yet we spend almost no time learning how to display, decode, and detect messaging outside of the spoken word.
Studies confirm that the higher the level of trust, the more successful the negotiated outcome. Nonverbal communication is a significant data source used to make decisions around trust and confidence.
In this comprehensive workshop, attendees will learn communication skills that will significantly improve success during negotiations. A focus on decoding body language and speech patterns will be reviewed and practiced throughout each module. Professionals interested in negotiating that moves beyond individualistic motivational mantras or formulaic “getting to yes” strategies, will receive actionable tools that lead to successful outcomes.
Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to test each technique in a low stakes environment to enhance performance during complex negotiations.
This workshop can be customized for a three-hour presentation or a four-hour presentation with longer practice sessions and small breaks. If a keynote is desired, the macro learning components will be shared and illustrated with relevant stories.
Q&A for Pamela Barnum
How can I check Pamela Barnum’s availability or request a quote?
To check Pamela Barnum’s availability or to receive a tailored quote for your event, please contact ProSpeakers directly. Our team will assist in confirming her schedule, discussing your event requirements, and providing pricing based on your audience, location, and format.
How much does it cost to book Pamela Barnum for a keynote?
Please contact us for an accurate quote customized to your event’s format, location, and specific needs.
What factors influence Pamela Barnum’s speaking fee?
Pamela’s fee depends on factors such as the length and complexity of the presentation, travel arrangements, level of customization, audience profile, and any additional services like workshops or panel participation. We will work with you to create a package that meets your goals and budget.
Are travel expenses included in Pamela Barnum’s speaking fee?
No, travel expenses are billed separately. Pamela typically travels from her home base, with costs including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and per diem, depending on the event location.
What does a standard keynote presentation from Pamela Barnum look like?
Pamela’s keynotes usually last around 45 minutes, often followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Her talks are insightful, engaging, and focus on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and building authentic connections to drive personal and organizational success.
Is Pamela Barnum available for workshops or panel discussions?
Yes. In addition to keynotes, Pamela regularly facilitates workshops and participates in panel discussions. Her sessions are interactive and designed to provide practical tools for leaders and teams.
Can Pamela Barnum tailor her presentation to suit our audience?
Absolutely. Pamela works closely with event organizers to customize her message so it resonates with your audience and aligns with your organization’s goals and values.
Which topics does Pamela Barnum typically speak on at events?
Pamela speaks on leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence, communication strategies, resilience, and fostering positive workplace culture.
What are some of Pamela Barnum’s notable past speaking engagements?
Pamela has presented at numerous corporate events, leadership summits, and professional conferences across industries, earning recognition for her ability to inspire and equip leaders at all levels.
How far in advance should we book Pamela Barnum for an event?
We recommend reaching out three to six months before your event to ensure availability and allow sufficient time for planning and customization.
How do we book Pamela Barnum for your next event?
To book Pamela Barnum for your next event please contact Heather at ProSpeakers.com:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416‑420‑4525
"Pamela was absolutely wonderful. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed having her and all of her topics and stories that went along with it. I think she was the best we have had so far." - Walter E. Nelson Co.
"Pamela was a joy to work with in the planning stages and provided a highly engaging and impactful keynote that connected really well with our audience. Since our events are fully virtual, we strive for keynote sessions that keep our audience engaged. Pamela’s session was not only full of relevant content, but her delivery was also one of the most participatory and interactive that we’ve had. She balanced all facets of the event extremely well. We could not have been more pleased." - CUInsight
"Powerful action steps that can be put into play immediately! You really nailed it, Pamela. You were exactly what we wanted as our keynote speaker and you were a hit with every participant. I really appreciate the energy, enthusiasm, excellent content, and delivery that you brought to the event. You are truly unique, accomplished, humble, and funny! Thank you!" - Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi
"Pamela, thank you for being one of our Winter Summit speakers. Here are some of the comments by attendees at your session:
Very engaging great stories with tie-in!
This was my favourite session. Pamela was engaging and dynamic the entire session. She gave some great anecdotal stories, had the room participate in questions. Fantastic! One of my favourite sessions ever!
Excellent session. Definitely the best for me.
She was awesome! Very engaging… liked the audience participation and storytelling. Fantastic stories! Super engaging and relatable."
- Canadian Society of Association Executives




