MEET JEN
"Sports fits my personality. Sports broadcasting fits my skillset.
Helping you communicate with more confidence is my passion."
As Seen On...
Jen Mueller Commencement Speaker
An honor of a lifetime. That's how I describe the opportunity to inspire and congratulate the 2023 graduates of Western Governors University. More than 10,000 people attended the ceremonies in person and heard me deliver a message about creating interesting stories by going off script and asking what's next.
Watch my WGU Commencement Speech
Hey there, I’m Jen!
None of my family members or teachers are surprised I choose a career that involved talking, but some days I'm surprised I ended up as a sports broadcaster. There weren't many opportunities for women to work in sports when I was in college and it certainly wasn't something that was encouraged.
But I love to compete. That's one of the reasons sports is a natural fit for me.
Finding Ways to Win.
As a lifelong sports fan, my interest in sports comes naturally. I played multiple sports through high school and when I got college at Southern Methodist University I became an intramural flag football official, which led to a 10-year career officiating high school football and helped lay the foundation for becoming an NFL sideline reporter. I intentionally built a solid sports resume in every job and internship I pursued in college, but I overestimated how much that would count in the "real world."
I had to prove myself every where I went. I didn't get the benefit of the doubt as a football official, sports producer, NFL sideline reporter, baseball TV broadcaster or as a business owner. I was ready to prove myself in big ways, but it felt like all I got were cursory intros, patronizing smiles and the sense that I didn't really belong.
The competitor in me decided those were the moments I would win. If all I was going to get was a few seconds, I was going to make the best damn impression you'd ever seen. And that's where communication skills come into play.
Strategic, Intentional Conversation Skills.
As a woman in sports I'd estimate I have less than a minute to be taken seriously in any conversation. Often the first few seconds is all someone needs to form an opinion of how they think I do my job. I developed conversation strategies to make those seconds count. In any given month I conduct an average of 100 interviews with athletes and coaches. The two pieces of feedback I get most often are: "You make a great first impression" and "I enjoy talking to you." I'd call that a win.
It's about reaching YOUR potential
My story may or may not resonate with you, but here's what should - your communication skills play a huge role in your success.
That shouldn't be a surprise. Most business communication books will tell you that. What those books won't tell you is what to say to improve your communication skills. That's where I come in. Talk Sporty to Me was originally founded in 2009 after a group of successful, high-powered women asked me how to leverage sports small talk in attracting new clients and building relationships with existing clients. What started as a sports conversation quickly evolved in a consulting and training business that provides practical and effective communication strategies every leader, sales team, college student and business professional should master.
My 22-year career in sports broadcasting means I have unique perspective on effective communication and sports fandom. That expertise is the basis for conversation strategies I provide through Talk Sporty to Me. I've worked with hundreds of clients in the 13 years since founding the company. I provide a strategic skillset that businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals can use to accelerate their personal interactions to drive real and tangible results. In short, I help my clients 'win' in interactions that often get overlooked.
I’ve sold products and services to businesses like Nike, Microsoft, DA Davidson, Accenture, Chase, Moss Adams, the Washington Society of CPA's and the University of Oklahoma business school. I have also been featured in business magazines and on television stations across the United States for my ability to provide conversation strategies that lead to improved communication and for my take on how to make sports talk accessible and useful in corporate settings. It's a winning combination that's worked for me and the clients I work with. So how can I help you and your team win?
"Everyone in the room could tell that Jen took time to research our company and delivered an interactive session where we problem solved together. Jen inspired and had everyone engaged with her incredible sideline stories that we all could relate to."
Carrianne Smith
Marriott Area Director, Sales
Here are a few reasons why Jen has become a favorite among meeting and event planners, speaker bureaus and corporate executives.
Jen Shares Captivating, Applicable Stories
There is nothing more powerful than an engaging story to capture your attention. Being on the sidelines of a major league baseball and professional football team…as well as engaging with many business leaders, you can bet she has collected stories. Learn from her success and failures on live television in front of thousands of nightly viewers. You may be surprised at how relevant sports is to everyday business.
Jen Provides Actionable Takeaways
Jen works with your team to create a customized, personalized approach for your event or program. She guarantees to address three key takeaways of your choice and provides several actionable items that can be implemented immediately. Jen can also deliver workshop-style presentations that range from three to eight hours if your company prefers a longer format or needs educational credits.
Jen is Charming, Witty & Fun
Once you meet Jen, you’ll immediately see why she captivates everyone around her. Her personality beams with genuine enthusiasm, passion and a sense of humor. She instantly connects with audiences by taking an interactive approach with engaging audience participation. Everyone will be talking about their positive experience well after the event…literally!
Jen Believes in You
As a business owner herself, Jen knows you need deliverables that make a difference. As a broadcaster she knows the importance and the art of delivering a compelling message. Jen understands the challenges of communicating in high stress, high leverage situations when all eyes are on you. Her number one goal is to help you reach your potential through effective communication techniques.
Talk Sporty to Me
700 NW Gilman Blvd. #121
Issaquah, WA 98027-5341
p: 425.280.4513
e: [email protected]
