Erica Richmond Communication Speaker, Workshop Facilitator & Author
Human connection is the future of communication
In a world of AI, automation, and digital noise, Erica Richmond helps organizations, entrepreneurs, educators, and communities strengthen the skills that matter most: communication, creativity, storytelling, and meaningful human connection.
Erica is a Canadian communication speaker, workshop facilitator, author, and educator who brings a unique perspective shaped by years of teaching professional communication, facilitating writing workshops, and building communities through authentic relationships.
Keynote Speaker Topic: How to Talk To—and Like—a Human
Building stronger relationships through communication, curiosity, and connection
We have never had more ways to communicate—and yet many of us feel more disconnected than ever.
Businesses are being told to create more content, gain more visibility, and stay ahead of algorithms. But behind every sale, collaboration, referral, and opportunity is a person.
This keynote explores why genuine human connection is one of the greatest advantages entrepreneurs and organizations can develop.
Drawing from her experiences as a communications educator, entrepreneur, community builder, and facilitator, Erica shares practical ways to:
Listen in a way that builds trust
Create meaningful conversations
Move beyond transactional networking
Build communities where people feel valued
Understand why being memorable matters more than being viral
Because relationships are not a by-product of a successful business. They are the foundation of one.
Communication Workshops for Entrepreneurs, Organizations & Teams
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Building businesses through human connection
Entrepreneurs are often told they need to be louder, faster, and everywhere.
But sustainable businesses are built through relationships.
Erica explores how curiosity, attention, and meaningful communication can become powerful business tools.
Perfect for:
Entrepreneur conferences
Women in business events
Small business communities
Leadership groups
Professional development sessions
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For Writers & Creative Communities
The Courage to Write
Writing takes courage.
Courage grows in safety.
Erica's writing workshops help participants move beyond perfectionism, self-doubt, and creative blocks to reconnect with their own ideas and voices.
Topics include:
Finding your voice
Overcoming creative blocks
Building confidence as a writer
Making space for creativity
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For Libraries, Schools & Community Groups
Stories connect us.
Erica has spoken with libraries, educators, students, and community organizations about the power of creativity, storytelling, and self-expression.
Her sessions invite participants to slow down, notice the world around them, and explore the stories that shape who we are.
Topics include:
The power of personal stories
Creative writing
Memoir and reflection
Observation and noticing
Building connection through storytelling
Basille, Keith Wightman Public School
“We have students practice finger spaces between their words, encourage them to use punctuation, and model correct grammar. However, we often fail to explain "why" we write. Erica visited my classroom and opened my students eyes to the fact that writing is something that real life adults do. Moreover, she showed how writing has a special power: although it often can't change how things are on the outside, it can change how we feel on the inside (and this makes all the difference). Her book, "Pixie and the Bees," breaks down the vital topic of mental health down to building blocks that children as young as 5 can understand. Mental health is something that has never been more present in public education. Erica's underlying message, "my words matter," give students the tools to face and better understand the world around them.”
About Erica Richmond
Erica Richmond is a Canadian author, college instructor, writing coach, and speaker. She teaches communications at the college level and has spent years guiding writers of all ages in developing confidence, craft, and emotional safety in their work.
She is the founder of Open Sky Stories, where she leads writing workshops, retreats, and webinars designed to help people reconnect with their creativity and tell meaningful stories.
Erica is the author of multiple books, including the Pixie Series, children’s books used in schools, therapy offices, and mental health organizations to help young readers explore big feelings such as anxiety, self-doubt, and relationships.
Her creative nonfiction essays from her forthcoming manuscript Yelling at Dead People have been shortlisted for literary prizes and accepted for publication in literary journals.
Her work and ideas about storytelling have also been featured in dozens of podcast interviews and live radio conversations, including CBC Radio. Visit her media page to view them all.
Through her talks, Erica invites audiences to see storytelling not just as a creative act, but as a powerful way to understand our experiences, connect with others, and develop the courage to share our stories.
Communication has been at the centre of everything she does.
Erica Richmond brings together a unique combination of experiences:
Communications educator
College professor
Author
Entrepreneur
Workshop facilitator
Writing coach
Community builder
Public speaker
For more than a decade, Erica has helped people communicate with more clarity, confidence, and courage.
Her approach is practical, welcoming, and deeply human.
Why Erica?
Who Erica Speaks To
Erica provides keynote presentations and workshops for:
Women entrepreneur organizations
Small business groups
Conferences
Libraries
Colleges and universities
Educators
Healthcare organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Community groups
Author Visits for Schools
Erica Richmond offers engaging author visits for elementary schools and libraries, featuring readings from her Pixie Series and conversations about storytelling, creativity, and understanding big feelings.
School presentations may include:
interactive book readings
conversations about emotions and storytelling
behind-the-scenes insights into how books are written and published
simple creative writing activities for students
Her books are used in schools, therapy offices, and mental health organizations, helping young readers talk about feelings such as anxiety, self-doubt, and relationships.
Featured Speaking Topics
Every keynote explores a different aspect of human connection
How to Talk To—and Like—a Human
Building meaningful relationships in an increasingly automated world
In a world of AI, automation, and endless content, genuine human connection has become one of the most valuable business skills we have.
This keynote explores how curiosity, listening, and paying attention can transform the way we build businesses, lead teams, and create lasting relationships. Participants leave with practical strategies for building trust, creating memorable experiences, and discovering why being genuinely human may be the greatest competitive advantage of all.
Ideal for: Business conferences, leadership events, women entrepreneurs, professional associations, and workplace teams.
The Courage to Write
Overcoming blocks and rediscovering the joy of writing
Writing isn't just about words—it's about courage.
Whether we're writing a book, a journal, a difficult email, or simply trying to express ourselves honestly, fear often gets in the way. This interactive session explores why writing feels so vulnerable and how we can create the safety needed to reconnect with our voice, creativity, and confidence.
Participants leave inspired to write with greater freedom, curiosity, and joy.
Ideal for: Writers, educators, libraries, creative communities, and anyone longing to reconnect with their creativity.
The Power of Writing Your Story
Why your experiences matter—and how sharing them creates connection
Every person has stories worth telling.
Our stories help us make sense of our experiences, preserve memories, strengthen communities, and remind others they are not alone. In this inspiring presentation, Erica explores the transformative power of personal storytelling and invites audiences to reflect on the moments that have shaped them.
Whether stories are written, spoken, or simply remembered, they have the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
Ideal for: Libraries, community organizations, educators, conferences, book clubs, and wellness events.
Book Erica Richmond as a Speaker
Looking for a speaker who will help your audience think differently about communication, creativity, and connection?
Let's create a conversation your audience will remember.
In addition to her speaking and teaching work, Erica Richmond is a frequent guest on podcasts, radio programs, and literary media, where she shares insights about storytelling, writing courage, emotional resilience, and the creative process.
She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and live radio programs, including CBC Radio, discussing topics such as personal storytelling, writing through grief, creative nonfiction, and the power of stories to connect us.
Browse Erica’s media interviews, podcast appearances, and press features.
Media & Interviews
Erica Richmond is a Canadian author, speaker, and writing coach whose work explores storytelling, mental health, grief, parenting, and creative expression. She is available for podcast interviews, media features, speaking engagements, and writing workshops focused on storytelling, emotional wellbeing, and writing from a place of safety.