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Pamela Barnum

Keynote Speaker

Former Undercover Drug Enforcement Officer; Federal Prosecuting Attorney; Trust Strategist; Communication Expert

Pamela Barnum creates a new set of tools and frameworks to build trust, resolve conflict, and address the challenges of negotiating in our interconnected world with her unique perspective gained as the only woman working deep undercover in a highly specialized drug enforcement unit. 

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Pamela Barnum'S SPEAKING FEE Under $25,000

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Former undercover drug enforcement officer and federal prosecuting attorney Pamela Barnum is an internationally recognized thought leader and keynote speaker on the power of trust. Combining years of experience in high-stakes undercover operations in the drug enforcement unit with the latest research, Pamela explores how to become a master of tactical influence using the art of persuasion. 

Working as the only woman in a highly specialized drug unit of more than ninety undercover officers, Pamela leads us on a journey where trust exists at the intersection of confidence and empathy. Her highly rated TEDx talks, “What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust” and “How Empathy Empowered an Undercover Cop,” are often cited for her distinctive take on the power of persuasion without coercion, resulting in long-term success. 

Pamela’s intriguing stories, sense of humor, and fresh perspective ensure that her presentations are an instant hit with everyone who hears her message. She continually receives feedback that her keynotes inspire audiences to lead with confidence, negotiate with ease, and communicate with impact. 

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Pamela Barnum’s Speech Topics

  • Crack the Code: 3D Communication 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.

    • Display calm confidence and trustworthiness in every situation. Learn when to move toward, not away from, difficult conversations, making them less stressful and more productive. 
    • Decode nonverbal cues with certainty. Understand what is being said, regardless of the words used, resulting in better negotiation outcomes. 
    • Deliver results with greater accuracy using science-backed techniques. Confidently assess verbal and nonverbal misrepresentation indicators, bluffing, and lies in real-time
  • TRUST Starts with You: A Blueprint for Excellence

    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. Master the five qualities that set trusted leaders apart from the rest:

    • Transparent communication. Learn how to establish stability and security in times of uncertainty without overcommunicating or micromanaging.
    • Respect for self and others. Discover how best to use emotional intelligence in life’s most challenging moments.
    • Unimpeachable decisiveness. People do not trust the indecisive or constant change in direction. Learn proven strategies to take you from chaos to cohesion.  
    • Self-confidant communication cues that increase rapport and decrease conflict anywhere, anytime.
    • Tact and compassion. Why these traits are scientifically proven to inspire your people to take risks and push beyond their self-imposed limits.
  • Tactical Influence: The ART of Persuasion

    Most of our communication is nonverbal, yet we spend much time crafting the perfect words to connect, negotiate, and sell. We see, but we do not observe. Learn to master the art of persuasion without coercion. Using undercover techniques backed by research, learn how to influence outcomes critical to long-term success.


    • Authentically leverage talents with intentional communication cues for increased collaboration and quicker decisions. Showcase your genius with humility and conviction in every interaction.
    • React confidently and maintain a solid executive presence in times of uncertainty. Notice essential details in the blink of an eye, turning information into insight.
    • Target the desired outcome with precision using the three-stage formula favored by undercover officers. Discover how to use fear and doubt to supercharge insight and eliminate uncertainty. 

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