Political Speech and Public Influence

Erik Mayberg is a government relations and public policy professional with extensive experience in Massachusetts state government and political communication. He currently serves as Legislative Director for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, where he advises senior leadership on legislative strategy and policy development. Prior to his current role, he spent nearly a decade in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, including serving as Chief of Staff for a State Representative. In that capacity he led communications strategy, managed press relations, and crafted speeches and op-eds for a senior legislator on issues ranging from public health and transportation to election laws. He has also worked on multiple political campaigns in Massachusetts, developing messaging strategies and coordinating voter outreach efforts. At Harvard, Mayberg has supported courses and professional development programs in public speaking, specializing in political rhetoric, leadership communication, and persuasive strategy. Passionate about helping others develop clarity and confidence in their public voice, he integrates his government experience with a practical approach to message design and delivery.

Jill Abruzese Slye has an extensive background in both academia and professional development, with over 35 years of business experience that she now brings into her teaching roles at Harvard University. She specializes in public speaking, leadership communication, and advanced presentation skills, providing valuable guidance to a diverse array of students and professionals. Through her company, Jill Slye, LLC (formerly A Sounding Board LLC), she has worked with executives and teams across multiple industries, such as marketing, finance, health care, technology, and law, to sharpen their communication skills. Her international reach has allowed her to shape the professional capabilities of leaders and aspiring leaders worldwide. In recognition of her commitment to education, Slye received the Petra Shattuck Excellence in Teaching Award in 2020 and, in 2021-2022, the Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA) Award for Most Inspiring Alumni, which honored her contributions to the Harvard Extension School community. She also authored Reinvesting in Your Rhetoric, a practical guide that encapsulates her key teachings for clients and students alike. Adding to her extensive contributions, Slye is also the Public Speaking Consultant for the Harvard Kennedy School, where she continues to inspire and educate.