About the author

Ivan Wanis Ruiz

Ivan Wanis Ruiz is a communication maverick, international speaker, and the mastermind behind End Boring: A Tactical Approach to Public Speaking and Communication. With over 15 years of experience, Ivan is the founder of Public Speaking Lab and he’s on a mission to revolutionize communication-skills training. Blending insights from neuroscience, stand-up comedy, police interrogation techniques, and even professional wrestling, Ivan has empowered over a half million people worldwide to become captivating speakers.<br><br>From commanding stadiums of 50,000 as the official emcee for FIFA, the Olympics, and the Invictus Games to transforming corporate boardrooms and university lecture halls, Ivan’s expertise spans diverse settings. He’s a top-rated instructor on both Coursera and Udemy, where his courses on public speaking, communication, and virtual engagement have garnered a massive following. Ivan’s innovative approach, honed through research into areas like busking and game shows, turns traditional training on its head. He focuses on practical, physical tactics that participants can immediately apply. His client list reads like a who’s who of industries, from mortgage brokers and architects to Fortune 500 companies. As a sought-after corporate trainer and conference breakout session leader, Ivan teaches active listening, interpersonal skills, and presentation techniques across manufacturing, real estate, education, and transportation sectors.<br><br>Public Speaking Lab, Ivan’s brainchild, is an international training and consulting institute that’s reshaping communication education. The “lab” in its name isn’t just clever branding—it’s a philosophy. Ivan believes that direct application fosters deeper understanding and confidence in communication skills. Each session is a highly interactive experiment where participants learn, test, and immediately apply new tactics in small groups. This unique approach encourages risk-taking in a safe environment, much like a scientific laboratory. The company’s innovative methodology has garnered praise and delivered influential results for over a decade. Whether it’s public speaking, virtual engagement, pitching, selling, or networking, Public Speaking Lab’s curriculum is designed to unleash individuals’ full speaking potential through practical, hands-on experience.<br><br>Ivan’s journey began with the Ministry of Attorney General in British Columbia, where he received his initial training in facilitation. He’s now a Distinguished Toastmaster, a certified Dale Carnegie trainer, and a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions including the University of British Columbia, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Imperial College of London, and the University of Sydney. His work extends to MBA programs, postdoctoral students, and graduate students, focusing on networking and advanced presentation skills. Ivan’s acting background, developed at Second City, has landed him roles in Hollywood productions like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and TV shows such as Reacher and Supernatural. His first book, They Don’t Have to Be Naked!™ A New Approach to Public Speaking, set the stage for End Boring, now in its second edition.<br><br>When he’s not transforming nervous speakers into confident communicators, you might find Ivan as an emcee at large festivals, like Salsa on St. Clair and Boots and Hearts, or tearing up the dance floor himself. For over 15 years, he’s been a professional salsa instructor and performer, proving that rhythm isn’t just for music—it’s essential for powerful communication too. Ivan’s eclectic background, from facilitating youth workshops on racism to competing in international business case competitions, fuels his passion for diverse, engaging communication. Ready to end boring in your life? Connect with Ivan at publicspeakinglab.com or on social media @PublicSpeakingLab and join the communication revolution!