How To Find A Public Speaking Coach: Helpful Guidance
Finding the right public speaking coach can make all the difference, whether you want to improve your communication with large audiences or become more confident when addressing a small group.
While it can seem daunting, there are some simple tips you can follow to help you find the perfect speaking voice coach for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
A public speaking coach can significantly enhance your communication skills, whether addressing large audiences or small groups.
You might benefit from a working with a public speaking coach if you get nervous, are unsure what to say, ramble, or freeze up when speaking.
When looking for a communication coach, ask about their coaching experience, success rate, techniques for overcoming fear, preparation methods, feedback style, availability, and read testimonials.
How to Know if You Need a Public Speaking Coach?
Benefits of Working With a Public Speaking Coach
How to Find a Public Speaking Coach
What is the Average Cost of a Public Speaking Coach?
Questions to Ask a Coach Before Hiring Them
How to Know if You Need a Public Speaking Coach?
Many people would benefit from working with a public speaking coach. Some common reasons for wanting to work with a coach are:
You get nervous when speaking in front of others
You are unsure of what to say or how to say it
You ramble when speaking
You freeze up when speaking
If you are experiencing any of these problems, working with a leadership coach can help you develop your presentation skills and confidence to help you become a successful public speaker.
Benefits of Working With a Public Speaking Coach
Working with an executive coach can help you in the workplace. Confident and effective communication will help you achieve your professional goals, build relationships, and advance your career.
Speaking coaches can also help people with leadership development by teaching them to be more effective communicators.
There are many benefits to working with a public speaking coach, including:
Overcome fear of public speaking
A speaking coach can help you overcome your fears by teaching you techniques to manage your speech anxiety and stay calm under pressure. You can learn the root causes of your fear and how to address them to feel more confident the next time you speak in front of a group.
Develop your communication skills
You can learn how to become a great speaker by crafting an engaging speech, projecting your voice, and using body language to engage your audience. With your coaches' help, you'll be able to develop the skills you need to be a confident, successful speaker.
Prepare for speaking engagements
One of the most significant benefits of having a coach is that they can help you improve your presentation skills. You can work with your coach to develop an outline for your speech and ensure it's well-organized and flows smoothly. They can also provide feedback on your delivery so that you can make any necessary adjustments before delivering your speech to an audience.
Receive honest feedback
Getting honest feedback from friends and family members about your speeches can be challenging. They may be afraid of hurting your feelings or not want to give you constructive criticism, but a speaking coach will provide honest feedback about your speeches so you can learn and improve with each one.
Boost your confidence
A speaking coach can provide encouragement and support as you prepare for your speeches and celebrate your successes after each presentation. With their help, you'll develop the confidence you need to be a successful speaker.
What Qualities to Look For
When looking for a public speaking coach, it is essential to do your research. There are many different coaches, so you need to find one qualified person with experience helping people with their public speaking skills.
Some things to consider when searching for individual coaching include the following:
Experience
How long has the person been coaching? Do they have experience working with people who have similar goals to yours?
Credentials
What kind of speaker training and education do they have? Are they certified by any professional organizations?
Approach
How do they help their clients improve their public speaking skills? Do their methods align with your learning style?
Personality
Do you feel comfortable with the coach? Do they have a personality that will motivate and inspire you?
How to Find a Public Speaking Coach
Now that you know why it is important to find a public speaking coach and what to look for in a coach, you are ready to start your search. Here are a few practical tips to help you find the right coach for you:
Ask for recommendations
Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have previously worked with a public speaking coach. Get their opinions on who they worked with and whether or not they would recommend them.
Check out online resources
Many online directories can help you find a public speaking coach in your area.
Read reviews
Once you have a few coaches in mind, take some time to read online reviews, which can give you a better idea of what past clients have thought of their experience working with the coach.
Schedule a consultation
Once you have narrowed your options, contact the coaches and schedule a consultation to allow you to meet the coach, ask questions, and see if they are a good fit for you.
What is the Average Cost of a Public Speaking Coach?
The cost of a public speaking coach varies depending on the coach's experience and location. However, you can generally expect to pay between $50 and $200 per hour for coaching services.
When considering the cost of a coach, consider the potential benefits of working with one. A coach can help you gain more confidence and become an effective public speaker, positively impacting your personal and professional presence.
Questions to Ask a Coach Before Hiring Them
What is your coaching experience?
What is your success rate with clients?
What techniques do you use to help clients overcome their fears?
How do you help clients prepare for their speeches?
What type of feedback do you provide to clients?
How do you help clients boost their confidence?
What is your availability and schedule?
Do you have any case studies or testimonials from past clients that I can read?
By asking your potential coach these questions, you'll better understand their experience, success rate, and coaching style to help you decide if they're the right one.
Getting the Most Out of Your Coaching Experience
A public speaking coach can help you hone your skills and become a more confident, effective speaker. To maximize your coaching experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Be prepared
Before each session, take some time to think about your goals. Do you need help with your posture, breathing, or delivery? A specific plan will help you maximize your time with your coach.
Be open to feedback
It can be difficult to hear constructive criticism, but it's important to remember that your coach is trying to help you improve. If they point out something that needs work, don't get defensive; try to take their comments on board and use them to improve your performance.
Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice, the better you'll get. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak in front of an audience. Don't forget to ask for feedback from your coach after each session so you can keep track of your progress.
Hold yourself accountable
Working with a public speaking coach is a commitment. So ensure you hold yourself accountable and show up to each session prepared and ready to work. This way, you'll get the most out of your coaching experience and see the most significant improvements in your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you train public speaking?
Work with a public speaking coach who can provide personalized feedback and guidance. Consistently practice speaking in front of different audiences to build confidence and improve delivery. Get constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or coaches to refine your skills. Watch and analyze speeches by accomplished speakers to learn effective techniques and styles.
2. How can I sound more professional when speaking?
Use precise and varied vocabulary appropriate for your audience and context. Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rushing or dragging, to ensure clarity and engagement. Clearly pronounce words and articulate sounds to avoid mumbling.
3. How can I practice public speaking by myself?
Practice speaking in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions. Record your speeches with a camera or smartphone and review them to identify areas for improvement. Pick random topics and practice giving impromptu speeches to improve spontaneity and quick thinking. Arrange chairs or objects to represent an audience, and practice delivering your speech as if addressing a crowd.
How Can Connected Speech Pathology Help?
If you're looking for a public speaking coach, Connected Speech Pathology can help. Our communication coaches are experienced in helping people overcome their fears and become more confident, compelling speakers.
Our coaches have either a master's or doctorate in speech-language pathology. With our extensive knowledge of communication, we can help you improve your public speaking skills. Our approach is individualized, and we will address your specific needs and goals.
Our services are conveniently offered online, so you can work with your coach from home or the office.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or book a free consultation.
Summary
Finding the right public speaking coach involves understanding your needs and researching potential coaches. Look for a coach with relevant experience, credentials, and a compatible approach. Consider their personality and ensure you feel comfortable with them.
To find a coach, seek recommendations, check online directories, read reviews, and schedule consultations. Ask potential coaches about their experience, success rate, techniques, and feedback style. Be prepared, open to feedback, practice regularly, and hold yourself accountable to maximize your coaching experience.
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
