“It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”
– Mark Twain

Description Of Services

During my twenty-one years coaching speakers, I have developed an effective and dynamic set of strategies that I tailor to the needs of executives, managers, members of sales and marketing teams, and any other employees who give presentations. These services consist of:

Individual Coaching

The goals of individual coaching are to help presenters feel more comfortable with public speaking, to develop dynamic and memorable presentations, to identify and address challenges or obstacles that prevent presenters from becoming great communicators, and to build confidence and hone presentation skills. With individual coaching, both novice and experienced speakers can see dramatic improvements in a very short time.

I offer a range of individual coaching services. For example, I can collaborate with the speaker to develop a powerful and compelling talk customized for his or her speaking style. I can also work with the presenter to polish a previously prepared talk or refine and complete one that is in progress. I can provide these services in person, over the phone, or by videotape or via video conferencing.

Collaborative Content Development

Collaborative Content Development is a service unique to Communication Consulting. Many presenters find that developing the substance and outline of a talk is the most time-consuming and onerous task associated with public speaking.

Using a Collaborative Content Development process, I work with the speaker to brainstorm and outline the talk. The speaker then works independently to draft the talk and presents it to me. The speaker and I work together to refine and polish both the content of the talk and the speaker's presentation skills. Part of the magic of this process is marrying the style of the speaker, the subject of the talk, and a structure that brings the subject to life for both the speaker and the audience. This process not only results in more compelling and professional presentations, it also takes the drudgery out of speech-writing and saves executives or managers hours of valuable time.

Preliminary content meetings can be held over the phone quite effectively. Final presentation coaching is best done in person.

Video Analysis

I offer videotape analysis for presenters who have limited time for face-to-face meetings. The client provides videotape of a previous talk for analysis. I meet with the presenter, either in person or by phone, to discuss the analysis. We review the talk, I offer suggestions for improvement, and together we develop a strategy for strengthening the presenter's communication skills.

Group Coaching

I also offer coaching for groups who work together on project presentations, such as sales, marketing, or public relations teams. The objectives of group coaching are to:

  • Analyze the strengths and limitations of each team member's presentation skills.
  • Develop strategies that capitalize on each team member's strengths to optimize the effectiveness of future presentations.
  • Help team members enjoy both the process and each other as they develop dynamic, memorable presentations.

My experience is that a half day of group coaching followed by individual sessions of 1 to 1-1/2 hours with each team member achieves the best results in the shortest amount of time.

Group Facilitation Skills Development

Many executives and managers spend a substantial amount of time facilitating group meetings. Often these leaders have little training and limited facilitation skills. Enhancing the effectiveness of your company's meetings can directly affect the organization's overall productivity and ultimately its bottom line. I can help your facilitators improve their skills by observing them in meetings, analyzing their skills, and providing detailed suggestions for improvement using several models of facilitation. I can also work individually with facilitators to help them build and refine their skills.