Since there is only one YOU…
There are three things you should look for in a professional public speaking coach.
Your public speaking coach should have a flexible developmental process that is tailor-made for each individual. A good coach will do a diagnosis of your strengths and weaknesses and construct a program that suits you to a T. You don’t want a coach to walk you from “A to B” when you’re already up and running from “X to Z.” And because public speaking and presenting challenges all of us–intellectually, emotionally, and physically–your coach should strive to know you well.
Since there are no national associations or professional standards for public speaking coaches, you should be careful when interviewing them. Have a list of questions, ask for references, and grill them on their approach and process. For instance, do they know the language of your industry, the culture of your company? Do they have any special skills, such as voice and speech skills, or the ability to help you structure your content.
A good public speaking coach should be capable of giving feedback that does not pull punches and yet does not bruise. Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel winning psychologist says this:
“Acquisition of skills requires a regular environment, an adequate opportunity to practice, and rapid and unequivocal feedback about the correctness of thoughts and actions.”
It is important that your coach is strong enough to push you through your resistance to change. Public speaking is not for the faint of heart. You should have a coach who is not afraid to push you when you need to be pushed.
“Thank you for your help and training. I think you are a genius at what you do! I use what you taught me at meetings and with others, and it is extremely helpful.”
L. Steinberg, Dean, Syracuse University