Professionals who train others in the art of public speaking are known as speaking coaches. This type of coach instructs people on how to speak and interact with small groups as well as large groups. The speaking coach will usually focus on several key areas in order to ensure that a client is prepared to speak in public.
One of the first things a speaking coach will address is the student’s diction and clarity of voice. The ability to effectively communicate ideas to small and large audiences necessitates proper enunciation and a working command of the language used in the presentation. A coach will frequently act as a voice coach, assisting the student in minimizing speech patterns and habits that obstruct communication while also assisting the student in selecting the appropriate words to convey their ideas.
During a presentation, a skilled speaking coach will pay close attention to the inflection and volume used. The coach will attempt to moderate the volume so that it is loud enough for all listeners to understand, but not so loud that those standing or sitting closer to the speaker are irritated. The coach will also assist the student in learning how to inject the appropriate amount of emotion into each word of the presentation, a skill that can make even the most dry of presentations interesting to the audience.
Along with voice issues, the speaking coach will pay close attention to the student’s overall demeanor. The goal is to help the speaker gain confidence in his or her ability to stand, sit, and move around. The coach will often provide guidelines on how to use facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact to increase interest in the presentation as one of the tools used to help improve the physical aspect of the speaker’s efforts.
The speaking coach will often have the student identify specific goals for the event in order to assist the client in preparing for the speaking engagement. These objectives are used to help tailor the presentation of the subject matter, taking into account both the speaker’s goals and the skills he or she brings to the task. A speaking coach may sit through the planned presentation and offer suggestions on how to use the speaker’s voice, gestures, and other tools to draw attention to key points that the speaker wants the audience to remember.
A speaking coach may work one-on-one with individual clients or lead workshops to teach general public speaking techniques. While hiring a private coach can be costly, it is often a good idea if the speaking engagement is particularly important to the student’s future well-being. The investment not only prepares the speaker for the upcoming task, but it also teaches skills that the student will benefit from in the future.