Do you get nervous when you have to speak in public? Do you wish that you could sound more confident and authoritative when you’re up there?
If so, then a public speaking coach may be the right solution for you. But how do you go about finding the right one? In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for finding the right public speaking coach for your needs.
1) Work out what your biggest public speaking challenges are
Before you start looking for a public speaking coach, it’s important to take some time to reflect on what you want them to help you overcome.
Sometimes you’ll just know. ‘It’s being nervous’ you’ll think to yourself.. But if you’re unsure, one of the best ways to do this is to video yourself giving a speech or presentation, and then watch the recording back with a critical eye.
Are you using too many filler words? Do you tend to pace back and forth too much? Are you making good eye contact with your audience? Once you have identified your challenges, you can use this information.
2) Speak to different coaches/agencies and see who you click with
The best way to narrow down your options is to speak to several different coaches/agencies. (Agencies are companies with several coaches who work for them.) Most will be happy to book in a free phone call to discuss how they might be able to help.
This will give you a chance to see who you click with and who can best help you meet your goals. When speaking to potential coaches, be sure to mention your challenges, ask about what methods they use, and how they tailor their coaching to meet the needs of individual clients.
Does the person on the other end of the phone make you feel more nervous? Or do they sound reassuring? Is this a coach or an agency you could work with? You will get a much better feel on the phone than just scrolling through their site.
3) Read the coach’s testimonials
Once you have spoken with them, read their testimonials. All good coaches/agencies will be able to share success stories from past clients.
Reading testimonials can give you an understanding of the coach’s ability to tackle your challenges, their methodology, and whether or not they would be a good fit for you.
It’s important to make sure that the coach you hire is someone you feel comfortable working with. After all, you’ll be spending time 1-2-1 with them and sharing personal details about your fears and concerns.
4) Check their availability and pricing
You need to check that the coach you want is actually available when you are free! Public speaking coaches work at different times and some will be able to offer lunchtime, early morning and evening sessions.
You’ll also want to check how much they charge. Many coaches offer discounts for multiple sessions or packages so if you’re willing to commit to working with them and improving your skills then tell them and you may save some money!
5) Take the plunge!
It’s easy to wait around and keep thinking about it, but you’re not going to overcome nerves, build confidence and improve your speaking skills by putting off getting help. Once you’ve done your research and found someone you’re happy to work with, go for it.