How to Choose a Public Speaking Coach That Transforms Your Career
August 21, 2017
Updated 9 November 2025
How do you choose a public speaking coach? When selecting the best public speaking coach or presentation trainer, you want to work with a genuine expert.
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
Why You Need a Public Speaking Coach
Public speaking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Your presentation skills and communication style shape how others see you. Yet, for most people, standing in front of an audience doesn’t come easily. That’s where a good public speaking coach can make all the difference.
If you want to improve your speaking skills, overcome stage fright and become an effective public speaker, this guide will help you find the best way to choose a coach who fits your specific needs.
12 Tips to Selecting the Right Presentation Coach
The First Step: Spot the Myths About Public Speaking Coaches
Before you start comparing potential coaches, it helps to know what to avoid. Some public speaking tutors rely on outdated ideas that don’t help you grow. Here are the important things to look out for.
1. Avoid The Acting Myth
Some coaches teach you to perform like an actor: memorised gestures, fixed facial expressions and forced enthusiasm. It might work for motivational speakers, but business audiences see through it quickly.
A great talk begins with meaningful content, not performance tricks. You need strong ideas, a clear structure and a strong opening that captures attention. Delivery comes later — with natural eye contact, confident vocal tone and authentic emotion.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, our communication coaches help you craft powerful messages and deliver them with clarity. We teach you how to connect on an emotional level and build confidence without leaving your comfort zone.
2. Ignore The Mehrabian Myth
You may have heard that communication is “55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words”. This misquote of Albert Mehrabian’s research still circulates online, but it’s simply wrong.
If that rule were true, you’d understand every foreign film without subtitles. The truth? Great speakers combine words, tone and presence, all working together.
If a coach repeats this myth, it’s time to look elsewhere.
3. Dismiss The “Overcoming Nerves” Myth
Nerves are natural. But a speech coach who tells you to “just breathe deeply” or “imagine the audience naked” is missing the point. The fear of public speaking comes from uncertainty: about your material, your audience or yourself.
To calm speech anxiety, work on:
- Understanding your audience and adapting for different audiences
- Preparing strong, relevant content that helps rather than sells
- Regular practice in a supportive environment with constructive feedback
Our speaker coaching sessions use proven methods to help you build confidence. We’ve coached thousands of professionals over 15 years, from product managers to business owners, helping them become more relaxed and engaging in front of large audiences.
4. Forget The Learning Styles Myth
Some public speaking coaches claim people learn best through visual, auditory or physical methods. Science disagrees. Real learning happens when you practise, get constructive criticism and refine your approach.
Our coaches mix practical exercises, analysis and valuable insights from industry experts to help you grow as a speaker.
5. Laugh at The PowerPoint Deck Myth
Your slides are not your presentation. Visuals can help, but the message must lead.
We use the A.I.M. method: Analyse your Audience, set clear Intentions, then build Messages before creating visual aids.
This approach turns a dull slide deck into a powerful tool that supports your message; not one that replaces it.
What You Should Look for in a Public Speaking Coach
Once you’ve ruled out the myths, here’s how to find the right coach for your goals.
6. Identify Your Goals and Needs
The first thing is to know what you want. Do you need to prepare for a big speaking opportunity, boost your communication skills, or tackle stage fright? Are you aiming for career advancement or simply to become a better speaker?
Defining your specific goals helps you find a coach whose expertise aligns with your ambitions. Some specialise in executive public speaking, others in TED Talks or motivational speeches.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we help professionals master the art of public speaking — from investor pitches to keynote speeches — so you can achieve your personal goals and professional growth.
7. Check the Coach’s Experience and Track Record
A coach’s expertise and relevant experience make all the difference. You want someone with extensive experience coaching professionals, not just theory.
- Business experience helps with high-stakes presentations and client meetings
- Coaching experience ensures the coach knows how to adapt to your personal life and work context
At Benjamin Ball Associates, every coach has years of experience in the business world. We’ve trained leaders from finance, tech and creative industries to become great speakers who inspire confidence.
8. Look for Testimonials and Positive Reviews
Personal recommendations, positive reviews and case studies show whether a coach delivers results. Look for examples from people with similar goals to yours, perhaps other professional speakers, executives, or entrepreneurs.
Our clients consistently praise our practical approach and the fast, visible improvements they see after just a few coaching sessions. You can find hundreds of testimonials from people who now speak with clarity and impact.
9. Understand Their Coaching Style
A good coach will tailor sessions to your learning style and schedule. Some prefer private sessions; others benefit from small-group training on online platforms.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we work one-to-one or in small groups — in person or via online public speaking courses. You’ll get practical tips, new skills and real-world practice in a supportive environment.
10. Flexibility and Accessibility
Busy professionals need flexibility. Our coaching is designed for efficiency — short, tailored sessions that fit your diary and deliver rapid improvement. Whether you’re preparing for your next step in leadership or your first major speaking engagement, we’ll help you perform at your best.
11. Consider Value, Not Just Cost
The best public speaking coaching is an investment in yourself. You’re not just buying time — you’re building confidence, credibility and influence.
Our clients often tell us their sessions with Benjamin Ball Associates were the great way to unlock new opportunities, both professionally and personally.
12. Arrange a Consultation
Finally, talk to the coach before committing. You’ll quickly sense whether their approach and personality fit your needs. A short consultation helps you gauge their communication style, energy and ability to give constructive feedback.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we offer a free consultation so you can see how we work. It’s the first step towards mastering confident, effective communication.
The Next Step: Become a Confident Public Speaker
Learning how to choose a public speaking coach is your gateway to mastering the art of public speaking. The right coach gives you the tools, confidence and mindset to perform under pressure and connect with different audiences.
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ll help you polish what you say, how you say it and how you feel about saying it. From speech anxiety to crafting strong openings, we’ll help you develop habits that last.
Speak to Louise Angus today to arrange your free consultation.
Call +44 20 7018 0922 or get in touch online
Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation
Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching
We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky
For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.
Some recent clients
Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.
Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.
Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation
How to choose a public speaking coach
Learn other ways to find and choose the right public speaking coaching or presentation trainer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Public Speaking Coach
1. What is the best way to choose a public speaking coach?
The best way to choose a public speaking coach is to match their experience with your specific goals. Look for a coach with extensive experience working with professionals in similar roles and industries. Check their track record, read positive reviews and arrange a consultation to see if their communication style suits you. At Benjamin Ball Associates, our coaches tailor each programme to your goals, challenges and career stage.
2. How can coaching help with stage fright or fear of public speaking?
A skilled speech coach won’t just give breathing exercises. They’ll help you understand what causes your nerves and show you powerful tools to manage them. Through constructive feedback, practice and tailored strategies, you’ll learn how to reframe nerves as positive energy. Many of our clients find they not only beat stage fright, but start enjoying being in front of an audience.
3. What should I expect during public speaking coaching sessions?
During your sessions, you’ll work on both content and delivery. This includes structuring your messages, developing strong openings, improving eye contact, refining vocal tone and facial expressions, and using visual aids effectively. You’ll also get constructive criticism and practical tips you can apply to upcoming meetings, speaking engagements or TED Talks.
4. How long does it take to become a better public speaker?
It varies from person to person, but most professionals notice a big improvement after just a few coaching sessions. The key is regular practice and applying what you learn to real-world situations. Even a short, focused programme with an experienced communication coach can make a lasting difference to your confidence and delivery.
5. Can public speaking coaching really help with career advancement?
Absolutely. Strong presentation skills and effective communication are essential for leadership, client relationships and influence. Being able to speak clearly and confidently in meetings or at conferences can open doors to promotions, new business and media opportunities. Many of our clients credit their speaker coaching at Benjamin Ball Associates with helping them achieve faster professional growth.
Speak to Louise Angus today to arrange your free consultation.
Call +44 20 7018 0922 or get in touch online
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