So, I’ve written a lot about how to get better at speaking.
But how do you apply all of this? Many of those (so far 35) posts have multiple tips under them!
How do you sort between what is useful to you personally, and what is stuff you already know?
I try to help by providing categories for my posts, and by linking to specific posts from my speaker point spreadsheet.
But I’m still currently leaving it up to you to decide what you need to work on and apply.
Coaching fixes this.
Not everyone is self-aware enough to figure out what they need to change. Even if they video themselves.
You might think you know everything that is wrong with your speaking style, but I bet you’re missing an important element, or a few.
Coaches are experienced in the field of debate and have seen these same problems in previous students.
A good coach can listen to a speech and tell you, one by one, several things you need to change. They don’t just say “get better”, or give general ideas. A good coach gives you practical, usable tips.
Not all coaches are equal.
Some clubs don’t have great coaches.
I’m sorry, it’s true.
- I’ve seen coaches give really bad advice like, “always use stock issues and open your speeches by explaining stock issues”.
- Or maybe the coach is good, but mostly specializes in strategy/debate theory, rather than speaking.
- Maybe the coach knows a lot about speaking, but doesn’t know how to help you improve.
- Maybe your club has “leaders”, but no one who works with you personally, one on one, and invests time to make sure you succeed.
I’m not trying to diss coaches, I’m just laying out a reality: not all coaches are equal.
Getting a good speaking coach
So, how do you find a speaking coach you can trust to give you good advice?
Well, it’s not easy.
Observe the advice they give to other people. See what experience the coach has. Ask people who know them to see if they have good things to say. How have the teams they coached done?
Unfortunately, your options might be limited. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have a coach that suits your needs, you’ll have to just tough it out.
Just kidding!
You have a new option.
As of today, I am offering personal coaching services online through Potent Speaking!
You have no idea how excited that sentence makes me.
No matter where you live, you can talk with me through Skype or some other means, and get a personal speaking coach!
Here are a few benefits to choosing coaching from me, rather than just reading my posts.
Benefits of Potent Speaking coaching
- I know more than I write. I’ve written 35 posts so far, but I have at least 100 more ideas lined up. You can pick my brain in a personal coaching session and learn anything you want.
- I can clarify and expand on what I’ve already written. If you like a specific tip, but want more examples of how it can be used, you can ask me about it.
- You can avoid missing problems you need to work on. When you send me a video of you speaking, I can pick it apart and tell you things that need to be fixed that you may not have thought of.
- You can save time you’d normally spend reading my posts. If you’re really strapped for time, then coaching is the most efficient way to learn what you need.
- You get exclusive content. If you need me to explain a concept, I can take a quick video to demonstrate.
- You get access to discounts for upcoming resources like the Potent Speaking Handbook.
- Customized experience. If your needs extend past sending videos for me to critique or live Skype calls, just tell me. I’ll accommodate them.
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