Do you need a public speaking coach?

Maybe a new role comes with more presenting, or there's a pitch on the calendar that matters, or you're tired of dreading every meeting where you have to speak. Someone suggests a public speaking coach, and you're not sure what you'd be paying for or whether it would help.

A public speaking coach can make a real difference, but it isn't the only route and it isn't always the right one. This guide covers what a coach does, the other options, who each one suits and how to get your money's worth if you do book.

What does a public speaking coach do?

A good coach watches you speak and tells you what they see. Most sessions mix a few things:

• feedback on delivery, such as pace, pauses, voice, posture, eye contact and gestures
• help shaping your message so the main point is clear and the talk has a beginning, middle and end
• ways to manage nerves and stage fright, before and during a talk
• preparation for a specific event, like a pitch, a conference talk, an interview or a wedding speech
• exercises to practise before the next session

Sessions happen in person or on a video call. Some coaches specialise, for example in senior leaders, media interviews or big-stage talks, so it's worth finding one who works with people in your position.

Your options, and who each one suits

A one-to-one coach

The most tailored option. A coach can focus entirely on you, your event and your habits, and adjust as you improve. It suits people with a high-stakes talk, a specific problem they want fixed, or an employer willing to pay. It's also the most expensive way to get help.

A group course or workshop

A course or a day-long workshop gives you a structure and, usually, the chance to speak in front of other people who are nervous too. You get less individual attention, but it costs less per person and many employers run them. It suits people who want the basics covered and some practice with a real audience.

A Toastmasters club

Toastmasters is a non-profit network of public speaking clubs. Members take turns giving prepared speeches and short off-the-cuff talks, and get feedback from other members. It suits people who want regular practice with a live audience over months. The feedback comes from fellow members, so its quality depends on the club, and it takes a commitment to turning up.

An AI coach

An AI coach reviews a recording of you and gives feedback straight away, as often as you like. It's good at measurable things like pace, pauses and filler words, and it suits people who want frequent private practice. It can't know your audience. Our guide to the AI public speaking coach explains what one can and can't do.

A trusted friend

A friend or colleague is free and gives you a real person to talk to. The catch is that friends tend to be kind rather than useful. Ask them to listen for one specific thing, such as whether they could follow your main point, and you'll get better feedback.

How much does a public speaking coach cost?

One-to-one coaching costs the most, and prices vary widely depending on the coach's experience, where they're based and whether they mainly work with companies or individuals. Many sell sessions in packages. Ask for the total cost up front.

Group courses are usually cheaper per person, and if the speaking is for work, ask whether your employer will pay; many have a training budget. Toastmasters clubs charge a membership fee, which is usually much less than private coaching. Many AI coaches have a free option, and a friend will usually settle for a coffee.

What to look for in a public speaking coach

• Experience with your kind of speaking. Someone who coaches keynote speakers may not be the right fit for an interview or a best man speech.
• Time spent speaking. You should be on your feet for much of each session, not mostly listening to advice.
• Specific feedback. "Be more confident" doesn't help. "Pause after your first sentence" does.
• Recording. Watching yourself back is one of the fastest ways to improve, so a coach who films or records you is a good sign.
• Respect for your style. A good coach works with the way you already speak and helps you sound clearer.
• Clear terms. Price, session length, what's included and the cancellation policy should all be easy to find out.

Questions to ask before you book

• What does a typical session look like?
• How much of the session will I spend speaking?
• Have you worked with people preparing for an event like mine?
• Will you record me, and who keeps the recordings?
• What should I do between sessions?
• How many sessions do people like me usually need?
• What's the total cost, and can I cancel?

How to get the most from your sessions

1. 1Bring a real talk with a date. Working on something you actually have to give keeps sessions focused and gives you a deadline.
2. 2Write down one thing to work on. Leave each session with a single note you can practise before the next one.
3. 3Rehearse between sessions. This is where most of the improvement happens. A few short run-throughs out loud each week do more than one long session a month. Our guide on how to practise a speech has a simple routine.
4. 4Try it on real people. Before the event, give the talk to a friend or a few colleagues, so the first live audience isn't the one that counts.

So, do you need one?

If you have a big moment coming up and can afford it, a few one-to-one sessions can be worth it, especially if you rehearse properly in between. If you mainly need more practice and less dread, start with the cheaper routes: a club, a course, an AI coach or a friend who'll give honest notes. Our guide to stage fright is a good place to begin if nerves are the main thing holding you back.