If you’re Googling “public speaking coach near me,” there’s a secret I want to let you in on: the “near me” part probably matters a lot less than you think. In fact, it probably doesn’t matter at all.
I say that as someone based in Cincinnati who works with clients from all over the world, most of them without ever meeting in person. So before we get into what actually makes a coach worth hiring, let’s clear up the geography question first.
Do You Actually Need Someone Local?
For one-on-one coaching, probably not.
I work with clients virtually, and it’s become the default for most of my coaching relationships, even with people who are local to me here in Cincinnati. There’s no commute involved, which means you can be finishing up something else right up until about a minute before you log in. It’s also genuinely useful practice if part of what you’re working on is showing up well on video or in virtual meetings, since that’s exactly the format you’ll be receiving feedback in.
I recently worked with a local client who wanted to improve his communication with his employees and prepare for a panel discussion at an upcoming conference. Both of those goals were entirely in-person situations. He worked about 15 minutes away from my location. We still did all of our coaching virtually, and it worked. He got positive feedback on his part in the panel and felt genuinely prepared going in. In-person outcomes don’t require in-person coaching.
Serving Cincinnati and the Surrounding Region
That said, I understand why local still matters to some people, and I get it, because this region is my home too. I’ve run in-person group programs for companies and organizations throughout Cincinnati and across the wider area, including Dayton, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville, and Indianapolis. I’ve even traveled to Chicago for a workshop. If your team wants a group workshop delivered in person, that’s absolutely something I offer in this region. If you’re an individual looking for one-on-one coaching, virtual works just as well no matter where in that list you happen to be.
Now let’s get to what actually matters when you’re choosing a coach.
Track Record Beats Resume
Here’s something worth sitting with: Bill Belichick and Vince Lombardi, two of the most successful coaches in NFL history, never played in the NFL. Coaching and doing are different skills, and being great at one doesn’t automatically make you great at the other.
When you’re looking for a public speaking coach, look at their results with actual clients, not just their own speaking credentials. A coach who’s given a hundred keynotes but has never actually taught someone else how to speak might not be who you need. Track record as a coach matters more than a personal highlight reel.
Find Someone Who Matches Your Actual Situation
Not all public speaking coaching looks the same, and it shouldn’t. Some coaches focus almost entirely on TEDx-style talks. Others work with clients on conference room presentations, team meetings, and the kind of impromptu speaking that comes up at work with zero warning. Some specialize in specific professions or industries entirely.
None of these is “better.” They’re just different, and you need the one that actually matches what you’re trying to solve. The same goes for the program itself. A one-size-fits-all approach can work for some people, but more often than not, you need something built around your specific goals, not a generic curriculum you’re expected to fit yourself into.
Things to Think About/Ask Before You Hire a Coach
Beyond fit and track record, here are a few things worth checking before you commit to working with someone:
- Are they willing to actually answer your questions and talk through how the coaching relationship would work, rather than just pushing you toward a sales call?
- Do you feel comfortable with them? You’re going to be opening up about things that make you nervous, so the relationship matters as much as the credentials.
- Ask directly: “Have you worked with someone who needed help with [your specific problem]?” If you’re dealing with interview anxiety, a big pitch, or a recurring issue like rambling, make sure they’ve actually handled that before, not just public speaking in general.
- What does their process actually look like? A coach who can clearly explain how they’ll work with you is a good sign. Vague answers are not.
Finding the Right Fit
The best public speaking coach for you isn’t necessarily the closest one. It’s the one whose experience matches your actual goals, whose approach fits how you learn, and who you genuinely feel comfortable working with, whether that’s over Zoom or in a conference room in Cincinnati.
Explore my coaching programs or book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Want to keep building these skills on your own in the meantime? Subscribe to my free Substack newsletter for a public speaking challenge delivered to your inbox every week.