How to choose a public speaking or pitch coach
By Léo BarcetPublished 3 min read
Independent coaches, agencies, former journalists, former investors, actors, trainers: the offer is wide, and methods and prices vary a lot from one coach to the next. Here is how to choose, and the questions to ask before you commit.
First: what do you need?
Each type of coach brings a different strength. Work out what you lack most.
| Your main need | Suitable profile |
|---|---|
| Knowing what to say, structuring the story | A coach who writes with you (author, consultant, stage director) |
| Being at ease out loud, managing nerves | A coach from the stage (actor, director) or a speaking trainer |
| Understanding what investors expect | A former investor or someone who has supported funding rounds |
| Speaking often, over the long term | A coach who offers follow-up over several months |
A convincing pitch rests on three things: a good text, good presence and a good reading of the audience. Few coaches cover everything, so pick the one who fills your weak spot.
The seven criteria
1. Real experience of speaking
Ask where the coach's practice comes from. Having faced an audience yourself (stage, training, conferences) changes how you teach: it is easier to explain what you have practised.
2. A clear method
A good coach can explain how the work will unfold, step by step. "We'll see according to your needs" is a weak sign if it is not followed by any structure.
3. Rehearsal out loud
This is the decisive criterion. Coaching that stops at commenting on your slides will not prepare you for the day itself. Ask how much time is spent rehearsing, standing, out loud.
4. Work on the questions
In front of a jury or an investor, the questions weigh as much as the pitch. Check that they will be rehearsed, including questions asked without warning.
5. Published prices and detailed content
Number of hours, whether the text is written, follow-up, recordings: everything should be written down. Be wary of vague offers, or of quotes you only get after several calls.
6. Testimonials you can verify
Full names, precise contexts. A testimonial signed with a first name only cannot be checked.
7. A first call where the coach listens
The first conversation should be about you: your project, your audience, your deadline. If the coach mostly talks about themselves, or pushes an offer before understanding your situation, walk away.
Questions to ask on the first call
- What exactly happens in the first session?
- Who writes the text: you, me, or both of us?
- How much time is spent rehearsing out loud?
- Are the sessions recorded?
- How do you work on the jury's or investors' questions?
- What happens if I am not satisfied?
- Have you coached situations close to mine?
Warning signs
- Promises of results ("funding guaranteed", "you will win the competition"). Nobody can keep them.
- One method for everyone, with no regard for your voice or your audience.
- No rehearsal planned, only advice.
- Pressure to sign on the very first call.
My approach, for comparison
I am an actor and stage director trained at Cours Florent, and I have trained adults in speaking since 2021. In the longer programs, I write your text with you, then I have you rehearse until the text disappears, tough questions included. Everything takes place online, sessions are recorded, and the programs and prices are published in the programs and pricing section. The first meeting is a free 20-minute diagnostic: you leave with concrete next steps, whether you work with me or not.
If your deadline is a funding round, also read investor pitch coaching: how to prepare. For the delivery side, voice, eye contact and pauses shows what the work looks like in practice.
