Public speaking coach
Also known as: public speaking mentor, public speaking tutor, speech giving coach
About this occupation
Public speaking coaches provide, often private, instruction to clients in theory and techniques on how to improve their public speaking skills. They identify each client's strengths and weaknesses and tailor their instruction to their specific needs, which may include improving the client's vocal delivery, articulation, presentation abilities and body language. Depending on the background of the client, be it business, education or otherwise, public speaking coaches also instruct clients or students in persuasive arguing, rhetorical delivery and other debating techniques.
Essential skills and knowledge
- show consideration for student's situation
- assess students
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- adapt teaching to target group
- demonstrate when teaching
- rhetoric
- teach public speaking principles
- pronunciation techniques
- apply teaching strategies
- encourage students to acknowledge their achievements
- breathing techniques
- assist students in their learning
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile School Psychologists (O*NET 19-3034.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Master's Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Writing, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$95,990 a year (2025), 63,940 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyExtremely important (5.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Master's Certificate
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Neuropsychologists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
- Psychiatrists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.