Another contest question--speaking coaches

[betsy_in_va]

Realistically, if you wanted to compete at the Regional or WCPS levels,
when would you need to get a speaking coach? Has anybody ever won
without a coach? How much does coaching usually cost?

Betsy

[rich.h...@gmail.com]

Betsy,

I've worked with a variety of coaches over the years, and this is the
first year I've used a World Champion in the mix, and that only because
we met and became friends in the last year.

The first time I went to Region, I had no coach through District. A
prior year's Region 2nd and 3rd place winner offered to coach me, and
we went over things a bit, and he did offer some help. In the end, the
speech was still mine, and I took 2nd.

Since then, I have continued to work the coach, and asked for help from
others when I felt it was appropriate, but all the speeches end up as
my own, as it should be.

Reasons to get a coach: success is tough in a vacuum - 1. at least get
feedback from others. 2. get support when you are doubtful. 3. work
with someone who is strong where you are weak.

Cautions:

Don't find a coach you can't ultimately turn down. The speech must
always be yours.
Don't imitate your coach, just look for gems - twists of phrases,
concepts, and mapping of gestures.

You don't HAVE to have a coach. I'm sure its been done without. But it
doesn't hurt!

In terms of price - many WCPS winners are free, once you've made it to
the WCPS yourself. Others charge in various ways, or offer CDs, DVDs,
cruises, webinars, etc.
But they always reserve the right to work for free or charge for
whoever they want to. Check on www.jimkey.com - he's got his TM
coaching rules readily available.

Personally, I charge $75 for speaker coaching - but that's for
executives and salespeople who need a quick fix. I haven't fully
launched yet, but I have a few clients. As soon as I'm walking again,
I'll focus more strongly - and raise my prices.

Rich Hopkins - ATM-G
District 9, Region I
www.richhopkins.net

[rich.h...@gmail.com]

(that's $75 an HOUR).

Rich.

[Colin William]

rich.h...@gmail.com wrote:
> Personally, I charge $75 for speaker coaching - but that's for
> executives and salespeople who need a quick fix. I haven't fully
> launched yet, but I have a few clients. As soon as I'm walking again,
> I'll focus more strongly - and raise my prices.

Win in DC, and you'll be able to raise your prices even more :-)

Colin