Coaching

Personal Coaching Sessions & Script Review Services

Personal coaching sessions are an excellent way for children and adults to increase their confidence and prepare for presentations, interviews, speech contests, and pageants.

We help clients prepare for professional presentations and successfully interview for private schools, colleges, medical schools, internships, and employment opportunities.

Academy for Public Speaking clients have won over $21,000 in cash prizes and scholarships from competing in speech contests. We also helped the 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2017 San Diego and Yuma contestants prepare to compete in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking at the annual International Convention.

“Kathleen joined me at the Toastmasters International Convention, where 89 contestants from 82 countries assembled to compete for the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking. I was getting ready to speak in front of the international audience of 2,500 people. Excitement was at its peak. Nerves were strung high. And the skill of staying cool under pressure was put to the test.

Kathleen acted as my personal stylist and speaking coach, listening to my speech over and over again, giving me final suggestions in the hours leading up to the contest. Kathleen became a dear friend who inspired, supported, and cheered me on.” Mila Diamond, Toastmasters International Speech Contestant, 2013

We also assist clients with pronunciation and accent reduction. Additional areas of focus include social development such as making friends and improving conversation skills.

Private sessions are available for children and adults and are typically held in the client’s residence or place of employment. However, alternative locations, such as meeting at a public library, can be arranged if preferred.

“Personal coaching sessions have helped our son with all aspects of speaking – vocal variety, enunciation, emotion, facial expressions, hand gestures, body language, staging, and much more! In the end, Kathleen produced a competitive winning speaker. Our son won a $4,500 scholarship in the 2014 Lions Club Student Speakers Contest!” Maria & Matt Danilowicz

The fee for a private coaching session is $200 per hour. To schedule a private session, please use the following link to contact the Academy for Public Speaking.

Script Review Services

The fee for a one time script review is $100. The fee for a script review with up to two revisions is $150. Script review is included with a private coaching session. To request a script review, please use this link.

Private Courses

If our current class schedule is not compatible with your child’s schedule, forming a private class is another option. Private classes are available for groups of 4 or more students. The schedule for private classes is customized based on the needs of your group. The fee for our private courses depends on the location and begins at $499 per student. To schedule a private course, please contact the Academy for Public Speaking.

Speech Contests Course

Competitive public speaking is one of the most effective ways for your child to improve his or her public speaking skills. Academy for Public Speaking graduates have won over $21,000 in cash prizes and scholarships from competing in speech contests!

During this advanced course, your child will learn and apply scriptwriting techniques by planning speeches based on a variety of contest topics. Students learn the scoring criteria for several local contests to understand how judges rate speakers. Students also learn and practice presentation strategies used by professional speakers and world champions. Additionally, award winning guest speakers visit to share their speeches and expertise.

Opportunities for participating in speech contests and presenting at community events will be provided. Participating in our Speech Contests Course will give your child the unique opportunity to learn and apply the strategies and secrets of highly successful public speakers!

Interview Skills Course

The interview skills course is for high school students.  Students learn and practice the following communication skills.

Writing Effective Resumes

Acing Interviews – Preparation & Research

Mock Interviews – Self Presentation & Practice

Appearance & First Impressions

Intelligent Impromptu Responses – How to Impress Others

Elevator Speeches – Communicating Clearly in 30-60 Seconds

Creating Confident Communicators!

“I am very excited about the Academy for Public Speaking courses and how they help teens and pre-teens build confidence. I have seen how inspired Kathleen and her instructors are in regard to teaching and public speaking. The Academy for Public Speaking courses have so much to offer the students. I had the pleasure of co-teaching with Kathleen for two years.  She is an excellent teacher who is devoted to educating and building confidence in her students.

I have also seen Kathleen exhibit strong leadership skills as a member of Toastmasters International. Kathleen is highly motivated, organized, and thorough. Her many years of experience as an educator coupled with her active participation in Toastmasters make her the perfect person to educate and build teen and pre-teen confidence in public speaking.”   Angela Giammatteo, Education Specialist for San Diego Unified School District, Member of Toastmasters International