Know what you’re getting and feel good about your investment.

One common path for professionals looking to improve their skills in a specific area, but especially public speaking and presenting, is to work one-on-one with a qualified coach.

These experiences can be extremely powerful, both in terms of presenting, but also professional development and networking.

However, these days it seems just about everyone is a “coach”, willing to sell you their services through heavy-handed webinar pitches and sales calls that are exhausting and time-consuming.

If you’re like me and sales pitches are the last thing you’re interested in, when interviewing coaches you’re thinking about working with, there’s one thing to keep in mind.

You are interviewing them as much as they are trying to sell you.

As you talk and discuss the opportunity, you should be listening for key pieces of information that tell you who this person is, whether they will actually be able to help you achieve your goals, or whether they’re a bit unsavory. Listen to them; listen to your gut.

Key to success here is to coming into a sales call with a plan, rather than coming in cold and unaware. To help, I’ve crafted a list of questions you can ask to direct the conversation in a meaningful way, learn more about your potential speaking development partner, and make an informed decision you feel great about.

I’ve also created a fillable worksheet you can use while on the phone to take notes and guide the conversation. Just enter your email below to download the file.

Question #1: What is the biggest challenge most of your clients struggle with?

Understanding the key problems that clients typically engage a specific coach to solve can give you insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and whether their typical client sounds a lot like you. When you choose a physician or specialist, most people are looking for a professional with expertise that aligns with their needs. Public speaking coaching should be no different.

Question #2: How would you describe your overall approach to helping people to improve?

This question should be easily answered by your prospective coach. Generally they are readily able to give a robust answer to this question – if they don’t, that’s a sign they may have less experience than someone else. As you listen to their response, think about whether their approach seems to make sense to you and fit with your personal style.

Question #3: What is your background and how has it helped you develop skills necessary to support me?

Again, another question that a coach should readily be able to answer. While it is likely your coach has a diverse background or gained their skills through experience, rather than specific training or education, think about whether their credentials give you confidence. Can you trust them? Do they seem experienced? How will their knowledge and expertise support what you’re hoping to get out of the coaching relationship?

Also, by making this question personalized to you, you’re asking the coach to listen to you and take your needs and expectations into account when answering. Very valuable information for your decision-making.

Question #4: How many clients are you working with at one time, on average?

This question gives you two pieces of information. First, whether this person might be too busy to give you the personalized attention you’re looking for (and that you deserve). If one person is juggling more than 10 clients at one time, they may be overstretched.

Secondly, this question lets you know a bit about how others feel about this particular coach and their work. Busy coaches usually mean happy clients, but this often trades off with personalized attention. As you listen to their answer, weigh your expectations with what they might be able to give.

Question #5: How much access will I have to you? How many people are on your team?

While some coaches are solo, others with bigger or scaled businesses have a team of people working with or under them. Be sure you understand whether your one-on-one sessions will be with the coach themselves or with a member of their team. Either reality isn’t necessarily good or bad, depending on the vibe you get, but it is important you are crystal clear on this issue to avoid disappointment. Nothing is worse than thinking you are working with the star to find you are relegated to the supporting cast.

Question #6: What do I get for my investment?

This is a pragmatic and concrete question. What resources, tools, courses, videos will I get with my financial investment. How many one-on-one sessions, for how long? Will I get to be a part of a community of others working with you? Coaches should be upfront about this (and usually quite eager to share) but listen carefully to determine if you believe these offerings provide value equal to your financial investment.

Question #7: How does this work?

Here you’re looking for a set of clear steps or a process by which you and the coach will work together. They might respond to this question by describing the logistical steps you’ll take to move from sales call to purchase to starting your actual “program”. Be absolutely certain you are clear on the workflow before buying.

Also, understand the timeframe. Most coaches are eager to connect with you soon after purchasing, but I have found some are not as responsive as they might seems as though they are going to be in their sales pitch.

Question #8: Can I reach out to some of your former clients as a reference check?

Their answer to this question will be telling. In some fields, like roofers and electricians, reference checks are common. However, in the coaching world, I rarely see offerings to talk with former clients, only testimonials. It’s ok if they don’t have clients willing to give referrals, but if they stumble here, be sure you are comfortable with that.

Question #9: How can I get my questions answered as I consider my options?

The wording here is important – it is buying you time to think about your decision, rather than be shoved into a commitment you might not necessarily be ready for. If you’re ready to buy, great! Even so, your coach prospect should be willing and available to answer any questions you might have (personally is better!) both before and after you invest. If you need more time, that’s perfectly ok! However in the world of online sales, coaches don’t always respond well to your request to consider the offer. Use this question to get out of a high pressure sales pitch if necessary.

Question #10: Do you have other products I could review to get to know more about your style?

While you may have gotten to know about a coach through some of their lower-ticket products, it is equally likely you’re meeting someone for the first time on a sales call, or someone you don’t know well.

Any coach should be incredibly excited to share their other offerings with you, perhaps for a reasonable price. If you are seriously considering working with someone but aren’t ready to make a decision, a lower priced product such as a course or toolkit can help you learn more about the coach, their approach and how likely you believe they are to help you.

Conclusion

The choice to work with a public speaking coach (or a coach in any field) is a fantastic step to concentrate fully on your presentation skills and see results quickly.

However, working with a coach is often a significant investment – both in terms time and money. You want to be certain you know what you’re paying for, the results you can expect to earn, and that you’re working with a person you want to connect with.

If you’re interested in connecting with me, let me know! I’d be happy to support you on your Presenting Well journey.

Updated by Andrea Hamilton, Jan 29, 2025

Everyone has a voice. Use yours by Presenting Well.