Uncover your whole story.
Want to break free from clichés, jargon, and generic stories?
Want to share your ideas and thoughts in a more compelling way?
I’ll help you investigate and reveal the details that unveil your most impactful message.
“He challenged me at key points and I had to defend my idea and critically think about alternatives. He encouraged me at the right moments and pulled out themes and insights that allowed me the space to form my thoughts in new ways that were clear, concise, and compelling.”
— Daniel Hallak, Ph.D.
“It’s been a joy to work with speaking coach Michael Ashford. In preparation for my TEDx Talk, Michael helped me refine my speech so that I would be able to deliver a clear and purposeful message to the audience. I highly recommend him and his service to those who need communication support.”
— Nhi Aronheim
“Working with Michael Ashford as a speaking coach was an amazing experience. At every stage of crafting, writing, rehearsing, and delivering my speech he improved what I had done. He had great insights and helped my rewrites be more focused and powerful. And he was a pleasure to work with, making every step of the process effective, rewarding, and fun. I highly recommend Michael.”
— Rob Dubin
Reveal your story’s hidden power
Do you have ideas you believe could help others, grow relationships, inspire action, or solve big problems?
Maybe you want to share your story on the TEDx stage or something similar. Or perhaps you want to appear on podcasts to talk about your favorite topic. Or maybe you want to speak more confidently the next time you’re on a stage at a conference.
But, when it comes to your big idea, have you ever felt like:
Someone has already said it
You’re not striking the “right” tone
You’re too reliant on clichés and jargon
You’re stuck trying to make your ideas relatable to others
You don’t know if you’re focused on the most meaningful lessons
Your speaking style is too confusing
You sound hesitant and undecisive
I am a speaking and communications coach, but unlike other coaches, only I apply the approach of an investigative journalist to help you uncover the most captivating, relatable, and action-oriented details from your story and message.
I’ve delivered two TEDx Talks, I’m the Head Speaker Coach at TEDxManitouSprings, I’ve been on hundreds of conference stages, and I’ve shared stories on numerous podcasts. But it wasn’t always that easy for me — I’ve spent years refining my speaking skills to be able to confidently stand in front of people and deliver an idea.
The insights you’ll gain from our collaboration will help you mold and shape your communication into a style that helps you achieve your goals (we’ll strategize on those as well).
Request a free 30-minute consultation
“I know for a fact that he has truly helped bring out a deeper connection with the audience through my talks. This is evident from the specific feedback I received, which was a direct reflection of the material that Michael helped bring out during our coaching sessions. Michael is a rarity in that I felt he was emotionally invested in helping me provide the best of myself, allowing the audience to experience my passion for my work. What he has done for me has brought more value than what I initially invested in his services. If you have the opportunity to work with him, seize it!”
— Jensen Jones
“Working with Michael was such a positive experience! I reached out to him because I wanted to improve my communication skills and overall confidence across multiple areas of my life. Even though my request was a bit atypical, Michael carefully crafted a coaching curriculum that was uniquely catered to me. Every lesson had a theme and purpose and it was evident that he had put in the time and effort to ensure I was getting the most benefit. … I would highly recommend his services!”
— Alyssa Holland
“I thought he was going to teach me how to appear more as a ‘professional speaker.’ I had no idea that what he did was SO much more impactful. He taught me how to be confident in myself, quirks and all. I connected with the audience in a way that others told me is ‘next level.’”
— Jamie Cutino
How my coaching can help you
You and I will work together to create a coaching experience specific to your goals.
Here are some areas in which I can provide guidance:
Public Speaking
Have an upcoming presentation or keynote? Or maybe you’ve landed a TEDx Talk (did you know I’ve delivered two?). I’ll work with you to help you be more confident in the idea you wish to share, more relatable through the stories you tell, and more compelling in the calls to action you create, whether you’re speaking at the front of a crowded room or to a virtual audience.
Signature Story Development
Do you want to be on more stages and appear on more podcasts sharing the story or idea you want to be known for? I’ll help you uncover the fullness of your story and then work with you to craft a narrative that can be repurposed for different audiences while staying true to your intent and goals.
Confidence and Presence
Whether on a podcast, in a team meeting, or in front of the entire company, I’ll help you uncover ways to more clearly communicate your thoughts, perspective, and vision so you can put others at ease, inspire action, and foster mutually beneficial connections.
Also, I’ll help you be more at ease with on-the-fly speaking, as well as asking and answering questions.
What you’ll receive during coaching
6-session package
A FREE initial goal and strategy-setting session to outline an engagement roadmap, set realistic and actionable goals, and review my fundamentals of effective communication.
An in-depth recorded interview session where I’ll interview you to help you articulate your thoughts, ideas, and messaging.
Asynchronous messaging and chatting to keep things moving forward, to ask questions, to share ideas, and to share feedback.
Five 60-minute follow-up calls to review progress, check in on expectations, and practice learned skills.
Actionable next steps at the end to keep the communication growth going!
3-session package
A FREE initial goal and strategy-setting session to outline an engagement roadmap, set realistic and actionable goals, and review my fundamentals of effective communication
An in-depth recorded interview session where I’ll interview you to help you articulate your thoughts, ideas, and messaging.
Asynchronous messaging and chatting to keep things moving forward, to ask questions, to share ideas, and to share feedback.
Two 60-minute follow-up calls to review progress, check in on expectations, and practice learned skills.
Actionable next steps at the end to keep the communication growth going!
Deep-dive interview session
A FREE initial goal and strategy-setting session to outline an engagement roadmap, set realistic and actionable goals, and review my fundamentals of effective communication
An in-depth recorded interview session where I’ll interview you to help you articulate your thoughts, ideas, and messaging.
Actionable next steps at the end to keep the communication growth going!
Request a free 30-minute consultation
“Michael was invaluable in the process. Always thoughtful, always professional, he always offered suggestions that opened up my presentation in new ways and took it to the next level! No matter where you are in the process — just starting your talk or polishing one that you’ve given before — he’s the one to turn to.”
“Michael helped coach me through my live TEDx Talk. He asked me thought-provoking questions that allowed me to get to the core of what I really wanted to share and do so in a meaningful and authentic way.”
“Michael’s coaching style and approach were very supportive as he truly listened to what I, as the speaker telling my story, wanted to accomplish. He made suggestions, never demands, and was open to my pushing back gently then coaching more until we together arrived at the best phrasing and more. Everything he suggested helped me reach my goals. ... Michael is highly intelligent and supportive, never critical nor demanding. I would work with him again and again!”
FAQs
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A 6-session individual coaching engagement costs $1,299.
A 3-session engagement is $899.
A single deep-dive interview session is $350.
If you’re interested in group coaching or shorter, workshop-style engagements for a group or your company, fill out the interest form and let’s chat!
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I’ve worked with everyone from CEOs, students, doctors, non-profit leaders, consultants, and other coaches. What you do doesn’t matter as much as your desire to communicate your story and ideas in a clearer way.
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My coaching is highly personalized to you and your situation. I want to maximize our time together while not negatively impacting other areas of your life.
This means that our coaching calls will mold around our mutually beneficial schedules, and I’ll be available to you through asynchronous messaging and emails.
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Most of my coaching is done virtually. However, if you live in the Denver, Colorado, area or if your company wants to discuss an in-person coaching option, I’m happy to collaborate on a solution with you.
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As much or as little as you want. If you want to start a talk from scratch, it’s all good! If you have a prepared talk or scenarios you want more specific help with, I’m game!
However, if you and I are working on a talk, it’s best to at least have an idea of what you want to talk about.