Communication & Public Speaking

Throughout my career, I’ve spoken to audiences of over a thousand and coached clients preparing for interviews, panels, and presentations. I know how important it is to not just communicate clearly, but to communicate in a way that’s memorable and impactful. I've trained staff to become more confident and effective public speakers, equipping them with practical skills to engage audiences and share their stories with ease. As an ICF-Certified Coach, I help clients build confidence in their voice. Whether you’re preparing for a major presentation, looking to improve everyday communication, or simply want to feel more comfortable speaking up, we'll work together to build the strategies you need to own the room with confidence.

As a communication coach, I bring a holistic approach to every session, recognizing that effective communication requires a delicate balance of empathy, clarity, audience awareness, and, most importantly, alignment with the speaker’s authentic voice. My process begins with active listening, ensuring I fully understand each client’s goals, challenges, and unique communication style. I continuously adapt my coaching methods to meet the specific needs of executives and leaders, focusing on skills like confident self-presentation, audience engagement, and adaptability. In my coaching, I emphasize measurable progress. Past clients have reported up to a 80% increase in confidence when speaking to groups, as well as stronger audience engagement and clearer message retention rates. Drawing from my extensive experience in training, public health, and community engagement, I offer a well-rounded perspective on communication that extends beyond words to truly embody empathy and vision. Whether it’s crafting a speech, leading a team, or navigating tough conversations, I equip clients with tools that foster growth, helping them communicate with a sense of purpose and confidence that resonates with any audience.

Kirsten Holmberg leverages more than two decades of experience in keynote speaking and writing to equip both new and skilled speakers to achieve maximum impact with their presentations and speaking engagements. Her background in both business and communication has proved an asset in collaborating with Fortune 100 executives, TEDx speakers, politicians, pastors, and the person next door to shape their content and finesse their delivery. Kirsten holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. As evidence that her true love is communication, she brandishes her ability to recite all 46 prepositions in alphabetical order— something she still knows from her 7th grade language arts class.

Welcome to my profile! As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with extensive experience in communication coaching, I am passionate about helping individuals express themselves effectively and build influence. With a background in commercial Broadway theater and executive coaching at BetterUp, I have guided over 200 clients, including those from Fortune 500 companies, to enhance their communication skills and leadership presence. My approach is tailored to each client, focusing on areas such as public speaking, negotiation, and feedback, to ensure they achieve their personal and professional goals. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and make a lasting impact in your interactions. Come join me, I promise I don't bite, and we'll have a good time find your way to communication.

Welcome! I'm Debbi McCullough from New Zealand, based in Wisconsin. With over 20 years of experience in journalism and communications, I help the best and brightest sound that way: compelling, clear, and strategic communicators. As a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and as an Executive Communications Coach for Google, the US Air Force, BlackRock, BP, and Disney, I've hosted around 10, 1000 coaching sessions with top or emerging leaders. I'm expert at helping my clients manage difficult conversations, navigate complexity, and speak and write in clear, concise, and memorable ways. My international background, working in multiple countries including Singapore, Japan, and now the U.S. attracts many clients who are non-native speakers. Additionally, as the CEO and Founder of Hanging Rock, LLC, I've provided writing, editing, and consulting services to prestigious clients such as Carnegie Mellon University, Visa International, and JPMorgan. I've taught business communications at UNC Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School and all forms of writing at Chatham University. (18 years total as a professor.) For over 20 years, I've written for top-tier business media including the Economist, the Financial Times, and the Guardian and won a UN Foundation press fellowship. If you seek more original, memorable business communication skills or clues on how to add narrative and story to your messages, that's my sweet spot. Let's level up your communication skills, reclaim your confidence, and take your brand places.

My clients get into rooms most people only dream about — and then own them. One of my first coaching clients landed an internship at the Obama White House and went on to build a successful speechwriting career. I've coached leaders at Google, Meta, Waze, and Cargill. I was Instagram's first Latin American hire. I've been in high-stakes rooms on every side — as an executive, a performer, and a coach. I work with two types of people on Leland: 1. Students applying to competitive programs who need to write, speak, and interview like they belong there. I help you craft the story that gets you in. 2. Professionals who are smart, accomplished, and ready to reconnect with their story — and use it as their biggest competitive advantage. I help you find it, shape it, and deliver it in a way that makes people remember you. My method blends narrative strategy, performance technique, and hard-won experience across tech, finance, and the stage. No fluff. Just a clearer, more commanding version of you. If you're ready to stop preparing and start landing — let's work.

As a former Senate press secretary and communications strategist in Washington, D.C., I help leaders command the room, master high-stakes media interactions, and drive their professional goals with precision. Drawing on deep experience across Capitol Hill, presidential campaigns, federal agencies, and corporate and public affairs environments, I bring high-pressure expertise directly to your executive development. Whether you need to sharpen your public speaking, execute flawless crisis management, or build a persuasive media strategy, I am here to ensure your message lands with clarity, authority, and impact. Let’s connect and elevate your communication strategy together.

Hi! I spent four years competing in the National Speech and Debate Association in both public address and interpretation events (specifically, dramatic interpretation, oratory, and program of oral interpretation). In addition to competing myself, I watched hundreds of hours of speeches and learned a lot about what works and doesn't work in this format. Writing a speech to be written out loud requires different language than a paper to be read. I'd love to help you prepare your speech for any event you have, as well as work on confidence and intonation with you to nail the delivery of your presentation!

Most public speaking advice is designed to make you safe, polished, and ultimately forgettable. I am here to make you undeniable. For 20 years, I have controlled the narrative on the most unforgiving stages imaginable. As a former CNN National Correspondent, I decoded complex global crises for millions of viewers on live television under immense pressure. Behind the scenes, I am the secret weapon and crisis manager for C suite executives, national political figures, and prominent civil rights leaders navigating make or break moments. I do not just teach you how to project your voice or where to put your hands. I teach you how to command a room, turn dense data into a gripping story, and play offense with your messaging. Whether you are stepping into a hostile boardroom, facing the financial press, or delivering a career defining keynote, you need more than just good diction. You need a defensible narrative and the absolute confidence to deliver it. If you are ready to stop chasing the conversation and start creating it, let us get to work.

Welcome to my profile! With a rich background as an Executive Speechwriter for top leaders at Chevron and the U.S. Department of Defense, I bring over two decades of experience in crafting impactful communications. My journey has equipped me with the skills to help executives and professionals elevate their messaging, whether through speeches, executive videos, or strategic communications. I've coached 18 individuals, guiding them to harness their unique talents and communicate with clarity and confidence. Let's work together to ensure your message resonates and leaves a lasting impression. Reach out to start enhancing your communication skills today!