Speaking Coach
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You rehearsed it. You knew how to draw just enough suspense. Then you paused and, precisely at the right moment, released the punchline!
Crickets. Instead of folks falling out of their chairs, doubling over with laughter. There was an awkward silence.
Perhaps the opposite happened. The room was roaring with laughter the whole time. But when you reviewed the eval forms, no one could recall your message. But they sure thought you were funny, though.
We’ve all been there.
We invest in our education, our fitness, and in our health. Why not our speaking? The best of the best seek help. They reach out to experts for their goal. When I want to improve my tennis game, I don’t go play with the 7-year-old next door. Nice kid, but he’s no Serena.
I, Tim Gard, am not a tennis coach, nor am I a speaking coach.
In all honesty, “speaking coach” is only mentioned here because that is what everyone searches for. And most think that’s what they need.
If you need help with structure, your best bet is with a speechwriter.
If you need help with stage presence, take an improv class. Trust me, it can help. And you’ll have fun.
If you need help with gestures, vocal variety, speech feedback… save your hard-earned money and join Toastmaster. They’re in 143 countries and just about every county in the US.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to genuinely connect with your audience that reinforces your message, then you need to jam with Tim.
My philosophy that the best way to foster mutual respect, trust, empathy, and a shared sense of connection between a person on stage and their audience is to use clean and universally appreciated humor.
To some, sharing and inspiring with a “sense of humor” comes as naturally as the sense of smell, while others may struggle to not only “find the funny” but also find it challenging to incorporate it with their talk, to enhance their message, and to deliver it as natural as a smile.
When you jam with Tim, you will easily understand why even the most “perfect” message or program can be improved and enhanced with the infusion of humor.
In the jamming sessions you will:
Your jamming sessions will result in an artistic program for your goal. Above all, your will gain the CONFIDENCE in yourself and your program. Without confidence you may end up unnecessarily putting yourself through “learning the hard way,” and let’s face it, no one likes to step off the stage feeling their performance was anything but their BEST! Or hearing crickets!
Most Requested Topics for Coaching and Train the Trainer:
It’s never easy to speak to fellow speakers, but the legendary Tim Gard absolutely rocked the stage at our 25th Canadian Association of Professional Speakers convention. He delivered a master class in storytelling and the use of humor, offering insights that even experienced speakers benefited greatly from. Many of our attendees said that Tim’s hilarious, insightful, and highly relevant keynote was THE highlight of the entire convention for them!
—Michael and Jennifer, Chairs of CAPS 2022
Tim Gard is one of the finest humorous speakers in North America. Beyond performance, he has the rare talent of uncovering humor in other speakers’ material. Having watched him in action and hearing others gasp with delight is a real treat. If you want to add humor and energy to your presentations, you will be well served to talk to Tim. I’m serious.
—Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, Past President
National Speakers Association
Yes, Tim Gard is a funny person. But more importantly, he can teach YOU to get more laughs with your phrasing, delivery, and story mining. He’s helped me a lot. Highly recommended!
—Jay Baer, CSP, CPAE
Working with Tim was extremely rewarding. Not only is he a humor genius, but he understands great stories and how to deeply engage an audience. He is truly a master at his craft.
—Lt Col Waldo Waldman, Author
New York Times bestseller Never Fly Solo
Tim Gard is not only a naturally funny guy, he knows why he’s funny! So, he is a great teacher of the techniques of humor. I recommend him as a coach.
—Capt. Charlie Plumb, CSP, CPAE