Coaching
Great communicators aren't born. They're trained.
Have you ever seen a speaker ramble, encountered a confusing email, or experienced an unproductive chat or conversation?
You might think these struggles happen because professionals lack skills or confidence. But, for most of them, the issue is simpler:
They don't have points—frequently confusing compelling points with broad topics, descriptions, or observations.
Points drive decisions, action, and impact. Topics drive curiosity.
"AI's impact" is a topic.
“Using AI will make our production process more efficient” is a point.
Without a clear point, no amount of slides, structure, stats, or stories will save you.
WHO I HELP AND HOW
I help professionals from entities like American Express, Meta, State Farm Insurance, Synchrony Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Neurocrine Biosciences, Sandia National Labs, and the Brennan Center for Justice communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
While most of them will never give a keynote talk, they need to communicate effectively and efficiently in daily and weekly interactions that move business forward, such as:
• Presentations to colleagues, clients, and partners
• Virtual and in-person meetings
• Conversations with partners, clients, and colleagues
• Work emails and messaging apps
Points are crucial for success in all these settings and more.
WHY I DO THIS WORK
Throughout my 15 years as a speechwriter, communications leader, and people manager, I've seen firsthand how points engage, inspire, and convince people, while the lack of a point renders communications pointless.
And even though we’re comfortable saying things like “What’s your point?” and "Get to the point," few people know what a point is or how to construct and leverage one for success.
My mission is to help professionals at any level, in any industry, and with any degree of experience, get to the point and make their words matter when their influence matters most.
"There are so many speech coaches out there.
What makes Joel different?"
I focus on the foundational skill of making clear points.
If your communication doesn't have a point, it's pointless—and no slide, stat, or story can fix that. I help professionals build and champion compelling points in every workplace interaction—from major presentations and speeches to daily emails and instant messages.
My expertise blends competitive, corporate, and coaching experience.
My insight comes from 11 years as a collegiate speech and debate competitor, over a decade as an executive communications leader and speechwriter, and more than 15 years coaching professionals from Fortune 100 companies and other organizations.
I've stood—and spoken—in your shoes.
As a leader, people manager, and individual contributor at organizations including TIME, Paramount, PBS, and the ASPCA, I understand what it takes to communicate at work with clarity and confidence.
I can improve your content and your delivery.
With experience coaching both presentation style and spoken and slide content, I help make your messages clearer, your delivery more confident, and your points more powerful.
My insights are widely shared and recognized.
My methods and ideas are tested and trusted by a wide audience. I've authored two award-winning books, written more than 100 business magazine articles, and been the featured guest on more than 50 business communication podcasts.
My coaching is grounded in research.
My coaching is built on a foundation of credible research that separates proven truths from popular myths—from
Aristotle’s pillars of persuasion to modern neuroscience and major communication studies.
Other Workshop Topics
Elevate Your Points and Presence in Virtual Meetings
A room is not a Zoom. But many video meeting attendees and presenters make tactical mistakes in these settings, sabotaging their impact and harming their reputations. In this workshop, you'll learn how to enhance your points, presence, and impact from the other side of the screen.
Make Your Emails More Effective
Even the most skilled communicators make common email-writing mistakes that bury their points and miss their mark. In this workshop, you'll learn how to construct emails that immediately receive the correct level of attention, convey your ideas efficiently, and inspire the right response.
Nail Your Next Job Interview
Responding effectively to classic job interview questions requires understanding what the interviewer really wants to know and how to respond with unique, concise and persuasive points. In this workshop, you'll learn to answer questions in ways to convince employers you're the right person for the job.
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How to simplify, sharpen, and sell your point
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How to use volume and pauses to your advantage
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How to interact effectively with notes, charts, and slides
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How to start and finish with confidence and impact
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How to decrease public speaking anxiety
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How to strengthen your points in virtual meetings
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How to elevate the impact of your emails
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How to answer job interview questions efficiently and authentically
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How to listen more effectively
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How to avoid communication conflict
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How to use GenAI in ways that support you, not script you
Sample Workshop Takeaways
My clients include
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What My Clients Say
—Anne Hollyday, Proposal Writer, Jackson Lewis LLP
Joel offered excellent drills to help attendees stand, speak, and gesture before an audience with confidence. I recommend Joel and this class to anyone interested in fine-tuning their public speaking style.
—Daniel Elbaum, President & CEO, JAID
Joel provided one of the most user-friendly trainings that I have received in my professional career. I can honestly say that after one day with Joel, I picked up several tips that I believe will make me a more effective public speaker. I would highly recommend him for experienced and novice speakers and pretty much anyone in between.
—Veronica Wulff, Senior Director of Media Operations at Sesame Workshop
Public speaking is stressful. However, Joel gives great tools and tips to help you deliver your speech as the professional you are meant to be! He created a safe atmosphere for his students, and provided quick exercises and thorough performance critiques to help improve one's delivery
—Lionel Beehner, Senior Staff Writer, Council on
Foreign Relations