Speak by Design
Communicate, Captivate and Connect

Distinguished leaders are compelled not merely to keep stride with their organization’s growth but to surpass it. The journey of leadership is akin to a relentless race against time—a race to achieve expertise in simplifying complex concepts, running high impact meetings, handling questions and objections with ease, and delegating and guiding decisions.

Embracing the imperative of communication as the currency of success, Speak by Design provides leadership communication coaching and training solutions. Equipped with a global team of coaches and trainers, it helps people leverage their speaking skills for greater impact on a wide variety of stakeholders including investors, the Board, media, leadership, customers, strategic partners, and all staff.

Notably, it specializes in coaching C-suite executives and emerging leaders, offering essential support for the onboarding of new executives, and equipping leadership teams with the tools they need to engage with investors and potential acquirers. It also provides guidance to speakers gearing up for high-visibility presentations, ensuring they shine on stage and on camera.

Speak by Design’s methodology focuses on personal style, message structure and message strategies, with a highly individualized training approach that zeroes in on each person’s unique communication needs. This approach optimizes personal efficacy through effective communication, catering to those who aspire to cultivate clarity, confidence and credibility in their interactions.

“People want to listen and learn from managers and leaders who communicate effectively. Better communication translates to more sales, faster decision-making, higher productivity, retention and promotion,” says Stephanie Bickel, Founder and Managing Director of Speak by Design.

While the firm’s journey began with a primary focus on enhancing personal presentation skills, it evolved when Speak by Design recognized the transformative potential of comprehensive communication training that integrates both personal and professional growth objectives. Today, it functions as a catalyst for business growth and a launch pad for successful careers, serving professionals from various industries, both in the private and public sectors. “We are particularly proud of the enterprise-wide training solutions we craft for companies across all tenures, from analyst to executive,” says Bickel. Their clientele features global consulting firms, investment banks, private equity firms, renowned brands, healthcare establishments and large nonprofit organizations. “We work with fast growing companies that use communication skills to take market share.”

Empowering Organizations from Within

Communication is the #1 development area cited in performance reviews. Effective communication skills are critical at all levels and within every role. However, multiple companies grapple with a crucial challenge—finding high-quality communication coaching that meets their unique communication needs and gets bottom-line results.

To help companies, Speak by Design launched a communication coach certification program, where organizations can train their HR and Internal Communications team members to deliver communication coaching. Rather than wait for the next scheduled learning day, companies will have a ready-togo, inhouse resource for point-in-time coaching and longer form program development.

The flagship offering is designed to certify trainers and internal communications experts, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become communication coaches within their respective companies.

Unlike the traditional approach of investing in one-off group training and coaching programs, Speak by Design’s certification program empowers organizations to develop internal coaching capabilities at a sophisticated level. This shift in approach envisions a future where a company’s brightest minds are not only experts in their fields but are also excellent communicators. It marks a paradigm shift in how businesses think and approach internal communication skill development, making it a transformative and forward-thinking solution for their challenges.

Redefining Business Meetings and Problem Solving

As more and more meetings and presentations are delivered in virtual and hybrid formats, new business communication challenges have emerged. Attention spans are shorter than ever, and leaders need to be able to determine the right amount of information for their audience. The second significant issue that has received attention is the ability to think on one’s feet. Executives frequently encounter unexpected challenges, bad news, shifting priorities, and the dynamism of a rapidly changing market. Consequently, they need to make prompt decisions and respond with clarity and confidence.

Speak by Design has strategically designed its services to mitigate these issues effectively. The firm’s services are designed to empower individuals and organizations on their journey toward effective communication. Its core offering is the private leadership communication program (see pic), where clients engage in one-on-one coaching sessions that include programs tailored to professional development goals. These individualized coaching programs have a profound impact, paving the way for career advancement, honing sales acumen, and preparing individuals for high-stakes events.

Complementing this, Speak by Design provides communication consulting services for designing and delivering high stake presentations. Here, skilled communication strategists collaborate closely with clients to craft thoughtful communication plans aimed at engaging, inspiring and aligning people with the client’s vision. The thoroughly devised plans serve as catalysts for enhancing awareness and driving decisive action, making them a cornerstone of effective business communication.

Simultaneously, Speak by Design’s group training sessions provide communication tools, frameworks and exercises designed to provoke a shift in mindsets and behaviors, ultimately preparing participants to excel in various communication facets.

Beyond individual and group-level coaching and training, enterprise solutions encompass every aspect of business operations— management teams, new leaders, sales teams and investor liaisons. Clients are enabled to address their unique communication training needs with personalized presentation skills training.

In addition, every organization today is in the middle of a digital transformation, Speak by Design has dedicated substantial efforts to support technical experts in simplifying concepts around artificial intelligence, cyber threats, automation, and analytics, enabling them to articulate complex ideas in a manner accessible to non-technical colleagues. This addresses a vital need as IT departments take center stage in the era of digital transformation, necessitating clear and effective communication.

“When clients complete their programs, they refer us to others because the whole experience is fun. There is a lot of laughing and experimentation. We want to have a good time,” says Bickel.

Speak by Design’s coaching methodology combines a structured format, thorough follow-through, and an element of fun. The process begins with a comprehensive, half-day assessment suited to each person’s role and communication needs. A 10-session series of lessons is then designed to provide a personalized and private training experience. These lessons are informative, engaging and interactive, ensuring that everyone feels motivated and connected to the learning process.

After every session, participants receive a detailed summary and a reminder of what to expect in the upcoming lessons, which makes the journey more efficient and engaging.

Speak by Design’s methodology is distinguished by its format, follow-through and fun factor. Its use of video recording is a critical component. This aspect of the coaching process is invaluable, as it challenges individuals’ preconceived notions about their communication skills. It’s a common misconception that one excels in communication, until they watch themselves in a video. This realization is particularly striking for some leaders who may not be aware of their pronunciation and enunciation challenges. Once they witness themselves in action, they often come to understand the need for improvement, such as addressing issues like mumbling or unclear speech.

The firm also places a strong emphasis on simulations. It understands that the key to changing a person’s communication habit lies in practice and repetition. “We simulate real-life scenarios, such as upcoming meetings, delivering tough messages, and handling questions so that people leave our programs conditioned for any surprise that comes their way”, Bickel shares. This repeated practice and constructive feedback leads to noticeable improvements in their communication skills. It greatly increases confidence, too.

Innovative Learning, Lasting Impact

Among their latest initiatives, the Speak by Design University program stands out as a dynamic avenue for professional development. It is finely tuned to meet the unique requirements of the world’s fastest-growing enterprises. The university’s program development is entirely virtual and includes two private coaching sessions per month, weekly group lessons, weekly office hours, and access to their vault of recorded lessons and workbooks. “We want members to be able to learn in their preferred way and have access to everything they may want and need. We have been surprised by the networking and mentorship happening with the members. We have some members still with us since we began the program in 2020. They love the new lessons and meeting the new people who join every month.” Founder Stephanie Bickel leads all of the weekly group classes.

Setting this program apart is it blend of private coaching, group training, and self-paced learning, all integrated into a monthly program. This approach provides participants with a multifaceted learning experience and a unique opportunity to connect and network with professionals from diverse organizations.

One of the program’s notable advantages is its ability to adapt to a wide range of learning methods. Whether someone prefers one-on-one private coaching, the convenience of downloading workbooks and watching videos at their leisure, or benefits from accessing replays for self-paced learning, the university program caters to all preferences. The emphasis on individualized learning allows participants to progress at their own pace, making the learning experience enjoyable and highly effective.

From Potential to Performance

Speak by Design has a remarkable track record of successful client partnerships. In one instance, a newly appointed managing director (MD) at a prominent global investment bank engaged in a six-month program as part of his onboarding process. The firm was instrumental in equipping the MD with the required skills and confidence to make an impact in his new position. The results were tangible, with the MD successfully securing three new engagements. This accelerated his ability to represent the company, form strong internal relationships, and generate new business opportunities.

Another compelling success story unfolded with a technology firm, where Speak by Design hosted a two-day event, after which each sales representative received six months of personalized coaching to enhance their new business presentations. The impact was striking, as the company witnessed an astonishing 50 percent increase in the win rate from new business presentations over a 12-month period.

In another noteworthy instance, a dynamic startup firm saw a substantial financial result in its leadership during a six-month program. The company’s top three leaders sought to excel in fundraising efforts with their investors, leading them to embrace the coaching journey. They worked diligently and even engaged themselves in joint presentation rehearsals as part of their program. Within a month of the program, they were able to engage in a series of successful investment conversations, marking a significant shift for the startup.

These achievements demonstrate the profound impact of Speak by Design’s coaching programs in diverse professional contexts, showcasing how it empowers individuals and teams to achieve their goals and exceed their own expectations.

Partners in Success

Every journey with Speak by Design is marked by a partnership with coaches who are deeply invested in both their personal growth and their business success, and this underscored by the firm’s emphasis on ensuring the right coach-client relationship from the first session through a meticulous alignment check. Speak by Design coaches are client champions who lead by example and are growth oriented and action oriented.

One of the coaches’ unique characteristics is their drive to assist clients in identifying and prioritizing short- and long-term goals. By guiding clients in this process, they ensure that every coaching session contributes to a clear and meaningful journey toward improved communication. Coaches go beyond the surface-level training found elsewhere. They provide clients with new models, frameworks and systems that can be shared with their teams. These tools have a long-term impact on an individual’s and a team’s professional development.

The documentation of every interaction is a crucial aspect of the Speak by Design coaching process. Coaches keep track of their client’s progress, the tools provided, and upcoming topics to focus on. Each session concludes with closing comments that leave clients on a high note. It is this positive energy and encouragement that clients carry with them, boosting their confidence and motivation.

Speak by Design’s coaches are differentiated by their educational and professional backgrounds. Possessing master’s degrees, along with a decade of professional experience and certification in the Speak by Design system, these coaches provide a robust underpinning for delivering effective services.

Although the prevailing notion suggests that effective speaking is an innate skill, the reality is that it is predominantly an acquired proficiency guided by a defined technique. Speak by Design, backed by its extensive experience and a history of successful partnerships, has mastered this approach. Its commitment to nurturing communicators empowers every individual it engages with to unlock their unique communication excellence. This reality challenges the status quo, proving that anyone can become a compelling speaker with the proper guidance and dedication.