Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in knowledge. These books will give you the foundational frameworks, techniques, and business insights you need to coach speakers effectively and run a sustainable practice.
Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
This book breaks down the storytelling and presentation techniques behind the most successful TED talks. As a speaking coach, you’ll reference these principles constantly when teaching clients how to structure narratives, use pauses, and connect emotionally with audiences. It’s practical enough to recommend directly to your clients.
Shop Talk Like TED on Amazon →
Steal the Show by Michael Port
Port teaches how to perform under pressure and manage the physical and mental aspects of public speaking. You’ll use this material to coach clients through nervousness, body language, breath control, and stage presence. The exercises are adaptable for one-on-one coaching sessions.
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Resonate by Nancy Duarte
This book focuses on how to structure persuasive presentations and create emotional resonance with your audience. If your clients are giving business pitches, sales presentations, or leadership talks, the frameworks here are essential. You’ll teach these structures in nearly every coaching engagement.
The Business of Speaking by Grant Baldwin
If you want to build a sustainable coaching business, this book covers pricing strategy, client acquisition, marketing, and scaling. Baldwin writes specifically for people who want to make speaking and coaching their primary income. It’s as much about running your business as it is about the speaking content.
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Equipment You Need
Your equipment serves one main purpose: capturing and evaluating your clients’ presentations so you can give specific, actionable feedback. You don’t need expensive production gear, but you do need reliable recording and playback tools. Here’s what actually matters.
Recording Device
- Smartphone: Your primary recording tool. Modern phones capture high-quality video and audio, which is all you need for coaching feedback. Use the native camera app or a simple app like Descript or CapCut.
- Tripod or phone mount: Keeps your phone steady during practice sessions. A $20 phone tripod is enough to eliminate shaky footage.
- External microphone (optional): If you coach in larger spaces or want better audio clarity, a wireless lavalier mic clips to the speaker’s shirt and captures crisp audio without background noise.
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Shop wireless lavalier mics on Amazon →
Lighting
- Ring light or LED panel: Ensures your client’s face is well-lit during video feedback sessions. Natural window light works, but dedicated lighting removes shadows and makes expressions easier to analyze during playback.
- Basic reflector: A cheap white or silver reflector bounces light around and saves you from buying more lights.
Audio Equipment
- Headphones: You need good hearing when reviewing recordings. Over-ear headphones or earbuds with decent sound isolation help you catch subtle delivery issues—pacing, filler words, pitch variation—that clients miss.
- Backup phone or tablet microphone: For recording during remote sessions via Zoom or Google Meet.
Workspace Setup
- Comfortable chair: You’ll spend long hours analyzing recordings and preparing feedback. A decent office chair reduces strain during 6-8 hour coaching days.
- Desk: Enough space for your phone, laptop, notes, and water bottle during sessions.
- Presentation practice space: A 10×10 ft area where you or clients can stand and practice full speeches. This can be a corner of your home office or a rented studio.
Software and Apps
- Descript or similar editing software: Allows you to transcribe recordings, mark specific moments, and share timestamped feedback with clients. Descript’s free tier works for most coaches starting out.
- Zoom or Google Meet: For remote coaching sessions. Both are free or low-cost.
- Note-taking app (Notion, OneNote, or Google Docs): Track client progress, store session notes, and build templates for feedback.
Optional But Useful
- Bluetooth speaker: Plays back recorded presentations so both you and the client can hear clearly during review. Helpful for group coaching.
- Presentation clicker: If you deliver talks about speaking or teach workshops, a simple wireless clicker controls slides hands-free.
- Timer or stopwatch app: Track speech length and help clients manage pacing.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean and add equipment only when you have paying clients or clear coaching revenue. Here’s a realistic order:
- Month 1 (before your first clients): Phone tripod, external mic if recording indoors is frequent, headphones. Total: under $100.
- Month 2-3 (once you have 2-3 regular clients): Ring light, backup phone for remote sessions, Descript subscription if needed. Total: $100-300.
- Month 4+ (when revenue supports it): Better office chair, presentation clicker, upgraded lighting setup, possibly a second camera if you offer group workshops.
Don’t buy a full podcast or video production setup. You’re a speaking coach, not a broadcaster. Your equipment’s job is to record clearly and help you give feedback—nothing more.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new technology that depreciates quickly. Used older gear often has battery or software issues that create frustration during client sessions. A $30 new tripod is more reliable than a $15 used one.
Furniture is different. A used office chair from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can save you $200-400 and works just as well as new. Same for desks. Inspect for damage, test the wheels or mechanisms, and negotiate price.
For audio and lighting, buy new entry-level gear rather than used professional equipment. A $50 new ring light will serve you better than a $50 used studio light that may be outdated or have failing components. Consumer electronics are reliable and affordable enough that used rarely makes sense.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns, good prices on phones, tripods, mics, and lighting.
- B&H Photo: Better selection of audio and video equipment, more detailed specs, often competitive pricing on professional gear.
- Best Buy: Good for trying headphones in person, fast pickup options, decent return policy.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used furniture only (chairs, desks). Inspect in person before buying.
- Local electronics retailers: Support local business, try before buying, immediate pickup.
- Direct from manufacturers: Ring light brands, microphone makers, and software companies sometimes offer deals on their websites.