By Stephanie Bickel
How to Coach Yourself for Exceptional Communication
At the heart of every great communicator is a strong coach. And the best part? That coach is already with you—it’s you. No one understands your challenges, your audiences, or your unique approach better than you do. Being your own coach is about stepping into your own shoes with clarity, humility, and the drive to keep improving.
Self-coaching is an essential skill for leaders who want to lead with impact. In our latest Speak by Design podcast episode, we explore five proven ways to coach yourself and elevate your communication game. Here’s a glimpse into what you’ll learn. For the full lesson, listen to the podcast here.
1. Speak to Yourself Like a Leader
When a conversation doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to criticize yourself. Instead, try shifting your tone. Imagine what you’d say to a colleague in your position. Replace “Why did I mess that up?” with “What’s the opportunity here for next time?” Kindness fuels progress.
2. Study Your Own Playbook
No great athlete steps onto the field without reviewing their performance. Use video or audio recordings of your meetings or presentations to identify your strengths and pinpoint areas to refine. Think of it as watching game tape: uncomfortable but invaluable.
3. Keep a Journal of Wins
Progress builds confidence. Take time each day to note even small victories—a well-handled objection, a clear explanation, or an idea that sparked engagement. The small steps lead to big wins.
4. Learn from the Best
Identify communicators you admire. It could be a boardroom veteran, a TED Talk speaker, or even a peer. Watch, listen, and adapt what resonates. Borrow brilliance to build your own style. Here's a list of unique speakers to study from the past:
Aimee Semple McPherson
Billy Graham
Bishop Sheen
Bob Hope
Boris Karloff
Charlton Heston
Eva Gabor
Everett Dirksen
Franklin Roosevelt
John F. Kennedy
Kathryn Hepburn
Marjoe (World's youngest ordained minister)
Marlene Dietrich
Martin Luther King
Oprah Winfrey
Oral Roberts
Orson Welles
Pat Robertson
Richard Burton
Ronald Reagan
Will Rogers
William Jennings Bryan
Winston Churchill
5. Mistakes Aren’t Final—They’re Just Actions and Learnings
Every misstep holds a lesson. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask: What did this teach me? What’s my next step? Why am I glad this happened? The ability to recalibrate quickly is what sets exceptional leaders apart.
Why Self-Coaching Matters
In leadership, communication isn’t just a tool—it’s a responsibility. Coaching yourself allows you to stay clear-headed in the toughest conversations, resilient when the stakes are high, and humble enough to keep learning.
_____
Take advantage of discounted access to our Anniversary Plan at Speak by Design University before December 31st. Let’s make 2025 your most powerful year yet. It’s time to step into your leadership potential with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Let’s make this your best year yet.