Stage Intelligence Coaching
Turn the expertise you already have into a story people understand, remember and act on. For leaders, founders, speakers and teams.
Find your starting point Or explore the £95 Room ReviewWhere to start
Pick the moment that sounds familiar. I’ll show you where we can start.
“A talk that informs but doesn’t move.”
We find the one idea worth building the talk around, shape the story, then rehearse until it sounds like you and holds a big room.
Prepare my keynote Read a client story of working with me“Too much detail, not enough story.”
We cut the pitch back to what the room needs to hear and practise the delivery, so the story leads and the numbers back it up.
Explore pitch coaching Read a client story of working with me“Strong results, but an invisible story.”
We turn the thinking behind the numbers into a message people can follow, remember and act on.
Explore executive coaching Read a client story of working with me“Knowing it all and losing the room.”
We turn deep expertise into clear, memorable talks, so people take away what matters rather than everything you know.
Explore expert coaching Read a client story of working with me“Training that doesn’t stick.”
Practical sessions built around your team’s real presentations and conversations, with honest feedback in the room.
Explore workshops Read a client story of working with me“Thoughts racing ahead of the words.”
Structures and routines that work with a fast, busy mind, so you stay on track and still sound like yourself.
Explore flexible coaching Read a client story of working with me
My credentials
20+ years in global business, working with boards, decision-makers and stakeholders.
Organisations I've worked with
THE APPROACH
I developed Stage Intelligence Coaching by bringing three parts of my working life together: creative thinking, corporate experience and practical coaching.
Each taught me something different about what makes communication work when the room matters.
Find the point, shape the story and make complex ideas easier to follow and remember.
Consider the people in the room, the decisions they're making and the pressures they're under.
Test the words aloud, challenge the thinking and rehearse what happens when things don't go to plan.
Together, these became Story, Presence and Impact. One approach to what you say, how you say it and what happens next.
Explore Stage Intelligence CoachingTHE METHOD AT A GLANCE
Story makes it clear. Presence makes it credible. Impact makes it matter.
WHY A HUMAN COACH STILL MATTERS
AI can help you prepare the words. I help you prepare for the room.
AI can help with a first draft or practising answers to questions. In coaching, we work with your real material, respond to what happens as you speak, and rehearse for the people who will actually be there.
Real results
Jessica T.Director of Sales Operations
“I knew the numbers inside out. Richard helped me make sure people could see the leadership behind them.”
Before
Strong results, including £50M in savings, but the thinking and leadership behind the numbers were not fully visible to the room.
After
Her story brought forward the decisions, people and leadership behind the results. The case study reports a TEDx speaking invitation and promotion.
Who I help
Different roles. Different rooms. The same integrated approach.
Senior Leaders and ExecutivesComplex messages that lose the room, and hard questions you can’t see coming.
Founders and EntrepreneursInvestors nod, but they don’t yet believe in what you’re building.
Pitches, Public Speaking, Keynote and TEDx SpeakersA good idea with no story strong enough to carry it.
Experts and Thought LeadersDeep expertise that people outside your field struggle to follow.
Neurodivergent, ADHD and TrainingPreparation advice that fights the way your brain works.
Teams and OrganisationsSmart people who know their subject but struggle to say it clearly together.More than a coaching session
The right words for an important conversation. A stronger presentation. A clearer way to explain your ideas. Practical tools that help you communicate when it matters.
“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your brains won’t get you anywhere.”
Stage Intelligence Coaching combines focused feedback with useful materials built around your goals.
01 · Your starting point
Understand what’s working, what needs attention and where to focus first.
02 · Your practical toolkit
Practical tools developed for the conversations, presentations and decisions that matter to you.
Your communication progress
Starting point Progress
Fictional sample scores. An illustration, not a client result.
03 · Your progress
See the difference in how you structure, deliver and land your message.
Open the full sample report (PDF, 22 pages, opens in a new tab)
Your next step
Pick the option that works for you.
Free
Discover your communication profile in four minutes. 10 questions, your priority and next move.
Take the free Read£95
A 40-minute one-to-one working session on Zoom, focused on a real communication challenge.
The £95 fee is credited against further coaching you book.
Request a Room ReviewBespoke
Tailored coaching and development for individuals and teams.
Explore coachingDeveloping a team or organisation? Workshops are shaped around your people and quoted to your brief. Request a tailored proposal →
Already have a draft?
AI can give you the words. Let’s make sure they work when you say them.
Clients often come to me with something they and an AI tool have produced together. It is a good start. My job is to find where it stops sounding like them, and put that right.
You’ve used ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Copilot or another AI tool to shape your presentation, keynote or pitch. The structure looks convincing. The language sounds polished.
But does it sound like you? Can you deliver it naturally? And what happens when someone challenges your argument?
That’s what we’ll work on.
We look beyond the polished draft to identify what you actually need your audience to understand, believe or do.
We identify weak points, unnecessary complexity and the questions your audience is likely to ask.
We work on your voice, pace, physical presence and responses so you can communicate with confidence without depending on a script.
A clearer message, practical delivery feedback and specific improvements you can use in your next presentation.
Already have something prepared? Bring it to a Room Review.
Request a £95 Room Review40 minutes focused on one communication challenge. Further coaching is available if you want to take the work deeper.
Frequently asked questions
It’s a focused, 40-minute working session on one real communication challenge. Bring your pitch, presentation, keynote or difficult conversation. We’ll identify what’s working, what needs attention and the most useful next steps.
The Room Review is £95 for 40 minutes. Longer coaching programmes are tailored to your requirements and quoted after we’ve discussed what you need.
We’ll work around how you think, prepare and communicate best. That might mean shorter activities, different rehearsal approaches, visual structures, written takeaways or other adjustments agreed together.
Founders, senior leaders, professionals, keynote speakers, experts and organisations. Some clients are preparing for a particular event. Others want to become more effective in the conversations and presentations they handle every day.
Yes. We can work on the structure, wording, stories and argument behind your presentation, as well as how you deliver it. I can also help you assess whether your slides support the message rather than compete with it.
You request a time that suits you. I confirm it within 24 hours, and you pay once I have said yes. The Room Review is held online, on Zoom.
A working session. We spend the time on your communication challenge. There is no obligation to continue, and if you do want more coaching we can talk about it at the end.
Think about one challenge: a pitch, presentation, meeting, keynote or difficult conversation. Share a short description of the situation and what you want to be different. It doesn't need to be polished.
You receive your agreed written feedback and next steps, with a clear recommendation for what to focus on next, whether on your own or through further coaching.
The £95 fee comes off any coaching you go on to book. There is no obligation, and I'll recommend what would help most.
What you share is used to prepare for and deliver your session. A recording is made only with your consent. How personal information is handled is set out in the privacy policy.
Yes. Workshops are shaped around your group, your goal and your date, and quoted after a short chat. You can request a tailored proposal.
Get in touch
Pick the way that suits you.
For a team or organisation: request a tailored proposal.
Email: richard@lifeisaspeech.com
Richard Ford - Executive Communication Coaching
Turn the expertise you already have into a story people understand, remember and act on. For leaders, founders, speakers and teams.
We sharpen your story. We project your presence. You amplify your authority.
Developing a team or organisation? Explore team workshops
20+ years in global business, working with boards, decision-makers and stakeholders.
Writing, storytelling, comedy and live performance. I know how to hold an audience, not just address one.
Keynote, TEDx and executive coaching, including ADHD-specialist experience.
Organisations I've worked with
Does this sound familiar?
You know your subject. But sometimes the message that leaves your mouth is not quite the one that lands.
Your challenge
Nodding is not the same as agreeing. We work out what you want people to do, then build your message around that one ask, so the room knows what happens next.
Build one clear message the audience can repeat. We cut the slides to what the room needs, so people leave remembering the point.
People need to hear the reasons before they will accept the decision. We shape what you say so it is honest, easy to follow and fair to the people it affects.
Keep your personality while earning the room’s attention. We pull the story from your own experience and rehearse it out loud until it sounds like you.
Practise finding your words when the pressure rises. We rehearse the hard questions out loud, so you are ready when they come.
Make complex thinking easy to follow and act on. Most overexplaining is nerves, so we cut your message to what the room needs and practise the opening.
Calm comes from being prepared and knowing your first minute cold. We build that, then practise it under pressure so it holds on the day.
Where to start
Pick the moment that sounds like yours. Each shows what usually gets in the way, and where to start.
We find the one idea worth building the talk around, shape the story, then rehearse until it sounds like you and holds a big room. Prepare my keynote Read a client story of working with me
We cut the pitch back to what the room needs to hear and practise the delivery, so the story leads and the numbers back it up. Sharpen my pitch Read a client story of working with me
We turn the thinking behind the numbers into a message people can follow, remember and act on. Lead the room Read a client story of working with me
We turn deep expertise into clear, memorable talks, so people take away what matters rather than everything you know. Share my expertise Read a client story of working with me
Practical sessions built around your team’s real presentations and conversations, with honest feedback in the room. Plan a workshop Read a client story of working with me
Structures and routines that work with a fast, busy mind, so you stay on track and still sound like yourself. Find what works for me Read a client story of working with me
Recognise a few of these?
Who I help
Different roles. Different rooms. The same integrated approach.
Stage Intelligence Coaching blends story, presence and impact to help you communicate with clarity, confidence and influence, tailored to your role, situation, audience and goals.
THE APPROACH
I developed Stage Intelligence Coaching by bringing three parts of my working life together: creative thinking, corporate experience and practical coaching.
Each taught me something different about what makes communication work when the room matters.
Find the point, shape the story and make complex ideas easier to follow and remember.
Consider the people in the room, the decisions they're making and the pressures they're under.
Test the words aloud, challenge the thinking and rehearse what happens when things don't go to plan.
Together, these became Story, Presence and Impact. One approach to what you say, how you say it and what happens next.
Explore Stage Intelligence CoachingTHE METHOD AT A GLANCE
Story makes it clear. Presence makes it credible. Impact makes it matter.
WHY A HUMAN COACH STILL MATTERS
AI can help you prepare the words. I help you prepare for the room.
AI can help with a first draft or practising answers to questions. In coaching, we work with your real material, respond to what happens as you speak, and rehearse for the people who will actually be there.
Senior Leadersand ExecutivesThe problemComplex messages that lose the room, and hard questions you can’t see coming.The outcomeCommunicate clearly and handle challenging questions with authority.See how I help leaders See a sample report Experts andThought LeadersThe problemDeep expertise that people outside your field struggle to follow.The outcomeA compelling argument people beyond your field understand and act on.See how I help experts See a sample report Pitches, Public Speaking,Keynote and TEDx SpeakersThe problemA good idea with no story strong enough to carry it.The outcomeThe idea worth sharing, a clear story and a delivery that feels entirely your own.See how I help speakers See a sample report Neurodivergent, ADHDand TrainingThe problemPreparation advice that fights the way your brain works.The outcomeCoaching that works with your brain, built around your strengths.See flexible coaching See a sample report Founders andEntrepreneursThe problemInvestors nod, but they don’t yet believe in what you’re building.The outcomeA story that is easier to understand and harder to forget.See how I help founders See a sample report Teams andOrganisationsThe problemSmart people who know their subject but struggle to say it clearly together.The outcomePractical workshops that help your people communicate more clearly when it matters.Plan a team workshop See a sample report More than a coaching session
The right words for an important conversation. A stronger presentation. A clearer way to explain your ideas. Practical tools that help you communicate when it matters.
“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your brains won’t get you anywhere.”
Stage Intelligence Coaching combines focused feedback with useful materials built around your goals.
01 · Your starting point
Understand what’s working, what needs attention and where to focus first.
02 · Your practical toolkit
Practical tools developed for the conversations, presentations and decisions that matter to you.
Your communication progress
Starting point Progress
Fictional sample scores. An illustration, not a client result.
03 · Your progress
See the difference in how you structure, deliver and land your message.
Open the full sample report (PDF, 22 pages, opens in a new tab)
Real people. Real results.
Request a Room Review Explore Coaching
Meet Richard
Twenty years in boardrooms, then improv, comedy and a TEDx stage, taught me what makes people listen. That is why my coaching helps you in the room you’re about to face.
A comedy audience and a boardroom have more in common than you’d think. Neither has much patience for waffle. Both know when you’re trying too hard.
More than twenty years in senior roles at global companies, including Vodafone, Syngenta and JD Sports. I’ve presented to boards and pitched in rooms where the stakes were high.
Improv, comedy, writing and performance, from sitcom writing to a TEDx stage. I know what makes an audience lean in, and what makes them switch off.
Commercial understanding, creative storytelling and coaching, together. That is Stage Intelligence Coaching: you sound like yourself, and the room understands you.
See the full approach
Jessica T., Director of Sales Operations
Case study
How a strong operational leader worked on communicating the thinking, decisions and leadership behind the results.
Jessica had made £50M in savings and had a strong track record. She understood her performance data inside out.
The challenge was making sure the people listening could see the leadership behind the numbers.
I knew the numbers inside out. Richard helped me make sure people could see the leadership behind them.
Jessica T.Director of Sales OperationsClient story, shared with permission · Jessica T., Director of Sales Operations
Jessica had made £50M in savings and had a strong track record. She understood her performance data inside out.
The challenge was making sure the people listening could see the leadership behind the numbers.
Before
Strong results and £50M in savings, but the leadership behind the numbers stayed hidden. Updates were mostly reporting.
After
The story moved to the decisions and thinking behind the numbers. A TEDx invitation on leading through change, and a promotion followed.
The result: a stronger leadership story, a TEDx speaking invitation and a promotion.
01 / 04 · Discovery
What we worked on
We started by finding the story behind the results: the decisions she made, the people involved, the challenges the team overcame and the thinking that moved them forward. Jessica already knew her numbers inside out. What she needed was a way to make the leadership behind them visible. We built one clear narrative she could stand behind and tell in her own voice.
02 / 04 · Development
How we practised it
Then we practised it out loud, again and again, in the conditions she would actually face. We watched the sessions back together, so she could see what actually landed with the room and what didn’t. We cut what didn’t work, kept what did, and tightened the delivery until the message held up in front of real people, even when the pressure was on.
03 / 04 · Dynamics
What changed
Next we changed what the story was for. Instead of reporting the numbers, Jessica began leading with the decisions and thinking behind them. We worked on how she opened, where she paused, and how she owned the room instead of reading it a status update. The aim was simple: people hear a leader, not just a report.
04 / 04 · Delivery
The outcome
Jessica’s leadership became visible, not just her content. She was invited to speak at a TEDx event on leading through change, and she stepped on to that stage with a story she knew was hers. Her promotion followed 18 months later. That is what a clear message, delivered with authority, can do for a career.
Around the world
Simply excellent. Richard is clearly highly experienced in what he does and offered a bunch of tangible value I could take away and implement after just this initial session. Highly recommended.
I had a 30-minute consultation and was genuinely impressed. He was organized, warm, and asked thoughtful questions that made the process feel intentional rather than transactional.
It was fantastic to work with Richard. His communication was fantastic and he took a great deal of time and effort in working to reach the goal. Thank you Richard- a wonderful job!
Working with Richard was an excellent experience from beginning to end. The speechwriting support was outstanding, but what impressed me most was Richard’s ability to listen carefully, ask insightful questions, and understand exactly what I needed.
I highly recommend working with Richard. The quality of the writing I received was really high and reflected the work of someone who takes the time to deeply understand the speaker, the content, and the desired tone.
Fantastic experience from start to finish. I had a LOT of scattered notes, jokes and ideas, and Richard turned them into a polished, well-structured piece while keeping it true to my own voice. Communication was excellent, turnaround was quick, and he really understood what I was trying to achieve.
I had a public speaking challenge and one shot at a speech that really mattered. I didn’t want it to sound like I was winging it. Richard helped me find the real story, shape the delivery, and his video helped with stage presence instead of nerves. It felt perfect for a TED-talk! I'm feeling confident.
Very receptive and listens to what you need.
I had a great experience working with Richard. He is very detail-oriented about processes and makes sure everything is in order before we move to the next step. Richard provided me with a very deep, valuable, and truly authentic review!
Always a pleasure working with Richard. Absolute wordsmith
Helped with everything asked for and provided great ideas that I will use often
He delivered high-quality, professional work ahead of schedule, showing great attention to detail and a clear understanding of the project.
Very easy to work with and great result
Richard Ford is AMAZING! His professionalism and attention to detail exceeded my expectations. Working with him was a breeze thanks to his proactive communication and politeness.
Thank you! Great communication and attention to detail. Very thoughtful and insightful.
Richard was great for delivering on time and with a speech that helped to pull my thoughts together into one. Delivery was fast and Richard was open to adapting it to make it feel like my own words.
Great communication working with me. Had a great understanding of what I wanted.
Thanks for organizing and punching up my jumble of notes!
I couldn’t be more grateful for Rick. He gave me the words I couldn’t express. Thank you so very much!!
Really amazing work. He gave me the confidence I needed for my speech. He went above and beyond. I couldn’t be happier
great service and delivery will use again and appreciate the communication and understanding
I was hesitant at first to recruit someone for this task, but I enjoyed sitting down with Richard and tackle my needs. Recommended!
Richard went above and beyond! I recommend without reservation.
Richard exceeded my expectations. Will definitely use his services again!
Working with Richard Ford was an absolute joy! He delivered quickly and EXCEEDED my expectations with his professional and eloquent speechwriting. His deep understanding and proactive communication made the whole process smooth and enjoyable. He turned my speech into something personal and funny with great insights and tips. Highly recommend!
Really appreciated the time and effort to make the speech personal and introduce my communication style into the speech.
A relief to have a speech I can work with. The blank page in front of me was giving me sleepless nights.. I wish I had connected sooner. Thank you for such a quick turn around to get me out of this situation. I know my speech will be a hit but most importantly that it conveys my heartfelt thoughts.
Not my first time ordering from Richard, and yet again he did a superb job. I now feel well prepared for my speech.
Completed in a timely manner. Was very patient and understanding. The speech itself captured the tone I was looking for! All the talking points were met and the flow was on point.
The speech Richard wrote for me was Excellent. The final product was really nice with crib notes and nice presentation of the speech as well. It is truly amazing to see how Richard pulls all the information together and keeps elements connected through out!
Amazing work! Right to the point. Understood what I was trying to communicate perfectly. Definitely recommend Richard as you won’t be disappointed.
The final speech was incredible. It helped me shine in my biggest moment. Thank you.
I’m very excited to deliver this speech. I’m doing it remotely, and Richard put in extra effort to accommodate this request.
Great speech!
Great experience. Super professional, great communication, fast delivery.
Richard really understood what I wanted. He listened, understood and executed perfectly.
It had elements that every good speech should have and a touch of humour too.
Great work and delivered early.
Read reviews from people who needed:
Already have a draft?
AI can give you the words. Let’s make sure they work when you say them.
Clients often come to me with something they and an AI tool have produced together. It is a good start. My job is to find where it stops sounding like them, and put that right.
You’ve used ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Copilot or another AI tool to shape your presentation, keynote or pitch. The structure looks convincing. The language sounds polished.
But does it sound like you? Can you deliver it naturally? And what happens when someone challenges your argument?
That’s what we’ll work on.
We look beyond the polished draft to identify what you actually need your audience to understand, believe or do.
We identify weak points, unnecessary complexity and the questions your audience is likely to ask.
We work on your voice, pace, physical presence and responses so you can communicate with confidence without depending on a script.
A clearer message, practical delivery feedback and specific improvements you can use in your next presentation.
Already have something prepared? Bring it to a Room Review.
A practical first step
Forty minutes on the communication challenge you are facing right now. You bring the situation. We get to work.
£9540 minutes · one to one on Zoom
Request a Room ReviewPick a time that suits you. If we work together afterwards, the £95 comes off your coaching.
Before
A pitch, presentation, meeting, keynote or difficult conversation. Send what you have, even rough notes.
You request a time and I confirm within 24 hours. You pay once I have said yes. Then send me what you have, even if it is only rough notes.
Together
We identify what works, where it loses impact and what needs adjusting.
We start with the room you are about to face. You show me. I tell you what I noticed, and you try it again. About forty minutes in all.
After
Practical feedback, tailored exercises and a clear priority.
You get written feedback, a recording of the session and one clear next step. If we work together afterwards, the £95 comes off your coaching.
What you receive
Team workshops · Away days · Group training
Practical communication workshops for teams, leadership groups and organisations. We work on the real presentations, pitches and conversations your people face, and they get honest, specific feedback they can use.
01 / 04 · Understand the challenge
We talk about the room your people are walking into, who they need to communicate with and what needs to change. That shapes the workshop around your people, your goals and your real situations.
Frequently asked questions
A few things you might want to know before we get started.
Ask me something elseIt’s a focused, 40-minute working session on one real communication challenge. Bring your pitch, presentation, keynote or difficult conversation. We’ll identify what’s working, what needs attention and the most useful next steps.
The Room Review is £95 for 40 minutes. Longer coaching programmes are tailored to your requirements and quoted after we’ve discussed what you need.
Founders, senior leaders, professionals, keynote speakers, experts and organisations. Some clients are preparing for a particular event. Others want to become more effective in the conversations and presentations they handle every day.
We’ll work around how you think, prepare and communicate best. That might mean shorter activities, different rehearsal approaches, visual structures, written takeaways or other adjustments agreed together.
Yes. We can work on the structure, wording, stories and argument behind your presentation, as well as how you deliver it. I can also help you assess whether your slides support the message rather than compete with it.
You request a time that suits you. I confirm it within 24 hours, and you pay once I have said yes. The Room Review is held online, on Zoom.
A working session. We spend the time on your communication challenge. There is no obligation to continue, and if you do want more coaching we can talk about it at the end.
Think about one challenge: a pitch, presentation, meeting, keynote or difficult conversation. Share a short description of the situation and what you want to be different. It doesn't need to be polished.
You receive your agreed written feedback and next steps, with a clear recommendation for what to focus on next, whether on your own or through further coaching.
The £95 fee comes off any coaching you go on to book. There is no obligation, and I'll recommend what would help most.
What you share is used to prepare for and deliver your session. A recording is made only with your consent. How personal information is handled is set out in the privacy policy.
Yes. Workshops are shaped around your group, your goal and your date, and quoted after a short chat. You can request a tailored proposal.
Start here · Contact Richard
Choose what works for you, or send me a message directly. You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
The £95 fee is credited against further coaching you book.
Developing a team or organisation? Workshops are shaped around your people and quoted to your brief. Request a tailored proposal or explore team workshops
Contact Richard directly
It might be a pitch, board meeting, keynote, team workshop or something you’re still figuring out. No polished brief needed. A few lines about what you’re working on is plenty.
Richard FordI read every enquiry personally.I aim to reply within 24 hours.I’ll use your details only to respond to your enquiry. See the privacy policy.
Prefer the old-fashioned way?
No forms, no fuss. You can email me directly or send me a WhatsApp.
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