“I knew the numbers inside out. Richard helped me make sure people could see the leadership behind them.”
Jessica T.Director of Sales Operations
Stage Intelligence Coaching
Master your Story.
Master your Stage.
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 my coaching clients work
The experience behind the approach
I know the room.
I know the stage.
I know what lands.
A career in business. A habit of getting on stage. Coaching that brings the two together.
A little more about RichardWhere to start
What room are you walking into?
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
THE APPROACH
Stage Intelligence.
I developed Stage Intelligence Coaching by bringing three parts of my working life together: creative thinking, corporate experience and practical coaching.
Creative thinking
Find the point, shape the story and make complex ideas easier to follow and remember.
Corporate understanding
Consider the people in the room, the decisions they're making and the pressures they're under.
Coaching that stays human
Test the words aloud, challenge the thinking and rehearse what happens when things don't go to plan.
Who I help
Stage Intelligence Coaching works for every challenge.
Different roles. Different rooms. The same integrated approach.
Senior Leaders and ExecutivesTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemYou know your stuff, but in the boardroom the message gets long, the room drifts, and then the question you didn’t plan for lands.
The solutionYou get to the point first, keep the room with you, and answer hard questions calmly without bluffing.
See how I help leaders
Founders and EntrepreneursTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemInvestors nod along, then pass because they haven’t felt why this has to exist.
The solutionA pitch with a clear story, a clear ask and the confidence to handle the tough questions.
See how I help founders
Pitches, Public Speaking, Keynote and TEDx SpeakersTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemThe idea is good, but the talk is a list of points and nothing in it makes people remember it.
The solutionOne clear story with a strong opening and ending, delivered in a way that sounds like you.
See how I help speakers
Experts and Thought LeadersTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemYou know the subject inside out, but people outside your field nod politely and then don’t act on it.
The solutionYou explain it in plain terms, and people leave understanding it and knowing what to do next.
See how I help experts
Neurodivergent, ADHD and TrainingTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemAdvice like “memorise it” or “just use notes” that fights the way your mind works.
The solutionA way of preparing that suits how you think, so you sound sharp and natural on the day.
See flexible coaching
Teams and OrganisationsTap for the problem and the solutionThe problemClever people who know their subject but each present it differently, and the message gets lost.
The solutionA practical workshop where your people practise on real material and get honest feedback they can use.
Plan a team workshop
“Richard over delivered with the quality of the talk, and slides. Learning the power of the pause was great. The keynote went well, and I look to work with him on future projects.”
Terry K., Chief Strategy Officer, BDACS
More than a coaching session
You won’t just leave with advice.
You’ll leave with something you can use.
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
Know where you stand
Understand what’s working, what needs attention and where to focus first.
02 · Your practical toolkit
Tools built for your room
Practical tools developed for the conversations, presentations and decisions that matter to you.
Your communication progress
Story61 → 84Presence66 → 81Impact57 → 79Starting point Progress
Fictional sample scores. An illustration, not a client result.
03 · Your progress
See what changed
See the difference in how you structure, deliver and land your message.
In the room
Every room is different. The work is making yours listen.
- 20+years in business and on stage
- 40+countries worked in
- 40minute Room Review, one clear priority
- £95to start, credited against coaching
Meet Richard
I’ve sat where you’re sitting.
Twenty years in boardrooms, plus improv, comedy and a TEDx stage. An unusual route into coaching, but a rather useful one.
I know what it’s like to have something important to say, people to bring with you and no particular desire to sound like everybody else.
I started in corporate roles at Vodafone, Syngenta and JD Sports, where a clear message decided whether a plan went ahead. Then I spent years performing improv, writing sitcom and standing on stages, where the audience tells you straight away if you have lost them.
The full storyCase study
Showing leadership, not just reporting it.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your next step
Three ways to begin.
Pick the option that works for you.
Free
The Stage Intelligence Read
Discover your communication profile in four minutes. 10 questions, your priority and next move.
Take the free Read£95
The Room Review
A 40-minute one-to-one working session on Zoom, focused on a real communication challenge.
- Practical feedback
- Tailored exercises
- Clear next steps
- Recording, with your consent
The £95 fee is credited against further coaching you book.
Request a Room ReviewBespoke
Coaching programmes
Tailored coaching and development for individuals and teams.
Explore coaching
Developing a team or organisation? Workshops are shaped around your people and quoted to your brief. Request a tailored proposal →
Get in touch
Tell me about your next room.
No polished brief needed. I aim to reply within 24 hours.
Email: richard@lifeisaspeech.com
Richard Ford - Executive Communication Coaching
Master your Story.Master your Stage.
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.
Not sure which? Find your starting point
Developing a team or organisation? Explore team workshops
Where my coaching clients work
THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE APPROACH
I know the room.
I know the stage.
I know what lands.
A career in business. A habit of getting on stage. Coaching that brings the two together.
A little more about RichardBuilt in boardrooms.
More than 20 years in global business, working with boards, senior leaders and stakeholders.
Behind the scenes
I've sat in boardrooms around the world and, yes, survived a few dull PowerPoints.
Shaped on stage.
Writing, storytelling, comedy and live performance. Knowing how to hold attention, not just ask for it.
Behind the scenes
I've learned from laughs, silences and the occasional joke that deserved a quieter room.
Proven in coaching.
Executive communication, keynote and TEDx coaching, with specialist experience supporting ADHD professionals.
Behind the scenes
The work is practical, personal and built around how you think and communicate, rather than a one-size-fits-all script.
Does this sound familiar?
You have the substance.
Does the room get it?
You know your subject. But sometimes the message that leaves your mouth is not quite the one that lands.
01 / The challenge
What sounds familiar?
Choose the thought you have had before a big moment.
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.
We find the one idea that deserves to stick, then shape the story and slides around it. Less information, more impact.
The reasoning matters, but so does how people hear it. We make the decision clear, credible and human, without dodging the difficult bit.
You do not need a new personality. We keep your natural voice, then remove the padding so you sound more like yourself on a really good day.
Get comfortable with challenge rather than memorising a script. Practise answers that are direct, steady and actually answer the question.
Turn a head full of expertise into a message people can follow, even when you have to think on your feet.
Build a repeatable way to prepare, reset and stay present, so the stakes do not take over the conversation.
You do not have to fix everything. Start with the one thing that matters most.
02 / The moment
Where does it need to land?
Different rooms. Different pressures. One clearer message.
The struggle: a talk that informs but does not move.
Find the one idea worth building the talk around. Shape the story, then rehearse until it sounds like you and works for the room.
Explore coaching for this situation The struggle: too much detail, not enough story.
Make the opportunity unmistakable, the evidence credible and your answers ready when the questions come.
Explore coaching for this situation The struggle: strong results, but an invisible story.
Put the decision, evidence and next step where a busy leadership audience can find them quickly.
Explore coaching for this situation The struggle: knowing it all and losing the room.
Turn specialist knowledge into an idea your audience can understand, remember and use.
Explore coaching for this situation The struggle: training that does not stick.
Help people feel involved, understand why it matters and leave knowing what to do next.
Explore coaching for this situation The struggle: thoughts racing ahead of the words.
Keep the originality and pace. Build a flexible structure so other people can follow the thinking.
Explore coaching for this situation
Not quite one of these? We can work with the room you are actually walking into.
Your next step
Recognise a few of these?
The free four-minute Stage Intelligence Read helps you find your starting point.
Who I help
Stage Intelligence Coaching works for every challenge.
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
Stage Intelligence.
I developed Stage Intelligence Coaching by bringing three parts of my working life together: creative thinking, corporate experience and practical coaching.
Creative thinking
Find the point, shape the story and make complex ideas easier to follow and remember.
Corporate understanding
Consider the people in the room, the decisions they're making and the pressures they're under.
Coaching that stays human
Test the words aloud, challenge the thinking and rehearse what happens when things don't go to plan.
- The problemYou know your stuff, but in the boardroom the message gets long, the room drifts, and then the question you didn’t plan for lands.The solutionYou get to the point first, keep the room with you, and answer hard questions calmly without bluffing.Senior Leadersand ExecutivesSee how I help leaders Sample report
- The problemYou know the subject inside out, but people outside your field nod politely and then don’t act on it.The solutionYou explain it in plain terms, and people leave understanding it and knowing what to do next.Experts andThought LeadersSee how I help experts Sample report
- The problemThe idea is good, but the talk is a list of points and nothing in it makes people remember it.The solutionOne clear story with a strong opening and ending, delivered in a way that sounds like you.Pitches, Public Speaking,Keynote and TEDx SpeakersSee how I help speakers Sample report
- The problemAdvice like “memorise it” or “just use notes” that fights the way your mind works.The solutionA way of preparing that suits how you think, so you sound sharp and natural on the day.Neurodivergent, ADHDand TrainingSee flexible coaching Sample report
- The problemInvestors nod along, then pass because they haven’t felt why this has to exist.The solutionA pitch with a clear story, a clear ask and the confidence to handle the tough questions.Founders andEntrepreneursSee how I help founders Sample report
- The problemClever people who know their subject but each present it differently, and the message gets lost.The solutionA practical workshop where your people practise on real material and get honest feedback they can use.Teams andOrganisationsPlan a team workshop Sample report
Richard over delivered with the quality of the talk, and slides. Learning the power of the pause was great. The keynote went well, and I look to work with him on future projects.
More than a coaching session
You won’t just leave with advice.
You’ll leave with something you can use.
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
Know where you stand
Understand what’s working, what needs attention and where to focus first.
02 · Your practical toolkit
Tools built for your room
Practical tools developed for the conversations, presentations and decisions that matter to you.
Your communication progress
Story61 → 84Presence66 → 81Impact57 → 79Starting point Progress
Fictional sample scores. An illustration, not a client result.
03 · Your progress
See what changed
See the difference in how you structure, deliver and land your message.
In the room
Every room is different. The work is making yours listen.
- 20+years in business and on stage
- 40+countries worked in
- 40minute Room Review, one clear priority
- £95to start, credited against coaching
Boardrooms. Stages. Real conversations.
Meet Richard
I’ve sat where you’re sitting.
Twenty years in boardrooms, plus improv, comedy and a TEDx stage. An unusual route into coaching, but a rather useful one.
I know what it’s like to have something important to say, people to bring with you and no particular desire to sound like everybody else.
I started in corporate roles at Vodafone, Syngenta and JD Sports, where a clear message decided whether a plan went ahead. Then I spent years performing improv, writing sitcom and standing on stages, where the audience tells you straight away if you have lost them.
A comedy audience and a boardroom have more in common than you’d think. Neither has much patience for waffle.The full story
Jessica T., Director of Sales Operations
Case study
Showing leadership, not just reporting it.
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.
How Stage Intelligence Coaching changed things for Jessica
01 / 04 · Discovery
What we worked on
Built a narrative that connected.
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
Rehearsed under pressure.
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
Leadership she could show.
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
A stronger voice. A bigger platform.
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.
I knew the numbers inside out. Richard helped me make sure people could see the leadership behind them.
Jessica T., Director of Sales OperationsAround the world
Trusted by people like you in 40+ countries.
From senior leaders and founders to speakers, experts and teams. Different rooms, the same need to be heard.
- 20+
- years in global business
- 1,737+
- professionals coached
- 655+
- reviews and testimonials
Coaching across borders
Highlighted countries reflect the existing client-work map.
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.
1 / 38
Find reviews about what matters to you
Team workshops · Away days · Group training
Get your team communicating with confidence.
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
Start with your team, not a template.
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.
A question before you decide?
Read the FAQsFrequently asked questions
Before you ask.
A few things you might want to know before we get started.
Ask me something elseThe 40 minute call you offer: is this a sales call or a working session?
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.
How much does coaching cost?
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.
Who do you work with?
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.
More questionsFewer questions
What if I have ADHD or prefer a different way of learning?
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.
Can you help me write my talk or improve my slides?
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.
How does booking a Room Review work?
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.
What happens in a Room Review?
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.
What should I prepare?
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.
What happens after the session?
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.
What if I want 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.
Is our conversation confidential?
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.
Do you run workshops for teams?
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
Three ways to start.
Or just get in touch.
Choose what works for you, or send me a message directly. You don’t need everything figured out first.
The Stage Intelligence Read
- 4 minutes
- 10 questions
- Understand your communication profile
- For a room coming up
The Room Review
- 40 minutes on Zoom
- Focus on one communication challenge
- Recording with consent
The £95 fee is credited against further coaching you book.
Coaching programmes
- Tailored coaching, from 3 sessions
- Individual goals and support
- Deeper development over time
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
Tell me about your next room.
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?