The 5 Best Public Speaking Coaches in Chicago

Chicago is one of the most dynamic business and cultural hubs in the United States. From corporate boardrooms to conference stages and startup pitch events, strong communication skills are essential for professionals who want to stand out. Whether you’re leading meetings, delivering keynote speeches, pitching investors, or speaking to the media, working with a professional public speaking coach can dramatically elevate your confidence and presence.

If you’re looking to improve your communication skills, here are five of the best public speaking coaches in Chicago, each offering a unique approach to helping professionals communicate with clarity, authority, and impact.

1. Bernard Hiller – bernardhiller.com

Bernard Hiller is widely recognized as one of the most transformational public speaking and performance coaches in the world. His coaching blends public speaking training, acting techniques, and personal development to help individuals become confident, authentic communicators.

What makes Bernard’s approach unique is his focus on unlocking a speaker’s authentic voice. Rather than relying on rigid formulas, he works with clients to connect emotionally with their message and audience. His training helps speakers develop stage presence, confidence, and storytelling skills that resonate deeply with listeners.

Professionals in Chicago often work with Bernard to prepare for high-stakes presentations, keynote speeches, investor pitches, or media appearances. His programs typically combine message development, performance coaching, and mindset work designed to eliminate fear and strengthen confidence.

Over the years, Bernard has coached executives, entrepreneurs, actors, and leaders from major global companies. For professionals seeking a powerful transformation in how they communicate and present themselves, Bernard Hiller remains one of the most impactful public speaking coaches available.

2. Marianna Swallow – mariannaswallow.com

Marianna Swallow is a Chicago-based executive communication coach who specializes in helping professionals improve their presentation skills and public speaking confidence. Over the course of her career, she has helped more than 25,000 professionals become more comfortable speaking in meetings, presentations, and large events.

Her coaching focuses on practical communication challenges many professionals face—such as speaking confidently in meetings, organizing ideas clearly, and managing presentation anxiety. Marianna’s background in improvisation and storytelling allows her to help clients communicate in a way that feels natural, engaging, and authentic.

Marianna works with executives, business leaders, MBA graduates, and professionals across industries who want to communicate more effectively in high-pressure environments. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and corporate training programs, she helps clients develop frameworks that make speaking easier and more effective.

For professionals seeking structured tools to improve everyday communication and presentation skills, Marianna Swallow offers a highly practical, supportive coaching approach.

3. Leora Dowling – leoradowling.com

Leora Dowling is a public speaking coach who helps individuals and teams develop confidence and credibility when speaking in front of an audience. Her coaching focuses on helping clients “shine from the front of the room” while strengthening their leadership communication skills.

Leora’s approach emphasizes courage, connection, and creativity in communication. She works with clients to develop stronger verbal and nonverbal communication skills while helping them refine their professional presence.

Many professionals seek out Leora’s coaching to prepare for presentations, leadership roles, and public speaking opportunities. She offers both individual coaching and team training programs designed to strengthen communication across organizations.

Her approach is especially valuable for professionals who want to develop a more confident speaking style while maintaining authenticity and connection with their audience.

4. Lori Klinka – loriklinka.com

Lori Klinka is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and communication coach who specializes in helping professionals deliver clear, persuasive presentations. She has worked with business professionals across industries, from small business owners to Fortune 100 executives.

Her coaching focuses on practical communication skills, including presentation structure, storytelling, and audience engagement. Lori helps clients develop stronger messages, overcome speaking anxiety, and deliver presentations that connect with their audience.

Over the years, she has helped more than 8,000 professionals improve their communication skills, offering both individual coaching and corporate training.

Lori is particularly known for helping subject matter experts—such as technical professionals, scientists, and executives—translate complex ideas into clear and engaging presentations. Her work helps professionals communicate their expertise more effectively in meetings, conferences, and executive presentations.

5. Janicek Performance Group – janicekperformancegroup.com

Janicek Performance Group is a Chicago-based leadership and communication training firm that specializes in executive presence, media training, and public speaking coaching. The organization works with leaders and teams who want to communicate with greater authority and influence.

Founded by three-time Emmy Award–winning media professional Kathryn Janicek, the firm draws on extensive experience from television, journalism, and corporate communications. This background allows the coaching team to help leaders perform confidently in high-pressure speaking situations such as media interviews, investor presentations, and public appearances.

Their public speaking programs focus on message development, body language, audience engagement, and storytelling. Clients range from entrepreneurs and rising leaders to C-suite executives preparing for major presentations.

For professionals who want a combination of leadership coaching, media training, and presentation skills development, Janicek Performance Group offers a comprehensive approach to communication mastery.

Finding the Right Public Speaking Coach in Chicago

The best public speaking coach for you will depend on your goals, experience level, and the type of transformation you’re seeking. Some coaches focus on presentation structure and business communication, while others help speakers develop deeper confidence, presence, and emotional connection with audiences.

If your goal is to become a truly dynamic communicator—someone who inspires, influences, and connects with audiences—working with a coach can be a powerful investment in your career.

From transformational coaching with Bernard Hiller to executive communication training with Chicago-based experts like Marianna Swallow, Leora Dowling, Lori Klinka, and Janicek Performance Group, these professionals represent some of the best public speaking coaches in Chicago today.

No matter where you are in your speaking journey, the right coach can help you unlock your voice, strengthen your message, and communicate with confidence in any room.