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You’re going places. Don’t let public speaking hold you back.

Public speaking coaching in Phoenix and online with Paul Barton and Michele Trent, for professionals who know their stuff and want to sound like it.

Paul Barton and Michele Trent, public speaking coaches, standing together on a Phoenix rooftop with the downtown skyline behind them
Paul Barton, ABC and Michele TrentCoaches & founders

Two decades leading communication at seven Fortune 500 companies

  • PetSmart
  • APS
  • Phelps Dodge
  • America West Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Avnet
  • Banner Health
  • ABCAccredited Business Communicator
  • NSAArizona member
  • eSpeakersCertified Virtual Presenter

Sound familiar?

You’ve earned your seat at the table. Then it’s your turn to speak.

  • 01

    The nerves get there first

    A racing heart, a shaky voice, a mind that goes blank right when you need it.

  • 02

    Something big is on the calendar

    A pitch, a board update, a keynote, and your career feels like it’s riding on it.

  • 03

    Your delivery doesn’t match your expertise

    People hear less confidence than you actually have.

Confident speaking is a skill. It can be learned and coached.

Start where you are

Three simple steps to speaking with confidence

No pressure, no big commitment up front. Most clients start with the quiz or a free call, then choose the coaching that fits.

  1. Step 1 · 2 minutes

    Find out what’s really behind the nerves

    Take our short quiz and get an honest read on what’s holding you back.

    Take the quiz
  2. Step 2 · Free · 30 minutes

    Your Speaking Success Strategy Session

    Talk with Paul or Michele by phone or Zoom. Get clear on your goals and leave with a 4-step blueprint.

    Book your free session
  3. Step 3 · Your plan

    Coaching, workshops or courses

    Choose 1-on-1 coaching, a workshop for your team or an online course at your own pace.

    See packages & pricing

Meet your coaches

Two coaches. One goal: your confidence.

Paul Barton smiling with his arms resting on a railing, with palm trees behind him

Paul Barton, ABC

Coach & founder

30 years as a business communication strategist, including 20 leading communication teams at seven Fortune 500 companies. Paul has helped hundreds of professionals reach their speaking goals.

  • Executive presence
  • Presentations
  • Virtual speaking
Paul’s story
Michele Trent standing with her hand on her hip in front of a glass and metal saguaro cactus sculpture

Michele Trent

Speaking coach & partner

25+ years in communication and marketing, from mid-size companies to Fortune 500 organizations. A certified life and mindset coach and NLP practitioner, Michele helps anxious presenters change the thought patterns behind the nerves.

  • Mindset & anxiety
  • Storytelling
  • NLP
  • DISC
Michele’s story

Client stories

Working with Paul has been a game-changer - not just for me, but for many of my teammates. Whether it is refining presentations, speaking more persuasively, or getting your message across with clarity and impact, Paul has a formula for it. His practical tools and personalized coaching style make communication feel less intimidating and more like a skill you can truly master. If you're looking to elevate how you communicate, Paul is the coach who will get you there.
Christy AtlerVice President of Development, Banner Health
★★★★★

“Paul put me through his crash course and I was able to, in a matter of a few days, get in front of 250 people, say what I needed to say with confidence, and I can’t thank him enough. The tools that he gave me put me way over the top, and I’m just thrilled.”

Tom DuenkelService and Parts Director, Sanderson Ford
★★★★★

“I am so thankful for Paul Barton who made public speaking seem so easy and made me feel so confident and comfortable during the entire process.”

Lexie LincolnOccupational Therapist
★★★★★

“With Paul’s help, I was able to confidently and successfully deliver a speech that not only spoke to my daughter and son-in-law to convey my feelings, but it also garnered me quite an ovation and moved a lot of the audience to tears. Thank you, Paul!”

Scott HarvinProud Father of the Bride

Public speaking tips

From the blog

All articles

business communication

Prepare for your Audience, not your Content

By Michele Trent One of the biggest mistakes speakers make? They prepare for the content… but not for the audience. Let’s say you’re presenting on physical fitness. You know your…

April 15, 2026 2 min read
business presentations

Engaging your audience before you speak

When it comes to delivering a powerful business presentation, most people focus on what happens after they step up to speak. But some of the most impactful moments can actually…

April 10, 2026 2 min read

Your next step

Get to the top faster. Start with a free conversation.

Book a complimentary 30-minute Speaking Success Strategy Session with Paul or Michele.

  • Get clear on your speaking goals
  • Find out what’s stopping you
  • Leave with your 4-step blueprint
Book your free strategy session Phone or Zoom · 30 minutes · No obligation