Public Speaking coach

I believe that storytelling, vulnerability, a great message, vocal variety, a little levity, and practice will set you free!

For three years, I have been a proud Speaker Delivery Coach for TEDxChicago, where speakers perform yearly in front of over 1,000 people.

I am also an Executive Public Speaking and Performance Coach with Janicek Performance Group and coach clients privately.

Want to give an incredible keynote presentation to your company or a knockout speech at a conference? Want to raise money with donors or pitch yourself as an entrepreneur?

I’ll make sure you deliver a dynamic, clear, and memorable presentation, both vocally and physically. (I can also help with your Zoom set-up, or fix your lighting.)

If you’re looking for a professional AND fun coaching session, fill out the contact form below to chat!

And for public speaking tips and more, come follow me on Instagram @danablackllc.

What an incredible night talking to @ethankross on the @cityoperahouse stage last week! His book Chatter has so many personal stories, scientific studies, helpful tools and a lot of hope around how we can individually, and with our board of chatter a
I don’t know about you but the voice in my head...can get real loud and out of control sometimes! Many of us may have negative and worrisome thoughts circulating in our heads at all times. Want to learn how to harness and quiet some of that &ld
Halloween 2024 was lovely.. Surprise visit by a famous, wonderful family not pictured but soo fun! Happy to host these ghouls anytime. :) #pleasevote
Pirates, old operas, friendship, bootie and putting a bird on your shoulder. Thanks @cityoperahouse we had fun at the first ever pirates ball/concert!
Portrait from our 1891 entry way. October 2024. Glorious.

Let ME HELP YOU ROCK THE STAGE!

  • "Transformed my ability"

    “I was tasked with interviewing a NYT bestselling author for an audience of 140 people in person and over 150 on Zoom. Public speaking had long been my singular biggest fear. Dana not only helped me frame the experience with a positive perspective and provided emotional context, she appealed to my interest in mindfulness, and gave me the gift of confidence and support that transformed my ability to pull this thing OFF. I was not only NOT nervous, I ENJOYED it, all thanks to Dana’s help.”


    Michael White, librarian, Glenview Library

  • "Energy, joy, respect, and ease of connectivity"

    “Dana has been a critical delivery coach for the last three years with TEDxChicago. She listens for and coaches authenticity, how to truly bring out [a speaker’s] heart, generosity, and connectivity to ensure their talk not only is delivered well, but also means something powerful to those who listen. She brings an energy, joy, respect, and ease of connectivity that our speakers find incredibly helpful, and her coaching delivers fresh perspective and guidance that elevates their voice. We wouldn't be where we are without her, and our talks garner hundreds of thousands of views a year much because of her talents.”

    Dustin Huibregtse, director, lead curator, and speaker coach, TEDxChicago

  • "Innovative visualization techniques"

    "Working with Dana transformed not just my business pitch, but the way I approach communication altogether. After Dana's intervention, I not only won the pitch competition but also learned to infuse my presentation with the heart and passion at the core of my business. Dana’s knack for uncovering the essence of an idea and her innovative visualization techniques profoundly connected the audience to my concept. Working with her is not just an investment in your project but in your career and personal growth.”

    Brett Sigworth, founder, We Heart Local

  • "Helped me organize"

    “Special thank you to Dana Black, my speech and delivery coach, who helped me organize all of the ideas and anecdotes I had into a cohesive speech to motivate and inspire others.”

    Beatrice Tetteh, MD, MPH, director/owner of Tetteh Pediatric Health keynote speaker at Launch to College for the scholars of College Track Sacramento

  • "Forever grateful"

    “Dana! Your help on my presentation and performance support really filled a big gap for me and I am forever grateful! I was just telling an executive coach friend about your skills.”

    Nadene Cherry, CDW mindfulness coach and public speaker

  • "One of the highlights of my professional Development Journey"

    "Working one on one with Dana has truly been one of the highlights of my professional development journey. First of all, you will have FUN with Dana. And fun is not to be underestimated, because it translates into bringing joy and lightness onto the stage! But more importantly, you will come away from your coaching with Dana feeling more confident in yourself, more calm in your own capabilities, and genuinely excited to get in front of a crowd (something I thought I’d never say)!"


    Camille Hoisington, Director of Ecosystem Development, Traverse Connect

  • "An incredible experience"

    “To say Dana has helped me is an understatement; from helping me tell my brand story to overall confidence and how I communicate with myself. Working with Dana has been an incredible experience. I feel like she is my PERSONAL speaking coach."

    Susie Grace, Founder, Valor Skincare