Speech Coaches needed for Best Buddies Ambassador Training

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Ambassador trainings are classes that provide training for participants with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in areas of speech writing, public speaking, and self-advocacy. Ambassadors develop the skills to professionally share their life stories, promote Best Buddies programs, network, and most importantly, advocate. The Ambassador trainings prepare people to become active agents of change and informed, engaging advocates for the disability rights movement.

Being a speech coach for an Ambassador Training is a rewarding opportunity to support advocates and provide leadership opportunities to people with disabilities. The Best Buddies Ambassador’s recognizes the commitment you are making by participating as a speech coach and we are grateful for the time and energy you share to make this training a huge success.

Speech coaches have the important task of supporting ambassadors on their journey of discovery and self-advocacy. As a speech coach, you serve in the role as sounding board, friend, confident, and supporter. Each speech coach is paired with one or two ambassador for the duration of the training and will help ambassadors through the education session and in developing their own speech.

As with any form of writing, having someone to brainstorm with and a second set of eyes to help with editing leads to a higher quality speech and enhanced skills in the art of public speaking. Speech coaches serve in this capacity throughout the training; they will help with developing topics, framing outlines, writing speeches, practicing the presentation, and preparing for the performance.

Speech coaches can assist with transcribing notes, brainstorming, focusing, editing, content organization, and a variety of other ways depending on the ambassador’s needs. Speech coaches should not write or create content for the speeches; on the contrary, it is important that speeches serve as the voice of the ambassador with little influence from the speech coach. Speech coaches should be a sounding board and making sure the ambassador’s voice is heard. Most importantly, have fun. This will be a wonderful experience for both of you.