ABOUT GARY PLAAG
“What drives me is guiding others to discover how to tell their stories and be successful.”
- Over 22 years experience as a Communication Specialist, Teacher, and Coach
- 18 years IT Management
- MA Communication, George Mason University
- Adjunct Communication Instructor, William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business
- Adjunct Communication Instructor, George Mason University
- Served over 10 civic organizations
- Mentor for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Loves life, personal and professional development, travel, meeting people, helping people see their potential
Our Approach
With so many resources available to help people improve their presentation and communication skills, what makes Couragio stand out?
Our Workshops and Coaching Sessions are a combination of instruction and practical application, and are designed to quickly improve identified challenges and opportunities.
During our 22+ years of communication consulting, we’ve fine-tuned our approach to focus on helping clients develop the
three areas that matter most to effective communication:
While helping you adopt public speaking ‘best practices’, we’ll also be fostering your individual style. Your delivery will be authentic, unique and believable.
- Reduce distracting behaviors in your communication, such as speaking too fast, unnecessary gestures and movements, verbal fillers, non-committal language, lack of eye contact and monotone delivery.
- Discover and fine-tune your own style of presenting based on your strengths and personality.
Reframing your mindset, using calming techniques, focused practice and our supportive guidance will have you feeling more confident in your communication skills. Your audience will see, hear and feel the difference.
- Change your mindset about public speaking, presentations, and overall communication
- Learn techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
- Receive honest feedback and expert tips
- Practice in a safe and supportive setting that fosters self-confidence
- Prepare to handle tough questions and interruptions
- Manage your performance environment to prevent or handle technical or other problems/changes
- Learn how to be flexible and adaptable
Great speakers not only deliver their message, but they also connect to the audience. Through learned techniques and practice with our Coach, you’ll experience powerful audience engagement in your own delivery.
- Adapt your message and delivery to different audiences
- Learn techniques for opening a presentation
- Learn how to effectively emphasize your point
- Learn tips on how to be engaging and memorable
- Learn how to use visual aids and slides that enhance your message
- Learn how to read audience reactions
How We Work
Individual Coaching
In-Person
Video Conference
Group Coaching
6-8 Person Workshops
Custom Group Sessions
Speaking Engagements
Keynote Addresses
Convention Break-out Sessions
Convention Master-of-Ceremonies
Our Coaching Services
Public speaking coaching
RFP Oral Bid coaching
Business presentation coaching
Start Up Pitches
Executive coaching
Interpersonal communication coaching
Networking
Job interview coaching
Our Clients
Business Services
Government
Law Enforcement
Construction
Non-profit
Executives
Information Technology
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Higher Education
Religious Community
Vocal Performance