If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Want to become a confident, compelling communicator?
I’ve spent 26 years helping people become better speakers and communicators.
I began as a national collegiate debate competitor and went on to become a professional speaker, communication coach, TEDx speaker trainer, and bestselling author of Speak With No Fear, with 1,200+ Amazon reviews.
Today, I coach professionals virtually across the country who want to communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and presence.
We can work on:
✔ Overcoming nervousness and speaking anxiety
✔ Presentations and public speaking
✔ Executive presence
✔ Speaking clearly without rambling
✔ Interviews and important meetings
✔ Persuasion and influence
✔ Storytelling and audience engagement
This isn't just advice, this is practice.
Bring the real situations you're facing at work. We'll practice them together, identify what's holding you back, and I'll give you specific feedback and tools you can immediately put into action.
Every coaching plan is personalized around your goals, whether you're preparing for one important presentation or want to transform the way you communicate professionally.
Want to see what coaching is like before deciding?
Start with a complimentary virtual coaching session. Bring a real communication challenge and we'll work on it together.
Let's get started.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 386 times
Serves Austin, TX
Background checked
3 employees
9 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
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2019
Services offered
Public speaking goals
Level of experience
Setting for speech
Personal
Business
Academic
Political
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
203 reviews
5
97%
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1%
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jarely H.
2 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I had my very first publicspeakinglesson, and it was such a positive and encouraging experience! From the beginning, Mike created a welcoming and comfortable environment that made it easier to step outside my comfort zone.
I truly appreciated the patience, professionalism, and genuine passion for teaching. The session was informative, engaging, and insightful. I especially valued the constructive feedback and practical guidance provided throughout the lesson.
Even after just one session, I feel more motivated and excited to continue developing my communication and publicspeaking skills. I’m looking forward to growing in confidence, becoming more articulate, and learning how to express myself more effectively.
I highly recommend giving these lessons a try if you’re looking to invest in your personal and professional growth!
Details: Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Public Speaking Lessons
Linda K.
4 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Working with Mike to prepare for an upcoming speech has completely changed the way I approach publicspeaking. In just a couple of sessions, I learned so many valuable skills that I could put into practice immediately. He gave me the tools and confidence I needed to feel truly prepared. Looking back, I can't imagine giving this speech without the skills and insights I gained from working with him.
Additionally, Mike made the entire experience comfortable, relaxed, and fun. I can't recommend him enough!
Details: Beginner • 45 - 64 years old • Verbal delivery • Body language • Connecting with audience • To prepare for an event • Business • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Public Speaking Lessons
Cecily C.
4 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
During my initial session, he identified areas for improvement and encouraged me to actively practice the concepts discussed. High recommended.
Details: Beginner • 26 - 44 years old • Verbal delivery • Speech content • Body language • Connecting with audience • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • To prepare for an event • Personal • Remotely (phone or internet)
Public Speaking Lessons
Hannah P.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
I highly recommend Mike Acker to anyone looking to improve their publicspeaking skills. He is punctual, professional, and incredibly insightful. One of the things that stood out to me was his ability to quickly identify areas for improvement and provide targeted guidance. What I appreciated most was his reminder that while it's important to focus on personal growth, it's equally important to acknowledge and give ourselves credit for what we've already accomplished. That perspective was both refreshing and encouraging. It's evident that Mike is an expert in publicspeaking. He takes a personalized approach to his coaching, tailoring each session to your individual goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. The training materials he provides are also high-quality, well-structured, and valuable for continued learning and development. Overall, Mike offers a thoughtful, supportive, and effective coaching experience. I truly appreciate his expertise and approach to helping others grow in confidence and communication skills.
Details: Beginner • 26 - 44 years old • Verbal delivery • Speech content • Body language • Connecting with audience • To build confidence • To develop a skillset • Business • Remotely (phone or internet)
Public Speaking Lessons
Jen G.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mike came through by responding and successfully intervening in my last-minute, last-ditch effort to prepare for a couple of conference presentations. With his help in 3 50-minute ‘emergency’ sessions, to crystalize my message, focus my talking points, and completely change my delivery. His feedback and instruction was logical and clear. So I picked it up quickly, and it stuck with me, even in the midst of presenting.
Details: Intermediate • 45 - 64 years old • Speech content • Verbal delivery • Body language • Connecting with audience • To prepare for an event • To develop a skillset • To build confidence • Business • Remotely (phone or internet)
Public Speaking Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Michael Acker
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer two types of communication coaching:
Urgent Care: Focused coaching for an upcoming presentation, interview, meeting, keynote, or other immediate communication challenge.
Physical Therapy: Ongoing coaching to build lasting confidence, executive presence, and communication skills.
I also work with senior executives and C-suite leaders on customized executive communication engagements.
Let’s connect, identify what you need, and determine the best approach.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start with a complimentary virtual coaching session.
Bring a real presentation, meeting, interview, or communication challenge. We’ll work on it together so you can experience my coaching and leave with practical feedback you can use immediately.
From there, we’ll determine whether you need a few focused sessions or a more comprehensive coaching program.
My coaching is highly practical: learn, practice, receive feedback, improve.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Communication has been a major part of my life for 26 years.
My background began in competitive speaking as a national collegiate debater and developed into decades of professional speaking, leadership, training, writing, and communication coaching.
I’m the bestselling author of Speak With No Fear, with 1,200+ Amazon reviews, as well as 18+ other books and workbooks.
My background also includes:
✔ National collegiate debate
✔ TEDx speaker training
✔ Certified John Maxwell Coach & Speaker
✔ 26 years of speaking and leadership experience
✔ Executive and C-suite communication coaching
✔ Corporate communication and leadership training
✔ Extensive postgraduate study in speaking and communication
✔ Bilingual English/Spanish
Today I coach professionals virtually across the country and train leaders and teams for organizations around the world.
