Brian Michael Callaghan

Public Speaking Instructor | Communication Coach | Lecturer

National Harbor, Maryland

brical315@gmail.com | 202‑460‑5486

www.callaghanandcompany.com

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Public speaking instructor, lecturer, and executive communication coach with more than 25 years of experience teaching speakers at every level of development—from students and early‑career professionals to senior executives, public officials, and media‑facing leaders. Known for a dynamic, engaging teaching style, individualized coaching, and a practical methodology that produces measurable gains in clarity, confidence, and persuasive impact.

Extensive experience designing and delivering instruction in classroom, workshop, and one‑on‑one settings in the United States and internationally. Background as a journalist, speechwriter, and media professional uniquely informs an applied, results‑driven approach to teaching public speaking, presentation, and oral communication.

TEACHING & INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Founder & Lead Instructor

Callaghan & Company | 1994–Present

Design and deliver public speaking and presentation instruction for diverse audiences across academic, corporate, government, and nonprofit settings.

·      Teach foundational through advanced public speaking skills, including speech organization, audience analysis, storytelling, vocal delivery, physical presence, and persuasive strategy

·      Provide individual coaching and detailed performance feedback, tailoring instruction to each student’s learning style, goals, and experience level

·      Coach students ranging from novice speakers to highly accomplished professionals, helping them achieve significant improvements in confidence, credibility, and delivery

·      Prepare speakers for high‑stakes presentations, interviews, oral arguments, pitches, and public appearances

·      Create structured curricula, exercises, and simulations that accelerate skill development and transfer to real‑world performance

·      Student and client populations taught include: – University‑age students and early‑career professionals – Business executives and senior leadership teams – Attorneys preparing for oral argument and client presentations – Physicians and scientists communicating complex ideas to non‑technical audiences – Government officials, military officers, and public affairs professionals – Media personalities, artists, athletes, and public figures

·      International teaching experience: – Stockbrokers (London, São Paulo, Mexico City) – Physicians (Paris, Madrid, Stockholm) – Telecommunications executives (Brussels, Vienna, Amman)

ACADEMIC & GUEST LECTURING EXPERIENCE

Guest Lecturer – Public Speaking

Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | Recent Invited by Peter Fanone

Serve as a guest lecturer in public speaking, delivering applied instruction focused on speech organization, delivery, audience engagement, and confidence-building. Lead interactive classroom sessions combining short lectures, demonstrations, and live student presentations.

Guest Lecturer – Communication & Media Skills

American University | Washington, D.C.

Invited by Richard Levick to serve as a guest lecturer for a university-level communication course, focusing on applied public speaking, message development, and media presentation skills.

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE (SELECTED)

Senior Media Strategist

LEVICK | 2013–2016

·      Conducted media training and strategic communication sessions for clients of a leading Washington public relations firm

·      Coached senior leaders and subject‑matter experts on clear, confident, and persuasive oral communication under pressure

Speechwriter / Editor

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | 1992–1994

·      Wrote speeches for EPA Administrator William Reilly and senior leadership

·      Authored and edited A Layman’s Guide to the Clean Air Act of 1990

Speechwriter / Editor

The Washington Post | 1990–1992

·      Wrote speeches for Katharine and Donald Graham

·      Edited executive and internal communications

Broadcast Journalism & Production Roles

America Today; Food Business Today; National Geographic; PBS; WETA | 1977–1990

·      Reporter, producer, writer, and editor across television, radio, and documentary formats

·      Moderated live satellite news conferences and conducted high‑profile interviews

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

·      Manager of Public Relations, Association for Manufacturing Technology

·      General Manager, Ford’s Theatre

·      Grants Administrator, National Endowment for the Arts (Artists in Schools Program)

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts (English)

Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

TEACHING STRENGTHS & APPROACH

·      Dynamic, interactive classroom presence

·      Emphasis on learning by doing through exercises, rehearsal, and constructive critique

·      Strong commitment to student growth, confidence-building, and practical outcomes

·      Ability to adapt instruction for diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and skill levels

·      Proven success helping students achieve immediate and lasting improvement

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY 

Effective public speaking is a learned skill, not an innate talent. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that students improve most rapidly when instruction is practical, supportive, and performance-based. I create a classroom environment that encourages experimentation while maintaining high standards, helping students replace anxiety with preparation, structure, and confidence.

Drawing on decades of experience as a journalist, speechwriter, and coach, I teach students how to organize ideas clearly, connect authentically with audiences, and deliver messages with purpose and presence. Through individualized coaching and detailed feedback, I meet students where they are and guide them toward measurable progress—whether they are overcoming fear of public speaking or refining advanced persuasive skills for leadership roles.

My goal is for every student to leave the classroom better prepared to communicate ideas effectively, advocate for themselves and others, and use their voice with clarity and confidence.

MILITARY SERVICE

United States Marine Corps Reserve | 1970–1972

Honorable Discharge

Academic Appointment(s)

Primary

Adjunct Lecturer, College - Department of Performing Arts