DO THESE COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES SOUND FAMILIAR?
STRUGGLING WITH MEDIA?
Tough Interview Questions
High Stakes Press Conferences
Effective Media Engagement
Speaking in Front of an Audience
Delivering Messages with Impact
Negotiating Critical Deals
Transitioning from Playing Field
Managing a Crisis Situation
Executive Responsibilities
ABOUT FIGURES OF SPEECH
THE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
Created and delivered by Masters of Communication Bob Rathbun and Dez Thornton, Figures of Speech is a customized cutting-edge communication program for the Sports and Entertainment worlds that teaches participants how to get command of any conversation, while unlocking their confidence and accessing their authenticity.
Through a uniquely comprehensive process that includes an assessment, a personalized plan, a specialized Communications Lab, a customizable toolkit, and one-on-one coaching, you will master the ability to communicate in the moments that demand the utmost in clarity, effectiveness and conviction.
GET IN FRONT OF YOUR COMMUNICATION
Figures of Speech delivers innovative communication training aimed at solving the unique needs of the Sports and Entertainment industries. Through our personalized program we help athletes, entertainers, talent agents, and industry executives convey their messages with clarity, confidence, and conviction, all while prioritizing the authenticity of their personal brands.
From high-pressure public press conferences and interviews to pivotal private negotiations and events, we empower our clients with the verbal versatility to engage audiences and achieve results.
THE MOMENT
NOW WE'RE TALKING
At Figures of Speech, we offer customized solutions for every moment when communication matters most.
We focus on the unique communication needs of individuals in the Sports and Entertainment industries. Whether you are a public-facing athlete or performer, or a behind-the-scenes industry executive we have the methodology to tackle the distinct communication needs of everyone, for every moment.
The situational needs of our clients require communication expertise in several realms, ranging from urgent crisis prevention to important planned events to general skills training. At Figures of Speech we focus on three distinct areas:
COMMUNICATION CRISIS
In critical situations, we help you manage controversy or redefine a narrative to protect your personal brand image.
SPECIAL OCCASION
From guest appearances to media interviews, we offer tailored tools to reduce anxiety and enhance authenticity.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Personalized coaching to empower you to deliver persuasive presentations with ease, speed, and confidence.
HOW IT WORKS
WE HAVE A WAY. WITH WORDS.
This cutting-edge process involves:
- Free SpeakAbility Assessment to determine your current skills and goals.
- Personalized Game Plan to take you from masking your message to mastering it.
- Comprehensive training in The Communications Lab, where we tackle your specific communication needs.
- Customizable OnMessage Toolkit that delivers actionable strategies to adapt messaging for any audience.
- Expert Iconic Coaching, specialty one-on-one coaching on all of the topics that are offered within the lab, determined on a case-by-case basis.
INTRODUCING
THE COMMUNICATIONS LAB
Introducing The Communications Lab, a proprietary program that uses comprehensive and specialized training methodologies aimed at addressing your specific communication needs.
The Communications Lab includes three primary specialties for participants to focus on: The Influence Zone, The Speak Tank, and The Broadcasting Booth. Within each are three communication levels to begin from: Fundamentals, Mastery, and Pro. Once we determine your specialty and level, we guide you through tailored, transformative trainings.
THE MESSAGE
ACTIONS THAT SPEAK AS LOUD AS WORDS
Figures of Speech empowers you with the skills needed to reach your end-game communication goals, from verbal proficiency to emotional awareness to social influence.
- Communicate more confidently, naturally, and authentically.
- Manage anxiety and fear prior to speaking in high pressure situations.
- Understand and leverage your unique communication style.
- Prepare for critical interactions, both planned and unplanned.
- Present a balance of leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Exhibit a personal brand through verbal communication.
- Improve body language, appearance and vocal delivery.
- Connect and engage to build trust and foster enduring relationships.
WHY CHOOSE FIGURES OF SPEECH?
PERSONALIZED
Training is customized to meet your distinct needs focusing on individuality and authenticity.
RESULTS-FOCUSED
Our priority is reaching your specific communication goals, both immediate and long-term.
CONFIDENTIAL
Your privacy is paramount. We rigorously protect your anonymity and ensure discretion in all dealings.
"Getting to call games for the Atlanta Hawks with Bob Rathbun was a dream come true. I learned a lot from Bob, particularly working in a 3-man booth. He helped us work together — on timing, patience, understanding the moment, whatever the case may be. Watching him work continues to motivate me to get better at my craft and hopefully to be in this business as long as he has."
Vince Carter
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame '24.
8x NBA All-Star.
"The ability to have the confidence, to have the clarity, have the simplicity, have the patience, and to say the right thing in the right way at the right time isn't easy, you know, and it can be learned. These guys are brilliant at teaching people how to do that and how to do it in the right way that gets the right impact."
Dr. Bernie Mullin
"It's a no brainer for me. If you want to be a public speaker, if you want to do blogs, if you want to be on tv, if you want to do anything where you have to connect and sell yourself, these two guys can help you in every aspect of public speaking, podcasting, blogging, especially on tv."
Quincy Lewis
Former NBA & International Basketball Champion & Broadcaster