About Us

At SpeakForward, we start from a simple truth: communication sits at the root of everything we do as professionals (and as humans!). When we speak clearly, listen openly, and make our asks explicit, work moves faster and relationships strengthen. Our mission is to build the skills and habits that make every conversation count—at work and in life.

We also know many people feel real fear around public speaking and presentations—even seasoned leaders. SpeakForward exists to surface those sticking points—structure, story, delivery, confidence—and replace guesswork with practice: live rehearsal, concrete tools, and feedback that sticks. The result is clarity, courage, and a cadence you can trust, so you communicate with confidence and move the work forward.

Who Are We

SpeakForward is a practice‑based communication consulting firm led by Dr. LaChrystal Ricke, helping individuals and teams turn communication roadblocks into clear, confident action through coaching, workshops, and diagnostics.

Our Mission

SpeakForward’s mission is to help people master communication at the root of work and life. We focus on practice‑based coaching that identifies sticking points, reduces anxiety, and builds clear, confident communication pathways that move work, relationships, and dreams forward.

What We Offer

  • 1 on 1 & Team Coaching
  • Team Workshops & Lunch & Learns
  • Public Speaking Development
  • Executive Presentations
  • Keynotes & On‑Call Support
  • Leadership Training
  • Interview Training
  • Playbooks & Tools
  • Diagnostics & Measurements

Leadership Profile

I am Dr. LC Ricke, and I am on a mission to demystify communication, make everyone feel more confident in their communication and leadership, and welcome everyone to the front of the room! One of the scariest things about communicating and presenting is actually doing it! I come to the table with over 20 years of experience teaching individuals, groups, and corporations how to enhance their communication skills through individual coaching, group sessions, and executive presentation and communication training.

My early career was in front of a classroom, teaching courses in public speaking, team dynamics, interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, and leadership development. I have always rationalized that if I could get giant classes of undergraduate students to willingly walk to the front of a room to deliver a presentation, I could get *anyone* across that line!

As a market research and retail consultant for over ten years, I have led multi-country programs, managed a 400+ person global workforce, and overseen multi-million dollar portfolios. I have been an invited TEDx speaker, have delivered 20+ competitive presentations, and have taught hundreds of individuals to communicate with clarity and impact. My work centers on building sustainable communication strategies that result in high confidence levels and rockstar presentations.

Outside of work, I am a proud dog mom and an avid community volunteer. Currently, I sit on the Board of Directors for The Giving Gown Foundation in the roles of Boutique Director and Fundraising Director. I also assist with community programs for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and The Empty Shelter Project.

I would love to meet, discuss your communication goals, and see how we can partner together to move your work FORWARD.

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