Richard Doust, founder and Head Coach of The Speaking Flow, a Strasbourg-based company specialising in public speaking and language coaching, is on a mission to give people a new beginning in bilingual communication.
Once a self-described introverted, geeky individual who was frozen by the fear of public speaking, Doust has now transformed his life by mastering multiple languages and is helping others do the same through his innovative coaching programme.
A turning point came when Doust took part in a life-altering work-camp in Denmark, where he helped build a Stone Age house. Surrounded by a diverse group who worked hard to learn English as their second language—a language that came naturally to him—Doust was inspired to start his own journey of linguistic and personal development.
After earning an MSc in Cognitive Science from Essex University, Doust worked as a Research Assistant at Bochum University in Northern Germany. His educational journey continued with a four-year Master’s in Improvised Music from the Strasbourg Conservatoire, and a PhD from the UK’s Open University on Suspense and the Structure of Narrative. With each new language he acquired, his confidence and ability to connect with others grew.
However, it was during his time in Italy that everything truly changed. Immersing himself in Italian language and culture, Doust reached a new level of expressiveness and self-assurance. He refers to this period as a “reset button,” shifting his professional focus from analytical fields to more creative pursuits. This led to a career in public speaking, scriptwriting, and acting across several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and even proficient Russian. For Doust, learning another language became more than just a communication tool—it was a path to personal transformation.
Inspired by his own journey, Doust launched The Confidence Code, a unique coaching programme in 2022, aimed at helping others unlock their potential through language learning. The programme emphasises boosting confidence in a new language, mastering speech techniques, and captivating audiences. Clients can choose between online or in-person coaching, with 10-12 sessions delivered over a 3-4 month period, each tailored to individual needs.
Doust has successfully coached corporate professionals, coaches, international clients, and even singers, guiding them to conquer their fear of public speaking and develop a confident speaking style. His method is not about quick fixes, but rather about fundamentally transforming how people communicate and present themselves.
Richard Doust is now inviting individuals ready to take the plunge and reinvent their communication abilities through his transformative coaching.
Krisztina L., CEO of Leadership Accelerators – Hungary, shared: “Richard’s strategies have transformed my audience engagement, both in person and online. His mastery of the virtual stage is exceptional.”
For more information or to book a session, you can contact Richard via email at richard@thespeakingflow.com.
To follow his journey and see client testimonials, connect with Richard Doust on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (@thespeakingflow), and YouTube. Visit www.thespeakingflow.com for more details on his coaching programs.
