Our story began with one question
How can anyone, regardless of background, speak with clarity, confidence, and measurable impact? Smartlake Oratory was founded to answer that question through science, practice, and exceptional coaching.
From a single workshop to a global standard
Founded in 2018 in San Francisco, Smartlake Oratory began as a research initiative at Stanford and UC Berkeley. Today we serve professionals in 38 countries through our evidence-based curriculum that combines neuroscience, rhetoric studies, and real-time performance analytics.
- 2018 — First cohort of 12 executives graduated
- 2020 — Launched online platform with live coaching
- 2022 — Published peer-reviewed methodology
- 2024 — Expanded to enterprise programs
We make exceptional communication teachable and repeatable
Our mission is to equip ambitious individuals and organizations with the tools, feedback loops, and confidence required to influence, inspire, and lead through spoken word.
Join the Fallows communityThe Smartlake Method
Meet the leaders behind the method
Former Stanford lecturer, 14 years researching cognitive load in high-stakes presentations.
Ex-Google communications lead. Coached over 400 founders and C-level executives worldwide.
PhD in Speech & Hearing Science. Leads all performance analytics and curriculum validation.