ROBERT W. GORDON, Esq.

COACH & FACILITATOR

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AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Public speaking and presentations

• Argumentation, debate, and persuasion

• Oral argument, litigation strategy, cross-examination, and depositions

• On camera and recorded presentations

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MEET ROBERT

“I love helping people become better speakers, while educating and inspiring them to maintain consistency with their own natural, authentic speaking style.”

Robert is passionate about empowering individuals to communicate clearly, effectively, and memorably. He combines the analytical ability and rigor of a university professor, with a friendly, authentic, and down-to-earth style.

Robert has more than 30 years of high-profile public speaking and presenting experience. After working as a teacher in the New York public school system, he spent more than a decade as a municipal defense litigation attorney for the City of New York. He also served for several years as a defense attorney with a large national firm.

Throughout his career, Robert has prepared numerous cases for trial, and has taken or defended over 1,500 depositions. He has also appeared for oral arguments at both the First and Second Appellate Divisions of New York State, in addition to multiple oral arguments at the trial court level.

  • One of Robert’s most celebrated traits is his exceptional teaching ability, which he continues to refine as a sought-after coach for debate competitors, as well as a judge for national and international mock trial competitions. Robert also coaches his clients on: discovery demands and responses for litigation; deposition preparation; trial preparation including opening statements and closing arguments; video presentations; and writing. 

    He also loves discovering and embracing new cultures. He has lived and worked in Russia and South Korea, and is a frequent traveler to Japan. 

    Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Morehouse College, having graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law.

A man in a suit seated on a chair during an interview or presentation, surrounded by professional camera equipment, in a room with curtains and a blue carpet.

  • “The coaching sessions were great. Robert came prepared for every session to address my struggles and concerns. I learned about cascading pitches when speaking to my audience, being aware of verbal pauses, using an economy of words, power openings, and giving a strong closing to grasp the crowd at the end. My awareness is much stronger when speaking, and I feel more confident.”

    Anonymous, Project Executive at Corporation

  • “I’m thankful for Robert’s help and advice in preparation for a deposition. I started nervous, but became more comfortable as the deposition progressed, and it went very well — I obtained a lot of very helpful admissions.”

    Anonymous, Litigation Associate at Am Law 200 Firm

  • “My coaching engagement with Robert was incredibly productive and helpful. I learned a wide range of skills and techniques for speaking—whether on internal calls, client calls, or in the courtroom. Robert was an excellent teacher, and I truly enjoyed our sessions, especially the immediate and consistent feedback that I could apply right away to significantly improve my speaking skills. I now feel much more confident speaking in the workplace. Robert helped me build a strong foundation for speaking skills across environments and taught me how to refine and enhance my delivery to make it more engaging.”

    Anonymous, Counsel at Am Law 50 Firm

  • “Through my coaching with Robert, I gained self-awareness regarding my verbal tendencies that I need to work on. I’ve implemented his advice and already see benefits.”

    Anonymous, Associate at Am Law 50 Firm

  • “Robert presented his feedback clearly without sugarcoating, which I appreciated. He focused on concrete actions I could take while also acknowledging my introverted nature and not saying I had to fundamentally change who I am. My confidence increased. The biggest improvement I made was adding hand and body movement, a high-priority item for me. I feel like I do this more in both work and personal life.”

    Anonymous, Ph.D., Manager at Consulting Firm