Mara Lacey — Head Coach
Fifteen years of coaching founders and teachers. Mara is known for quiet feedback that unlocks memorable stories.
Why “Newriver Oratory”
A new river does not rush; it finds a steady path. We wanted a school that does the same for voices—gentle structure, steady practice, and craft that lasts beyond a single talk.
Founded by coaches who guided founders, educators, and emerging leaders, we turn complex talk outlines into warm, human conversations. No theatrics required—only presence.
“Clarity often begins with the first honest sentence.”
Mission and principles
- Hospitality over hype—students feel safe to practice aloud.
- Story-first curriculum—slides and tools follow narrative.
- Small, practical steps—habits that survive busy weeks.
- Respect for different accents and speaking styles.
Team
Kenji Rao — Curriculum Lead
Former product manager turned educator. Kenji designs drills that fit in 10-minute windows between meetings.
Aisha Dunne — Community Guide
Aisha hosts cozy cohorts and ensures feedback rounds stay kind, focused, and useful.
A founder’s margin note
We keep a running “margin notes” document for every course—a living record of what real students found helpful, and what felt noisy. It’s our promise to treat curriculum like a craft, not a commodity.
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