Ollison Elsberg Associates

For more than two decades, Ollison Elsberg Associates has operated as a specialized communications training firm based in Chestertown, United States. Founded in 1995 by Ruth Allen Ollison and Margie Elsberg, the agency focuses on a narrow but high-impact niche: preparing professionals to communicate under pressure. While many PR agencies emphasize message creation or media placement, Ollison Elsberg Associates concentrates on the delivery side—the actual performance in front of cameras, microphones, and decision-makers. Their work sits at the intersection of public relations, presentation skills, and crisis communication, making them a go-to resource for clients who cannot afford to fumble their words in high-stakes settings.

Specialized Training for High-Pressure Communication

The core expertise of Ollison Elsberg Associates lies in four distinct training areas: media training, presentation training, legislative testimony training, and orals coaching. Each of these disciplines requires a unique blend of message control, body language awareness, and vocal delivery. The firm uses video playback critiques extensively, allowing clients to see exactly how they come across—a method that accelerates learning and builds self-awareness. This hands-on approach is particularly valuable for executives, government officials, and legal teams who must speak with clarity and confidence when the stakes are highest. Whether preparing for a contentious press conference or a competitive contract pitch, clients rely on Ollison Elsberg Associates to sharpen their delivery.

Services and Methodologies

Ollison Elsberg Associates offers a suite of services designed to address specific communication challenges. While the firm’s primary focus is training and coaching, their work often complements broader public relations strategies. Typical services include:

• Media Training: Preparing spokespeople for interviews, press briefings, and crisis situations, with an emphasis on message discipline and handling difficult questions.
• Presentation Training: Coaching for speeches, keynote addresses, and internal presentations, focusing on structure, pacing, and audience engagement.
• Legislative Testimony Training: Helping clients testify effectively before committees, councils, or regulatory bodies, including how to present data and respond under questioning.
• Orals Coaching: Preparing teams for competitive oral presentations, such as those required for government contracts, grants, or legal arguments.
• Video Playback Critiques: A core methodology where clients review recorded practice sessions to identify areas for improvement in delivery, eye contact, and nonverbal communication.

The firm’s training is highly customized, often involving scenario-based exercises that mirror real-world conditions. For example, media training sessions might simulate a contentious interview with cameras and lights, while legislative testimony training includes mock hearings with panelists asking tough questions. This realism helps clients build muscle memory for high-pressure situations.

Client Fit and Ideal Partners

Ollison Elsberg Associates is best suited for organizations and individuals who regularly face public scrutiny or high-stakes presentations. Typical clients include corporate communications teams, government agencies, law firms, nonprofit leaders, and professional services firms. The agency is also a strong fit for companies competing for major contracts that require oral presentations, as well as executives entering new roles that demand frequent media interaction. Because the firm operates from Chestertown, United States, they can serve clients across the country through on-site training or virtual sessions. Their long track record since 1995 gives them credibility with clients who value experience over hype. For any organization where a single misstep in communication could have significant consequences, Ollison Elsberg Associates provides a focused, practical solution that builds real competence under pressure.