ValidBound LLC

Founder's Story

ValidBound began in the public speaking classroom. As a Ph.D. researcher and instructor, Anna McClure saw speakers practice without knowing if they were improving, and instructors spend enormous time giving quality feedback. She turned that experience and her dissertation work on learning outcomes into ValidBound: one-on-one speaking coaching and SpeechGradebook software for instructor-reviewed evaluation and structured practice feedback.

Business Description

ValidBound helps people improve public speaking through expert coaching and practical software. Founded by Anna McClure, Ph.D., a communication researcher, university instructor, and coauthor of Public Speaking in a Global Context, the company connects classroom assessment research with services speakers and educators can use every day.

ValidBound Coaching offers one-on-one support for presentations, interviews, academic defenses, and other speaking situations where preparation matters. Sessions focus on the client’s talk, delivery, and presence, with clear next steps rather than generic presentation tips. Coaching is available for professionals, students, job seekers, and leaders who want focused guidance from someone with university teaching and research experience.

SpeechGradebook is ValidBound’s software product for speech assessment and practice. Evaluation helps instructors and programs review student recordings against rubrics, edit AI-assisted drafts, and save official grades while staying in control of the final score and feedback. Practice helps speakers rehearse at home with structured, rubric-based feedback and progress tracking between class sessions, coaching appointments, or the real presentation. Together, coaching and SpeechGradebook give ValidBound a clear scope: better speaking preparation for individuals, and more manageable, consistent speech evaluation for courses and programs.