His clients say he "knows how to elicit peak performance." They call him "a master at connecting with his audience" and "an effective educator," and give his communications training workshops "two thumbs up!"

He is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations, and the “Speaking Sense” columnist for the Washington Business Journal.

Ed has conducted trainings for more than 3100 business leaders, association executives, physicians, government officials, non-profit leaders, athletes, entertainers, and public relations staff. He has trained hundreds of professionals through his innovative telephone consultations.

Ed has a keen understanding of both sides of the communications fence. He earned his expertise in the sometimes bruising public relations arena of Washington, D.C. He has spent 20 years in the nation's capital directing efforts in such critical areas as media training, media relations, public speaking, and Congressional testimony.

In addition, he logged over a decade as a radio broadcaster, news director, talk show host, and reporter. That knowledge allows Ed to share the inside scoop on how reporters work, what they need, and when they need it.

Ed Barks has served as President of Barks Communications since its founding in 1997. His company teaches business, association, and non-profit leaders how to work with the media, deliver great public speeches, and present winning legislative and regulatory testimony.