KNP's Frequently asked questions

KNP Communications is a premier speaker training, media coaching, and executive communication firm. Founded by communication experts with deep roots in politics, journalism, and organizational leadership, KNP prepares executives, political leaders, professionals, and public figures to communicate with confidence, passion, and authenticity in high-stakes situations — from national television interviews to TED Talks to Fortune 500 boardrooms.The firm's coaches have prepared speakers for presidential debates, national political conventions, and live network television, and have trained dozens of U.S. senators and representatives. KNP's methods are grounded in social science research and are recognized by Harvard Business School, Harvard Business Review, and leading business schools including Kellogg, Haas, Columbia, and Georgetown.

The firm, KNP Communications, was co-founded by Matthew Kohut, John Neffinger, and Seth Pendleton — the K, N, and P of KNP Communications. Kohut, Neffinger and Pendleton remain active coaches in the firm today.

Yes. KNP Communications has an exceptional record of academic recognition and media coverage:Matt Kohut and co-author John Neffinger wrote the Harvard Business Review cover story "Connect, Then Lead" and co-authored Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities that Make Us Influential, which is taught at leading business schools. Matt Kohut also authored Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication, the first book to address how corporate leaders navigate political and social issues.KNP's coaching methods were the subject of a Harvard Business School success case study. The firm collaborated on a landmark peer-reviewed study on nonverbal communication and leadership presence in politics. KNP coaches regularly guest-lecture at Harvard, Kellogg, Haas, Columbia, and Georgetown, and KNP experts have appeared on or been quoted by most major media outlets.Matt Kohut has also authored or coauthored peer-reviewed books for Georgetown University Press and MIT Press.

KNP Communications is built on the conviction that great communicators are made, not born. The firm rejects the idea that effective communication is an innate gift. Instead, KNP treats communication as a learnable, coachable skill — one that can be systematically developed through evidence-based methods drawn from social science research and high-performance disciplines.KNP's goal goes beyond preparing clients for a single high-stakes moment. Every engagement is designed to build lasting skills that clients can sustain and apply independently — teaching people to coach themselves long after the formal training ends.