Communication Expert | TEDx Speaker | Author | Consultant

Peggy Bud is a nationally recognized communication expert, TEDx speaker, and author. As the founder of Speaking Skillfully, she helps professionals master the art and science of effective communication, verbal, nonverbal, and written—to drive high-impact results in business, education, and beyond.

With decades of experience and a passion for powerful messaging, Peggy partners with leaders across sectors including finance, law, insurance, engineering, marketing, media, healthcare, and education—to sharpen their communication, lead productive conversations, and build collaborative, high-performing teams. Her signature approach emphasizes perspective taking, active listening, and clarity, enabling clients to foster meaningful relationships with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.

Peggy is the co-author of Conversations Lead to Consensus: Building a High-Performing Team, One Conversation at a Time and Navigating Special Education: The Power of Building Positive Parent-Educator Partnerships. Both books are grounded in her original 5-C Model of Communication—Conversations, Collaboration, Cooperation, Compromise, and Consensus—a practical framework designed to ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.

She is also the co-host of the podcast Ask the Educators, produced by Verso Studios at The Westport Library, which supports families in navigating the education system and promotes stronger parent-teacher partnerships with the child always at the center. Her TEDx talk, Redefining the Parent-Teacher Relationship, has reached nearly 10,000 viewers.

Peggy holds a B.S. from Indiana University and an M.S. and Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and certified School Administrator.

A sought-after speaker and trainer, Peggy delivers dynamic, customized keynotes and workshops—both in-person and virtually—on topics such as:

• How to Have a Successful Difficult Conversation—Now!
• The Art of Listening
• Attributes of Effective Communication
• Conversations Lead to Consensus

She has spoken at national conferences, women's leadership summits, professional networks, and libraries. Beyond speaking and coaching, she is a regular contributor to LinkedIn, 360° Nation, The Financial Executives Journal, and Substack, where her blog Ask the Educators is hosted. She has also authored educational policies, training materials, and children's stories.

Peggy’s guiding principle is simple, yet powerful:
“It’s more than what you say. It’s how you say it.”

Stay Connected

🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 NavigatingSpecialEducation.com
🔗 Ask the Educators Podcast
📬 Ask the Educators on Substack

Peggy also proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge Academy, a public charter school in Bridgeport, CT, and Earthplace, a nature center in Westport, CT. She is actively involved with leadership networks including The Financial Executives Consulting Group and The Financial Executives Networking Group.

• Citizens Bank
• AbleNet, Inc.
• Beckett & Associates Veterinarian Services 
• Connecticut Association of Public-School Superintendents (CAPSS)
• Artemis Capital Partners
• Bryant Women's Summit

• CVS Health
• Cooperative Educational Services (CES)
• Missouri State University
• Visiting Nurse Service of Westchester and Putnam
• Meadow Ridge Senior Living Facility
• Financial Executives Networking Group (The FENG)

• Westport Police Department
• Westport Chamber of Commerce
• Westport Public Schools
• High Roads Learning Centers in CT
• Villa Maria School for Dyslexic Children