About ValidBound

ValidBound connects doctoral research on public speaking assessment with one-on-one coaching and SpeechGradebook software for speakers and instructors.

Anna McClure, Ph.D.
Founder

Anna McClure, Ph.D.

Communication researcher, educator, and creator of SpeechGradebook

Anna holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she specialized in the assessment of learning outcomes in public speaking. Her dissertation research shaped the framework behind SpeechGradebook, including structured rubrics, standards alignment, and measurable growth indicators.

She has taught Public Speaking, Business and Professional Communication, Communication Research Methods, and Senior Seminar, and coauthored a public speaking textbook. ValidBound was created to turn that research and classroom experience into practical coaching and software for speakers, instructors, and programs.

LinkedIn profile

Public Speaking in a Global Context, fifth edition, Macmillan Learning
Publication

Textbook and classroom background

Anna coauthored Public Speaking in a Global Context (5th ed., Macmillan Learning) with John William Haas. She has taught Public Speaking, Business and Professional Communication, Communication Research Methods, and Senior Seminar at the university level.

Coaching and SpeechGradebook draw on the same rubric-based classroom work, not generic presentation advice.

Across public speaking courses where Anna served as instructor of record (CMST 210 and 240), student evaluations averaged 4.5/5 on feedback quality and classroom support.

“She was incredibly kind and helpful. She made the class a comfortable environment and helped me with my anxiety around speeches.” Public speaking student
“She provides beneficial feedback on our speeches so we can improve. She is very calm and encouraging.” Public speaking student
“She made it clear that anyone who needed extra help or flexibility could reach out and have a conversation.” Public speaking student

Comments edited for clarity and anonymized. Ratings reflect instructor-of-record sections only; lab and TA roles are excluded.

What ValidBound offers

Coaching for individuals, software for programs

ValidBound Coaching

One-on-one support for presentations, speeches, interviews, and other high-stakes speaking situations.

View coaching options

SpeechGradebook

Rubric-based evaluation for instructors and self-directed Practice for speakers, built on the same assessment framework.

Explore SpeechGradebook

Work with ValidBound

Book coaching for individual speaking goals, or explore SpeechGradebook for instructor evaluation and Practice.

Book a Discovery Call Explore SpeechGradebook