David Otey helps technical and analytical professionals communicate with confidence, tell stronger stories and create practical results.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
"David’s sessions both online and in person attract dozens of members whenever he speaks. He really understands what their work-world is like. We look forward to having him in the program because we know he puts the audience first and will collaborate to produce a session everyone enjoys."
Joy Davis
C.A.E.
David P. Otey is a speaker, coach, trainer and author who helps engineers, scientists and analytical professionals communicate complex ideas with greater confidence and impact. A former engineer whose career spans broadcasting, technology, training and professional speaking, David brings first-hand understanding of technical environments to every session. Through highly interactive programs, he equips audiences with practical tools to explain their work, tell compelling stories and connect with people beyond their field of expertise.
Drawing on his own background as an engineer, David understands how quantitative and analytical minds approach information. Rather than relying on conventional presentation formulas, he gives participants practical strategies that fit the way technical professionals think and work.
David has helped thousands of people across three continents pursue personal and professional growth. His coaching has supported graduate students working toward their Ph.D.’s, scientists seeking renewed funding and engineers advancing their careers.
Whether working with an audience in person or virtually, David creates an interactive environment where participants actively develop skills they can apply long after the session ends.
David began his career in broadcasting before becoming VP of Engineering at Austin's public television station, KLRU-TV. Throughout his engineering career, he maintained the highest level of professional certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and became a recognized expert in digital radio technologies.
His technical expertise also led him to coauthor a chapter in the NAB Engineering Handbook, Tenth Edition.
A major turning point came when David was selected to lead an industry-wide, nationwide training initiative supporting the rollout of new technology within the TV news industry. The program reached more than 10,000 broadcasting professionals and became the catalyst for his transition into training and professional speaking.
That experience continues to shape his work today. David understands both sides of the communication challenge: developing deep technical knowledge and making that knowledge meaningful to people who may not share the same expertise.
David helps audiences move beyond simply presenting information to communicating why their ideas matter. His sessions explore how professionals can maintain accuracy and credibility while making complex subjects accessible, memorable and engaging.
Participants can gain practical tools to:
David's sessions emphasize active participation, giving audiences opportunities to explore real communication challenges and develop approaches they can continue applying in their own work.
David is the author of the Speaker's Quick Guide series for emerging and developing speakers. The series includes The Speaker's Quick Guide to Presenting with Confidence, offering accessible guidance for people looking to become more assured and effective presenters.
He also hosts the biweekly podcast The Power of Story and Science, which explores how storytelling can help technical work reach and influence wider audiences.
Through both his books and podcast, David examines the intersection between evidence and human connection, showing how strong communication can give important ideas greater reach and relevance.
David's programs have earned positive feedback for being knowledgeable, personable, practical and engaging. Participants frequently highlight his ability to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable contributing while remaining actively involved in the learning process.
His approach translates effectively to virtual environments as well. Participants have praised his ability to maintain engagement online while providing practical tools they can immediately apply in their work and leadership.
Rather than simply transferring knowledge, David encourages audiences to think through communication challenges for themselves, helping them develop skills that remain useful beyond the session.
David holds a BA in Radio-Television-Film and Physics from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, as well as an MA in Communication and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
His multidisciplinary background in engineering, broadcasting, communication and business gives him a distinctive perspective on how technical professionals can make their knowledge more accessible and influential.
For organizations where complex ideas need to be communicated clearly, David brings technical credibility, practical communication expertise and an engaging approach that helps people turn what they know into messages that connect.
5 of 5
"David’s sessions both online and in person attract dozens of members whenever he speaks. He really understands what their work-world is like. We look forward to having him in the program because we know he puts the audience first and will collaborate to produce a session everyone enjoys."
Joy Davis C.A.E.
5 of 5
"Working with David has been the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience. His coaching not only helped me to develop a well-crafted speech, but it also gave me the confidence and performance skills I needed to deliver it."
Tammy M. M.S.W.
5 of 5
"After this presentation for TEDx Billings, it was the most amazing thing, the number of people who came up to me and told me that they felt like they were right in the middle of the story with me – that it impacted them to a different degree because they felt the story and didn’t just hear it."
Sherry W. Former Olympian TEDx Speaker
5 of 5
"The reason we keep on having David Otey come back to us is that he has the information that our members care about."
Lesleigh R. Education Manager AAPS
Keynote by David Otey:
When leaders model authentic strength by asking for help, teams stay more focused, engagement deepens, and retention strengthens across the organization.
“Impactful...made the space safe!”
Audience Takeaways
Keynote by David Otey:
This candid parent-child perspective deepens understanding, overcomes shame, and models how to navigate mental-health struggles personally and in one’s close relationships.
“Raw and real...eye opening...helpful”
Keynote by David Otey:
When organizations make it safe to talk about struggle, shame fades, trust grows, and both lives and workplaces are saved.
“Important and thought-provoking”
