What happens?

The public speaking courses I run are in a small group, usually 8 to 10 participants, where my aim is to make it as safe as possible  to help you overcome the fear of public speaking. This helps you to  feel more at ease and more yourself. My courses work on understanding what gets in the way for us and then learning the new skills we need. Most of one day workshop are about learning the new skills. Everyone who comes wants to get better at public speaking but are usually afraid of public speaking at the same time.

I use an approach called Speaking Circles® which focuses on the essential first step missing in traditional public speaking programmes - the connection between speaker and listeners. We concentrate on this connection - on building a relationship between you and the audience. This not only gives an understanding why its difficult for most people to feel at ease but much more importantly gives you the skills and the practice to change it.

My job as a facilitator is to make it as safe as possible for you to explore what gets in the way. And to make it possible for you to be there. I've been running the same course since 2000 so I've got a lot of experience in making people feel as safe as possible. I still love doing running the course.

This relationship-based approach provides a supportive listening environment where you learn to express yourself confidently and naturally.
How to connect with one person at a time without effort. can we get used to blank faces in the audience?So the perspective moves from impossible to very possible. Or even from possible to enjoyable.

As a result, you will change the nature of how you see "public speaking."

The aim of the workshop is to introduce a simple new approach to public speaking - a  way of looking at public speaking which makes the whole process a lot more straightforward. A lot simpler.

And believe it or not its a lot more fun than it sounds.  "I very much enjoyed all the laughter!"
To get an idea of people’s initial fears transformed read the feedback opposite.

My passion is about helping you find your voice and to take your place more easily in front of people. Below is a letter that I got in November 2010 from someone who has been on the course.

 "Thanks again for a great weekend. Your ability to get people to face their long-time fears and overcome them was really impressive. I came on the course to try an overcome my lifetime fear of getting up to speak. With a wedding coming up, I didn’t want to do my usual thing of mumbling “thank you very much” and sitting down; something I had done at my retirement “do”, though I had prepared a good speech..
The course went right to the hub of my problems, addressing directly the moments I got when I walked to the podium and when I stared at all those blank faces.  And I feel a million times better equipped to deal with those moments now I have done the course. I’m a retired airline pilot. I didn’t mind talking to people in the plane, but then I was hidden away, and in fact facing away from them." Alan

other participant's feedback

I thoroughly enjoyed the course that I was dreading beforehand!
Kate

How glad i am that i particpated in the course and how well it was run. Would recommend it to anyone who has any concerns about speaking publicly
Claire

Simple, Engaging, feels realistic - ie I can do it!, I'm delighted I came - Thanks
Emma

The whole thing is great, very warm and wholeheartedly led sets a conducive, safe and inspiring atmosphere
Hellie


The day whizzed by because I was an active particpant. What a brilliant course! Thank You
C.

Very inspirational & liberating
Gladys


One of the most positive experiences of my life.
Iris