Public speaking courses in London,
with a different approach
Two-day courses in central London for people who find public speaking hard.
Next course
People helped
8,500+
Running since
2000
Small groups
6-10
Success rate
99%+
What London attendees say
“The best training course I’ve been on, without a doubt. John’s calm and constructive approach quickly becomes infectious. It was so inspiring to be part of a room full of people who started off eaten up by negative thoughts and doubts of self worth, and experience our journey to become people willingly, unapologetically, and even keenly taking part in the very safe and well-constructed experiential opportunities (none are obligatory!). Ponder no further, do this course!”
Claire Bass
“A fantastic course. John's approach is extremely sensitive to those with a fear of public speaking (me!) and at no point did I feel uncomfortable or pressured. You learn the fundamentals of why we shy away from being in the spotlight and how to be kinder to yourself. John is very sincere and an excellent teacher. Couldn't recommend enough.”
Alice West
Lots more in-depth course reviews here
Dates & Prices
Two rates. Pick the one that fits.
My London public speaking courses run most months (except for a break in August and December).
SOLO RATE
£625
(early bird £525)
For self-funded places.
STANDARD RATE
£770.40
(early bird £684)
For part or fully-funded places by an organisation.
All courses are held at:
The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AL
The method
Taking Your Place in the World
My public speaking workshops are aimed at anxious public speakers, whether you are a beginner or have been speaking for a long time.
It’s NOT the standard presentation skills course. It’s not about how to structure a presentation
My course is different. It’s about changing how we see public speaking and presenting, it’s about changing our thinking. Working at the real fundamental level to move from “Can I be okay being the centre of attention?” or “If I pause, will they think that I don’t know my subject” to feeling that you can really trust yourself when all eyes are on you.
I've taught it for 26 years - ten people at a time - to over 8,500 anxious speakers with the focus on helping anxious people feel far more confident about public speaking and being the centre of attention.
What you’ll be able to do
Six shifts most people notice
Feel more at ease in front of an audience, and stop building a harsh, judgemental one inside your head.
Be comfortable being the centre of attention.
Quieten the harsh inner voice that catastrophises.
Speak conversationally rather than performing.
Connect authentically with an audience.
Deal with the problematic thoughts that surface while preparing a talk.
How it works, and why it’s safe
Small steps, small groups
An experiential course built in very small steps, because it's hard to learn anything while anxious. Ground rules keep the space safe, and no exercise is compulsory — you're always in control. Individual attention and questions welcome throughout, with gentle speaking practice and reflection.
You won't be the odd one out
Professionals from many sectors, most of them nervous. Everyone in the room dislikes public speaking in some way. No PowerPoint. Smart casual dress.
“Fantastic course. Amazing the difference two days can make. John is a legend, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and passed on life changing skills to the group.”
James Tighe
The venue
Central London venue
24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AL.
Participants seem to love this tucked away venue and I do too. It's a little oasis in central London - a calm, unhurried space that feels nothing like a corporate training room, which suits the course perfectly.
There's a garden courtyard, a café run by Amy serving great Asian food at lunchtimes, and often a fascinating exhibition of international artists in the gallery itself. It's the kind of place you'd never stumble across unless someone pointed you to it.
Nearest Tubes
Holborn, Russell Square and Chancery Lane
Buses
19, 25, 38, 55, 168 and 188
The guarantee
Change how you feel about public speaking, or get your money back
Here is my word…Your money returned if you don't think you have benefited from the course.
Since 2000, I've refunded 10 people not because I'm stingy or argue. Only 10 people have asked. Out of over 8500 people. And I'm still trying to get better!
Who’s teaching you
John Dawson
The course is run by me, John Dawson. I’ve been teaching this course for 26 years and it’s been constantly evolving as I’ve learnt more. I’ve trained in groupwork and I've learnt from clinical psychology research and translated it into the everyday training room. What I’m bringing from that research is a new set of simple skills and reframes for public speaking confidence. It’s an approach and a job that I love. My passion is to help people have confidence not just for public speaking but for life.
Not ready to book?
Let’s talk first
If you're nervous about booking, you're not the only one. Here are two low-pressure ways to talk it through first.
Free 10 minute chat
Book a ‘Talk to me for free!’ 10 minute slot when you can ask anything before you book.
1:1 Zoom coaching
My one-to-one coaching hour sessions are via Zoom with an introductory session for £45 for an hour’s session instead of my normal £95.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
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At the October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AL, a few minutes from Holborn, Russell Square and Chancery Lane.
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Prices start from £525 including VAT for self-funded places, with a separate rate for organisation-funded places and an early-bird discount for booking ahead.
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It's a two-day course, roughly 9am to 5pm on day one and 9am to 4pm on day two.
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Most months of the year, with a break in August and December.
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Yes. They're designed for people who find public speaking frightening, every exercise is optional and the groups are small and supportive.
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Small groups of 6 to 10, so everyone gets individual attention.
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Yes. The approach works whether you currently avoid speaking altogether or already speak but want to feel more at ease.
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Yes, a simple no-quibble guarantee, plus free cancellation up to 14 days before the course.
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Yes. There's a standard rate for organisation-funded places, and invoicing is available for single or multiple bookings.
Book your London public speaking course
SOLO RATE
£625
(early bird £525)
For self-funded places.
STANDARD RATE
£770.40
(early bird £684)
For part or fully-funded places by an organisation.