People often say that making a presentation or giving a talk is their “No.1” fear, because so much is at stake professionally and frequently financially. This is confirmed by research. An incredible 45% of people’s perceptions of a company are based on their view of the CEO alone. In today’s fast multi-media environment we look for signs of authentic leadership, we are suspicious of spin doctors and we switch off when we see a speaker reading from a script. Pressure on speakers to meet audience expectations has never been greater.

The good news is that the ability to speak out and appear natural in front of an audience, whilst delivering a clear message with strength and effectiveness is a learnt skill, not one with which we are born.

Speak Out specialises in presentation skills coaching and self development through actor training to achieve authentic performance - essential for effective sales, strong leadership and superb customer service.

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My Coaching Philosophy

I have a Master of Arts in Actor Training & Coaching from the Central School of Speech and Drama and more than 15 years in the corporate sector as a specialist in impression management and presentation skills coaching.

At the heart of my work is a belief that to be yourself is enough. The self is multifaceted. By facilitating your imagination I will help you find the words, voice and actions appropriate to your situation and what you want to achieve.

With an holistic approach to coaching and a passion for applying actor training in different contexts my client list is diverse. It includes FTSE top 200 CEOs and their colleagues, senior civil servants, trade union leaders, doctors, lawyers and individuals who want to know how to present themselves and what they do in an engaging, clear and influential way. I have designed and delivered bespoke coaching programmes for managers at companies and organizations that include AXA, BBC, easyJet, Gillette, Home Office and NFU Mutual. I help to prepare Chief Executives and Finance Directors for presentations to the City and I have worked with Chief Executives and their teams on a number of high profile crisis management presentations.

In 2000 I directed 80 teenagers from the Isle of Man in a multi media dramatic presentation of the “IOM Story” at the Millennium Dome in London. Rehearsals and the final production were broadcast on TV. I coach professional actors, I have taught regularly at the Arts Ed School of Acting in London and I am a visiting lecturer at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Acting is about ‘doing’ and what we do will determine how we are perceived. The process begins with identifying what we think, because what we think will affect how we feel and how we feel will affect what we do.

An authentic performance has star quality when we recognise the speaker’s inner truth, their message makes us think, and our hearts and minds are moved to action.