Find your voice

“I started my business for several reasons. Having spent four years in London working for The Kingstree Group, who were the market leaders in training people to become better presenters and public speakers, I wanted to move back to Edinburgh. I could see that very few companies offered that service in Scotland, and none used the approach that I had developed.

Believe it or not, public speaking is not my favourite pastime. I wasn’t born with an ability to do it instinctively: I’m only good at it because I know how to do it, I understand it, and I’ve practised almost every day for 20 years. I still do. That’s the essence of what I teach people. I help them to understand their own unique style, and how to relax into it. I then give them a range of tools, techniques and tactics to draw on. After that, all it takes is practice to become a great presenter.

Some people need more help than others. But anyone can develop excellent presentation skills, given the right support from someone who understands them and their particular style.

I love my job. I help people to learn a life skill which quite a few of them did not believe they could ever master. Once they have, they can win more pitches, raise investment, move up the career ladder… whatever their goals may be.”

“I joined the company in 2016. My current role is, well… organiser, researcher, resource creator, travel agent, fact-checker, sounding board… and I could go on! I think that my background in teaching gives me a perspective that’s slightly different to most people’s. I’ve always been conscious of the importance of getting your message across clearly, concisely and simply. Ultimately, I work closely with the rest of the team so that I fully understand the needs of each client and can help to create a programme that’s bespoke to them. It’s a fascinating role, and I never know what each day will have in store.”