An unconventional approach to public speaking.
Because it’s about more than just speaking.
Companies I’ve worked with
Don’t talk at your audience. Connect with them.
Need to deliver a presentation, pitch an idea, or motivate a team?
Do you want more influence and impact in your day to day communication?
How about unleash your full potential and inspire others to action?
Break from the norm
There are formulas to most things. The same goes for public speaking. But the more people use these formulas, the more formulaic the results. Have you ever seen the TEDx Talk of a guy giving a TED Talk about giving his TED Talk?
The most original and consistently inspiring tool you carry is you. So let’s work with that. Do you want more influence? Do you want to advocate for yourself or others?
Drop your presenter voice. Let’s amplify your authentic voice.
Forget what the audience is thinking. Let’s connect with them.
Don’t try to get rid of your nerves. Let’s use them.
My unique approach
This is not presentation skills off the shelf. Nor is it about giving a speech. Whether speaking with a pal over lunch or at a board meeting, we speak in public all the time. Your audience could be 1 person or a 300+ seat auditorium . . .
Public speaking is more than speaking from a script, info-dumping, or learning and delivering.
It’s all about being present and connected with your audience.
This means being prepared and confident in a way that might be new to you, one that allows you to open up, respond in the moment, and captivate your audience in such a way that even a presentation feels like a conversation.
It means not only taking the risk of sharing a bigger and more energised version of yourself but also feeling comfortable in taking that risk, which inspires others to do the same.
I do all of this - because I have a very unusual job. I’m an interactive performer.
Why work with me
I’m an interactive performer, which means I’m an actor of sorts, but unlike a lot of actors, I do more than deliver a script.
I work with my audience. I improvise. I get strangers up on stage with me and ask them hard questions that generate honest answers and instant buy-in to my story.
I do this through presence and connection. I hold my audience in a way that makes them feel safe, excited, and completely hooked.
I can teach you how to do this too.
Drawing on my 20 year experience in four countries, we can find your voice, confidence, and influence.
To talk about how I can help you or your team, contact me, so we can set up a meeting.
Who is this for?
Founders, CEOs, Executives, Managers — all leaders willing to break out of their comfort zone to discover how to represent the best of who they are, so their ideas can be communicated as clearly and persuasively as possible.
Deep down, you know there’s something bigger in you, and you’re ready to fight for it.
How I can help
I do 1:1 coaching, group workshops, and bespoke training for companies. Sessions are highly interactive, tailored to the individual (even in group settings) and radically shift the way you think about public speaking. My approach is suited to speakers at any level in a variety of contexts.
Facilitating WorkshopsPresenting to boardsInspiring your teamNavigating Q&As
Raising your profile in meetings
Speaking at conferencesPitching ideas and fundraising
Sales meetings-
Catherine was brilliant — she pushed me out of my comfort zone and highlighted things about my presentation style that I was completely unaware of and how to fix them. Her workshop was way more effective than other sessions I’ve done.
Workshop Participant
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Catherine ran a Presence & Connection workshop for us at Paddle in 2018, with all senior leadership team attending and some never having had any experience or indeed exposure to public speaking - but a real need to get better at it, fast. The day was set up to be super engaging, in equal measure challenging and fun. We learned a lot and put of lot of learnings into practice fast, thanks to Catherine's relaxed and innovative approach and the way she engaged with the group and helped us lean in, learn and improve.
Tina Frankie, Head of People and Talent, Paddle
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Catherine’s training was transformative for my team. Not only did they enjoy it, but after one session they noticeably - and permanently - had better executive presence in everything they did.
Ed Biden, Director of Product, Depop
Training I offer
Event Preparation
(Presentations, Interviews, Talks)
Here we examine a presentation in progress, co-creating your message, its clarity and impact, and amplifying your authentic voice.
What’s the story you’re telling? Why are you telling it? Why are you the one to tell it? Why does your audience need to hear it? How might we tell it in a way that feels like an experience?
You will also learn ways to harness your nerves, master your physical and vocal authority as well as achieve that enigmatic level of presence that is tangibly alive and unforgettable.
Leadership Presence
(Day-to-day Interactions)
Here we focus on your performance as a leader – how you communicate and present yourself day-to-day, so that you can bring something more authentic and impactful to work.
We’ll work through your immediate needs — be it inspiring your team or presenting to the board — to meet your long term goals.
You’ll learn transformative behavioural skills to elevate your influence, overall communication style, and ability to build rapport with others.
Come as you are, ready to take a leap. There’s no script for life.
Developing authentic voices for unconventional companies
What you can expect
Reframe any myths or barriers you might carry about public speaking.
Practice engaged and impactful body language, breath, and voice.
Harness your authentic voice instead of putting on a performance.
Silence your inner critic and connect with your audience.
Step out of your comfort zone and into confidence.
Flip your response from fear to excitement.
Learn the enigmatic power of stage presence.
Really mean what you’re saying.