I attended a corporate communication class with The Art of Speaking last year. I thought my communication skills were pretty good, but coaching helped me make significant improvements. Since that session I’ve received some good feedback at work, and presentations no longer seem like such of a chore!
The training approach is thorough and professional using a mix of techniques, tailored to the needs of the person. I can recommend the courses without hesitation. Michele Konrad, Head of Supply Chain for an Australian ASX 50-listed Company I have never been comfortable speaking in public, but have always had to do it as part of my career. It has been something that I have struggled through, reluctantly.
The Art of Speaking was recommended to me whilst working on multiple projects which required many speeches over a few days. What can I say…..I was transformed from an average, but obviously nervous speaker into a good, confident speaker in just a matter of days. The techniques that you learn will stick with you and you will continue to develop. Be open and you will see a noted improvement, not only in the way you speak, but also in your confidence and the way you feel. I saw colleagues go from terrible to great speakers in just a few hours. I would definitely call on The Art of Speaking before a major presentation to refresh my skills and put me through my paces as a public speaker. Shelia Walthoe, Chief Marketing Officer, Be Business Our team really enjoyed working with Melinda throughout our major launch events to help us deliver an impactful and memorable message to our audience. We worked on everything from presentation skills, to content, energy, voice and breathing and were incredibly surprised by the impact this had on delivering our presentations successfully. I’ve been able to use these skills in many other meetings and presentations since. The experience was invaluable.
Richelle Barker, National Brand and Trade Marketing Manager, Electrolux I speak publicly for a living. As a trial lawyer I am in Court on an almost daily basis talking to juries or judges. No one trains you for public speaking in law school and all the professional education after law school is focused on the law. Persuasion and clear communication are amongst the most important things I do for my clients.
When I organised the session with Melinda, I thought I might get a few tips to improve what I have learned and taught myself over the years. The sessions were much more valuable than that. Melinda was able to bring my attention to habits and crutches that I had developed and show me a whole new method of preparing and delivering speeches. The one on one coaching, working with texts that I use at work was eye opening. The challenge will be to keep applying the insights and the critical eye that she shared with me. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough. Josh Taaffe, Partner, In-House Counsel, Accredited Criminal Law Specialist at Doogue + George Defence Lawyers It was such a pleasure working with Melinda. She provided direct, intuitive and practical coaching that helped me deliver an excellent plenary presentation that I was pretty nervous about doing during our coaching sessions. It was such a positive experience! Melinda helped me come out of my shell and express myself with clarity and confidence. Her insights and coaching direction was easy to follow and helped me embody the delivery of the content more fully. I would recommend anyone who is looking to knock their next presentation out of the park to call on Melinda. She will get you ready!
John Petrozzi, Chiropractor, Petrozzi Wellness Centre I truly couldn't have done it without you! Your pitch preparation guidance and strategies to help me overcome my nerves were a critical part of my success.
Both during my pitch to government and in my acceptance presentation, my mind momentarily went completely blank (as usual). But I totally took on your advice and talked through it. It was completely seamless and I could see it meant that others weren't uncomfortable with my nervousness (which has been the case in the past). And that last strategy, in Sydney, was sheer brilliance! It's such a winning strategy. I couldn't believe how much that turned around my whole attitude to pitching, presenting and even the whole business. You're a legend Melinda! Thank you for being a pivotal part of our journey! I definitely want more. Cathy Resnick, Director of Product & Technology, Kinchip Systems Melinda, helped me get over my fear of public speaking by coaching me through my presentation and helping me believe in myself. Melinda showed me how to structure my presentation, how to deliver key messages and how to create the right tones needed for each key message through my voice and how to engage the audience. I would always use her services for my seminars and speech preparation.
Pedj Bojic, Director, MVP Academy |
This was such a great course – Melinda Dransfield has a gift for coaching communication. Easily one of the most immediately useful PD events that I have attended.
Ann Edwards Lecturer, Australian Catholic University Melinda is a brilliant stage coach and adds so much value to the rehearsals of our events. She works with all levels of our organisation – from junior employees to the Executive Team, and adapts her style to suit. Melinda builds rapport with each presenter and quickly reads their ability and comfort level with presenting on stage. She gives each person a range of tips – how to speak, where to stand, how to nail their key messages, how to best address the audience – all to boost their confidence and enhance their delivery. Our presenters are so much more engaging and entertaining after coaching from Melinda.
We always use Melinda to stage manage our events too. While managing all the behind the stage activity on event day, she also helps calm the nerves of our presenters and gives plenty of positive reinforcement before they walk out on stage. Melinda is professional, informative, experienced and extremely likeable. Our events would not be the success they are without her and I would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone looking for help to take their presenters to the next level. Mel Lyne, Head of Marketing Communications and Brands, TAL I've always felt at ease when speaking publicly but Melinda was able to help me address some of my quirks. It's given me a renewed sense of confidence and professionalism. She's also incredibly smart, non-judgemental and joyful. I can't recommend her more highly.
Britt Arthur, Film Producer I have known Melinda Dransfield for over 20 years and she has helped me on many occasions in what I would have previously considered terrifying public speaking situations.
Melinda has enabled me to benchmark my communication skills and become more self-aware so I have been able to take control of my presentations instead of being overwhelmed by them. I recently engaged Melinda to consult to my sales staff on their presenting style and the results and feedback have been outstanding. Sue Pember, Director, Mi Casa Boutique Property We were in a bind. We discovered at the last minute that our promotional video was not what we wanted. So, with a deadline looming and only a few hours left on the clock, we had to refine our message, storyboard a new video, learn how to present to camera, reshoot and edit ...and we were complete newbies! Melinda came to the rescue and was wonderful!
We brought her in to voice coach and direct us, but when she saw we were in trouble she knew exactly what to do. She quickly grasped our value proposition and the message we were trying to convey, helped us to refine and communicate our message succinctly, and guided the videographer to deliver the best possible outcome. Melinda was sensitive but firm, telling us the hard truths and demonstrating what we needed to do to change. OK, so we still won't win any academy awards, but considering the raw material she had to work with, it was transformative. I'd definitely recommend The Art of Speaking to anyone who wants to improve their ability to influence others effectively, through voice and presentation. Gry Stene, Director of Strategy & Operations, Kinchip Systems Melinda is always a pleasure to work with. Her ability to bring out the best in presenters is something that our clients and I both value immensely.
She is unique in her ability to coach the CEO one day and Stage Manage the next, always making those involved, feel comfortable and confident. Her extensive experience both on and off the stage, is evident as she runs the rehearsal day with ease and purpose. She is a great member of the team, that we would recommend to anyone needing a presentation coach. Sarah Warn, Managing Director, BORNCURIOUS Voice projection has always been something I've struggled with, so I contacted The Art of Speaking for a little help. There's been many unexpected gains that have impacted every area of my life. I feel clearer and more confident in everything from social interactions to dealing with clients. Melinda's open personality made me feel at ease straight away, and I noticed changes immediately. I'd highly recommend her to anyone.
Krystal Barrett, Designer/Owner, Dot Textiles |
Telephone+61 417 977 153
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