Finding Your Voice: A Weekend with a Public Speaking Coach

For many, public speaking ranks high on the list of fears. But what if conquering that fear was within reach? This weekend, get a glimpse into the life of a public speaking coach, discovering their passions, routines, and the places that inspire them.

The Power of Interaction

Clear communication is paramount, according to a public speaking expert who coaches individuals and businesses. “Clear, concise communication is significant to me. Without it we are lost,” they state. “Humans need to speak, whether that be for business purposes or in a personal capacity. Being able to authentically communicate makes a world of difference. It even avoids wars.” The digital age, while connecting us, also poses a challenge: “A lot of people hide behind their mobiles and laptops on social media, apps and Zoom. As the pandemic it has become much worse.”

breaking Through the Fear

The core mission for this coach is to empower others to overcome their anxiety around public speaking. “My passion is to help people break through their fear of public speaking – a fear that affects at least 75% of the population – and help them to find their voice and stand up and speak in front of their fellow humans.”

A Glimpse into the Weekend Routine

Friday Evening Relaxation

After a busy week, Friday night is all about unwinding. For this coach, that might involve a trip to the cinema, dining out with friends, or simply enjoying a movie at home. “Friday evenings for me are about switching off and relaxing by going to the cinema with my wife and family or out for a meal with friends. Sometimes, it’s as simple as settling down to a good movie on Netflix with my pyjamas on and a nice cup of tea!”

Saturday’s Dedication

The commitment to helping others often extends into the weekend. “Many of my saturdays are taken up facilitating public speaking courses,which I love. I run them in person once per month in Cork,Dublin and London so few enough of my weekends are entirely free.”

switching Off (Trying To)

Finding balance can be a challenge. “I try to switch off for the rest of the weekend but I don’t really have boundaries, as my wife constantly tells me! I know I should, but I don’t adhere to them. I work for myself, so I am always replying to emails or sending them.” Meditation is used as a tool for managing the demands of the job. “However,I do meditate,so that helps.”

Dream Getaways and Local Inspirations

A Trip to Trier

If money were no object, a weekend trip to Trier, Germany, would be in order. “I would go to Trier in western Germany to visit the birthplace of Karl Marx and take my wife (reluctantly from her point of view) with me.” The enduring impact of Karl Marx is a source of interest.”Marx was born in 1818 and over 200 years later the world still talks about him.He was a captivating character who, ironically, was in financial difficulty for most of his life. He is buried in Highgate Cemetery in London and has thousands of visitors every year. His philosophy was much misunderstood and misinterpreted.”

Barley Cove Beach: A Place to Recharge

Closer to home, Barley Cove beach in West Cork offers solace and inspiration. “I love Barley Cove beach in West cork. It is one of my favourite places to go with our dog. I have been there on hot summer days and freezing cold winter days. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, it is always stunning and invigorating.” the beach holds cherished family memories. “We have vrey happy memories of our two boys when they were toddlers running around the beach and playing in the shallow pools of water. Now, in their mid-20s, they still love going there and one of them is a great surfer.”

Connecting with Others

Weekends also provide an possibility to connect with loved ones. “Yes,where possible,but I can also do that during the week,too,as I work for myself! But meeting friends at the weekend is always a bit more relaxing.Being ‘present’ with people is a great gift to give someone. I try to put my phone on silent and not look at it when catching up with friends, especially when I haven’t seen them for a while.”

Hobbies and Interests

Spectator sports and relaxation are also on the agenda. “I love both football and rugby, but I don’t play either! I support Liverpool and have had the pleasure of watching them at Anfield, an iconic football ground, with a rich and accomplished history.I have also been to Twickenham,the home of English rugby,and have seen Ireland play – what a great day out a trip to watch a big rugby match is. My other ‘hobby’, if you could call it that, is to go to a nice spa and spend the day relaxing!”

Food and Conversation

Engaging in thoughtful conversations is a favored pastime. “Prefer to be entertained at a nice restaurant or dinner party with a group of people and talk about world affairs, domestic politics, and whether or not we are all living in a simulation. Anything to have a robust, intelligent conversation.” When dining in Cork, vegetarian options are preferred. “Being a vegetarian, when I am in cork I go to Paradiso, the Quay co-op and Sonflour.”

Sunday Evening Wind-Down

Sunday nights are reserved for relaxation and reflection.”Watching a good drama on netflix or Sky Atlantic, reading a book. I love reading, it helps me relax. I read all sorts of books. I prefer a real book to a digital one.”

Monday Morning: A Fresh Start

The start of the work week is flexible. “Anytime from 7am, depending on what my diary looks like that day. Being freelance has its benefits!”

Beyond Public Speaking

The passion extends beyond coaching. “The other hat I wear – and am equally passionate about – is that I am a director, producer, and screenwriter. I have developed a number of film and television projects which take a long time to get financed, so that also helps me to keep busy!” The commitment to helping others remains a constant.”Even if I win an Oscar for one of my films,I will still work with people and businesses,helping them to stand up and speak in public. The difference it makes to people is priceless.”

Unlock Your Potential

Ready to conquer your fear of public speaking and find your voice? Explore available workshops and coaching sessions to begin your journey toward confident communication. Find your voice and make a lasting impact.