Executive Speech Coaching

Helping leaders prepare for the speeches that matter most

Some speeches are simply more important than others.

Whether you are addressing a business conference, speaking at an awards ceremony, welcoming government ministers, presenting to investors or representing your organisation at a major event, the way you deliver your message can leave a lasting impression.

"The right words matter. So do the audience, the venue, the timing and the way those words are delivered."

For more than twenty-five years I have written, delivered and listened to speeches in almost every imaginable setting. I have addressed audiences ranging from a handful of people in village halls to thousands at national conferences. I have spoken in the House of Commons, the Senedd, at political conferences, business events and public meetings, to audiences that have included Ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, senior business leaders and community organisations.

I have not simply delivered speeches—I have spent more than twenty-five years listening to thousands of them. I have seen speeches that inspired, persuaded and changed minds, and others that failed to connect with their audience. Those experiences have taught me that small changes in preparation and delivery can often make the difference between a speech that is quickly forgotten and one that people remember long after the event has ended.

I have also helped politicians prepare for important speeches and presentations through one-to-one coaching. During my time in Parliament I regularly supported newly elected Members as they developed their confidence in debates and public speaking, and as a Government Whip I worked closely with colleagues to prepare for speeches in the House of Commons.

More recently, I have delivered speech and presentation workshops for elected representatives in other countries.

Although my own background is in politics, the principles of effective public speaking are universal. My coaching is tailored to the individual, the audience and the occasion, and I am pleased to work with clients from business, charities, trade associations, diplomatic missions and other organisations.

Who is this for?

This service is designed for anyone preparing to deliver an important speech or presentation, including:

• Business leaders
• Charity leaders
• Conference speakers
• Trade association leaders and industry representatives
• Diplomats, ambassadors and embassy staff
• Anyone addressing an audience that includes Members of Parliament, Ministers or other senior decision-makers
• Individuals preparing for significant public engagements

Every Audience is Different

One of the biggest mistakes speakers make is believing that delivering a successful speech is simply about choosing the right words.

In reality, every audience, every venue and every occasion is different. The same speech can receive a standing ovation in one room and fall completely flat in another.

Before every important speech, I encourage clients to think carefully about questions such as:

Who is in the audience?

• What do they already know about the subject?
• Are they supportive, neutral, sceptical or even openly hostile?
• What are they expecting from the event?

What about the venue?

• Where will you be speaking? A conference hall, a boardroom, a village hall or an outdoor event?
• Will you be standing behind a lectern, using a handheld microphone or wearing a headset?
• Is your speech opening the event, closing it, or being delivered after a long day of presentations?
• Have people just finished lunch, or are they looking forward to it? Their energy and attention span may be very different.

How well have you prepared?

• Can you arrive early, see the room, stand where you'll be speaking and become familiar with the surroundings?
• How can you begin building a rapport with the audience before you even say your first words?
• Should your style be formal, conversational, humorous or inspirational?
• What do you want people to remember after you have finished speaking?

One lesson I have learned over more than twenty-five years is that a speech does not begin when you speak. It begins when the audience first sees you walk into the room. The way you are introduced, your first few moments on stage and the impression you create before saying a single word can all influence how your message is received.

These are the questions experienced speakers ask themselves. They often make the difference between a competent speech and one that people remember long after the event has ended.

How I Can Help

Every coaching session is tailored to both the individual and the occasion.

Together we will review your speech, refine its structure, strengthen its key messages and ensure it is right for your audience. We will look not only at what you say, but how you say it, when you say it and how to make your message memorable.

We can also work on pace, emphasis, humour, confidence, handling questions, speaking without sounding scripted and ensuring you feel fully prepared for the occasion.

Sometimes, just one or two hours of careful preparation can transform the impact of a speech.

A Typical Session

Before we meet, I'll ask you to send me your draft speech (if you have one), together with some information about the event and the audience.

During our session we'll work through the speech together, considering not only the words on the page, but also the audience, the venue, your delivery and the impression you want to leave.

You'll leave with practical suggestions, a refined speech and greater confidence for the event ahead.

Delivery

Executive Speech Coaching is available:

• One-to-one coaching
• Online or in person
• Usually in sessions lasting one to two hours
• Tailored specifically to your forthcoming speech or presentation

"Whether your audience is ten people or a thousand, careful preparation can make the difference between a speech that is quickly forgotten and one that achieves its purpose."



David Davies Please contact Westminster & Whitehall Partners on info@wwhip.com to discuss your requirements.