what others say

"I was so nervous to start this course, and on the first night wanted to run back out of the classroom, but within 15/20mins of starting the class, Catherine had put my mind at ease. For a long time, I wanted to get on top of my fear of speaking in front of a group or in the boardroom but was too scared....finally I took the plunge and all I can say is that I am so happy I did. Catherine is an expert at making you feel comfortable and she 100% can fully understand where you are coming from. Completing the course just made me feel so happy and definitely more confident. I did notice in the first few weeks that I was a lot calmer about speaking and I looked for opportunities like Catherine had suggested. I would highly recommend this course to anyone is very nervous of speaking in front of a group, in a board room and/or giving presentations. Thank you so much Catherine."
- Louise, course participant December 2019
"Public speaking is one of my weaknesses, one that I thought I would never overcome. It has affected my career progression as I often give people the impression of being an ineffective communicator because of my fear of speaking up in front of a group. I decided to do something about it, but with a very low expectation of getting myself out of this dark hole. However, Catherine has changed my view that public speaking is not everyone’s cup of tea; it’s only a gift to someone but not to everyone. In her short eight weeks program, I have learned a lot more about why the fear of public speaking is fixable, and how to get better at it within a safe & comfortable environment.  I have enjoyed the time spent in the classes, gained the knowledge and skills on how to manage my fears, and most importantly, I got back my confidence in public speaking. I highly recommend Catherine’s course to anyone who wants to overcome the fear of public speaking or  polish their public speaking skills."
 - Steven, course participate October 2019
"An amazing, supportive course that will help anyone who has a fear of public speaking. Highly recommend!"
- Katie, course participant October 2019
​"I have dreaded public speaking to the point where I have avoided it my entire life. Situations where I had to speak, I felt completely out of control and choked up. It was a massive fear. Doing the Fear-less course has totally turned that around for me. I have managed to disable that subconscious belief that I can’t do it. Now that I know I can, I have the tools to move forward and keep improving. This course was the best gift I could give myself and Catherine has put together such a great, concise, sensible approach. The classes were comfortable in size, relaxed surroundings and just really conducive for learning a new skill. Can’t recommend this more highly."
- Kelly, course participant October 2019
"I’ve been meaning to face my fear of public speaking for years – I’m so glad I finally did. The course had a perfect mix of instruction and learning with chances to practice in front of a small audience – exactly what I needed to grow my confidence."
- Laurie, course participant October 2019
"Catherine's course was fantastic. The balance of theory and practical was spot on, and the intimate setting she creates in her classes provides the perfect safe zone to start learning and picking up confidence. It's been such a helpful course, and one that has given me a toolbox of tips and tricks to call on when needed. Thank you!"
- Ruby, course participant October 2019
"I'm the guy who sits at the back of a meeting, makes excuses whenever I'm chosen to speak and overall wouldn't dare volunteer to speak in front of any type of audience! Before I attended this course I struggled alot with public speaking... had a high level of anxiety about public speaking and couldn't write a well structured presentation even if my life depended on it! The course definitely changed all of that. Now I only look forward to giving speeches whenever I am given the opportunity to! 
- Atty, course participant October 2019
"I really got a lot out of Catherine’s course. I think the content strips things back to basics and I learnt that I can actually feel the nerves but know they are like a wave and not to fight them. The group was a wonderful bunch of people and we bonded over our shared fear. I never felt judged, only supported which was a helpful feeling when talking seated in a boardroom had even become a fear. I did struggle with not comparing myself to others, thinking they are better but then I also learnt my own unique strengths through watching other people’s deliveries. I recommend this to people who want to start small, just to regain some perspective that its okay to be nervous but it can be done!!"
​- Shay, course particpant October 2019
"Catherine’s very well-designed course has been life-changing for me. It had got to the point where I thought my fear of public speaking was insurmountable – I was proven wrong. It was really comforting being in a small group who were feeling just as vulnerable as I was. Catherine’s gentle encouragement and honest feedback allowed us to feel the amazing sense of accomplishment that comes from facing a fear and learning new skills. I finally have the confidence to join Toastmasters and will continue on this journey. I now feel more excited about my future and the new opportunities I can explore."
- Michaela, course participant June 2019
"Catherine is an inspirational teacher. Her Programme Fear-less Public speaking was incredible. I had lost my confidence, just because I had not done any public speaking for years. Catherine created a safe space for the group where we could work with our different stages and nerves. She covers how to write your speech, body language and position. Her feedback is encouraging and gentle. I am so grateful, thank you Catherine my confidence has returned. I met some incredible people and will miss my Tuesday mornings. "
- Baksho, course participant February 2019
"The course was great! I was terrified of public speaking, and of even showing up to this course. But it helped hugely and very glad I did it! Thanks Catherine!"
- Will, course participant February 2019
"It was a big deal for me to book this course, but now I have seen it through and completed it, I'm so glad I did it ! .. It has got me out of the starting blocks and on my way, I noticed the difference in my confidence by course end. Thank you Catherine"
- Ian, course participant February 2019
"This course is amazing. Catherine has given me the tools and techniques to present confidently and no longer lose sleep leading up to presentation. I'm so glad I did it."
- Kylie, course participant February 2019
​"Catherine has been instrumental in empowering me to develop my public speaking confidence over the past year. I felt reassured as she drew on years of experience to help me with constructive and empathetic feedback that I could immediately employ and grow from. I would not hesitate to book onto her course, and recommend her mentoring for anyone who has struggled with speaking in public, who doubts their abilities or just want to fine tune their presentation skills."  
​- Reza, member of Talking Heads Toastmasters, March 2019
​I found the 8-week fear-less speaking course valuable with takeaway notes and experience that I will be able to use and build on with ongoing practice.  Catherine is a wonderful facilitator who has a calm presence, is approachable and makes all attendees feel welcome.  Her style encourages and is able to get full participation from the group.  We all progressed very well over the 8-week period and were able to deliver improved presentations by the end of the course."
- ​Vanessa, course participant, September 2018
“Catherine has provided a series of Toastmaster workshops with a number of our Year 10 students over the past couple of years. Over the 9-week course students who identified themselves as incapable of public speaking were all able to deliver both prepared and impromptu speeches. The balance of formal structure and interactive activities, delivered in such a supportive environment, allowed them to grow in confidence and competence. Many of these students have since been able to articulate their ideas in class discussions and for assessment, something they would never have chosen to do prior to Catherine’s programme.”
​– Patricia Milner, Deputy Principal Epsom Girls Grammar , 2018