what others say

In addition to the reviews below you may wish to read this blog post which includes some stories from past clients. You can also read this one to find out what people said about why they registered for course.  All reviews on this page are genuine but are published using first names only to protect client privacy.  Many of the reviews below have also been published as google five star reviews with full names. 
I joined Catherine’s course as I had not put public speaking to much practice for a few years, and wanted to address some of the resulting discomfort. Catherine’s facilitation was relaxed but efficient, with just the right amount of engagement from the other attendees to make it interesting, as well as enable learning from each other (my cohort was a wonderful, inspiring group of people). The tips & tricks I learnt from Catherine were simple yet not obvious. I enjoyed and benefited from this course. Thank you, Catherine.
- Selvi - course participant April 2024
"One of the best courses I have ever done. Taught me so much about myself and built my confidence right back up. Catherine creates a great, safe space to just get out there and try. She focuses on becoming comfortable as a speaker but also gives great tips on what a good public speaker looks like. Cannot recommend enough :)"
-Carla - course participant March 2023
 "I thoroughly enjoyed working on my public speaking during this course. Catherine has great learning material and creates a great environment for all. This course has helped me gain confidence speaking publicly in a work setting, which I previously avoided. Highly recommend this course to anyone either fearful or avoidant of public speaking. "
- Kairan - course participant March 2023
"I really enjoyed Fear-less course. I walked into the first session a nervous wreck, because anything that involves public speaking makes me very nervous. Catherine guided the class through the course at a good pace and pushed us along where needed, otherwise I would have never got up to speak. The class is a safe space, and you are surrounded by peers who are in a similar position. The course gave me many valuable experiences and I learnt lots of ways to help progress my public speaking and manage my nerves. I finished the course with a newfound confidence."
- Jamie - course participant November 2022
“Enjoyable, helpful & well-structured class. Exercises were easy to digest and helped to build up confidence needed towards fear-less public speaking”
- Rohaan M - course participant November 2022
I highly recommend this course for anyone with high levels of anxiety. I chose Catherine’s course because it seemed less ‘corporate’ than other courses, focusing instead on how to address the intense physical feelings of nervousness associated with public speaking. It was more than I could have hoped for and was so much fun to be part of a supportive, motivational group of people with exactly the same fear as me. Catherine is very knowledgeable and encouraging and I came away with a new self-confidence I didn’t realise I had.
- Jo - course participant October 2022
Great class - Catherine is a very supportive teacher. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to increase their confidence in public speaking.
- Anita - course participant October 2022
I chose to enroll in Catherine's Fear-less course because I anticipated being asked to speak publicly about my work. The thought of which made my stomach turn a little, and I wanted to be ready when the opportunity came so that i would make the most of it. I found the course spanning over a number of weeks really beneficial as it gave me the opportunity to go through the motions of preparing for an actual speech in advance. learning about the psychology behind why I'm feeling anxious or nervous helped me understand myself better. Knowing that it's a struggle many people face, I felt less embarrassed about it and more empowered. The course also covered many useful areas of public speaking including the use of open body language which really helped me feel more at ease in front of a crowd. Following on from the course I was invited to speak at an event about my work. I took everything I had learned in the course and put it in place in preparation and it went really well! I practiced quite a bit beforehand so that I wouldn't need any notes and was able to stand there and speak unaided.
- Paul - course participant August 2022
I signed up for this course as I've had a lifelong battle with the fear of public speaking. As my career progresses, the need to speak publicly continuously increases and so I decided to tackle my fears head on by participating in this course! Catherine is fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, she genuinely cares about you and does everything she can to support and encourage you to succeed. The course is extremely well structured and you will see and feel your confidence grow every week. Our group of people were fantastic, encouraging and supportive and it was a joy to see their own progress and confidence grow throughout the course. If you have a fear of public speaking, sign up today, you will learn so much, grow your self confidence and feel great within yourself for doing so.
- Carly - course participant August 2022
5 Stars. I am so thankful I found Catherine’s course and followed through on attending. My previous experiences of public/group speaking were accompanied with more anxiety than I would have preferred that lead to less than ideal performances .I am so grateful to Catherine, her very professional, very caring and knowledgeable guidance and the ability to practice with like minded individuals has given me such a great understanding and platform moving forward in this area. Thank you again Catherine.
- Joel, course participant August 2022
I enrolled in this course to help with a big in-person client presentation and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I was a nervous wreck for the client presentation and if I was going to be the worst speaker in the course and look like a fool. I didn't need to worry at all! We did 3 presentations in total and I could feel and see my confidence and delivery improve when comparing my first one to my third. Catherine was an amazing teacher and she created a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for us to learn and grow. I ended up nailing the client presentation all thanks to Catherine and this course!
- Gaby, course participant August 2022
This was a fantastic course, great length of 7 weeks and what I wanted most was to be able to practice delivering short speeches in a safe environment to rebuild my confidence - it ticked all my boxes! Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to achieve this too.
- Rachell, course participant June 2022
Recently completing 7 weeks course with Catherine left me feeling excited for my future public speaking engagements! I would highly recommend this program that is packed with useful practical theory, helpful written material and opportunities to do speaking engagements in a friendly judgment free environment. Catherine has a very warm welcoming personality, she is very knowledgeable in what she does. I was looking forward to each class we had, whole set up was fantastic. Big thank you!
- Katja, course participant June 2022
Highly recommend this course for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. I learnt a lot and look forward to putting into practice further the skills I learnt. Catherine is also wonderful too :)
-Jemma, course participant April 2022
I enrolled in this course in order to prepare to give a wedding speech. I initially did the course online, but enjoyed it so much and got so much out of it that I decided to do it again in person. In both cases the groups were fantastic – loads of laughs and tons of supportive comments. This course seems specifically geared toward people who have a phobia of public speaking but are maybe not yet ready to take the plunge and join a Toastmasters club etc. As such it brings together people from a wide-range of backgrounds who have at least two things in common – a heightened level of anxiety or uncertainty about speaking in public, and a determination to overcome it. Catherine provides a huge amount of material and advice, and is consistently supportive. She goes over a wide range of tools that can be used to overcome nerves, structure presentations better and so on, and provides a non-judgmental environment in which to practice them, at an undemanding pace. I honestly cannot recommend this course highly enough.
-Ross, course participant April 2022
The best place to become a fearless public speaker. A wonderful team with like-minded people to accept and support your mistakes and helps to overcome the obstacles you have in delivering a good talk. Catherine is a truly motivational and supportive leader.
- Ashin, course participant April 2022
This course is different to any others like it. Loved every minute of it. Everything Catherine said made sense to us. She has given us the tools we need, but now need to put them into practice.
- Stuart, course participant April 2022
"Catherine's course is perfect for anyone wanting to face, understand and overcome their fear of public speaking. It's a safe space to learn and practise speaking with a group that's facing exactly the same issues. I guarantee your perspective of what you're capable of will change for the better doing this course."
-Nathan, course participant April 2022. 
"Fantastic course with small numbers. Would highly recommend to people at all levels. Finished the course more confident and with a full toolkit on how to handle my nerves and how to prepare a great speech. Catherine is a wonderful teacher, knows her stuff and provides constructive feedback. Do it!!"
- Jane, course participant August 2021
"This course with Catherine is perfect for anybody who has an unnecessary phobia of public speaking. Catherine's teaching methods are really great and it's really comforting being in a small group of people who are there for the same reasons that you will be."
- Joseph, course participant August 2021
"If you need help with Public Speaking, I would 100% recommend this course. As someone who was terrified at the possibility of public speaking this course helped me immensely to battle with the nerves and gave me practical advice to overcome these challenges. The group we had was amazing and super supportive and it was a real pleasure to see each one of them develop over the weeks. If you want to get better at public speaking in a supportive, non-judgmental environment this is the course for you."
- Matt, course participant May 2021
"I have struggled with social anxiety and lack of confidence with public speaking for quite a few years. Catherine provides a safe, non judgemental space for you to practice public speaking. I would encourage anyone who struggles with public speaking to bite the bullet, be courageous and commit to this course, you won't regret it! I got so much out of it and feel much more confident."
- Samantha, course participant May 2021
"Such a great course! Learnt so much and increased my confidence 10 fold! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an opportunity to go outside their comfort zone! Thanks Catherine!"
-James, course participant May 2021
"I've been looking for a course like this for a long time to address what had become a very limiting fear of public speaking. I'd done one other course before but it didn't quite hit the mark. This course was perfectly balanced for me and it seemed many others. Catherine's approach is very down to earth and honest but also extremely practical and effective. The course was well run and structured and I would gladly recommend this course to anyone."
- Tony , course participant November 2020
"Catherine provides a great course for people looking to get over the initial fear and anxiety of public speaking. The course provides great learnings on why we feel how we do with public speaking and some methods to overcome it. There are also opportunities to practice speaking to help develop the skill."
- Matt, course participant September 2020
"I have always had a fear of public speaking and had some severe panic attacks while speaking in public in the past. Catherine's course took a lot of courage for me to start, but once there, I felt so comfortable with Catherine and the group that I really looked forward to each class. The learning components and practical exercises were at a perfect pace for me. I now know the tools and techniques to get past the fear and present well. I am so much more confident about public speaking now and wish I'd known about the course earlier. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills."
- Wanda. course participant August 2020
"Before taking this course I couldn't think of anything worse than getting up to present to people. After finishing the course I'm actually finding it rather enjoyable which is not something I expected! This is a great way to practice speaking in front of people in a relaxed environment where everyone is on the same page as you."
- Patience, course participant August 2020
"I found the Fear-Less course really valuable. I could definitely feel the improvement in my public speaking by the end of it. There was a great combination of strategies and practice opportunities in a positive and encouraging environment. Highly recommend."
- Jazz, online course participant May 2020
"This a great course to start practising and learning public speaking. It will provide you with a safe place to practice and by the end you will feel more confident in yourself."
- Hanna, online course participant May 2020​
"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