In my last public and in-person event before lockdown, I delivered my Confident Public Speaking workshop for a group representing various organisations working with the South Downs National Park.

Learners were asked for their impressions of the event, my delivery, the most useful elements and how they will use their new knowledge, skills and mindsets:

“Perfect intro to speaking in public. Gave me the confidence to have a go at preparing and giving a talk … [Philippa] Straightforward, clear, positive … [most useful] The opportunity to stand in front of the group and have a go at an elevator pitch and giving feedback … [I will] Have a go and refer to my notes … Excellent, all useful …” Elaine Ireland, Cultural Heritage Volunteer

“Very effective … [most useful] All of it … More please …” Nella, Lecturer, Higher/Further/Community Education

“Raised lots of interesting ideas to improve public speaking greatly … [Philippa] Very knowledgeable … [most useful] All of it … Well put together, well planned course” Donald Blanks, RSPB Volunteer

[Objectives achieved] Very much so. I learned a lot of things about public speaking that I have never heard of before! Trainer was first class! Very calm clear and friendly and lots of visual aids, etc and exercises to do. She also had some insights into her own public speaking which were very useful… [most useful] Breathing techniques is something I will work on to try to project my voice a bit more. I will use the things I have learned in this course in my position teaching children at the RSPB. All really useful stuff. I thought it was brilliant!” Emma Ostrer, Volunteer Learning Assistant Intern, RSPB

“[Objectives achieved] Fully … [Philippa] Easy delivery style, variety of visual and teaching methods. Clear presentation. It all served as a reminder of what I may already know as a storyteller – tips around powerpoint and projecting well. [I will use] For several aspects of work and volunteering opportunities that involve public speaking …” Janet Goring, Volunteer, SDNP

“Very thorough, clear, well structured, easy to digest and follow … increased confidence in preparing a presentation and going about it the right way …” Fiona, Area Ranger, National Trust

“[Philippa[ Good knowledge to encourage confidence … [most useful] Use of tongue twisters to clarify speech … ” Mark Taylor, Volunteer, SDNP

“[Objectives] Achieved significantly , with lots of tips on how to best perform … [Philippa] Easy to understand, great knowledge of public speaking and engaging … [most useful] Preparation skills and fine tuning of confidence and presenting … [I will] Allow myself to prepare more for presentations especially in difficult situations …” Cameron MacDonald, Student, University of Southampton