My background is in sales, and over the last 15 years I've enjoyed selling a variety of building materials across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

I've had the pleasure of working with some great teams and customers over that time, and had my share of success along the way too. 

However - when it came to presenting and communicating to groups, I was often inconsistent and usually a touch anxious. 

I recall a particular moment, attending a new product launch for my company at the time. On the second day I was tasked with presenting to a large group during a breakout strategy session. Not only did my nerves get to me, the guy who presented after me NAILED his. People were shaking his hand afterwards!

On reflection, this was the origin point of The Oratory Studio, although I didn't know it then.

What I did know, was that I needed to figure this shit out. 

What works, what does not, what is necessary to know and what is not. 

The question I asked myself was:

How do you become a consistent, effective and authentic communicator?

Then I set off to discover the answer.

I realised, through talking with people from all walks of life, through attending other speaking groups (shouts to Toastmasters and Sheffield Speakers) and through my own development, that:

1. Almost everyone experiences some kind of trepidation before putting themselves forward to speak publicly - from mild nerves to outright panic.

2. This is because we rarely, if ever, get an opportunity to practice. All too often, that practice takes place on the job, where the stakes are the highest. 

3. So a large number of people, across all sectors, limit their career progression by avoiding public speaking altogether, or only engage in it patchily and without any consistency.

4. Subsequently, most do not get very good at it. Or, if they develop a level of competence, it is only after many bruising episodes along the way (and often helped along by some discreet but costly coaching)

5. Happily, for just about everyone, you can change the game, break past those limitations, and even enjoy it (yes, really), by committing to four very simple measures:

Undertake meaningful practice

With useful feedback

Within a suitable environment

Set manageable goals along the way

With these as the foundation, each as vital as the other, The Oratory Studio was born.

And whilst the measures are not unique on their own, the approach is.

It's a modern, friendly and functional space for people to build confidence, and unlock their own uniquely powerful communication style.

Without workbooks. Without lectures. Without gimmicks.

The learning is in the doing. So lets do it. Every aspect is kept useful and relevant, helping you to build your best voice. And we have fun with it too.

Progress, under these conditions, is rapid - and if my story has resonated with you, come along to the next session and see for yourself. 

You'll be in good company.

JJB.