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Public Speaking Course 
Participants' Feedback and Photos
"What worked with my personal public speaking skills training?
- Learning how to structure my speeches;
- Opening and closing techniques;
- How to cut out all the waffle;
- Focus on the audience - what they want to hear and how to deliver on the expectation.
What did I like?
The training was very interactive, It was great to have a partner to work with, rather than being taught.
What could be improved?
All good. Only request is to have a notebook with a sleeve in it to hold the exta handouts your gave me.
Thank you! Your help was invaluable. Would love to do more work with you."
J Sangster, CEO ADMA
Personal Speech Tuition 2012
"Thank you. Really enjoyed the course, your counsel and constructive feedback." Nick - Public Speaking, Sydney
"Thank you, thank you and thank you some more!! Not only have I gained so much confidence, I had the best time doing it :) Course objectives exceeded." Sarah D - Public Speaking
"I took the first steps in speaking in front of people. it was great to have to prepare speeches, to present and write more. The course format was great and the Trainer was very informative, encouraging and helpful. The course was made even better because everyone in the group was fantastic!" Sarah L - Public Speaking, Sydney
"The most challenging part was incorporating the speeches into a structure and getting time to practice speeches. The group of people were all supportive and I liked the clear directions given in the training from the beginning. I would also like to have the opportunity to do a follow-on course. Thanks." Deirdre- Public Speaking, Sydney 2011
"On the 29th of September, I had one the biggest nights of my life! Our Spanish Community Organization was the beneficiary of a concert sponsored by the Consul General of Spain, Gerardo, who asked me to speak about our organization to a crowd of 500. I was a nervous wreck, being a Toastmaster I knew I had it in me somewhere do it. So I prepared, writing
a speech about three weeks before. I was not happy with it, so I called in the professionals at Art of Communicating. Charmaine helped me rewrite it to a concise three minutes. I needed to make sure that the message of who we are and what we need be conveyed to an audience I didn't know. It worked! We raised that evening $18.000 to a sold out performance, with wonderful networking and great night had by all. Our profile has been lifted to new heights. The consul was so happy with our professionalism that he is prepared to do it all again for us in March! I am extremely happy - Big hugs to you!"
Maria Legaz, Spanish Community Care Association
Personal Tuition Training 2011
"Great course. So useful, so practical. It will set you up for life. Sign up today!
The practice, feedback and doing the speeches continually for 6 weeks was extremely beneficial."
Herman Chow, Speak with Confidence 2011
"Such a great opportunity to learn new public speaking techniques, hone skills, experiment and practice in a testing environment! I liked the empowering techniques for personal development and the professional attitude throughout the course. The location, venue and length of training was great."
Mark Terei, Speak with Confidence 2011
"I was really amazed at all the tools I can use in my public speaking, such as structure concepts and really understanding core values. Charmaine you are a wonderful trainer! :)"
Amanda Templeman, Speak With Confidence 2011
"I have had many complements since the wedding on my speech which is so pleasing, considering this time last year I could not have imagined myself address an audience at all. Most importantly, on the day, I was not nervous or anxious about the speech so I was able to fully enjoy the entire day not just (as I’ve heard from other grooms) only being able to relax after the speeches are over. I owe this entirely to yourself and your course, which gave me the tools as well as the confidence in my speech writing ability and assuredness in my delivery to make the day absolutely perfect. I cannot thank you enough for your assistance."
R Hart, Wedding Speech Coaching & Training
"Thanks Charmaine. You made the course enjoyable as well as teaching us the public speaking skills we aspire to. What I liked most about the course: Very hands-on, not just reading from course material. What was most beneficial: Learning how to structure a speech and how to have confidence and engage an audience."
Sharon Wells, NBCC Public Speaking 2011
"The impromptu speaking training was most useful for me as it made me think, plus the story-telling when walking around the room. I also liked learning how to write to keep people's attention."
SD - NBCC Public Speaking Training Course, May-June 2011
"The trainer was bubbly, interesting and great to listen to. Each week, my fear of public speaking lightened. What I enjoyed the most about the course was the growth I felt after stepping out of my comfort zone!"
Michelle Orkney - Pubic Speaking Course June 2011
"Getting in front of a camera and speaking for the first time was very challenging, then I found it fantastic!
My personal speech coach, Charmaine Burke, was supportive, empathetic and made the training fun. I learnt how to communicate to various audiences and successfully promote my book and my message. Excellent!"
Kate Marie, Author of Fast Living, Slow Aging
Personal Speech Tuition 2011
"Charmaine, thank-you for a fantastic course. I really enjoyed the layout and feeling of comfort of the course. I feel it had a lot of content but not too much to overload my brain. Thank-you! I would highly recommend this to anyone."
Karen Gee - Mrs Australia 2011
Speak With Confidence
"Great information on presentation, audience, structure and the importance of a good start and finish. ... The role playing was most challenging too!"
J Gaynor - City of Newcastle Council
In-House Business Training 2011
"Practice! The opportunity to improve the talk over time and in context of learning about theory was very beneficial.The information was well presented and the team obviously enjoyed being challenged. "
J Marshall - City of Newcastle Council
"Great tips on body language, structure of speech and the importance of linking the opening and the closing."
P Withers - City of Newcastle Council
"Great confidence building tips and the attention given to structure was very useful. The inspiring odd couple worked for me!"
D. Ballantyne - City of Newcastle Council
"Lots of fantastic information, tips and public speaking techniques. Very useful - thank you!."
K Flamiatos - City of Newcastle Council
"Learning how to organise my ideas was wonderful. Also having to get up and speak lots throughout the course was challenging, but very good! It was fun, interesting and tailored - aimed at the experienced professional, rather than a newbie."
Nicki Doble - Public Speaking & Business Presentation Training 2011
"Very beneficial to get the structure of how to 'build' a speech. Thank you!"
Sharon Mitchell - Author, Public Speaker
Public Speaking Training, June 2011
"A very valuable
day, individually and as a group. The personal development was huge! Most beneficial to me was learning how to add more structure to my speeches and developing body language skills.
Great group interaction, peer group support and reviews, logical, common sense approach and very relevant public speaking tips. I have seen hugh growth in the group."
J Versteden - GippsDairy
In-House Public Speaking Training, June 2011.
"This public speaking training provided good practice for potential real-life activities. Although writing and re-doing the speech was challenging, it gave great grounding to be able to talk about GippsDairy. Good group, good trainers and very good coaching."
M Gleeson - GippsDairy
"What was most useful to me is to know what speech structure to use when preparing my speeches and the actual practice. I liked the very supportive and individual feedback."
D Auldist - GippsDairy
Speaking from a beach side cafe in Sydney, Richard responds to an impromptu question, "What have you gained from learning public speaking skills?"
Richard Bolus
Public Speaking Training - Toastmaster
" All the tips were relevant to communication. The part that was most useful was developing the purpose of my speech and all the techniques that will make me connect to my audience. A fantastic course!"
J.B. - Public Speaking Course April 2011
"All the information and the practical activities stimulated my learning. Knowing how to use the right body language and vocal expression to build my confidence in public speaking was very beneficial for me. The course delivery was very enjoyable. Thanks!"
T. L. - Public Speaking Course April 2011
"I am writing to sincerely thank you for being a great and motivating coach and helping me build my confidence in what I consider to be my greatest fear. I've learnt a lot about public speaking and myself throughout the course and I appreciate the role you played in my personal development."
N Emerson - Speak With Confidence Presentation Training 2011
"Over the last 6 weeks, I really learned a lot. This was not only beneficial for my professional career, but also my personal life. It's very important when we learn things that we can apply immediately. This is exactly what this course provided to us."
Lulu Zhou - Speak With Confidence, April 2011
"I couldn't be happier with the Speak With Confidence Course. it exceeded my expectations. I now feel much more confident to speak in public and in fact am looking forward to the opportunity!"
Mellissa OBrien - April 2011
"Charmaine creates a fun & comfortable course which allows you to really go beyond your comfort zone and learn a lot in the process. Loved the people in the course too! "
F. Fletcher - Speak With Confidence, April 2011
"This was one of the most practical insightful courses I have ever attended."
Kedar Malgaonkar - Speak With Confidence, April 2011
"The six week course is well structured as you are able to work on what you learn each week. Practice. Practice. Practice."
James Macdonald - April 2011
"I think, Charmaine, you are great, inspirations speaker that can change a lot in people."
Marosh Melo - Public Speaking 2011
"This was a great experience. I was very nervous about the course and it has inspired me to continue to improve my public speaking skills."
John Pete - Public Speaking Training 2011
"I liked the positive atmosphere, the warm up games, structuring my speeches, organising my thoughts and realising everyone else was in the same boat!"
Public Speaking Course - 1st term 2011
"This is the second time I've taken a course with Art of Communicating and again I'm walking away feeling more enlightened, more confident and that my skills have been enhanced. Thank you!"
Jessica Borg - Public Speaking 2011
"The Speak With Confidence course gave me the opportunity to practice speaking each week, get feedback and work the improvement into each new week's speech. I developed vocal expression, began to act out my speeches and shake off any inhibitions.
Thinking on my feet and responding to impromptu questions was a challenge, but the level of encouragement was great and the training helped to improve my results. Thanks, the course was great!"
D. Collins - Speak With Confidence 2011
"Learning to speak with confidence was extremely beneficial to me because I learnt to answer impromptu questions, be comfortable in my own skin and own my space. A sincere thank you to Charmaine. I felt really welcomed by her. She has a gift of explaining things in a way that is very understandable. I was able to see things in a different light.
The course was thorough, very interesting and honest. Everyone was involved and given time to respond.
It's helped me a lot in almost every aspect of my life."
N Khan, News Limited - Speak With Confidence - 2011
"The training format was good; the length of the course was right; the level of encouragement was good without being over the top; coming to the course after work and at such a central location worked perfectly for me; I feel so much more comfortable now than I did before doing this course; I'm using these skills in my everyday life and I'm beginning to see the change."
Speak With Confidence Course Comments - Jan 2011
"Great course. Charmaine is an excellent teacher whose experience in public speaking is excellent. Working in a small group gives lots of confidence and is a very positive way to improve your public speaking."
M Medhekar - Speak With Confidence Nov 2010
"Thanks! The course was really worth it for me. I definitely got a lot out of it and feel much better in myself. Thank you."
J Mullins - Speak With Confidence Training.
"Awesome Course!"
I. Tassone, Fitness Trainer
Public Speaking
"I'm definitely glad I did this course. I highly recommend it, not just for public speaking but communication generally."
K. Pathinather, Gardens Lawyers
Public Speaking Training Course - Nov 2010
"Both sessions were equally relevant. they made me re-think my methods, organise my thoughts and stick to a plan. Fabulous in every way! Let's have more of this!"
Arshi - Kumon,
In-House Business Training
"You brought out the real me inside. Teaching often does not allow me to be the real me. I was just commanding my students, not communicating with them. We all have this skill but it's people like you only can bring it out and make it useful. There is a great need for such courses. Great. Great. Great. What else can I say!"
Vardi - Kumon
"Great job Charmaine & Alfa. It was an excellent day, very challenging and we've all grown."
T. Ee - Lion Nathan
In House Business Presentation Course 2010
"Very inspirational course - I feel much more confident and aware of the areas I need to work on and more importantly, the techniques to do that."
G Burnat - Lion Nathan
In House Business Presentation Course
"This is a great course!"
R Goh -Lion Nathan - In House Business Presentation Course
"Great facilitation, very knowledgeable and demonstrated by example throughout the day."
G McMillan - Lion Nathan - In House Business Presentation Course
"Even if you feel like you are already a confident speaker you will still walk away with many insights."
F Allen - Lion Nathan - In House Business Presentation Course 2010
"SWC (Speak With Confidence) helped me to:
- Stay on track - get to the point,
- Improve the way I sound - so I am taken seriously,
- Develop a more professional manner and behaviour,
- Develop more confidence when speaking to peers and upper management."
"I couldn't have wanted more. I have grown so much and not just in terms of public speaking, but also a sense of self." J Borg. Speak With Confidence - Aug/Sept 2010
"Art of Communicating boosted me to a new level. No matter how experienced I thought I was as a communicator, Charmaine and her associates taught me so much more - effortlessly & effectively.
I was astounded how quickly I changed. There is no substitute for the professionalism, quality and respect they offer to their clients.”
E Richardson - Personal Speech Tuition
Director, Thanks 4 Pty Ltd.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Art of Communicating experience. It started me on a journey of awareness of myself and what I could do.
I found the preparation of the speeches and presenting little challenges that each week I strived to be better than before."
Cathy Chambers, Sydney
Public Speaking Course
"The public speaking course was of enormous benefit to me as it helped me to structure my speeches, simplify the core message and use body language. Most importantly, I was able to break my business message down to 4 powerful words that are clear and easy to remember, and can be used to brand my business. I am now able to speak confidently about my business services to anyone!"
John Bransby
Public Speaking Course Sydney 2010
"This Public Speaking Course was an emotional roller coaster that took me on the ride of my life. Fabulous!"
Jeff Stevenson
Gotcha Covered Carpets
"Charmaine is a wonderful tutor that makes you feel instantly at ease and ready to take the floor with total confidence. It was an excellent course. I built my confidence and professional appearance and the course has improved my career."
Caroline Lord
Public Speaking Course Sydney
"This course was definitely a worthwhile exercise in building public speaking skills in social and business situations.
I recommend it to anyone who is not 100% confident in the Public Speaking skills."
Josh Vescio
Public Speaking Course 2010
"Do a public speaking course - Improve yourself!"
M Faidiaga
Northern Beaches Public Speaking Course - Aug/Sept 2010
"As parents, we endeavour to support our children with appropriate life skills as best we can.
Art of Communicating supports parents by delivering a proven method of growing our children's self confidence through improved communication skills."
Parent of Student at Mackellar Girls High School
Speak With Confidence Course
"Oooooh! I love my job! :)"
Charmaine Burke, Art of Communicating
In-House Business Presentation Training
Maserati Ferrari - Sydney 2010
"Great, useful, simple techniques that will enable you to be a better, more confident and effective presenter."
M Tollman -
Public Speaking Course Sydney 2010
"A GREAT COURSE!"
Roslyn Lowe
Public Speaking Training 2010
"Charmaine, you were the perfect host for my Charity Trivia Night. It was a great success, raising over $2000 for Medics and Breast Cancer. The crowd was boisterous and lively, and you controlled the room with ease, whilst maintaining this high level of energy - a very hard job! Whilst I was panicking over the smallest hiccup, you were calm, professional and kept the night running smoothly. The feedback from my colleagues and friends that attended has all been really positive, saying that you made the night enjoyable and entertaining. I can't thank you enough for a great evening!"
Karen Jousiffe
Fundraising Event - Virgin London Marathon 2010
"I urge you to come and enjoy new friends, learn about new topics and experience a new you!"
Emeli Cassell
Public Speaking Course Sydney 2010
"I have gained a lot of confidence and am more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.
I liked learning how to construct speeches using different techniques. Also the sessions on using vocal expression and body language was of enormous benefit because I know I can keep people interested in what I have to say."
Teresa Greenow
Public Speaking Course 2010
"I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying this class. I love the fact that everyone is sharing something of themselves through their stories, which we so rarely see in social or class situations.
You really do make it such a safe and supportive environment that I can feel my confidence boosting with every class. I love that there's lots of laughter happening now as we're getting more comfortable with each other.
It's just what I needed, so thank you. "
Cathy Brodie
Public Speaking Course, Sydney 2010
"Before the speaking with confidence course I found myself becoming really nervous before presentations and public speaking. Now I feel like I have overcome the worries and am a lot more comfortable with my nerves when speaking in public."
Student at Speak With Confidence Course 2010
"This Public Speaking Course was great and definitely brought me out of my comfort zone. It will assist me not only in public speaking but in everyday life.
The most useful result is that I will be able to deliver an effective and confident speech to people without boring them!"
Nader Fahridin
Public Speaking Course Sydney 2009
“I just want to say a huge thank you for showing me the essential skills of public speaking and how to communicate our stories effectively. Over the last couple of months I have already seen how much more confident I have become, not only with public speaking but also in personal and social communication too. It definitely has been a journey of self discovery.
You have a wonderful gift and I really want to thank you for opening that door for me.”
K. Dudgeon - Sydney
"Thanks so much for being the Master of Ceremonies for the City of Sydney's Living in Harmony Festival Opening Gala, and the Forum on Overcoming Stereotypes in March 2009. The event went smoothly and everyone enjoyed the discussion you led and reflection during the event. Many people stayed until it was well over!
I appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail when working with us in this major event in the City of Sydney's festival calendar. We received great feedback from my colleagues and audiences about your MC roles. I look forward to working with you again in future City of Sydney events."
Susana Ng,
Manager Social Planning, Access and Community Development
City of Sydney
"The trainer and the class were supportive, encouraging and
passionate.
I would encourage everyone I know to participate in the Art of Communicating as it's been very positive and a great speaking confidence course."
S. Twomey
Frenchs Forest
“Dynamic group facilitation! You held everyone's attention and you were sensitive to individual needs. The course was well researched, with exceptional training and it far exceeded our clients' expectations.”
Debbie Tong
CRS Australia
Speaking with Confidence Course
"I benefited most from building my confidence and composure. The impromptu speaking skills were challenging for me, but I enjoyed meeting others who had needs just like mine.
Watching fellow participants growing strong and getting up and speaking confidently was very inspirational.”
Louise Dickson
Public Speaking Course Sydney
"It's good fun, interesting, practical and extremely useful!"
Lee Saunders
Public Speaking Course 2009
"My trainer was inspiring and passionate and I enjoyed the course so very much. To be able to speak with confidence gives me a tremendous advantage in my business presentations and personal life. Thank you."
Libby Welch-Public Speaking Course
"Fantastic course. I have become a more confident speaker and this course has helped me to enjoy public talking.
Thank you!"
Anthony Pretyman - Brookvale
"Charmaine Burke is an inspirational leader, developing and delivering unique training programs and organizing events with great success.
She has the ability to lead her team in an inclusive and consultative manner. She is a very generous, warm person, able to encourage people to perform tasks so they may see beyond their capacity. Because of her inspirational, friendly, professional manner, she is a wonderful mentor."
Maria-Elena Chidzey, SCGD, CS, JP - Multicultural Consultant
World Champion Speakers Workshop
"I did the Public Speaking course. It was great! It made me go out of my comfort zone and boy, did I benefit from that!
My confidence in public speaking increased so much. I can recommend it to everybody!!!"
Gitte Lawaetz, Sydney - Public Speaking Course
"I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to improve their confidence, structuring and delivery skills in public speaking."
Ian Johnstone
The Maria Island Walk - Tasmania 2009
Public Speaking Course
"Charmaine builds immediate rapport with everyone and has dedication and passion in helping others achieve confidence and skills in public speaking. Thank you so very much."
Janine Kemp, Prodo Novo - Advanced Coaching Group
"I loved the experience and improved enormously in my completion of the public speaking course.
Strong use of theory and practice. Excellent!"
Azza Kindred
Oomph Coffee, Hobart
Public Speaking Course 2009
"Very valuable for my professional and personal advancement. It helped me greatly to build confidence and develop communication skills."
Peter Ernst
Premier Travel Tasmania
"Wow. Wonderful, wacky, wise, creative course!
From fear to enlightenment was the road Charmaine took me down."
Public Speaker - Tasmania
Public Speaking Course
"The public speaking course provided excellent feedback after each speech. It certainly provided me with excellent skills for moving forward."
S. Stevenson
Public Speaking Course, Hobart Tasmania
"Thank you for your energy and enthusiasm throughout the course. I enjoyed the evaluations and impromptu speaking.
A GREAT course!"
Michael Edwards
Principal, Edwards & Orr
"I gained confidence by gradually improving throughout the course and conquered my fears.
The feedback was objective. I particularly benefited from the persuasive speech training and public speaking tips."
Thorne Pastega
Public Speaking Course
"This course has definitely improved my life, my public speaking and my future."
Robyn Snelling,
Marriage Celebrant
Speak with Confidence Course