About Melanie Hussell
I’m a Business Communication Coach based in the heart of Europe – Brussels, Belgium. Drawing upon my extensive experience and passion, I help professionals to present effectively, magnifying the impact they bring to their work.
My journey began two decades ago on the bustling streets of Brussels, as I struggled to communicate in French. It wasn’t my grammar or vocabulary, but my pronunciation that posed a barrier. And it hit me – what a privilege it is to be a native English speaker, especially in many corporate environments where English dominates.
Inspired by this revelation, I sought to assist non-native English speakers in finding their voice. Consequently, I immersed myself into the studies of language teaching, phonetics, presentation skills and PowerPoint design. With these, I created a course in public speaking integrating my corporate know-how and Business English pedagogy.
Each day, the idea of empowering professionals to reach their goals invigorates me. Through my dual digital tools: an online ‘Persuasive Presentations’ course and AI speech coaching app, I facilitate professionals to overcome their public speaking challenges, regardless of linguistic background, accent, or individual attributes.
Witnessing my clients’ transformation from anxiety-ridden talks to confident, effective communication is an absolute delight and fuels everything I do to improve the pace and progress of their journey.
Indeed, as many recognise, communication is the foundation of any successful leader. Yet, when presenting in a non-native language the stress is amplified. Consider these insightful narratives from my coaching sessions:
The CEO: Though an accomplished and charismatic leader, a board reshuffle demanding him to pitch in English sent him into a spiral of stress.
The Researcher: An expert in Virology, she hesitated to present her groundbreaking research in native English-speaking countries due to fear of miscommunication.
The Lobbyist: Passionate about planetary health, he needed to fine-tune his public speaking skills to promote his revolutionary ideas and advocate for his dedicated colleagues globally.
These are just three of stories that highlight the immense power and significance of effective communication. Every idea, every innovation, and every breakthrough hinges on the ability to communicate.
And that's where I step in.
My mission is to ensure that no voice goes unheard, and every trailblazing idea receives the spotlight and impact it rightfully deserves.
Join me and let's elevate your voice, and let the world hear confidently and clearly what you've got to say.
My Corporate Experience and Qualifications
16 years’ European leadership experience with Diageo (Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Guinness), Osram/Siemens (Lighting/Electronics) and Liberty, London (Retail)
Multiple courses in: Presentation skills, High Performance Coaching, Leadership (Hult Ashridge) Management by Co-operation, Change Management, Designing Appraisal Systems and Assessment Centres
Cambridge University English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
Bachelor of Science in Applied Zoology, Reading University, UK
My Language Associations
IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) virtual global speaker
BESIG (Business English Special Interest Group) virtual and live conference speaker in the UK, Germany, Poland, Romania and Malta
BELTA (Belgian English Language Teachers Association) live conference speaker and panelist in Belgium
PRON SIG (Pronunciation Special Interest Group) member - Global research in Linguistics/Phonetics/Accent Bias/Accent Reduction/Neuroscience/Teaching Methodologies
Frequently Asked Questions
COMMON FEARS
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You panic before presentations because your brain sees them as a threat, triggering a stress response. You can reduce this reaction by practicing specific grounding and mindset techniques.
Feeling a surge of anxiety before you speak is normal — in fact, public speaking anxiety (PSA) affects up to 70% of people, from new presenters to world-famous performers like Adele and George Clooney. The fear isn’t usually about speaking itself, but about the risk of public embarrassment. Your brain sees it as a threat, releasing stress hormones that cause shaking, sweating, nausea and a pounding heart.
If you’re wondering panic before presentations how to stop, it starts with understanding that this is a natural, instinctive reaction — not a sign of weakness. You can reduce it by:
Learning how to use silence to steady your heart rate – Read this blog and watch the video for a simple vocal technique: Pause.
Grounding yourself physically with strong posture – Read this blog and watch the video to learn how to hold yourself to show authority.
Focusing on the audience’s needs instead of your own performance – Read this blog and watch the video to shift your mindset from self-conscious to goal-focused.
Practising until your content feels familiar and safe – Read this blog on my AI app, Yoodli, for tips on rehearsal that build confidence and reduce anxiety.
It is not as many would have you believe, just about breathing deeply, chanting mantras or adopting hero postures. The real transformation runs deeper. The more you prepare and build positive speaking experiences, the more your brain will learn there’s less to fear — and your nerves will gradually lose their grip.
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If you forget your place during a talk, pause, breathe, and stand tall. Your audience usually won’t notice—simply reset and continue. Avoid apologizing or filling the silence with “um” or “er.”
First — don’t panic. Your audience doesn’t know you’ve lost your place. Pause, stand tall, breathe and give your brain a moment to catch up. When you’re ready, continue as if nothing happened.
Avoid filling the silence with “um” or “er” and resist the urge to ramble or apologise.If you’re wondering what to do if you forget your speech, the answer is preparation. If you’re using slides, make sure your key points and statistics are clearly visible, so they act as quick memory cues. If you’re speaking without slides, write your main bullet points (not full sentences) on a piece of firm paper. If you’re new to presenting, hold it in your hand for reassurance. As your confidence grows, place it discreetly on a table nearby so you can glance at it or walk over for a reminder.
The key is to prepare prompts in advance and trust that even if you go blank, you can recover smoothly and professionally.
More tips are covered in ‘Why do I panic before presentations—and how do I stop it?’ and ‘How can I beat nerves before speaking?’ -
You can beat nerves before speaking by preparing your content well and using tools that increase confidence.
Some tips are covered in ‘Why do I panic before presentations — and how do I stop it?’ and ‘What if I forget what to say during my talk’, but here’s more on how to calm nerves before speaking.
Prepare smartly – Start with a clear structure, key points, and simple language. Once your content is set, create a PowerPoint deck that supports your message — many senior leaders find this significantly boosts their confidence.
7 Steps to Design Your PowerPoint Slides – Plan well, focus attention, use consistent branding, highlight one idea per slide, edit for white space, include easy-to-read text, and choreograph with purposeful animations. Read the blog post to learn more.
How Many PowerPoint Slides Do You Need? – There’s no set number. Use as many as needed to make your points clear, keeping to one idea per slide, using visuals over text, and tailoring to your audience. Read the blog post to learn more.
When your slides work seamlessly with your words, voice and body language, you’ll feel more in control — and far less nervous.
Curious to learn more? Read about my Slide Design course and see how it can transform your presentations. -
Yes—non-native speakers can present just as effectively as native speakers by focusing on clarity, structure, and connection. Perfect grammar and accent are not required.
Absolutely. With the right techniques, you can often present better than many native English speakers — even if you’re at an upper-intermediate level, such as CEFR B2 or IELTS 5.5.
Most professionals already have strong, advanced vocabulary in their own field and enough grammar for small slips not to affect understanding. Perfect grammar, perfect pronunciation, and a “perfect” accent (which doesn’t exist) are never required.
When presenting in English as a second language, your goal is to connect with your audience, share your expertise, and achieve your communication objective. You can do this by:
Using short sentences and simple English
Following a clear structure, strong opening and powerful end
Engaging with your voice and body language
Supporting your message with well-designed slides
It’s about clarity, connection and confidence — not perfect English.
More tips on a clear structure in ’What’s the best way to structure a persuasive talk?’ and ‘What should I do with my hands and body when I speak?’ -
Non-native English speakers can improve clarity and reduce filler words by using short, simple sentences and pausing purposefully to replace “uhs” and “ums” with confident silence.
If you’re wondering how to reduce filler words for non-native speakers, start with two simple habits:
Use short sentences and simple English – This makes your message clear and easy to follow, especially for a global audience. Read this blog with its video to see how concise language makes your words count.
Pause with purpose – Silence shows control and can help reduce “uhs” and “ums”. Read this blog with its video to learn how to use pauses confidently and keep your audience’s attention.
Practicalities
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Public speaking is a learned skill. Most great speakers develop their style through study, practice, and feedback—not innate talent.
If you’re asking is public speaking a learned skill or natural talent, the truth is that it’s very much a skill you can learn and master—just like any other technical skill. Most great speakers weren’t born with a “gift” for public speaking. Even those who seemed naturally confident often developed their style by observing and copying role models, peers or mentors.
Think of mastering public speaking like learning to drive a car. You need an instructor to guide you, time and consistent practice, and a willingness to accept a few bumps along the way. Over time, you become confident, competent and able to perform almost automatically—while still needing focus and avoiding complacency.
This is why my approach resonates so strongly with analytical thinkers—engineers, scientists, many non-native English speakers and sometimes introverted professionals. Public speaking success comes from understanding key principles, practising deliberately and getting constructive feedback. Coaching can speed up this process dramatically, which is why many top speakers have worked with a coach at some point in their career.
Read this blog with its video to learn the 4 stages to acquire these skills.
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It’s better to speak naturally with prompts than to memorise your talk word-for-word. Memorising every line can make delivery stiff and cause panic if you forget one part.
If you’re wondering should I memorise my speech or speak naturally, the answer is: never memorise a full script. Word-for-word memorisation often leads to a stiff, robotic delivery — and if you forget one line, it can cause instant panic.
Instead, use your slides as visual cues to prompt key messages, or keep bullet points on paper or an electronic device to guide you.
For high-stakes presentations, script, record and rehearse just your opening (to hook your audience) and closing (to deliver your call to action) at least 10 times over several days. This way, they’ll flow naturally and confidently without sounding forced.
Read the blog to discover the powerful AI app my clients use to fast-track their confidence. -
Structure a persuasive talk with a three-act flow—context, key points, call to action—or use “What is / What could be” to contrast current and improved states, inspiring action.
If you’re wondering how to structure a persuasive presentation, think of it as a roadmap. A clear framework helps your audience follow your ideas, remember key points, and be influenced to act.
Here’s one simple 3-act structure:
Act 1 – Beginning: Give context or background to set the scene.
Act 2 – Middle: Share 2–3 key points (or up to 5–7 if concise and varied).
Act 3 – End: Present your resolution or proposal, summarise, and give a strong call to action.
Or an alternative – Duarte’s “What is / What could be”:
Show the current state (“What is”) vs. the improved state (“What could be”).
Move between them to create contrast and tension.
End with “The desired new norm” — your ultimate goal.
Whether you use a classic three-act flow or contrast-driven model, the aim is to guide, engage and move your audience toward your goal.
Read this blog and watch the video to learn how to define your communication goal. -
Use confident posture and purposeful gestures to project authority and engage your audience.
If you’re wondering what to do with hands and body during public speaking, remember that strong body language gives you presence, authority and makes you appear more confident and credible.
Posture:
Stand with feet hip-width apart, weight evenly balanced, and knees soft (not locked). Imagine a straight line from your feet up through your spine to the top of your head, with shoulders back and chin parallel to the floor. This open, grounded stance helps your ideas land with more impact. Read the blog post and watch the video for a quick posture guide.Hands:
Keep your hands visible, in front of you at waist height, ready to gesture naturally to emphasise key points. Avoid hiding them in pockets, crossing your arms or clasping them behind your back — these can signal discomfort or nervousness.Confident posture and purposeful gestures work together to project authority and engage your audience.
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To keep your audience engaged, combine clear language, varied delivery and relevant visuals.
If you’re wondering how to keep audience engaged during a presentation, it comes down to five pillars working together:
Language – Use simple, clear language and chunk ideas into short, memorable points. Once mastered, add rhetorical techniques and repetition to reinforce messages. Read this blog and watch the videofor a practical example.
Pronunciation – Strive for clarity, not perfection. Clear consonants and vowels improve understanding for global audiences without erasing your accent. Watch my Pronunciation videos for tips.
Presentation Techniques – Define your communication goal (Read my blog with its video), open strong, have a solid structure and close with impact.
Voice & Body Language – Vary tone, pace and volume to hold attention, and use confident posture, eye contact and gestures to project authority. ”. Read this blog with its video to learn how to use pauses confidently and Read this second blog with its video (for a posture guide
Visual Storytelling – Support your points with impactful visuals to enhance understanding, boost recall and bridge language gaps. Read the full blog post to learn more.
Mastering each pillar takes time and practice — but together, they create presentations that are engaging and persuasive.
If you present technical content, see How can I make my presentation more engaging? for a step-by-step approach.
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Make technical presentations engaging by structuring clearly, using short, simple language, and designing visual slides that highlight one idea per slide while guiding attention purposefully.
If you’re asking how to make technical presentations engaging, follow these three steps:
Structure clearly – Use a simple three-act framework:
Act 1: Give context or background.
Act 2: Share 2–3 main points (or 5–7 if concise and varied).
Act 3: End with your proposal, a summary, and a clear call to action.
Simplify your language – Use short sentences and plain English so your audience can absorb complex ideas quickly. Read this blog and watch the video for a practical example.
Design powerful slides – Turn complex data into easy-to-digest visuals. Plan well, focus attention, use consistent branding, highlight one idea per slide, edit for white space, and choreograph animations to guide attention. Read the full blog post for step-by-step guidance.
A strong structure, clear language, and engaging visuals work together to make even the most technical content compelling.
Curious to learn more? Read about my Slide Design course and see how it can transform your presentations.For broader tips on audience connection, see How can I keep my audience engaged throughout?
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Make presentations more engaging by using a concise, visual deck (not a text-heavy slide doc), focusing on one idea per slide, and aligning visuals seamlessly with your spoken message.
If you’re wondering how to make slides more engaging for audience members, start by understanding the difference between a slide doc and a presentation deck. A slide doc can be read without a presenter — it’s detailed, often with technical data and appendices, and is best sent before or after your talk.
A presentation deck, on the other hand, is for live delivery: concise, visually clear, and easy for a large audience to absorb in real time.
Sadly, most professionals’ slides land somewhere in the worst of both worlds — overwhelming, lifeless, and forgettable.
For engaging presentation slides, follow these two resources:
7 Steps to Design Your PowerPoint Slides – Plan well, focus attention, use consistent branding, highlight one idea per slide, edit for white space, include easy-to-read text and choreograph with purposeful animations. Read the blog post to earn more.
How Many PowerPoint Slides Do You Need? – There’s no fixed rule. Use as many slides as needed to make your points clear, stick to one idea per slide, favour visuals over text and adapt to your audience. Read the blog post for tips.
We’re all visually hard-wired — when your slides work seamlessly with your words, you keep your audience’s attention and make your message memorable.
Curious to learn more? Read about my Slide Design course and see how it can transform your presentations.
Transformation questions
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Practise public speaking at home with the Record–Review–Reflect method: record yourself, review strengths and areas to improve, then reflect to plan your next focused practice session.
If you’re wondering how to practise public speaking at home, I recommend following my simple but powerful Record – Review – Reflect method. This approach lets you work on two of the four essential stages of developing great public speaking skills:
Stage 1: Learn the theory
Stage 2: Build awareness ✅
Stage 3: Practise and learn by doing ✅
Stage 4: Become autonomous
Read this blog with its videoto learn the 4 stages to acquire these skills.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – Record
Use my AI speech coaching app (read more in this link) , your preferred video conferencing platform like Teams or Zoom, or simply your phone camera. Think of your recording as a communication mirror—a way to see exactly how you come across to your audience.Step 2 – Review
Ask yourself:What went well?
Where have I improved? (Be specific—write a list.)
What didn’t work so well, and why?
Step 3 – Reflect
Plan your next steps:Which techniques shall I work on next? How? When?
Who can help me?
What can I do before my next presentation to prepare better?
With consistent use, this method helps you build awareness, improve technique and gain confidence—without leaving home.
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Many people notice improvements within the first month of focused practice, sometimes after just one coaching session.
If you’re asking how fast can I improve public speaking skills, the answer is—often surprisingly quickly. Many clients start noticing real improvements within one coaching session or one month of either my 2-month Essentials or 6-month Premium Persuasive Presentations programmes. Curious to discover more? Read about my different programmes or read the blog and watch the video to help choose the best option for you.
The speed of your progress depends on your capacity to learn, the time you commit to practice, and your willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Some clients with a strong presentation foundation see rapid results, while beginners may need a couple of months to develop solid skills and lasting confidence.
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On average, it takes four to six months of structured practice to become a confident public speaker, though some see results sooner.
If you’re wondering how long to become confident in public speaking, the average is around four to six months to reach the point where you are a fully competent speaker who can inspire action and drive change. With my 6-month Premium Persuasive Presentations programme and AI speech coaching app, you’ll learn and practise proven techniques in a structured, progressive way.
Your personal starting point, self-awareness and motivation make a big difference. Some professionals see a noticeable transformation after just one coaching session or within a month of the 2-month Essentials self-study programme. Others, especially when starting from scratch, may need at least two months to turn nerves into genuine confidence. From experience, there is no difference in the time needed between non-native and native English speakers—the goal is not perfect English or a flawless accent (which doesn’t exist!) but the ability to engage and inspire.
Remember—confidence alone isn’t enough. True success in public speaking means hooking your audience and motivating them to take action.
Curious to discover more? Read about my different programmes or read the video and watch the video to help choose the best option for you.
