Public speaking remains one of the most common fears, often ranking alongside death in surveys. A recent article from The Economist's Bartleby column (24 May 2025) suggests that the best solutions come not from motivational clichés, but from actors.
Drawing on techniques from drama schools like RADA Business, the article highlights practical strategies to transform anxiety into impactful communication.
Dull, cluttered slides are the fast track to a lost audience. Think Visually: Top 10 Starter Tips is a practical, punchy course designed to help professionals transform their presentations from confusing to compelling.
Packed with smart design tips, real examples and visual storytelling tools, it's no wonder executive coaches like Oliver Gleeson call it “a multivitamin for presentations.”
If you want clearer slides and stronger impact — this is your next step.
Can you really trust an AI speech coach with your voice, slides, and sensitive content? As a communication coach working with executives and technical professionals, data security is non-negotiable. That’s why I use Yoodli in every coaching session — not just for its powerful feedback on public speaking, but because it's SOC 2 Type II certified and fully GDPR compliant.
In this post, I break down what those certifications actually mean in simple terms — and why it matters if you're working on your presentation skills, executive presence, or leadership communication in English.
Read MoreMatias Hoyal, a Power Systems Engineer, knew his work was critical to Europe's electricity supply—but presenting complex ideas persuasively was a challenge.
That changed with Melanie’s Premium Persuasive Presentations programme. Through expert coaching and AI-powered practice, Matias shifted his focus from himself to his audience, transforming his confidence and clarity. The result? More engaging presentations and incredible feedback from colleagues.
Read MorePublic speaking can feel daunting—but with the right tools, it becomes a skill you can master. As a communication coach, I use Yoodli, an AI-powered public speaking trainer, to help clients practise smarter, build confidence, and strengthen their executive presence.
Clients get a full year of access to Yoodli, and in coaching sessions, we review live data to track real progress. It’s like having a personal communication mirror—no pressure, just growth.
"You can see your progress... it’s really motivating—you feel like you're really practising."
– Matias Hoyal, Coreso
Social care professionals must communicate with clarity and impact to drive real change. Tanja Sheikhi, former Senior Membership and Operations Officer at ESN, recognised this and joined Essentials, my presentation training programme.
With expert coaching, she gained confidence and developed her authentic speaking style.
"I feel much more confident. I’m not as nervous. I’ve developed my own style."
Effective public speaking in social care influences policies, inspires engagement, and improves lives.
Read MoreA smile is more than just a friendly gesture—it boosts confidence, reduces stress, and builds trust.
Smiling makes audiences more receptive and enhances credibility.
Used strategically, it strengthens executive presence and persuasive impact, helping you connect and engage more effectively.
Presenting complex EU regulations to policymakers and industry leaders is no small challenge. Dr. Brieuc Lits and Alexander Heusch from EDANA needed to ensure their messages were clear, engaging, and persuasive at the EDANA Sustainability Forum and Outlook in Rome.
Through expert coaching and the Essentials self-study training programme, they gained confidence, refined their delivery, and made a lasting impact—leading to new speaking opportunities and increased credibility.
Read MoreWhen Jan Allen, Senior Director, EMEA Customer Success & Renewal Sales for Nutanix, a Silicon Valley tech company faced a high-stakes presentation in Marrakesh, she sought personalised coaching to refine her skills. Through targeted feedback on body language, voice, and composure under pressure, she transformed into a confident, engaging speaker. This experience elevated her career, proving that strong presentation skills can create lasting opportunities.
Read MoreReady to elevate your public speaking skills? My latest video breaks down the Persuasive Presentations Programme options, from the solid foundation of Essentials to the advanced strategies of Premium, plus the benefits of personalised public speaking coaching.
Learn to master body language, refine scripts, and use PowerPoint design ideas to captivate your audience with impactful visual storytelling.
Read MoreOn 24 November 2024, I delivered a workshop at the annual IATEFL BESIG conference in sunny Malta, exploring how strong visual communication transforms presentations.
Inspired by my Think Visually: Slide Design course, the session offered practical tips on how to create engaging slides to amplify your messages.
Visuals are more than decoration—they’re essential for making messages clear, compelling, and memorable. Whether you're teaching, leading, or pitching, great slides amplify your impact.
Read MoreThrilled to be invited to speak at the IATEFL BESIG Online AI Symposium on September 28th, 2024, where the focus was on using AI tools to create customised content for learners.
Read MoreHow to make a PowerPoint Stand Out?
How to make slides look good?
How to make a good PowerPoint presentation?
If you’ve ever asked these questions.....
Exciting news – we’ve got a new course for you!
Read MoreI'm thrilled to introduce the first-ever video showcasing the services I offer to help you conquer the stage—whether it's a boardroom, a virtual meeting, or a major conference. If you've ever struggled with presentation anxiety, or if the mere thought of public speaking makes your heart race, this video is for you.
Read MoreThis Strong Starts and Powerful Ends at Executive level workshop brought together Finance leaders from around the globe for their annual conference, where I served as their Business Communication Coach.
Read MoreDuring a recent retreat at the stunning Radisson Blu Resort in Malta, participants engaged in a public speaking and presentation skills workshop led by me! The sessions focused on boosting confidence, refining presentation style, and mastering impactful communication.
With hands-on activities and real-time feedback, attendees left with practical skills, including body language tips for public speaking and fun presentation ideas to make their presentations stand out.
Read MoreAt Colliers Belgium, delivering compelling client presentations is crucial to their success. When HR Business Partner, Marie-Laure Antoniou, wanted to elevate their approach, she turned to Melanie Hussell’s Think Visually: Slide Design Workshop. This hands-on workshop empowered the team to create fun presentation ideas and impactful visual presentations that truly resonate with their audience. Through practical tips on visual storytelling and PowerPoint design ideas, Colliers' team gained the skills and confidence to craft presentations that not only engage but inspire action.
Read More'Boom! Make an impact!’
'Use colour to keep the attention’
‘Make it simpler and easier for your audience to understand your message’
‘Think before you start’
‘Bigger is better’
‘A new way to create presentations with an impact on the audience by highlighting’
Above are takeaways from my first 'PowerPoint Slide design/Think visually Top 10 Starter Tips' workshop.
When you present, do your key points arrive bang on target every time?
In my journey as a Communication Coach, I've noticed a common challenge many speakers face: the effective use of visuals in presentations. Despite excelling in content and delivery, their PowerPoint slides often lack the power to truly engage the audience, leading to a disconnect from the core message.
I'm thrilled to introduce a unique blend of Digital Learning and AI tools, specially designed to transform you to be a more confident and influential speaker. This method is not only efficient and cost-effective, but is highly praised by my clients for its effectiveness in turbocharging their speaking skills.
Read MoreBy entering your email address above, you are requesting tips/insights and updates about upcoming courses and events to improve your communication. You can opt out at any time and I’ll never rent or sell your email address.
Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy
Melanie Hussell Communication Coaching
Copyright © 2025 Melanie Hussell. Website by Crate Marketing.
