RaconteursProfessional speaking trainingProfessional speaking training for teams
Tailored, practical training for technical specialists, leaders and client-facing teams who need to speak with clarity, presence and credibility.
Built around the audience, occasion and communication challenge.
Plenty of speaking time, focused feedback and immediate application.
Develop a credible personal style rather than copying somebody else.
Communication people can follow and act on.
What people say
“The Bristol Speakers Club was fantastic – so supportive and innovative. I’ve been to quite a few groups over the years trying to build confidence in public speaking, but this one really stood out with its unique approach using science, mindfulness and modern techniques fit for the digital age. Since attending, I’ve been invited to deliver a paid talk (which went really well!) and asked to return for regular events. I never thought that was possible. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn this essential business skill.”
Tyrone ProbertEcotribo“What started as an opportunity to improve my public speaking has turned into a call to look for speaking opportunities. Nettie, David and James created a safe space and provided us with the tools and support we needed. I now feel more confident to share my passion and hopefully inspire others. Don’t hesitate to join the club!”
Carolina MezaClimate Fresk“I’ve shared my company’s first ever marketing campaign on LinkedIn :) I wouldn’t have been able to speak on camera as confidently without being part of this group!”
Oliver Jennings“I would totally recommend the club to anyone who wants to develop their ability to speak in public…whether a nervous new beginner or with more experience. I only got up to speak 3 or 4 times but the general atmosphere was so supportive I already feel much more comfortable in front of a crowd. Thank you Nettie, David and James for providing this amazing resource.”
Justin DillonObservable outcomes
Expertise has more value when an audience can understand it. We help participants make deliberate choices about what matters, how to structure it and how to deliver it.
Start with what listeners need to understand, remember and do next, then organise the material around a small number of clear messages.
Create a logical journey through technical or detailed material without diluting its accuracy.
Use voice, pace, pause, body language and visual aids to support the message rather than distract from it.
Listen carefully, frame questions for the whole audience and judge when to simplify or go deeper.
Use constructive feedback to refine real presentations, explanations and speaking situations.
How we work
Sessions are designed around speaking time and useful feedback. Participants explore one practical idea at a time, test it in the room and apply it to communication that matters in their work.
Clarify the audience, context, speaking task and change the organisation wants to see.
Introduce simple approaches for structure, presence, delivery and audience connection.
Speak frequently in pairs, small groups and the full room rather than sitting through slides.
Receive constructive, specific and solution-focused feedback, then make an adjustment.
Try again and leave with clear actions for the next real presentation or speaking moment.
Return to real work, apply the learning, then come back to refine and build on it over time.
Programme formats
The right format depends on the people, the situation and the time available. We agree the outcome first, then design the programme around it.
A practical session centred on a defined communication challenge, such as clearer technical explanations, stronger delivery or handling questions.
Best when the team needs a shared language and a concentrated period of practice.
The first session develops the speaker. Participants then apply the learning to real material before returning to rehearse, receive feedback and refine it.
Best when a team is preparing for an important event, pitch or presentation.
A sequence of sessions that gives participants time to experiment, build skills gradually and develop a speaking style that feels natural and credible.
Best when the goal is lasting capability across a group rather than preparation for one moment.
Raconteurs was started because the most useful speaking training doesn't come from chasing one ideal of a perfect speech. It comes from helping each person find their own strengths — their voice, their story, their way of holding a room — and building from there.
The team brings together commercial leadership, broadcast storytelling, performance coaching and facilitation. That mix means sessions are practical and business-relevant, but centred on the person speaking rather than a fixed formula.
Every programme is designed around real speaking situations: the presentations, updates, pitches and conversations participants actually need to handle. The goal is not identical speakers, but people who communicate with clarity, presence and credibility in their own way.
The facilitator team
Raconteurs brings together performance psychology, broadcast storytelling and facilitation. The delivery team is selected to suit the programme and the people in the room.
Confidence & Performance
I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Performance Coach with over fourteen years’ experience supporting people to manage nerves and speak and perform with greater ease, clarity and presence. At Bristol Speakers Club, I focus on the practical side of confident delivery, including voice, breath and presence. Drawing on my background in psychology and performance, I share practical tools and techniques for finding an authentic speaking style and developing greater awareness of how we communicate.
Storytelling & Communication
A BBC-trained journalist, award-winning producer, author and speaker. David helps people shape what they want to say, build a clear narrative, connect with an audience and communicate with authenticity.
Facilitation & Belonging
An experienced founder, adviser and facilitator who creates supportive rooms where people can experiment, take sensible risks and learn through practice. James keeps the work practical, inclusive and connected to the organisation's goals.
Built around your people
Explain detailed work so an audience can follow the logic and understand why it matters.
Bring clarity, presence and stronger audience awareness to updates, events and important conversations.
Structure messages, respond to questions and communicate expertise without sounding scripted.
Develop a natural, credible speaking style in English without imposing one correct way to sound.
Common questions
Confidence often grows through preparation, practice, feedback and experience, but it is not treated as an instant promise. The programme centres on observable speaking skills and the real situations participants need to handle.
Wherever practical, yes. Real material makes the feedback more relevant and helps participants leave with something they can use immediately.
No. Participants are encouraged to experiment and develop a style that is natural, credible and appropriate to their role, audience and culture.
Smaller groups create more speaking time and more detailed feedback. We recommend a cohort size only after understanding the outcomes, available time and level of individual practice required.
Programmes are designed primarily for in-person delivery at the organisation's workplace or a suitable external venue. The practical set-up is agreed as part of the programme design.
Let’s agree the right starting point
We will help you shape a practical programme around the audience, the speaking situation and the change you want to see.