Frequently Asked Questions
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About our courses
What does the Effective Speaking course cover?
This is a business presentation training course designed to make presenting easier at work.
You’ll learn how to plan and structure your message using the SpeakerMap™, design simple slides that support what you’re saying, manage nerves, and deliver in a way that feels natural and credible.
On the two-day presentation skills course, you’ll also present, receive one-on-one coaching, and learn how to handle questions and challenging audiences.
How long is the Effective Speaking workshop?
The flagship course runs over two days.
There is also a one-day presentation training option, which focuses on the core foundations — ideal if you want practical tools without the presenting and coaching component.
What is the SpeakerMap™ and how does it work?
The SpeakerMap™ is a simple planning tool that helps you structure a business presentation clearly and logically.
It focuses on your key message, your audience, and the outcome you want to achieve — so your presentation is easy to follow and actually lands.
You can use it to help you prepare for any presentation, from a team update to a boardroom briefing. It works for both prepared and impromptu speaking situations.
Is this course suitable for beginners or experienced presenters?
Both.
This presentation skills training is designed for professionals at all levels — from those who dread presenting to experienced presenters who want to be clearer, more confident, and more persuasive.
On the two-day course, the one-on-one coaching means feedback is tailored to where you’re at.
How is this different from other presentation skills courses?
Most public speaking courses focus on performance — delivery techniques, body language, and “stage presence.”
This business presentation training is different.
The focus is on helping you communicate clearly and effectively in real work situations — meetings, stakeholder updates, and boardroom presentations.
You’ll learn a practical system (SpeakerMap™), and how to use your own natural communication style more effectively. You will use the tools that you learn every day.
What results can I expect after completing the training?
Most people leave with:
- A clear system for planning presentations
- Less anxiety and more control
- The confidence to present in a way that feels natural
- A clear understanding of what is, and what isn’t, an effective PowerPoint slide.
- The ability to be more persuasive in their presentations.
- The confidence and the tools, to use storytelling.
Many describe it as one of the most practical professional development courses they’ve attended.
Is presentation training worth it?
If presenting is part of your role, then yes.
Most people don’t struggle because they lack confidence – they struggle because they don’t have a clear way to plan and structure what they want to say.
Once you have a clear and logical process to follow, presenting becomes significantly easier.
How can I improve my presentation skills quickly?
Focus on structure first.
Get clear on your key message, organise your ideas so they’re easy to follow, and practise saying it out loud.
That’s exactly what this presentation training course teaches — a simple, repeatable way to prepare for any presentation.
Booking & Training Options
What’s the difference between the public course and in-house training?
The public course runs in Auckland and Wellington, with small groups of professionals from different organisations.
In-house presentation training is delivered to your team and can be tailored to your specific context, content, and goals.
Where are the courses held in New Zealand?
Public presentation skills courses run regularly in Auckland and Wellington.
In-house training is available in person across New Zealand, and virtually anywhere in the world.
Does Jane offer one-on-one presentation coaching?
Yes.
Individual presentation coaching is available in person or via video call, and is ideal if you have an upcoming presentation or want focused, personalised support.
Can you run presentation training for our whole team?
Yes.
In-house presentation skills training can be delivered to teams of all sizes across New Zealand, and is tailored to your organisation’s needs.
What’s included in the course fee?
For public workshops, the fee includes:
- All course materials
- A follow-up one-on-one coaching session
- Ongoing support after the course
- Catering and refreshments
For in-house training, pricing excludes GST, travel (outside Greater Wellington), and any venue or catering costs.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Public workshops:
- 21+ days before: Full refund or transfer to another course.
- 7–20 days before: No refunds available. Transfer to another course.
- Within 6 days: no refund or transfer, but you can send someone else
In-house training:
- More than 6 weeks: only actual costs incurred
- 2–6 weeks: 50% of the fee
- Within 2 weeks: full fee applies
Who has Jane trained in New Zealand?
Jane has trained thousands of professionals across New Zealand, including teams from NZ Police, the Reserve Bank, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Waka Kotahi, and many more.
Nerves & Confidence
Can presentation training help with public speaking anxiety?
Yes – and it’s one of the main reasons people attend.
This course focuses on the root causes of nerves, not just surface-level tips, so you feel more in control when presenting.
How do you manage nerves before a presentation?
Nerves usually come from focusing on yourself rather than your message.
When you have a clear structure, know what you’re trying to say and understand your purpose for presenting, that pressure drops significantly.
You’ll also learn practical and bespoke strategies to manage physical symptoms and stay focused.
What causes stage fright and how do you overcome it?
Stage fright is normal.
It usually comes from uncertainty and self-consciousness.
With the right preparation, structure, and practice, most people find they can move from dreading presentations to handling them confidently.
Delivery Tips
What should I do with my hands when presenting?
Don’t overthink it.
When people feel nervous, they tend to hide their hands — in pockets, behind their back, or folded.
The goal is simply to free them.
When your hands are relaxed, they’ll move naturally to support what you’re saying.
How do I make eye contact effectively when presenting?
Focus on one person at a time and speak to them as if they’re the only person in the room.
This creates real connection, makes you sound more conversational, and helps settle your nerves.
How do I present effectively online?
Online audiences are distracted — that’s the reality.
To keep attention:
- Look at the camera when speaking
- Build in regular moments to re-engage your audience
- Keep visuals simple
- Pause for questions throughout
How do I handle difficult questions from the audience?
Don’t get defensive.
Listen properly, clarify the question, and treat it as part of the conversation.
Handled well, difficult questions can actually strengthen your credibility.
