The Effective Speaker
Public Workshops on Presenting in Auckland and Wellington
Become a more confident, engaging, and influential presenter with a proven, systematic approach to planning and delivering business presentations that achieve real results.
Public Workshop
Who is this for?
When effective presenters speak, they do more than inform — they influence, persuade, and inspire. That isn’t magic; it’s method. With the right tools, anyone can build genuine connection and move a room.
This workshop is for leaders, emerging leaders, technical specialists, and professionals who want practical tools and techniques for speaking in both formal and informal settings.
- Short on time? Attend 1 Day (Foundations) for all the core skills.
- Ready for a bigger shift? Choose to attend both days (2 Day – Advanced) for deep coaching and transformation.
You’ll leave with the foundations to present more clearly, confidently, and with the influence your role demands.
The workshop format
Small group format for maximum practice and feedback
Practice drills, real examples & zero fluff
“Boardroom not stage” — natural, professional delivery that fits you
Workshop choices
The Effective Speaker - 1 Day Foundations
A hands-on day where you’ll learn our step-by-step SpeakerMap™ system to plan valuable presentations quickly and with ease.
You’ll learn the principles behind useful visuals, how to manage nerves, and three delivery techniques you can use immediately.
Foundations is best for technical experts who know their stuff but struggle to get it across, and nervous presenters who want a safe, practical learning environment where they won't be put on the spot.
Want tailored delivery coaching or looking to be stretched? Choose the 2 Day (Advanced).
What you’ll learn
Plan engaging content (fast)
- Use the SpeakerMap™ to develop a clear Key Message and structure that keeps audiences attentive without overload.
- Plan faster, make better decisions about what to include (and what to ditch).
Design useful slides (not wallpaper)
- A simple but revolutionary way to design slides that support — not sabotage — your message.
- Practical guidance on using AI to fast track draft slides and create supporting documents.
- How to use PowerPoint to keep you on track without putting your audience to sleep.
Keep nerves under control
- A proven psychological approach to calm the mental chatter that causes waffling, speed talking, and blank moments.
- Build a personal plan to shift focus from “me” to the audience and the outcome you want.
Deliver in a natural, engaging way
- Three delivery techniques that help you look credible and confident.
- How to vary pace and emphasis so your key points actually land.
- How to cut the filler — the “ums” and “ahs” — and keep your flow.
Plenty of practice
- You’ll practise each technique in pairs or threes – supportive, safe, and highly practical.
Includes
- One full day of training
- All food and drinks during the workshop
- The Effective Speaker Workbook
- 30 minute one on one follow up session
Investment: $1,200 + GST (Early bird $995 + GST)
The Effective Speaker - 2 Day Advanced
If presenting is central to your career growth, this is the reset that sticks.
Over two full days you will learn our step-by-step SpeakerMap™ system and apply it to a real world presentation.
You will learn the principals behind useful visuals, you will develop a bespoke approach to managing nerves, and gain a deep understanding on how to deliver a presentation more effectively.
Advanced is the best choice if presenting is key to your role and you want real, lasting, transformative change. Get practical hands on experience and learn techniques & tools you will use every day.
What you’ll learn
Plan engaging content (fast)
- Use the SpeakerMap™ to develop a clear Key Message and structure that keeps audiences attentive without overload.
- Plan faster, make better decisions about what to include (and what to ditch).
- Apply your learning to a real world presentation.
Design useful slides (not wallpaper)
- A simple but revolutionary way to design slides that support — not sabotage — your message.
- Practical guidance on using AI to fast track draft slides and create supporting documents.
- How to use PowerPoint to keep you on track without putting your audience to sleep.
Keep nerves under control
- A proven psychological approach to calm the mental chatter that causes waffling, speed talking, and blank moments.
- Build a personal plan to shift focus from “me” to the audience and the outcome you want.
- A practical way to prepare when time is tight — so you own your words.
Shift from competent to compelling
- One-on-one coaching targeted to your specific needs.
- Video feedback plus our inside out coaching methodology to reconnect you with the techniques you use naturally in conversation.
- How to use silence, pace, notes, and the remote without looking stiff or artificial.
- How to speak with energy and authenticity, not speed and panic.
- Eliminate “ums” and “ahs”, look confident (even when you’re not), and create a sense of commitment that audiences feel.
Handle audiences like a pro
- Strategies for side chats, interruptions, distractions, disagreement, and the odd angry voice — while staying calm and in control.
Includes
- Two full days of training
- All food and drinks during the workshop
- The Effective Speaker Workbook
- Videos of your presenting and coaching sessions
- 60 minute one on one follow up session
Investment: $2,500 + GST (Early bird $2,200 + GST)
What's the difference?
Foundations - 1 Day
- SpeakerMap™ planning system
- Slide design methodology
- Nerves / mindset framework
- Delivery techniques - 3 Techniques
- Practice & Feedback - Pairs and Small Groups
- Follow up coaching (30 mins)
- Food & drinks included
- Audience handling strategies - not included
- Go deeper with your planning - not included
- Personalised coaching - not included
Advanced - 2 Days
- SpeakerMap™ planning system
- Slide design methodology
- Nerves / mindset framework
- Delivery techniques - Personalised Coaching
- Practice & Feedback - Extensive with video and 1:1
- Follow up coaching (60 mins)
- Food & drinks included
- Audience handling strategies - Deep dive & drills
- Go deeper with your planning
- Personalised coaching
Particpant Feedback
1 Day - Foundations
I have already told my manager that the session was the best training session I have been to in over 30 years. I definitely left feeling empowered to create more genuine / informative presentations that can carry a clear message and enable us to use our natural voices and display our passion for the role that we have.
By far the best course I have attended in any organisation, either here in NZ or abroad. The format of the course was engaging and there was a great balance between listening, engaging and participating. I look forward to using the skills used…presenting at the next Hui about the course!
This course has been so valuable already! I learnt so many great tips that now seem so obvious that I wasn’t doing before. I’m actually looking forward to my next presentation so I can put everything I have learnt in to practice!
2 Days - Advanced
I developed a newfound confidence in my ability to communicate. I would recommend this effective speaking course to anyone looking to enhance their communication abilities. It’s not just another course; it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to become a more confident and persuasive speaker.
This has been one of the most transformative courses I’ve attended. Jane totally revolutionised the way I now approach presentations. Having felt fear in the past each time I have to present to large groups, for the first time I now feel like I have the tools, understanding and ability to approach presentations and conquer my fear. I can’t thank Jane enough.
Jane’s class is one of the best coaching sessions I have ever attended. I have learned a great deal and believe that I am now equipped with the necessary tools for future talks and presentations. Jane’s teaching style is truly inspiring, and the practical insights she provided have been invaluable.
About your trainer
Jane Sheffield has spent over 10 years helping leaders across government, business, and professional services communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.
She learned presenting the hard way — in boardrooms and conferences across Europe and the Middle East — and brings that realworld insight into every workshop. Jane has trained thousands of professionals in New Zealand to become more effective communicators, blending practical tools with authentic, nofluff coaching.
FAQs
I’m nervous about presenting. Will this help?
Yes — absolutely. This workshop is supportive and practical. You’ll learn simple tools to steady your nerves and you’ll get plenty of safe, low-pressure practice.
1 Day Foundation: best if you want a gentle start. Step-by-step method, don’t get up to present to the group.
2 Days Advanced: best if you’re ready for a bigger shift and don’t mind a stretch. Deeper coaching, more presenting, stronger feedback.
Either way, you’ll leave clearer, calmer, and more confident..
Do I need to bring slides?
No, just bring a real topic you need to present soon, and we’ll help you shape it.
Will this work for technical content?
Absolutely. We’ll help you simplify without dumbing down.
Can I do Day 1 now and add Day 2 later?
Yes — but numbers for Day 2 are limited to 6 participants, so only if there is room.
What should I bring?
Yourself and an open mind.
Refunds and Transfers?
Plans change — we get it.
21+ days before the event: we’ll move you to the next Effective Speaker event in the same city at no cost.
7–20 days before the event: we’ll move you to the next Effective Speaker event, with a 50% rebooking fee.
Within 6 days of the event (including the day): no refund or credit, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place.
