Welcome
I am an author, speaker, facilitator, and teacher in the art of brilliant communication, transforming the way business leaders connect with and inspire their people. With a focus on practical ideas, tools, and techniques, I unlock confidence and skill in sessions that are playful and experiential, whilst providing challenging and constructive feedback.
My book - The Listening Shift - draws on the learning and experiences I gained as a RADA-trained classical actress, a voice teacher (I have an MA in Voice Studies), from my research into Performance Psychology at Edinburgh University and from my years volunteering as a listener for Samaritans in the UK.
About Me
At the age of 6 years old, I decided I wanted to be an actor. For the rest of my childhood, I took every opportunity I could to perform. I became fuelled by one purpose - to go to RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) where so many of my idols started their careers and, at 19, I was offered a place.
3 glorious years of exploring, experimenting and living the dream were followed by 12 years of professional work. I started with classical theatre, explored TV and film and carved a niche as a presenter.
I facilitated conferences, presented videos, spoke on behalf of business leaders and voiced business content for a wide-range of organisations, coaching in-house speakers organically along the way – using what I knew to help them through the experience.
I became more and more fascinated by performance skills…the essential toolkit necessary for people to make their desired impact. I studied for an MA in Voice and an MSc in Performance Psychology. My work became enjoyably diverse.
Here’s what followed:
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I learned a simple, easy-to-implement approach to speaking in public fluently and with impact by coaching leaders on presentations.
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I discovered a shorthand for connecting with people and helping them understand how to have brilliant conversations that get results by facilitating groups in business schools and organisations across the world. I learned how to listen and understand the challenges that people face in their day-to-day working experience.
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Fascinated by people’s stories, I trained as a listener with Samaritans UK. I learned how to listen deeply, not judge, but to harness people’s power to find their own solutions and transform their lives for the better.
In the last 20 years, I’ve realised that my actor’s hat is still worn every day. I am a chameleon and have an approach that allows me to connect with any audience to start a conversation and build trust, affinity and rapport - the foundation of success in life and work. It’s a useful skillset and I look forward to sharing it with you.
What I do
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Communication Diagnostic – an in-person or online analysis of what’s working with an individual or team and identifying where improvement is needed
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How to be heard – confidence in speaking up in meetings, online and in person
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Helping listeners listen – making presentation messages relevant, engaging, and actionable
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Listening Shifts – expert listener training for individuals and teams
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Conversations that count – how to talk to each other to connect, understand and move forward
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VoicePrintTM - a profile to advance influencing skill and strategy
What Clients Say
"I'm sure Janie has magic powers...she has this incredible gift of being able to spot the one thing that will make an enormous impact to how you come across and the impact you have, give you super straight feedback (that perhaps no-one has been brave enough to tell you before), yet leave you feeling like the most incredible person there has ever been! I have worked with Janie for more than 11 years and she has made such a difference to so many leaders that she has supported. She is brilliant, with both individuals and groups. Leaders love working with her, trust her implicitly and feel energised and empowered after every interaction. I could not recommend her more highly...."
Andrea Tully, Executive and Talent Development Manager, Nationwide Building Society
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the session yesterday – hands down the best training course I have ever been on.
Janie was amazing – you have to be good to present a session on presenting!
There was a lot of content which Janie kept flowing without ever feeling rushed and gave us short exercises to do to demonstrate certain points or ideas, all of which meant the content had real context.
I have never been confident in presenting but came away yesterday wanting to present something to someone, just to try it all out!
Dyson Course Participant
Your coaching is first class - your style so inclusive, witty, confident and unthreatening - everyone moved forward for you and stepped out onto new 'turf' in the way we think and behave.
CEO Construction
Resources
Presenting Online - Making an Impact: A webinar for The Institute of Leadership and Management:
https://www.institutelm.com/event_listing/presenting-online-making-an-impact.html
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Contact
Please get in touch with any questions, comments or stories of success!
email: janie@janievanhool.com
+44 7973 345817