IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING AND PRESENTING SKILLS with Mel Byron (5-week course)

Strong spoken communication isn’t just a workplace asset - it’s a life skill that can transform your confidence, your relationships and positively impact your results.

In this fun, supportive and highly practical 5-week learning programme, professional communication skills coach Mel Byron will guide you through the tools and techniques that help you speak with impact, presence and ease - no matter the setting.

Meetings, interviews, presentations and pitches are part of most people’s lives. Approaching them with clarity and confidence not only improves your outcomes, it makes the whole experience far more enjoyable.

Across the five weeks, you’ll learn how to manage nerves, overcome self-doubt, craft compelling stories and connect authentically with any audience. Mel’s coaching will set you firmly on the path to becoming a confident, engaging speaker - skills that will benefit every area of your life.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Reframe and reduce self-doubt so it no longer gets in your way
• Tell engaging, memorable stories
• Build trust and connection with any audience
• Present with confidence to achieve the results you want
• Write and deliver your own talk, with personalised, actionable feedback

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The course will be presented in five 2-hour sessions and will take place in Brompton Library's events room on the first floor of the library.

£3 booking charge is refundable on request and does not guarantee your place on the course - this is an administrative charge. Your place can only be offered and confirmed by the tutor.

You can sign up to the whole course only. Please book only if you can attend all five sessions.

DATES:

Saturday, 31 January, 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, 07 February - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, 14 February - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, 21 February - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, 28 February - 1pm to 3pm

*This course is aimed at London residents who need help to get back to employment or study, or improve their wellbeing or sense of community. We have only 10 spaces on this course, so book early!

**PLEASE NOTE: You can get just ONE course free of charge PER ACADEMIC YEAR (1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026). We cannot get funding for the same student twice, even if they attend different courses.

***The names and addresses of all who book will be shared with the tutor, who will contact you to send you an enrolment form.

Contact libraries@rbkc.gov.uk if you have any queries about booking.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE:

Topics we’ll explore together

• Why we speak & what makes communication great
  Gain a clear understanding of the purpose behind our words and the core elements that make spoken communication effective and engaging.
• Mindset & managing anxiety
  With more than 70% of people experiencing fear around public speaking, we’ll explore what’s happening in our minds, uncover what holds us back, and learn practical techniques to shift limiting beliefs into empowering ones.
• Putting your audience first
  Discover how focusing on your listeners’ needs helps you craft messages that truly land and resonate.
• Storytelling for success
  Learn how to structure your presentations as compelling stories that draw your audience in and communicate your message with greater impact. We’ll look closely at structure, language and narrative flow.
• Learning from the greats
  Analyse well-known speeches and speakers to understand the techniques, choices and strategies that make them so memorable.
• Confident, natural delivery
  Explore what happens in the moment of presenting - from body language and vocal pace to rhythm, energy and eye contact - so you can speak with presence and authenticity.
• Using humour to connect
  Discover how lightness and humour can build rapport and make your message more relatable (even if you’re not a natural comedian!).
• Slides & props that add value
  Learn how visual aids and props can support your message, enhance clarity and add an extra layer of “flavour” to your delivery.

Everyone will have the opportunity to present, practise and receive thoughtful, actionable feedback on all aspects of their work.

TESTIMONIALS FOR MEL:

‘Mel’s delivery style, coupled with a tremendously well-researched training programme make for a really enjoyable, informative and valuable experience. I would heartily recommend her as both a trainer and comedian. Thanks for making it so fun and useful!’ (Jude Sach- Hickory Business Support)

‘Mel is an absolute superstar. We have worked with her on various projects and she is a pleasure to work with. Mel has the charisma and people skills to step right in and lead a group…I’d highly recommend Mel for training, coaching, workshops and more.’ (Laura Summers – Book Machine)

‘Her structured and skilled approach relieves the feelings of overwhelm in even the most reluctant of public speakers, allowing them to shine.’ (Julia Ngapo – Business & Executive Coach)

‘Before Mel’s course I was absolutely terrified of public speaking and would avoid it at all costs. In only a few weeks, my confidence has grown and I now wouldn’t turn down an opportunity. I learnt so much and have completely shifted my mindset.’ (Vicky Westmore -Copywriter)

‘Many thanks from all of us for delivering some straightforward strategies that can help us be more effective in our spoken communications.’ (Linda – Bosom Pals MK)

‘I’d recommend Mel to anyone who wants support with delivering their message with confidence and ease.’ (Mandy- webinar attendee)

‘Mel is really engaging. The workshop was fun, interesting and extremely useful.’ (Ellie- Workshop attendee)