Speaking with Confidence

My experience of speaking in front of a group of people used to be at best uncomfortable and sometimes it was nerve-racking.  I then discovered Speaking Circles.  I underwent a gradual and profound transformation from fear of speaking in groups to actually enjoying it.

This simple yet powerful approach is not about performance or learning techniques.  It focuses on four basic principles:

  1. How to connect with your audience
  2. How to receive support from the people you are speaking to
  3. Acknowledging stage fright and moving through it
  4. Bringing awareness to the "inner critic"

I realised that I had never connected with the group of people I was speaking to.  I often used to avoid eye contact and would talk into empty space.  I also felt that I had to give or deliver something and that it was never good enough.

The radical approach of Speaking Circles enabled me to stay in relationship with my audience as well as feeling supported by them.  This encouraged me to speak a lot more honestly and spontaneously.  I began to dissolve my inner critic thereby letting go of my fear of being judged.

The groups I facilitate are called 'Speaking with Confidence'.  They will enable you to speak naturally and spontaneously in any group situation including:

  • giving presentations
  • teaching
  • social groups
  • interviews
  • public speaking.

I am a trained 'Speaking Circles' facilitator and have been running these groups for eight years.

Dates of courses: Saturdays 10th January and 4th April

Cost:  £45.00 per day     Venue: Friends Meeting House, Nailsworth

Time:  10am - 5pm

(Also Saturday 21st February  at Hawkwood College,  Stroud £59.00 inc lunch)

Five Wednesday mornings starting 11 February 10.00am-12.30am Cost: £75.00

Five Wednesday evenings starting 11 March 7.15 - 9.45pm  Cost: £75.00

For more information or to book a place please phone Nicola Belle Tel: 01453 751419

QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS:  "In a gentle yet profound way, this course asks us to engage with so many vital themes - self-acceptance, connection with others, even love .... One of the best workshops I have ever attended." Kim (counsellor)

"It felt like a very safe place to explore my fears.  I now go into a group feeling a lot more open, relaxed and connected to myself and others."  Diana (shiatsu practitioner)