If you have a picture in your mind of an ‘accomplished public speaker’, and you think that you need to put on a mask or hide your true self in order to command attention in that same way… then I would love to offer you an alternative framework.
Book a trial session for FREE (online)
Schedule a virtual 30 minute private public speaking coaching session (online) with Christine Bissonnette to discuss your goals, experience a demo lesson, and to see if this program is the right fit for you.
Can’t find a time that works for you? Send us an email to discuss options.
10-Week Program
Discover and develop the qualities that make you an engaging public speaker and learn how to show up for your audience with skill, bravery, and poise.
Becoming an impactful speaker includes developing a grounding connection to your body. Rather than letting your whole public speaking experience whiz by in a blur, let’s develop your skills through a mindful lens so that you can actively participate in the unfolding of your presentation/performance in a way that is spontaneous, masterful, and true to who you are.
Program Outline:
1
Mindfulness
We start each session with a 15-20 minute Breathexperience™ practice. These deceptively simple practices will help calm your mind and allow you to reclaim a powerful presence. At the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll leave with a handout detailing 4 meditations to continue to explore in your own time.
2
Choose a Focus – what sort of text would like to work on during our time together?
Prepare a Presentation
Get comfortable sharing your idea or project with a large or small audience. Whether you’re preparing for a networking event, developing a webinar, or getting ready to film a social media video … every week, you’ll practice sharing your knowledge and expertise, through a mindful lens.
Write a Poem |
Perform a Poem
In the first 5 weeks, you’ll be guided to write 1-3 poems on a subject of your choice (like identity, confidence, stage fright, uncertainty etc). Then, we’ll get to work, and you’ll explore the art of reading your original work aloud.
Develop a Repertoire
Commit a personally relevant poem, story, or monologue to memory — making the words your own. Working intimately with a text that truly resonates with you can be a deeply impactful experience. Let’s explore the process of mindful memorization and rehearsal together.
Can’t decide which option to choose? This program can be repeated as many times as you’d like — each time, you’ll walk away with a widened awareness of the tools of public speaking, plus a growing number of pieces committed to memory.
What skills do we build in public speaking training?
- Awareness of Breath – strengthen your connection to your breath and give yourself a solid foundation to return to when under pressure and experiencing nervousness (or stage fright).
- Strong Voice – practice speaking from a place of relaxation, and allow your voice to be strong, assertive, and unapologetic.
- Expressive Body – what do you do with your hands? You’re not just a talking head — practice being physically expressive in a way that captures your audience’s attention, and helps them to follow the contents of your presentation or performance.
- Well-Structured Presentation – discover the shape of your presentation, and explore pacing, vocal variety, and expertly placed pauses to make your text come alive.
- Effective Memorization – learn how to memorize effectively and in a way that allows for spontaneity every time you speak.
- Engage an Audience – learn how to effortlessly connect with your audience and speak ‘to’ them not ‘at’ them.
- Discover Delight – discover genuine enjoyment in the experience of being on stage or in front of the camera.
Public speaking is a skill that takes practice, but I am confident that together we can identify your biggest obstacles to feeling comfortable on the stage (or in front of the camera) and give you the tools and the foundational knowledge you need in order to continue to learn and develop as a speaker – even after our last session together.
Testimonials
“I [received] feedback from a colleague saying that I did a great job, that I was a great speaker and that she could have listened to me all day. She said I had a great virtual presence and I that I nailed it! She thought I was an expert Toastmaster! Thank you!” –
– Ruth
Program Fee (Private Instruction)
Classes are currently held online, over Zoom.
10-Week Public Speaking Program
Price: $950 CAD + GST for 10 hours of personalized, private instruction
Payments can be made via etransfer, cheque or Paypal. If paying through Paypal, a small processing fee will be added to your invoice.
Ready to book a class package?
Send us an email and let’s get started.
Cancellation Policy
Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations/re-scheduling of private classes. Classes cancelled without adequate notice may be charged the class fee.
About Christine Bissonnette (your public speaking coach):
Christine Bissonnette has her BA in English and creative writing, and minor in theatre from UNB. She is an authorized teacher of Breathexperience™ breath work, and has studied extensively in voice, breath, and movement with highly respected teachers from across North America. Christine has worked with Viva Voce Speech Arts Studio, Place des Arts, Vancouver Biennale, ArtStarts in Schools, Insight Global Education, and more. Find Christine on LinkedIn.