Toby Underwood – Client Story

Public Speaker

How did you feel before we started working together? Did you have any specific problems or issues? What were you struggling with? What worries did you have?

My aim was to deliver a speech that was inspiring, reassuring and inclusive. I knew the audience would be diverse, so I wanted to avoid language that could feel marginalising. I also wanted help thinking through the structure of the talk – how to give it shape, progression, and impact. Nic helped me bring awareness to both the form and the delivery, so the speech could land clearly and respectfully.

How did you feel after the course was finished?

After working with Nic, I felt ready to give my speech. We spent time making sure it flowed well and that I could say each part in a way that felt right for me. Nic helped me believe that what I was saying really mattered and I held onto that feeling when I stood up to speak.

What specific result did you see as a result of us working together?

The audience responded really, really well, people came up to me afterward saying how moved they felt by the speech. I even inspired some of the younger listeners, which was incredibly rewarding. I felt like a genuine advocate for the message I was sharing. I also learned how to be more present with every word and how to play with pace to keep the audience engaged. Those skills made a big difference in how the speech landed and how I experienced giving it.

What did you like best about the experience of working with me?

What I liked best about working with you, Nic, was how personal the experience felt. You were really supportive, with absolutely no sense of judgment, and your feedback was always clear and helpful. That made it easy to learn and grow.

What part of the process was most difficult for you, and how could I have helped to make it easier?

Nic already did a great job making the process easier by breaking feedback into clear steps, providing notes, and giving me space to process everything. For me, managing multiple aspects of a speech at the same time, like focusing on the words while also thinking about pace, volume, and pitch, is quite demanding. Breaking things down and taking it one step at a time was really important for me.

What would you say to someone considering working with me?

If you want to work with someone who listens closely, puts you at ease, and helps you sharpen your message with clear, supportive feedback, Nic is the coach to choose. Her calm and encouraging approach really helps you focus on your goals and deliver your speech with confidence. I’d definitely work with her again!
If you’d like to experience some of the wonderful things Toby has working with me, take a look at what I offer here…