Project Charisma was born from my own struggles with public speaking anxiety. The racing heart, the fear of judgement — any time I was the centre of attention, I’d feel an overwhelming wave of panic.
I tried CBT, hypnosis, and strange supplements that promised “1-hour relief”. Nothing really worked. So feeling almost helpless, I decided to face my fears until I found a way through.
I joined classes, attended courses, and found all manner of ways to challenge my comfort zone. Eventually, it led me to becoming a Toastmasters President, working as a professional actor, and getting paid to speak on stage.
After conquering my own nerves, I set out to help others do the same, by sharing everything I’d learned in the process…
Most people are simply never taught how to handle nerves, engage an audience, or deliver a presentation that truly lands. They’re just expected… to do it.
As your career progresses, those expectations become heavier. A lack of confidence can turn into avoidance, anxiety, and a feeling of imposter syndrome.
Some people try to mask their nerves while grinding through each presentation. Others simply avoid public speaking… for as long as they can.
But it’s not a personality flaw, and it’s not something you’re stuck with forever. It’s a simple lack of training – and with the right guidance, facing an audience can become something you genuinely enjoy.
So, how do we make it happen?
At the heart of our training is a 4-step framework. When each of these works together, confidence happens naturally.
1. Skill Acquisition
We teach you the fundamental skills of communication: structure, storytelling, body language, vocal variety, and mindset.
2. Low Pressure Practise
We give you the space to practise those skills in a low-stakes environment, where constructive feedback leads to rapid learning.
3. Guided Rehearsal
When real life opportunities comes up, we work together to ensure you’re 100% prepared, rehearsed, and ready to succeed.
4. Real World Wins
You experience genuinely enjoying speaking — in meetings, pitches, or keynotes — creating a virtuous cycle of positive association, and lasting confidence.
No outdated tricks or fluff. Just hands-on methods that are proven to work. From someone who's been where you are.
You're working directly with me. Everything we do is tailored and personalised for you, or for your team.
We're based in Manchester, but I travel across the UK and internationally, and offer virtual training worldwide.
When you work with me, you’re learning from someone who has walked the path of public speaking.
While overcoming my own speaking fears, I spent four years deeply involved in Toastmasters International, eventually becoming Club President. I also worked as a professional actor across stage, screen, and voice-over, performing in theatre’s across the UK, Italy, and even off-Broadway.
Most importantly, for over 10 years I’ve been training professionals to speak in public — while working as a paid speaker myself. This combination of real-world experience means I can guide you effectively, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your speaking to the next level.
I bring all my insights from the stage, the studio, and the training room — to help you speak with charisma, no matter the situation.
Danny Riley is an award-winning speaker, a Distinguished Toastmaster, and TEDx speaker coach, with an expertise in leadership and management.
Danny’s practical techniques in speech writing and storytelling, are central to much our training.
Jasmine spent five years as a professional actress and model, with a strong background in stage performance, and directing.
Jasmine helps to lead our coaching community, with a knack for giving no-fluff feedback, and creative ideas.
Chris is a hypnotherapist and published author with a specialism in helping people overcome phobias.
Chris’s understanding of the psychology behind confidence continue, and his unique methods for alleviating anxiety, continue to influence our approach.
Hey Ed,
Just wanted to share some feedback we had from the delegates after the October Away day 😊 You went down a storm!
– Presentation skills session very good
– The presentation skills session was AMAZING! Very informative and will definitely come in handy.
– Really enjoyed the presentation skills
– Speaker was very engaging and interesting and worked for all aspects of our work
– The presentation was amazing, getting to interact with each other and learning different presentation skills.- there wasn’t a moment which I found it boring or not helpful.
Jess Docksey, Workforce & Education Programme Manager
“Absolutely Brilliant training session to do, really enjoyed it. Ed was fab made everyone feel at ease, more confident and relaxed. I will take so much away from this session thanks Ed, you do a great job 👍👏”
Diane Axford — GMCA
“Attended an excellent full day session hosted by Ed at Project Charisma, it was a fantastic learning experience and would recommend to anyone who gets the chance.
Ed made everyone feel at ease even when facing our insecurities, individual conversations around the exercises left no question unanswered. A great experience that I can put into practice straight away.”
Siobhan Keane — GMCA
100% recommendation rate! All attendees gave you a 10 on how likely they would be to recommend the workshop to peers!
Here’s a summary of the group’s feedback from the session:
Ideas that resonated with the group the most:
Presentation Structure: Key techniques like planning, the “rule of three,” and the power of pausing.
Audience Engagement: Effective strategies such as the “audience hug” and balanced eye contact (“light housing”).
Public Speaking Elements: Focus on body language, voice modulation, and mindset.
Vocal Variety & Filler Words: Importance of vocal variety and minimising filler words.
Mindset Shift: Emphasis on being prolific over perfect; enthusiasm and charisma over confidence.
All the group have rated themselves as an 8, 9 or 10 in terms of confidence in demonstrating the skills they have learnt in your session.
Other comments:
“This workshop has given me a great toolkit to help build my presenting skills. I feel more empowered in my public speaking and have the confidence to participate in presentations within my role.”
“I thought it was well run, the overall content was excellent. Great feedback throughout the course to support not only the individual but also the group. I would recommend the course strongly to my peers.”
“Was nervous going into the class, worried that it would be a bit school-like or based more in acting (which it was not). Thoroughly enjoyed the experience – would love to do it again later on in the year/next year to look see how my skill has (hopefully) improved.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and was highly impressed with Ed. Ed’s approach to the subject, his personal story, the layout of the workshop and his energy made for an engaging, memorable and impactful workshop. Ed was able to give helpful feedback to everyone whilst also filled us with encouragement and confidence. I feel he shared some life skills that I will take forward with me in my career and I would love the opportunity to work with him again!”
