Claire Sutherley DL is Managing Director of We Are Wakefield Ltd and a highly experienced public speaker, regularly engaging audiences of hundreds through events, panel discussions, conferences and webinars. As Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, she represents the Lord-Lieutenant at formal engagements across the county, combining professionalism, warmth and authenticity to connect with diverse audiences. Claire is also host of the We Are Wakefield Podcast, where she shares the stories, insights and experiences of local business leaders, entrepreneurs and community champions. With a career spanning more than 25 years in business leadership, economic development and community engagement, Claire is passionate about helping people and organisations thrive. She is the founder of the Wakefield Business Awards and the Connection Academy, which was established to help individuals develop the confidence and skills needed to become effective public speakers. Through her training, mentoring and speaking engagements, Claire empowers others to communicate with impact, build meaningful connections and achieve their goals.
Responding to the demand for support and development in public speaking, Claire founded the Connection Academy in 2023. The Academy’s full-day training course, Mastering the Art of Public Speaking is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to become effective and confident public speakers. Attendees delve into preparing for public speaking, enhancing confidence, mastering body language, and receiving top tips for delivering impactful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences.
Beyond the course, participants leave with increased confidence and practical tips to make their future presentations more impactful, persuasive, and successful. Through the Connection Academy, Claire Sutherley not only shapes the next cohort of compelling and confident public speakers but also actively contributes to the growth and development of individuals and teams seeking mastery in effective communication.
Full-Day Training Course: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking
Course Objective:
The objective of this full-day training course is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective and confident public speakers. Throughout the day, attendees will learn how to prepare for public speaking, enhance their confidence, master body language, and receive top tips for delivering impactful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences.
Section 1: Introduction to Public Speaking
Section 2: How to Prepare for Public Speaking
Section 3: Building Confidence in Public Speaking
Section 4: Mastering Body Language
Section 5: Top Tips for Getting the Best Out of Public Speaking
Section 6: Practice Sessions and Feedback
Section 7: Individual Action Plans
Conclusion:
The full-day training course will culminate with a recap of the main topics covered throughout the day. Participants will leave with increased confidence in their public speaking abilities, armed with valuable strategies and practical tips to make their future presentations more impactful, persuasive, and successful. The journey to becoming a compelling and confident public speaker will continue beyond the course as attendees apply their newfound skills in various professional and personal settings.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Mastering the Art of Public Speaking |
| Course Type | Full-Day Training Course |
| Objective | Equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective and confident public speakers. |
| Learning Outcomes | • Prepare for public speaking • Enhance confidence • Master body language • Receive practical presentation tips • Deliver impactful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences |
| Description | Through the day, attendees will learn how to prepare for public speaking, enhance their confidence, master body language, and receive top tips for delivering impactful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences. |
Mixed Attendee Sessions
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Type | Mixed Attendee Session |
| Price | £150 per person |
| Includes Lunch | Yes |
| Format | Individual booking |
| Venue | Pre-determined venue |
| Maximum Attendees | 12 |
| Description | Our pre-arranged courses are available to book as an individual at £150 per person, including lunch. You will attend with fellow aspiring public speakers. |
| Next Open Session | 13/10/2026 |
| Location | We Are Wakefield, Office 5, Rear Walled Garden, Nostell Estate, Wakefield WF4 1AB |
Corporate On-Site Training
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Type | Corporate On-Site |
| Price | £1,200 |
| Duration | One Day |
| Maximum Attendees | Up to 12 team members |
| Venue | Provided by the client |
| Training Delivery | Provided by Connection Academy |
| Lunch Included | No |
| Description | Bring Connection Academy to you. On-site training is available from £1,200 for a one-day session for up to 12 members of your team. You provide the venue; we provide the training. |
One-to-One Coaching
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | One-to-One Coaching |
| Price | From £85 per hour |
| Venue | Can be provided |
| Online Option | Available |
| In-Person Sessions | Available |
| Description | Personalised public speaking coaching delivered either online or in person, depending on requirements. |
Book Now to attend the next open session on 13/10/2026 at Nostel
Contact Claire via email for further booking enquiries.
MASTERING THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Full-Day Training Course:
The objective of this full-day training course is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective and confident public speakers. Throughout the day, attendees will learn how to prepare for public speaking, enhance their confidence, master body language, and receive top tips for delivering impactful presentations that captivate and inspire audiences.
Mixed Attendee Sessions
£ 150 pp
Our pre-arranged courses are available to book as an individual at £150 per person including lunch. You will attend with fellow aspiring public speakers at a pre-determined venue. Maximum 12 attendees.
Next open session – 13/10/26 at We Are Wakefield, Office 5 Rear Walled Garden, Nostell Estate, Wakefield WF4 1AB.
Most Popular
Corporate On-Site
£ 1200
Bring Connection Academy to you. On-site training available from £1200 for a one day session for up to 12 members of your team. You provide the venue, we provide the training. Lunch not provided.
One-to-One
From £ 85 p/h
Venue can be provided. Some sessions can be conducted on-line. In-person sessions required.
