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The Job Seeker Series | Part 2 Once you know why you want a particular job, the next question becomes practical and often intimidating: How do you actually approach the employer? In Part 1 of this series, we explored the importance of finding your why . That clarity matters here because how you approach an employer should be intentional, not accidental. Before you reach out in any way, there is one non-negotiable step. Step one: research If you are serious about a role, you

The Jobseeker Series - Part 1 Finding Your Why New year. New goals. New job. New you…? The start of a new year often feels like an invitation to begin again. But for many of us, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, January is more about rest than reinvention. It’s not until February and March that the real shifts begin. That’s when the thinking starts. Is this still working? Do I want something different? Is it time to move on? For many people, this questioning leads to

Simple frameworks to help you shine when it’s your turn at the mic this silly season. December is always a fast downhill slide towards Christmas and summer holidays, with lighter evenings, a little more energy, and for many of us, the beginning of a   full social calendar. With that comes social speeches. Farewells. Welcomes. Celebrations. Thank-yous. These short speeches often sneak up on people. They might look casual, but that doesn’t make them easy. For many, the fear isn

Over December, I’m sure many of you will have endless engagements, be they work or personal. And at most of them, you’ve likely had to talk to someone you didn’t know. Making the first move and introducing yourself is, for many, a terrifying situation. For some, just arriving at the event is a feat in itself. Recently, I attended a local Women in Business event, my first one. I did what I do for all new events and checked out the location in advance. I knew where to go, where

A takeaway story (like any good fast-food joint) is one your audience can receive and takeaway. It’s the kind of story they fold into their kete of knowledge, to pull out or reflect on when it matters Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to build connection. For many of us, curling up with a parent for a bedtime story is one of our earliest and safest memories. That sense of warmth and shared understanding is exactly what stories create when we use them in leadership

How to grow confidence in public speaking from a young age, and what support we can give as parents and teachers. New Zealand has a strong oral history, stories passed down from generation to generation, carrying identity, belonging, and lessons. They are powerful retellings of who we are and where we’ve come from. For many, though, the experience of speeches and public speaking is the annual school speech competition, nervously standing in front of peers, a dreaded memory fo

At least give yourself a cheeky toot! Why talking yourself up before stepping on stage makes all the difference. New Zealanders are world-famous for being humble. We grow up with an unwritten rule: don’t “blow your own trumpet.” To say you’re good at something feels dangerously close to arrogance. But if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Dom Harvey often ends his podcast by asking guests: Do you feel proud of yourself? You’d think it’s the easiest question in the world

Ever walked away from a presentation replaying all the things you should have said? Same. Here’s what I learned when the ‘perfect line’ showed up in the car park. Last week I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on a podcast. The best part? I got to combine my passion with my profession - talking about the importance of public speaking and communication in education. The conversation itself was short, about 30 minutes all up. That’s not long when you’re trying to sum

Find systems and solutions that work for you: What makes you feel better before you are about to present? (or: What I do when I feel like my nerves are going to take over this moment) When we are in any evaluative situation, one of the aspects that we can find challenging is knowing how to embrace our nerves. Be it an interview, a presentation, a speech, a performance, people are looking at us, evaluating us, and we know we are being judged. Not to mention, a lot of the time,

Storytelling is one of our oldest traditions — it makes us memorable, relatable, and credible. Most importantly, it helps us build a genuine connection with our audience. Origin stories are a powerful place to start. They offer background, reveal values, and make your message uniquely yours. To share an origin story, you could: Share how your career journey began to inspire new staff. Explain the origins of your name or business name and what it represents. Frame a story of g

First prepared and presented by Ashleigh Gulliver for the NZATE Conference 2024 When we think about oral literacy, we often focus on delivery — the voice, the nerves, the audience. But building confidence in speaking begins long before a student steps in front of a crowd. It starts with curiosity, play, and opportunities to connect through words. The Brave Words Resource List  was created to support teachers and students in developing oral literacy and public speaking confid

Oral literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give young people. Being able to speak clearly, confidently, and authentically sets them up for success not only in school, but in life. As a secondary teacher and founder of With Confidence, I’ve seen first-hand how much students struggle with nerves and how important it is to equip them with strategies that work. Here are some simple, practical tips that teachers and parents can use to support young people in growing th

Questions? No worries! This essential resource guide will help YOU interview with confidence! Job interviews can feel daunting, but remember: you were asked to be there, and you deserve to be there. With the right preparation and mindset, you can walk into any interview with confidence. This guide breaks down practical strategies, common questions, and ways to stand out – helping you turn nerves into success. The 5 P’s of Interviewing 1. Prepare – Research the company, the r

Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and for many of us, nerves can feel overwhelming. The good news is that nerves are normal – and with the right strategies, you can channel them into confidence. Here are ten practical tips to help you calm your nerves, stay grounded, and deliver a presentation that leaves an impact. Know Your Audience Who are you speaking to and why? Understanding your audience’s needs will help you empathise with them and ‘read the room’ as