Rachael West
Every time we speak we have an opportunity.
How I became a speaker coach
20 years ago, I was working as an engineer in Perth, Western Australia. Despite the organisation’s incredible work, I saw brilliant ideas lost in presentations that didn’t grab the audience.
I convinced my colleagues to join a workshop I called Improv for Technical People. Drawing on my theatre background, I helped these engineers to put themselves into the shoes of their audience and create engaging, meaningful presentations. The workshop was fun, filled with laughter and profoundly changed their approach to speaking. I kept running it!
I have now been coaching individual speakers from all professions and walks of life for over 15 years. I have developed and honed my coaching methodologies and continue to build my skills in the many areas that support people to be great communicators and presenters.
What I love
I have always loved asking questions and hearing people’s stories. It’s a dream to have these as central elements to my work. My aim is to draw out your story, to help you clarify what is important to you, and to guide you to bring your idea to life, on stage and in the world.
My professional background
Alongside speaker coaching, I have worked across social innovation and social impact, public infrastructure and policy.
My qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Curtin University)
- University Diploma in Yogic Education (University of Lille, France)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sexology (Curtin University)
- Certified organisational coach (IECL)
- Circus in Performance (Greentop Circus, Sheffield, UK)
- I am midway through the three-year Body Mind Centering Practitioner Training (embodied anatomy/somatics)
I also co-founded a social enterprise that became nationally recognised for improving the lives of people with chronic pain. In 2017, my own TEDx talk led to an important partnership for that organisation.
My movement practices
My coaching is profoundly influenced by decades of training in physical theatre, movement and contemplative ethics. I believe the body is a crucial part of communicating with impact and integrity. I have a daily yoga and meditation practice, dance multiple times per week and regularly train in clown, Butoh and Bouffon.
My portfolio of offerings now includes executive coaching, movement education and strategic coaching.
STRATEGIC SPEAKER COACH RACHAEL WEST 