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. The organisation did incredible work – finding ways to address major environmental and social issues such as drought and climate change – that I thought needed to be shared.
I convinced my colleagues to join a workshop I called Improv for Technical People. Drawing on my theatre background, I helped engineers and geologists 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 about these important issues.
I ran that workshop around the world and began coaching individual speakers from all professions and walks of life. I have now been a speaker coach for over 15 years. I continue to develop and hone my coaching methodologies to ensure that people with important, meaningful things to say can use the stage to support change.
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)
- Somatic Movement Education (midway through the three-year Body Mind Centering-based training in 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.
Image: Me, speaking at TEDx Bunbury.
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 disciplines like clown, Butoh and Bouffon.
My portfolio of offerings now includes executive coaching, movement education and strategic coaching.
I have always loved asking questions and hearing people’s stories. It’s a dream for these to be 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.
STRATEGIC SPEAKER COACH RACHAEL WEST 