Below is a selection of testimonials and feedback. Recommendations can be arranged by request
I delivered my presentation on Wednesday this week. I loved it!It was out of my comfort zone, I did not use any Powerpoints slides, Instead I made it all about storytelling, and as a prompt, I had 6 x simple flip charts designed beforehand that I incorporated into my story.I genuinely feel that, for the first time, I constructed a story that held together from beginning to end. I made it personal.I will arrange for the video of it to be sent over as soon as it’s sorted. You have helped make such a positive impact already on how I am presenting myself. Thank you,
Elizabeth K Global Marketing Capability Lead for a large International Company
Thank you so much for all the incredible help and input! Just out of the recording and all went okay…and not too much sleep was lost!!! Understanding how to use the camera and what to expect helped calm my nerves. Sky News is the last one for this month.
Joanne B Portfolio manager , leading Asset management firm
What an excellent event! The team provided good constructive criticism and challenged my personal views on presenting skills which I absolutely loved.Looking forward to attending the next course later this year.
Austin T. Client Support
Thank you, just finished a presentation to the board. Couldn’t have gone better. Feedback was great and the proposal has gone through. When I went in the room , I put the odds at 50%. Could not have done it without you!
Stephano J Chief product definition and offtake officer Global renewables developer
Thanks again for working with the team. Over lunch today they were very appreciative of the training yesterday and seem even more energised – a great result. They are nervous about delivering the mini TED talks tomorrow but in a good way.
Kind regards
Callum K Learning and Development Edrington.
Dear Debora, It was a pleasure to have you in Mumbai and train our staff. For me personally, my video recording was an enlightening experience, not to mention a humbling one. We hope that we have been reciprocal in our hospitality and not given you cause for complaint. I would recommend you for future for the following reasons:-
Bonding with the audience
Great sense of humor
Ability to put us at ease
Fabulous communication skills
Wise use of existing tools for demonstration
Though not from India, able to quickly learn, improvise and make it relate to local audience
Helpful in providing us the CDs for bettering communication
Rajesh G Bhat
Vice President
Head of Operations
Large International Bank
Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know the conference went really well last week and I got some good feedback on my presenting skills which I was very pleased about! As well as presenting the slide that we had practised, I was also the facilitator through the 3 days and I have to say I definitely felt much more comfortable in front of the 60 people than I ever thought I would so I just wanted to say thank-you for all the practise & tips that you gave me as I really do feel it made such a difference!
James A. Regional Senior Marketing Manager, Edrington – Middle East, Africa & India
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your coaching – yesterday’s presentation went exceptionally well – see below email from the Chairman of the business! Kind regards,
Louisa Partner Leading Consultancy UK
Hi Debora, The presentation went really well, it was an unusual experience, hard to describe, as I wasn’t l really fully conscious of what I was saying and can only really remember snap-shots of my time presenting. It must have been the adrenaline or something?! Veronika was pleased with how I presented and I received compliments from a number of the attendees after the presentation, so it must have gone well. It was definitely a fun experience for once in my life. Many thanks for your help, it was invaluable. Thanks,
Chris Quantitative Researchers Nomura
Hi Debora, I just wanted to let you know that I feel I presented a lot better in Stockholm, my pace and delivery felt more natural, as opposed to ‘presenter Anna’ who is a little like a robot! I asked Gillian for her views and she too felt I was much better – so all is going in the right direction!
Anna J HR Director International financial company
Thank you so much for the support you gave me in my prep for hosting the Leadership Conference. It was well worthwhile, as the feedback from Charles and the leadership team was that I did a great job in setting the right tone between upbeat and professional. I’ve got a newfound respect for anyone who stands on a stage and puts themselves out there like this, as it was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I think I nailed my intro and the hook around golfing actually worked! Being up and down on stage every hour during the week to do the links was quite exciting. By the end of the week I was knackered. But happy. Can’t thank you enough for the support.
Stuart K head of communications international sales company
I had a meeting with with Jamie P today and she shared that your workshop was one of the most impactful sessions she’s experienced at the firm. Thank you for part of our team.
Scott T Head of training JH Investments
I just wanted to thank you again for the session, it was really fun and got to the very heart of the stuff I need to work on. You absolutely nailed every part of it and even helped me realise stuff I hadn’t thought of. I probably wouldn’t have been so honest if it wasn’t 1-2-1 so I feel very lucky that I got you to myself.
Luke Private banker WH Wealth management
It was a pleasure meeting you today during the Presence & Impact training series. Ultimately we are all driving towards improving the client experience – beyond just investments. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned to expand (improve!) upon my virtual presence, specifically in the area of developing hooks, storytelling, taking pauses, simplification of sentences and more. Your direct feedback was extremely helpful and I look forward to integrating that immediately…as early as tomorrow’s client meeting with a large advisor team at Ameriprise! Thank you again for your time and for sharing your expertise.
Leanne Managing Director, Investment Specialist
I just wanted to thank you for coaching me through some things a few weeks ago. I have been working on bringing my tone down and getting in a comfortable place, essentially always looking for the “demand” behind the ask, the way we practiced in our session. It’s interesting that it’s almost a cyclical way of showing your listeners you’re confident and then assuming said confidence, and then showing more confidence… you get the picture. I had a video recorded session this morning, and watching the playback, I didn’t know who that woman was! So much power. Thank you,
Sarah Head of L&D large investment firm
Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for all your help in preparing for my graduate presentation! It couldn’t have gone better – the feedback was incredible, the directors I worked with on my earlier rotations called out the transformation & growth from when I started and the strength of the material, how well I was able to present confidently and have rapport with the audience. Also managed to get this within the 20-minute timeframe, so thank you for your notes & helping me to be more concise, as this definitely made it more impactful. I couldn’t be happier with how well it went – this has been something looming over me for a long time & it now feels like a weight lifted. Going forward I feel much more confident about presenting impactful and in my ability to hold an audience. All the best and hopefully we get to work together again someday!
Paul C (he/him) Marketing Graduate – Global Travel Retail
Personally, I reaped a whole range of benefits and fantastic ideas and models to use moving forward. Many thanks for all your support, Kind regards,
Lawrence Learning Manger payments Merchant Services for large bank
Genuinely have appreciated the support and coaching to date and meant what I said at the start of the meeting about the impact you have had on my professional development and career. Heartfelt thanks and look forward to seeing you in June
Darren Mobile payments Large Corporate Bank
The workshop was fantastic and the feedback from the team was phenomenal. There maybe a potential to discuss next steps and I will revert soon on that one once I have confirmation of appetite and budgets.
Rashi R | Head Of Digital Business Delivery | Large Bank
I wanted to thank you so much for all the fantastic coaching and support you have given me over the year. I’ve learnt a huge amount in our sessions and your wisdom has been invaluable. I don’t know what sort of budget for coaching / training we will get at Amex but I will definitely reach out if there a way to do any further sessions with you.
Katrina Partner Large Consulting Firm
I am supposed to be keeping this all hush hush until it’s formally announced in Dec, but naturally I had to tell you: my partner promotion got approved today!!
You played a HUGE role in that, so I wanted to say a big thank you. Thank you!
S Partner in Large Consulting Firm
Hi Debora – truly appreciate your help in the past couple of days! Your worldly experience, wisdom and honesty help me look at things from a very different perspective. Your training series is the best I have had! I am sorry that I can’t say goodbye in person tomorrow because I will be working from home. I hope we get to see each other again next time you are in Denver or I am in London. Have a safe trip home! –
Annie Associate Director Digital marketing team
My presentation ….. I have to be honest, immediately afterwards I felt deflated but, positive feedback has drifted in since that seems to indicate it went a lot better than I imagined it did. And my overall numbers were 9 out of 10. I think we stuck to the brief and gave an informative talk while others rolled out the sales presentation. Everyone paid attention, no one left the room. No one was on their computer or phone so, mission achieved!
Thomas K International Headhunter Firm
Dear Debora and Team, I would like to thank you so much for all the things I learned in the past few days. You have exceeded my expectations, I just wished I had one or 2 more days to learn and explore more – even though I must admit after 4 days I feel like my head has been drilled Thank you for bringing high energy levels in this short period of time. I look forward to pursuing new sessions, as Debora said “it’s like a gym” – I’ll request additional funding next year and hope to just do so, and you’ll be able to see how I took in the advice and trainings!
Jean Francois Associate Director large consulting firm
I just wanted to drop you a quick line with an update – the panel happened yesterday as part of the town hall, it was a success & I have had many many positive comments throughout yesterday & today. Cheryl & Rami were very pleased with what we put together & how it was delivered/handled etc, so that, together with an engaged audience, I think it was everything we wanted it to be. Thank you again for your guidance & coaching, I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again in the future.
Stuart Large Corporate International Bank
I wanted to drop you a line to say a simple thank you for your invaluable help and advice over the last few months. I listened to your advice and strongly applied it, I was very confident and really landed my message clearly and I have had a lot of very positive feedback – many saying I was the best presenter of the week. I was succinct, did not wander or repeat, used strong visuals and tied my message back to “Belief and attitude” as my core theme. I kept to my message and held the audience, using little bits of humour and using no notes – having got it stapled into my brain through practice – my cough even went away for 20minutes. Without your help – none of it would have happened. So sincerely – thank you
Paul R Brand Director Leading Whisky Brand
Thank you for such a fantastic course today. I am only sorry that we had such a short time. I would have happily stayed all day and come back tomorrow! Honestly, the most useful and interactive training I’ve done in the many years I’ve been at the bank. Kind regards,
Jess Associate Business Support Large International Bank
I just want to say thank you for spending time and helping me understand/accept my feelings that I have been carry for so long. Hand on heart I will be channeling my inner Max/Oprah, sign posting, breathing and embracing what my future holds. Let the ‘gym’ work commence!
Jo IF Operations Manager, large retail bank
Sana presented at the WC town hall on Wednesday and was fab, I could see the difference and she was very pleased with her performance and the feedback she got (I am sure she will tell you all about it!)
Charlie V Assistant Vice President L&D large corporate bank
We are in the middle of our Weekly Technical Design Authority (the one where we are now 2 females out of 27, used to be 1 – me! I have thought of my questions and framed them with level 5 voice and got responses, triggered a round of healthy debate too. I am so pleased. Cannot thank you enough!
Edeenha Senior Vice President , large international bank
Thank you so very much for the sessions last week. I found them quite illuminating and useful.Also, the meeting on Friday went very well I am happy to report. Fresh from a meeting with you I kept in Adult mode while Peter and the Project Manager swung between Child and Critical Parent and Free Child modes. It was amusing to observe.
Neema Head of Technical Analysis & Design – Banking Solutions
Hi Debora, I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for the fabulous session you ran with the marketing team and associated others, including Jen from my team, last week. The feedback has been so positive –absolutely glowing. I am looking into the possibility of you running a session for the leadership team of the business unit James and I are part of and will be back in touch when I get the go ahead to make this happen! Kind regards
Deidre Senior HR Business Partner
I wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for yesterday. I feel very lucky and treated that you are happy to take me on. I thoroughly enjoyed our session. You are very inspiring. I am looking forward to being a much better presenter and story-teller. I realise the breathing thing is an issue – but the exercises we did really helped.
Sandra Leading Health Organisazation
I just wanted to say: thank you very much for a really excellent programme. The sessions were impressively intense, by which I mean, each one was only a few hours out of our day, but they were all memorable (and impactful, as advertised!) and I certainly took something significant away from each.
I have had unanimously positive feedback from the team, and – more importantly – observed a few clear examples of individuals drawing on lessons from the sessions when they up in front of their teams and their peers.
Thank you,
Nick Team Coordinator Risk technology Leading International Bank
I wanted to thank you for hosting a simply excellent course last week for the team and me. I have attended presentation skills courses before, but your course provided such practical advice and coaching which has been recognised by all of the team. We are looking forward to the second session and I have included Donna on this email so that she can help arrange a date that is mutually convenient in the September time frame.
Meghan K Chief Operating Officer , Global Security Large International Bank
I’ve been meaning to drop you a note. The Board meeting with Jamie went really well so a huge thank you for helping me prepare and for your vote of confidence! He loved the analysis and when I asked a couple of people for feedback after, they said my delivery was engaging and they thought I was already an MD.
Sonia Director Mortgages . Large International Bank
Thank you so much for all you have done for me. The talk could not have gone better–The stars were aligned and I felt your presence felt in the room. I received a standing ovation & invitation to return next year!
Felt surreal in a good way.
Andrea Fund Raiser for large International Cancer Charity
Thanks Debora, Great session—even with the technical challenges. I was on some calls with a few of our attendees the next day and all said they enjoyed it and each of them and took something away from it personally. They asked if you could provide a follow up day in 6 months?
Many thanks for your energy and flexibility—I know scheduling with that many people can be challenging.
Niall Home Solutions Engagement Manager large international bank
Just a quick note to say thank you for your help and guidance in advance of my EMEA GMOMO townhall the week before last. The feedback from those that attended was really positive and the hooks at the start went down really well. I incorporated a number of things you highlighted from the initial session – I didn’t sing my Irish melody, kept the inner critic at bay and got the key messages across which were tied up with a good close. The hour we spent together on the structure was also a great help. I really did appreciate your feedback and input. Regards,
Gregor Managing Director GTPD&C Process Development
I found the time that I spent with Debora invaluable. She brought tremendous energy to the process which I found infectious. The sessions helped me to see issues that I had been grappling with for some time from a new perspective and resulted in my making and embracing some life enhancing changes!
Nicola Treasury CFO
Just dropping you a note to say how much I enjoyed the training with Debora. I’ve really appreciated the investment and the tools as I know they’ll be great in practical usage. However, what I truly loved was the non corporate, fresh approach Debora brought to our sessions. She created an environment where we could just be ourselves and could really open up. It was a pleasure.
Dana Head of Employee Benefits International Insurance Company
It was great to see you again on Monday on the pilot course. Just wanted to let you know that I used your simple structure for thinking on your feet in a presentation in a meeting I made today. It had some complex pieces to it so wanted to keep it simpleI then asked for feedback from someone in room, who said it was clear,’ WELL LAID OUT< BEGINNING< MIDDLE< END’ and he understood it all.So just want to let you know that its working already. Regards
Gillian Managing Director
Global Markets Operations
Hi Debora, I just wanted to email and say thank you for such a great session last week. We took a lot from it as a team and individually too! I started to weave some of the thinking into a proposal that I’ve been working on this week and I can’t wait to trial it out on a live pitch! Happy Thursday!
Steve R Client Director Gallagher Shilling
Thank you for being my coach this year. I have greatly enjoyed the journey you have taken me on and feel a better and more courageous person for it! And the promotion came through! You inspired me, engaged me, and I had loads of fun in our work together. I will miss our sessions – but remember your words of guidance and encouragements are with me every day. Thanks so much,
Peter J. Head of Cash Management , large International bank
Dear Debora, I hope you don’t mind me sending you an email but I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you for a very enjoyable and stimulating evening last night at the Pomme D’Or. I approached the evening with a significant degree of apprehension but you very quickly put me and the other delegates as ease. You brought the subject of Personal Brand to life in an engaging and relevant way and it has left me motivated to explore this area and my own personal development in a more proactive and holistic manner. The time flew by and the only regret was that the time we had together as a group was so short! I hope your trip to Guernsey goes well and wish you safe travels and best wishes for the future. Kind regards
Paul H Associate Director – Private Client Services – Jersey
I just wanted to convey my positive opinion on the above course and follow up session with Debora Weston of Professionally speaking. This was an excellent opportunity and extremely practical. I have been on similar courses before but the tailored approach and one on one time was invaluable. Debora is incredibly insightful and helpful. I have many takeaways from the sessions and hope (request) that we have the opportunity to track our progress with her in 6 months’ time.Many thanks for extending the invitation to me.
DP Underwriting Lloyds Business Manager , Underwriting
Well who would have guessed that humble pie does not taste so bad after all! (homework item no.1 ticked off)As you suggested DB was very appreciative of my apology, he vented for a couple of minutes for all the reasons that were important to him and then we spent 5 constructive minutes working on a plan that would be mutually beneficial to move us forward. Thanks for your time today, as always you have left me with a lot to think about. Best Regards
JW Bank of Nomura
I wanted to thank you for today’s training which was enlightening as well as being a great deal of fun. I really enjoyed it and it seemed like everyone else did too. On reflection, seeing myself on video was actually just what I needed because (1) my belt is awesome and (2) I was actually okay at the whole presenting thing…Best regards
Jan Marie Partner K N Lawyers LLP
Just to let you know that it was a successful outcome! After two years trying, I have made MD. Very pleased/relieved and many thanks to you for your guidance, advice, steering and general support. I could not have been better prepared and even though the meeting went on for 4 hours instead of 3, I was able to keep up my energy.Much appreciated and it made all the difference.
All the very best and thank you again.
Kind regards,
Julia HR Lead and MD at large International Bank
Dear Debora, I have to tell you that, a few weeks ago, I had to give a one hour presentation. I planned to speak on X, Y and Z and did my deck accordingly. No notes or script though (a first for me!) – I was happy to speak ex tempore. The speaker in front of me stood up and – OMG! – spent 45 minutes speaking on X and Y. Disaster? No. I simply regrouped while she was speaking and stood up and did my one hour on Z and a couple of other things that I had put together in my head while the previous presenter was speaking. I could NEVER have done it without you. You have been mentioned in my despatches ever since…Kind regards
Paula N Chevron Senior Counsel, Downstream & Chemicals Law – Europe
Hi Debora,
Herewith I would like to thank you for a very satisfactory training day with my little “power team”, last Thursday in Amsterdam.
I got very positive feedback from Kate and Joerg immediately after the training. Not only on how useful your approach was but also that is was a very good team event to get to know each other better. With kind regards
Kim Jim Z General Manager
I have been on this course recently in 1CP and I think it is the best course I have been on within Wealth. The trainer was an actress named Debora Weston who managed to understand the development areas of every person in the room and provide individual techniques that helped everyone. Thank you for what I heard was a wonderful workshop – inspiring, high energy, with great feedback to delegates! I am wondering if we look to doing an all day “Thinking On Your Feet” course in the new year. People love it, find it of value, and many have said it could be a day course. What do you think?
Trinnie K
Director, Learning & Development
International Communication Company