Alistair - Alexandra Palace - Pitching

Methodology

My aim is to help speakers and presenters find their own 'voice' and their personal way of presenting using my background in corporate life and in theatre.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

My focus is on helping clients deliver presentations, speeches or to improve their small group and one-to-one communication skills. This could include everything from high-level corporate presentations and client relationship development to a Best Man's speech. The work covers not only content - how to make the structure and make-up of the presentation as effective as possible - but also delivery i.e. clarity of voice, energy and language.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I worked for over 20 years as a director and managing director in major investment banks in London and in Asia, constantly making pitches and presentations to clients, particularly in the global financial centres. I also MC'd corporate functions and presented at industry conferences and as a guest speaker on financial TV such as CNN and Bloomberg. I then re-trained in theatre with an MA from the Central School of Speech and Drama with a focus on stage work

- How much do you charge?

Please do contact me for a discussion of charging as this work tends to be tailor-made. I tend to distinguish between corporate and personal clients. Corporate clients with specific needs involving bespoke preparation etc may be in the range of £1000-2000 per day. Individual work may be around £100 an hour depending on the need.

- Where do you teach?

I typically visit a client's workplace or home but can work from home in North London. The work usually requires a decent amount of space for voice projection and movement (think 'The King's Speech'!)

- When are you available?

I am usually available in London most days unless travelling.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

Most of my work is tailored to adults.

- Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?

N/A

Experience

- What kind of experience do you have?

As a senior investment banker I would typically make more than 250 presentations a year to external clients, mainly Board level executives, government ministers or major investors, so I understand the environment for business presenting intimately. As an actor I have played major Shakespearean roles and other parts around the UK and in Asia. I combine these skill sets, which I believe are a unique combination, in my tutoring work for clients such as Merrill Lynch, Knight Vinke Asset Management, the UK Government, KPMG.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

No

- Where and with whom did you train?

Central School of Speech and Drama, MA Classical Acting. Director, Corporate Finance for UK based merchant bank. Managing director of US bulge-bracket investment bank.

- Tell me about some of your current students.

My most recent work has involved developing two programmes for a major bank. The first, for mid-level executives beginning to make solo presentations/pitches to clients, focuses on presentation development and public speaking skills. The second, for senior executives, focuses on relationship development and inter-personal skills.
I also recently worked with a client on his election speech to a very senior position.