Off script
Building Rusty Monkey’s Confidence Beyond the Page
Participants: Emma, Russ, and Ellie
Goals: Public speaking and confidence-building
Workshop: Sell it to me!
Rusty Monkey is an agency based in Nottingham. They specialise in everything from brand strategy to website design and video production. What’s really unique is their commitment to working with clients that align with their philosophy. I’ve long admired their approach as well as their team culture. So, I was so excited to collaborate with them!
Emma, Ellie, and Russ signed up to do my Sell it to me! workshop.
They wanted to improve various presentation skills, including:
Feeling more comfortable in front of a crowd or camera
Avoiding tangents and staying focused on the topic
Reducing stuttering and stumbling
Speaking more slowly and clearly
“Within the space of an hour, I transformed from feeling uncertain about my abilities to feeling like a professional.”
- Russell Brockett
(Co-founder & Developer at Rusty Monkey)
What is Sell it to me?
Sell it to me is my signature workshop. I designed it to make public speaking less daunting and more fun.
Many people think they’re “bad” at public speaking. But I’m convinced we shine brightest when we talk about something that we’re passionate about. I specifically designed Sell it to me to tap into that passion.
In this workshop, 3 participants each get 3 minutes to pitch a personal topic or opinion to their colleagues. It’s a low-pressure way to practise speaking and it doubles as a team bonding experience.
We spend so much time with our colleagues – why not get to know them a bit better?
The main activity lasts 1 hour, but I provide individual coaching before and after the session. This is where the real magic happens!
The Pitches
It’s always fun for me to see the topics the presenters come up with. Russ’ topic was more work-related, whereas Ellie decided to choose a more personal opinion. Emma, being a photographer herself, convinced us why (good) photography is expensive and worth it!
Emma and Russ going off script
“When Emily arrived, I was nervously shuffling three bits of A4 paper.
But she provided invaluable support and shared some incredible tips that helped me overcome those nerves.
By the end, the paper was in the recycle bin, and I was confidently speaking about something I’m passionate about to a room full of our team.”
– Emma Ford
(Partner Growth & Photography)
Before the office-wide presentations, we did a practice round. That’s when I saw that Emma and Russ were reliant on their scripts.
It’s my job to make them more confident presenting, and I didn’t want them to feel restricted by their scripts. So, I worked with them to alter their mindset and presentation accordingly. They learned to trust themselves in knowing the content and we added personalised bullet points to their slides.
At the end, it was amazing to see all 3 presenters speaking freely and confidently to the room.
Tip: If you tend to rely on scripts when presenting, try using bullet points on slides instead.
In the beginning, think of them as crutches – they’re there to support you.
Top tip: Use words that are natural to you instead of using language you think you should use. This allows you to stay true to yourself, which makes it much easier for you to present fluently and authentically.
Re-frame your presentation into a conversation
“I learned to avoid reading directly off a sheet. Instead, Emily taught me to approach the talk like I’m having a conversation with a friend. Using bullet points as conversation starters allows for a more natural flow and helps keep the audience engaged.”
- Emma Ford (Partner Growth & Photography at Rusty Monkey)
So good that your colleagues see a difference!
Emma and Russ had given a talk in London a few months before, and their colleague Nick noticed an impressive improvement
“The contrast between then and now is just amazing.”
Emma and Russ agreed. I love feedback from the room because our peers see a broader development. It helps show just how much our presenters have developed.
“I'm already using the skills I learned in the workshop to sell myself and communicate better both online and at networking events.”
– Russell Brockett
(Co-Founder of Rusty Monkey)
Skills beyond the stage
The session at Rusty Monkey was more than just a public speaking workshop – it was a platform for growth. They developed communication skills that go way beyond Sell it to me.
Even Ellie (someone who “didn’t really mind” public speaking) grew from the workshop. She may have talked about self-care, seemingly unrelated to marketing. But the presentation skills she practiced are transferrable. Mastering structure, storytelling, and pace is useful both in and outside of work.
“Working with you has helped me realised where my existing strengths lie, and left me with a solid foundation to work on and improve going forwards in my career and beyond.”
– Ellie Murphy (Marketing at Rusty Monkey)
I left the Rusty Monkey office feeling proud of Emma, Ellie, and Russ – not only for mastering their pitches but for pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.
I’ll leave you with Emma’s transformation in her own words:
“Before the workshop, I felt very self-conscious and awkward when it came to public speaking. I was often nervous, unsure of myself, and worried about how I was being perceived. However, after receiving Emily's wonderful tips and advice, I noticed a significant shift. I felt much more comfortable and at ease, with a clearer sense of how to approach speaking in front of others.
The workshop definitely helped me build confidence, and my relationship with public speaking has become more positive and manageable. Emily is such a bright, positive force—her energy makes you believe you can accomplish anything with a little practice and guidance. I’m excited to continue growing on this journey.”
I really do believe you can accomplish anything, and I’m honoured if I can embody that reminder for someone.
Thank you for reading.
– Emily
If you’re curious about how my workshops can transform your team’s confidence and presentation skills, feel free to reach out or learn more about my work here.
