What They Don’t Teach You About Public Speaking in Business School (Liverpool Edition)
- hello974519
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
In Liverpool's ambitious and ever-evolving business community—from the creative spaces of the Baltic Triangle to the professional towers of the Commercial District—one skill continues to define standout professionals: public speaking.
And yet, even after graduating from institutions like the University of Liverpool or Liverpool John Moores, many professionals still lack the tools to speak confidently, clearly, and persuasively.
Why? Because while business school covers strategy, marketing, and operations, it often overlooks communication skills that are critical in the real world.
This post explores what gets left out and provides actionable advice for professionals across Liverpool who want to elevate their communication and presentation skills.
What Business School Doesn’t Teach You About Public Speaking
Even with formal training, many professionals in Liverpool find themselves struggling with:
Feeling nervous before presentations in the city centre
Losing audience interest at events in the Knowledge Quarter
Lacking clarity during team briefings in Ropewalks
Struggling to organise their message for investor meetings at the Royal Albert Dock
Public speaking is often treated as a soft skill. But in reality, it’s a career-defining one.
Stage Fright: The Silent Blocker
Scenario: You’re set to present your idea at a networking event near Mann Island. You’ve practised your points, but nerves take over the moment you stand up.
You’re not alone. Stage fright is a natural response to high-pressure situations.
How to Overcome It:
Reframe the Feeling: Tell yourself, "I’m excited" rather than "I’m scared." This switch, supported by research, boosts performance.
Breathing Techniques: Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) helps calm your system.
Visualise Success: Picture yourself presenting confidently at ACC Liverpool or a waterfront event.
Start Small: Practise at local meetups or in front of colleagues.
Exercise: Film a 2-minute self-introduction. Watch and assess your body language, voice, and clarity. Refine and repeat.
Engagement: Captivating Your Audience
Scenario: You're halfway through your deck at a digital agency in the Baltic Triangle, and you notice the room has gone quiet—but not in a good way.
The issue? You’re informing, but not engaging.
How to Overcome It:
Tell a Story: Liverpool is a city built on stories. Share relevant anecdotes or personal insights to connect with your audience.
Ask Questions: Involve your listeners, even with rhetorical or thought-provoking questions.
Vary Your Voice: Inflection and tone help bring your message to life.
Exercise: Review your slides and identify one spot per section where you can introduce a story, question, or vocal shift.
Vocal Variety: Bringing Your Message to Life
Scenario: You’re delivering a workshop in the Georgian Quarter, and someone comments: "It was interesting, but a bit flat."
That likely means your vocal delivery lacked variation.
How to Overcome It:
Record and Reflect: Notice where your tone dips or becomes monotone.
Practice Contrast: Slow down to add weight, pause for effect, speed up to energise.
Connect Emotionally: Match your delivery to the emotional content of your message.
Exercise: Practise reading an article aloud in different tones: excited, serious, passionate. Record and listen.
Body Language: Speaking Without Words
Scenario: You’re presenting at a Liverpool Chamber of Commerce event. The content’s strong, but your delivery lacks warmth and energy.
Your body language might be undermining you.
How to Overcome It:
Confident Posture: Avoid folding arms or pacing. Ground yourself.
Purposeful Gestures: Use your hands to emphasise key points.
Engaging Eye Contact: Connect with your audience, not your notes.
Exercise: Deliver a one-minute pitch on camera, sound off. Watch how your body communicates. Adjust and retry.
Structuring Your Speech: Clarity is Key
Scenario: You're pitching a new idea at a start-up event near Hope Street and realise halfway through that you’ve lost your thread.
This is often a structure issue, not a content one.
How to Overcome It:
Use "What? So what? Now what?"
What? State your main point
So what? Explain its relevance
Now what? End with a clear call to action
Signpost Clearly: Guide your audience through your ideas
Finish Strong: Leave them with a memorable takeaway
Exercise: Rebuild a recent presentation using this framework. Practise aloud.
Why Personalised Coaching Works in Liverpool
In Liverpool, where creative thinking, entrepreneurial energy, and a strong sense of identity run deep, personalised coaching offers an edge.
Tailored Feedback: Focus on your unique strengths and challenges
Faster Results: Apply new strategies immediately in meetings, pitches, and events
Authenticity: Develop a style that feels natural and credible
Whether you’re a business leader in the Commercial District, a creative director in the Baltic Triangle, or a social entrepreneur in Toxteth, improving your communication skills will elevate your influence.
Ready to Transform Your Speaking in Liverpool?
Many professionals in Liverpool are brilliant at what they do—but struggle to say it in a way that sticks. Don’t let communication be your bottleneck.
Book a free consultation today. Let’s work together to build the confidence, clarity, and presence you need to speak powerfully and lead effectively.
Mark Westbrook | Public Speaking Coach (Liverpool) Helping Liverpool professionals speak with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
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