Presenting with Power: Presentation Skills Training in Belfast with Centre of Learning
- Mary Quinn
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Does your heart race and your legs go to water at the thought of standing up to speak in front of an audience, even though you know your stuff inside out and you are passionate about what you do? That is exactly how I feel, so when I saw the Present with Power Programme, a presentation skills training course in Belfast, delivered by the Centre of Learning, I jumped at the chance to go.
For over 20 years, I was a primary school teacher, and one of my favourite sayings for the children was: “practice makes progress, not perfect, because there’s no such thing as perfect.” Now, in my new role as Head of Brand and Operations at Digg Community, I realised it was time to take my own advice.
Moving from the classroom to the business world meant facing a very different kind of audience. While I felt completely confident in front of pupils, the idea of presenting myself to other people in the world of business left me battling nerves. I didn’t want my confidence to crumble when I introduced myself to a room full of people, so I signed up for this public speaking training.
A Safe, Supportive Training in Belfast
The setting was beautiful, the historic Ulster Bank building adding a sense of occasion. The day itself was well thought out, with fresh pastries, tea, and coffee in the morning, and a relaxed lunch of sandwiches to keep us fuelled for the afternoon.
But it was the content and the delivery that really made the experience. The session was facilitated by Camilla Long, co-founder of the renowned Bespoke Communication. Camilla was calm, patient, and incredibly clear in her teaching. She created a safe and non-judgmental learning space where every question was welcome, and every wobble was met with encouragement.
What made it even more powerful was the group itself. We were a room full of professionals facing the same challenges, nerves, imposter syndrome, and the fear of presenting. Knowing I wasn’t alone made the whole day feel reassuring and inspiring.
At one point, Camilla even used the very phrase I’d shared so often with my pupils: “practice makes progress, not perfect.” It felt like a full-circle moment.
What You’ll Learn from Present with Power
Throughout the day, we explored practical techniques to help transform nerves into confidence, including:
Tools to manage performance anxiety and speak with confidence.
How to tackle the dreaded imposter syndrome at work.
Ways to cut down preparation time for presentations.
A secret structure that top presenters use to engage any audience.
How to tailor presentations to different groups - from senior leaders to clients or your own team.
How to say more with less, making a lasting impact in the boardroom or in pitches.
These weren’t just theories. We practised them, received feedback, and left with strategies we could actually use the next time we were asked to present.
Why It Mattered to Me
For me, this course wasn’t just about learning presentation techniques; it was about rebuilding my confidence in a new career. It reminded me that being nervous doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It simply means you care. With the right tools and mindset, those nerves can be channelled into energy that makes your message more powerful.
Final Thoughts
The Present with Power Programme, delivered by the Centre of Learning and facilitated by Camilla Long of Bespoke Communication, gave me more than tips and tricks; it gave me belief in myself as a communicator. Just like I used to tell the children in my classroom, practice makes progress. This course was the perfect next step in my own progress.
If you’ve ever felt your confidence slip when you stand up to speak, I can’t recommend Centre of Learning’s Present with Power Programme enough.
Brought to you in partnership with the Centre of Learning Digg Podcast Partner
Check out all their upcoming programmes here and use code digg20 for 20% off any courses booked before end of November.
It's always important to seek help where you need it.
Thanks for reading,
Mary x
Brand & Operations Manager at Digg
