Hello, hi, hey
I’m Jude, Founder/Director/Teacher/Coach. I help people to gain confidence, improve speaking skills and banish anxiety when communicating.
Effective communication skills are increasingly important in the workplace. Too many people struggle to speak with confidence and have never been taught any vocal techniques. Speaking well can help us succeed in an interview, build relationships, or excel at work.
I provide voice and communication coaching for businesses, professionals and children. I help build confidence, manage nerves and create engaging speakers.
I have an MA in Voice Studies (RCSSD) and work with the mind, body and voice to teach speaking skills and change habits to get you heard.
We all need to be heard. I’ve been lucky enough to run training at The FT, Facebook and vodafone whilst also helping individuals with speaking at their child’s school assembly or managing difficult conversations at work.
Find your voice or help your team to teach, inspire or sell.
Companies and Professionals
Previous clients I have worked with include Facebook, Vodafone, TUI, Disney, The FT and TeachFirst.
In 2015 I embarked on an MA in Voice Studies which helped me with my work with adults. Learning in-depth about how the mind, body and voice work together to improve communication skills. I am also a visiting lecturer at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Back in the early days, after University, I worked as an Executive PA in a talent agency in London which was a baptism of fire into speaking with confidence and authority! I went on to manage celebrity supporters at a large charity where I observed how quickly confident individuals lost the ability to communicate with authority and clarity - one of the many reasons I love helping people manage their fight/flight response when they speak.
Young Voices (5-18 yrs)
Speaking Works was founded by me (Jude) in 2012 to give children confidence in speaking. I wanted to run something different to a stage school where pupils wouldn’t get lost and could gain confidence!
Whilst setting up the business I worked as a peripatetic (visiting private) drama teacher at two fantastic Independent Schools in Hertfordshire. I also worked as a drama specialist in a pre-preparatory school.
Before setting up in the UK I lived and worked in Hong Kong for 2 years heading up the English and Drama Departments at a learning Centre. I introduced drama exams with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). The learning centre went on to become the representative for LAMDA in Hong Kong. During this time I took a Diploma in Speech and Drama in Education with LAMDA receiving a Distinction. I originally took a BA in English Literature which comes in handy when working on pieces with pupils too!
Young Voices Team
From Left to Right:
Lauren Cesena, Jude Bolton & Rebecca Charlton
Lauren Cesena
Head of Young Voices Hertfordshire & Online
BA Drama & Applied theatre RCSSD
Lauren also works as a peripatetic LAMDA teacher at St Albans High School for girls and graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where she studied Drama, Applied Theatre and Education. During her degree, she worked with young people, directing GCSE students, assisting with musical theatre workshops and regularly running drama workshops for primary ages.
Lauren joined Speaking Works as a volunteer in 2013 after finishing her A-Levels where she spent two years facilitating in local drama and storytelling classes as well as stage schools, working with pupils from 18 months to 18 years old. We are proud to have been part of Lauren’s journey and have her back leading our Hertfordshire classes.
Lauren has an enhanced DBS check.
Rebecca Charlton
Head of Young Voices London & Online
BA Drama & Applied theatre RCSSD
Rebecca is currently finishing up her final year of study in BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, in London. She has extensive experience working with children and young people, having been head tutor at Centrestage Academy in Chester-Le-Street for 3 years, where she ran summer schools, weekly sessions and organised many charity concerts.
While training, she has worked in SEN schools in West London delivering music and drama workshops, been part of inter-generational community projects in Bexley and worked alongside a team creating virtual road safety education with Barnet Council. Before moving to London, Rebecca was also a LAMDA classroom assistant, having completed 2 Grade 8s and a PCERT Diploma herself.
Rebecca has an enhanced DBS.
Real Life Club Team
Dr Catherine Pitfield | Clinical Psychologist (right)
Catherine is a registered Clinical Psychologist, specialising in child and family work. She has worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Paediatrics, and Child Neuropsychology. She specialises in working with children and families to overcome difficulties and reach their preferred futures.
Catherine is passionate that children and young people are given a space to discuss their emotions and learn strategies and skills that will support their emotional well-being and build resilience and self-esteem.