In October, we had the opportunity to work with a brilliant group of professionals at Coutts, guiding them through a high-impact communication and public speaking programme. What unfolded over those two days was more than training. It was a transformation in how leaders show up, articulate ideas, and influence under pressure.
Why we partneredCoutts is home to some of the most capable, high-performing people in the industry. But even at the highest levels, the challenges are universal.
Participants shared very openly that they wanted to:
Reduce filler words
Slow down their pace
Build clarity through structure
Build confidence when speaking in high-stakes environments
Learn how to communicate expertise without overthinking
These are the same challenges leaders face across sectors, but what stood out with this cohort was their willingness to push themselves, experiment, and lean into discomfort.
A Practical Approach That Produces ResultsThis training was designed with one intention: to improve communication performance in real time.
Across the sessions, we worked on:
1. Mastering Structure Under PressureParticipants learned how to frame ideas clearly using simple but powerful structures. The objective was to make communication feel easier, especially when asked unexpected questions.
2. Reducing Filler Words Through Awareness + TechniqueEveryone uses filler words. The goal isn’t to eliminate them but to use silence more intentionally. Multiple attendees saw their filler words drop within a single exercise.
3. Pacing and Breathing for ControlFast speakers learned how to slow down.
Quiet speakers learned how to project.
Everyone learned how to feel in control before the first word comes out.
We explored how posture, hand gestures, and eye contact influence how confident you feel internally and how credible you appear externally.
The Impact: What Participants SaidEvery single participant who submitted feedback rated the experience 10/10 for satisfaction and 10/10 likelihood to recommend.
The comments followed consistent themes:
“Simple frameworks that make complex communication feel easy.”
“I feel more confident presenting and answering questions on the spot.”
“I learned how to remove filler words and actually noticed the difference instantly.”
“Loved the practical nature. The improvement between my first and second attempt was huge.”
“Gordon’s energy made the room feel safe and challenging at the same time.”
The growth from the first exercise to the final round of speaking was visible. For some, it meant speaking more concisely. For others, it meant slowing down and stopping the habit of rushing. For a few, it meant feeling confident enough to take up space and own the moment.
A Culture That Invests in CommunicationWhat impressed me most about Coutts is the clear culture of growth.
People were willing to be uncomfortable, to try again, and to push past habits they’ve carried for years.
Communication is often labelled a “soft skill,” but what we saw in this room proves the opposite.
It is a strategic skill that shapes credibility, leadership presence, and performance under pressure.
This October training reaffirmed something we see everywhere:
When people are given the tools, the space, and the coaching, transformation is immediate.
Coutts showed exactly why they are industry leaders.
Not just because of expertise, but because of their commitment to develop the people behind the expertise.
I look forward to supporting the team again and continuing the journey toward confident, compelling communication.
Gordon is the co-founder of Believe In Greatness, where he helps individuals and teams strengthen their communication, build confidence, and perform under pressure. His work combines practical…
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