Hi I’m Claire Duffy and I’m a public speaking and presentations coach in Sydney.

I’ve had 25 years of experience presenting information professionally. My career began in teaching, but has led me through arts management, public affairs, and senior management roles in business, non-profits, and government, into my own coaching and professional development business.

I’ve been Director of Strategy at Australia’s arts funding body, head of public programs for a national museum, I’ve led the branch that looked after all the state’s cultural institutions, I was corporate planning and strategy advisor in a non-profit in health, and I’ve had a national business development role in a big professional services firm.

Communicating in so many different fields taught me how to get information to new audiences, in ways people understand. Working close to decision makers honed my ability to say what needs to be said usefully. Pitching for business taught me to do just that.

I can craft a clear message and present persuasively to Ministers, board members, senior officials, executives, and experts, as well as to ‘the interested layperson’. It’s a skill I delight in passing on to others.

Since launching Speak for Yourself, I’ve prepared speakers for important professional events like industry conferences, interviews, business retreats, public debates and corporate roadshows. I’ve directed, mentored, trained, and guided people from media, health, arts, pharmaceuticals, engineering, project management, and the law.

I still love teaching. I train student debaters and public speakers for local, national and international competitions, I adjudicate school speaking and debating, and I’m convener of Sydney’s Archdale Debating Competition for girls.

I was educated at Sydney University. I have a Masters degree in Public Policy (with merit) and a BA DipEd. I’m a Director of Gondwana Choirs, the national children’s choir, and in the past I’ve been on the Board of Beyond Online Limited, and Sydney Philharmonia Ltd.