Shola Kaye
Best-selling author, public speaking trainer and performer
About me
Hi, I'm Shola - award-winning public speaker, author of the book 'How to be a D.I.V.A. at Public Speaking' (D.I.V.A. is an acronym that represents what it takes to be a well-rounded speaker) and a professional singer.
I love teaching and training, both of groups and individuals and run Speak Up Like A DIVA which is a public speaking training company in the UK.
Some of my articles on public speaking have appeared in publications such as Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and The Metro.
I'm super excited about being a Udemy instructor and being able to connect with students from such a diverse range of backgrounds. Please do reach out to me and say hi - I'd love to hear from you!
I teach several public speaking courses here at Udemy so please take a look!
These days, most people are short on time so I like to create short, punchy courses that get you results fast. There'll always be a workbook containing exercises you can apply immediately to your speeches and speaking.
Courses include how to be:
- a DYNAMIC speaker
- an INSPIRING speaker
- a VALUABLE speaker
- an AUTHENTIC speaker
- an IMPROMPTU speaker
Courses can be taken in any order - they're not sequential. Just choose the areas that you feel need the most improvement!
I'm a fully qualified teacher with a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Oxford University, an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and a Masters from Emory University in the USA.
I used to HATE public speaking and even got fired from a job many years ago for being too afraid to speak up during meetings. Now, I really enjoy public speaking and performance and have spoken to crowds of 1,500 people and sung to more than 3,000 at a time.
What helps me, and many of my clients, overcome fear and nerves is to remember you're there to be of service to the audience.
It's not about you...you're just the messenger!
I enjoy tennis, rebounding and Thai food and love to travel - I lived in the USA for 7 years while I got my Masters degree, working in consulting for a while before returning to the UK.
I'm now fully committed to speaking, teaching and performing; my dream activities!
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Here are a few reviews on my 5* Amazon book, How to be a D.I.V.A. at Public Speaking:
Shola has developed a unique, highly effective and easy to understand system to master public speaking. I cannot wait to transform my speeches and presentations into high impact, engaging and authentic performances! I already feel like a DIVA. A valuable book which I'm sure many will find motivating and uplifting. - Saija Mahon, Founder CEO of Mahon Digital Marketing Ltd
'How to be a DIVA at public speaking' is a pocket-rocket packed full of tips, tools and techniques to make you a fabulous public speaker. Shola's DIVA system is a clear, practical approach for novices and developing speakers alike. However, what makes this book stand out is the second half, with the guidance you need to actually deliver your speech as a professional. Strong female role models abound within these pages (not least of whom is Shola). But guess what? It turns out men can be DIVAs too! Worth every penny - I will be rereading on a regular basis. - Nick Westall, Chief Technology Officer, CACI Ltd
Packed with all the possible advice and information on how to run a successful speech, the author will guide you through important topics on how to handle the emotions of speaking in public, how to engage with your audience and how to manage the logistics. A comprehensive guide that was written with passion and authenticity, with the added value of the author's experience on stage as a singer as well as a public speaker. You will start reading and feel engaged straight away! - Marta DeMartini, Photographer