Hi, I'm Shola - award-winning public speaker, author of the books '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 'Big Talk Small Talk: Communication skills for all parts of your life', and formerly, a professional singer. 

Some of my articles on public speaking have appeared in publications such as Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and other publications.

I'm super excited about being a Udemy instructor and being able to connect with students from such a diverse range of backgrounds.

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 past and present 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. I make my living as a professional speaker, talking about subjects like communication, diversity & inclusion and leadership to companies like Oracle, Barclays and Deloitte.

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 and delivering workshops; my dream activities. Look me up and reach out if you'd like training for your company.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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