Sarah Thurstan has helped hundreds of speakers get their big moments right in front of a live audience. She coaches leaders, professionals and influencers on how to speak authentically in public and engage their audiences, whether it's a one-minute pep talk, an interview on camera or a presentation at an industry event. Drawing on her years of experience as an actress in theatre and film, including roles on the BBC's Silent Witness and ITV's Coronation Street, she develops everyone's unique speaking style, bringing their strengths, their values and their stories to the fore. As a coach, she has helped executives from many organizations, including a global bank and a national police force, to find their authentic voice and perform as their natural selves in public. She is a director of Performance Link, a company that specializes in developing a speaker's personal presence and making them feel comfortable in their own skin about the whole experience of performing.

'Wonderful guidance on how individuals and teams can become the best version of themselves', Mark Thurston, chief executive, HS2. 'Access the transformative potential of Sarah's book, both professionally and personally ... we continue to become more compelling and successful as a result', Verity Brown, director, Rok Box. 'A must for anyone who experiences sweaty palms, palpitations and sleepless nights before an important presentation. Enjoy, learn and grow,' David Williams, chief executive, Impact International. 'Unlike any presentation book out there ... an essential read for anyone managing change whether at home or at work', Aman Sharma, head of service excellence, Simmons & Simmons LLP.

• 1.What is personal presence?2.Playing to our strengths3.Fighting the fear 4.Physical communication5.Storytelling 6.Engaging your audience7.Lessons from the Greeks: rule of three 8.Structure 9.Self-awareness, self-disclosure and self-confidence 10.Elevator pitches, doorstep challenges and talking to camera 11.Diction, delivery and jargon12.Directions and props 13.Performing as a leader 14.Business theatre 15.Cornerstones and competence