2026-02-03T22:18:30.158Z

Honestly, this guy... his online material focuses on the things you need to think about before you think about them. His progression through the series is all about getting the best of you, which is perfect. Take the tips and the feedback, and definitely use the one-on-one coaching. He got me ready for the opportunity of a lifetime speaking engagement, and I haven't looked back. Thanks, Chris!

2026-02-02T22:16:19.218Z

Chris helped coach me to prepare for my recent TEDx Waikato talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ2LxrHZQ4s). Looking back, I think the main thing that stands out for me was trusting in the process that Chris was teaching. His methods were easy to follow and he explained everything really well. That let me know what I was doing and why, and by trusting in the process I was surprised to find that I actually wasn't all that nervous on the day. I was able to lean into the training I'd received and trust that I knew the talk and how to deliver it. As a result, I genuinely enjoyed the whole experience and I recommend Chris as a talk coach to anyone thinking about giving it a try!

2026-02-01T22:14:11.371Z

Chris is an excellent TEDx coach! He gave us all loads of tips and always made time to meet and answer questions, as well boost our confidence and morale. I love public speaking anyway but he found ways to challenge me and push me to think deeper about how I could best deliver my message. I also appreciated his sense of humour and general positive vibe :) Thanks so much for your help Chris!!!

2026-02-01T22:12:13.911Z

Chris was our coach for the Waikato TEDx cohort 2025 and did a great job of wrangling a diverse group of people with a range of skills and time to commit to the process. Personally I found the structured approach really helpful in focussing in on the different things that needed to be done (rather than defaulting to immediately producing a talk and trying to learn it). Regular meetings with Chris also helped in refining ideas and picking up on things I probably wouldn't have noticed. The result was a better shape and structure to my talk along with some ideas that I will definitely carry with me for future presentations and talks.

2026-01-31T22:10:24.002Z

I'm genuinely grateful to Chris Hanlon for mentoring me through my TEDx talk, Factory-in-a-Can, a concept I shared as a practical solution for disaster relief and community rebuild. The "can" is a shipping container that can be taken to site with its own generator, with everything fitting inside the container to roll cold-formed steel sections on demand. As I evolved the story over time, Chris was consistently patient and encouraging, while also giving sharp, actionable guidance on structure and delivery. He also helped me use my Coke can prop as a fun analogy and light joke that made the idea instantly relatable without undermining the message. If you're preparing a TEDx talk or any high-stakes presentation, I highly recommend Chris.

2024-05-09T23:08:07.844Z

I had the privilege of working closely with Chris back in 2016 when he served as the speaker coach for myself and other speakers at TEDxRuakura. One of Chris's standout qualities was his listening skills. He took the time to truly understand each speaker's message, style, and personality. This attentiveness allowed him to effectively translate our individual stories and knowledge into compelling narratives to better resonate with the audience. Chris was able to distil complex ideas into clear and engaging storytelling across different topic areas. His guidance was always concise and practical, providing us with actionable insights to enhance our performances on stage. Moreover, Chris wasn't afraid to challenge us to push beyond our comfort zones, resulting in presentations that were not only impactful but also memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris for anyone seeking a speaker coach who can elevate their communication skills to the next level.

2023-08-02T23:20:46.414Z

I am very grateful for Chris' mentoring - in just a few sessions, I learnt a lot about myself and practical ways I can share who I am and my values more confidently with the world! His approach is very practical, and down to earth. It doesn't matter where you are in your career, Chris has a toolbox full of tips and knows just which ones to bring out that will truly make a difference to the way you present yourself and your ideas with confidence.

2023-05-29T23:05:29.341Z

I had the pleasure of Chris' support preparing my professional pitch for future funding opportunities while working for KiwiNet. Chris provided a clear pathway and step wise process on both the content, which is audience dependant, but more importantly committing that content to memory. Chris is both engaging and exacting bringing out the best in yourself, but not allowing you to ease pace, so you get the job done. If you are looking for a presentation coach, within a professional context then Chris is an excellent choice.