Carol and I met at a wedding fayre in Kelso earlier this year. I was fascinated by her zesty stand which featured a massive bowl of bright, fresh lemons. Her stand was for SPEAK which offers professional workshops for individuals (including best men, fathers of the bride, and grooms!) who want or need to successfully present themselves.

I chose to attend one of the workshops myself as public speaking is something I have had trouble with. This might seem rather strange to those of you who have attended a wedding I've photographed as you will know that I don't have any problem in standing up to direct a group of 200+ wedding guests into a group. I guess it only overcomes me during 'set' presentations. I think it all started at university; I'd stand up to do a talk and my knees would start to wobble. This would then move up my body to my hands, shaking the notes, eventually, even my jaw would start to shake making my voice wobble. So embarrassing!

Carol was brilliant! Her experience and knowledge shine. She taught me how to express my ideas and to give information in a really clear way. I'm actually looking forward to putting my new techniques and presentation into practice which is something I thought I would never want to do again.

Here are some photographs from a portrait shoot Carol commissioned. The photographs will be used for advertising and promotion for the new SPEAK website and in publications featuring SPEAK.

Do you have trouble talking in public? Visit http://speak.uk.com/ for more information on the workshops with Carol, I'm highly recommending them (in case you hadn't realised).

Written by Sarah