Training & Executive Coaching

for Organisations

Strategic Planning

Change is inevitable. But it doesn't need to be chaotic.

I've conducted countless strategic planning sessions that result in co-designed documented Strategic Plans for managing change, seeking new direction, getting back on track and ending chaotic disorganisation. Delivering in Darwin and across the Territory and Australia by arrangement.

Organisations like No More and The Women's Innovation Network NT benefitted from everyone having their say, multiple options being presented and a consensus being reached.

Half Day Session + Report from $3300

Full Day Session + Report from $5500

Digital Marketing & The Web

Understanding marketing in today's online world.

No one got into business to do marketing. But it's a neccessary part of the game. Likewise, a lot of us find ourselves doing marketing as part of our multi-disciplinary roles and we're finding the whole online world a little overwhelming.

I have guided over 2000 small businesses through marketing online since 2017 through Business Station and Business Enterprise Centre NT.

I've trained staff from Matt Wright Adventures, Charlies of Darwin, Ocean Buyers Agency, Perth Speech Therapy and even government agencies in the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

Half Day Training from $3300

Full Day Training from $5500

Design Thinking

When you want new revenue sources or to produce new products.

Design Thinking is one of those really annoying academic concepts that no one really uses because it's full of jargon that no one understands.

My Design Thinking workshops break down the mess and make it fun and effective for teams looking to build new products, design new services or come up with new ideas for revenue.

I've taught it at Charles Darwin University and Central Queensland University. And I've helped the teams at Darwin Innovation Hub, Catholic Care and City of Darwin get their design thinking breakthroughs.

Half Day Training from $3300

Full Day Training from $5500

LinkedIn & Thought Leadership

Leaders are surfaced, discovered and created on LinkedIn.

Organisations can't ignore LinkedIn. Especially when 16 million Aussies are active on it - and they are doing business, finding jobs and unskilling in a time when skills are hard to find and very in-demand.

However, few organisations have a LinkedIn strategy and their executives aren't active on the world's biggest professional platform.

But they are waking up to the opportunity and LinkedIn use has skyrocketed in the last few years.

I was awarded a LinkedIn Top Voice status in 2024: only 300 are awarded globally each year.

I provide training and executive coaching on how to work with LinkedIn for individuals and organisations using a tested and provdem method.

Half Day Training from $3300

Full Day Training from $5500

Private Consultations from $550

Entrepreneurship

We're all part of the sales and innovation departments these days.

Even if we are not business owners, there's value in employees learning about entrepreneurial thinking.

It's not necessarily about starting businesses. Entrepreneurship helps your team thinking from the point of view beyond just their own role - and to the bigger picture of how organisations operate, and how thinking beyond the routine and set processes can transform an organisation from stagnant to dynamic.

My entrepreneurship workshops are based on both experiences as a serial entrepreneur, my studies with University of NSW in Marketing and Business Information Systems as well as the principles in the curricula that I've taught at Charles Darwin University, Central Queensland University and the Australian Catholic University.

The workshops are highly interactive and practical.

Half Day Training from $3300

Social Media for Business

It's changed the way we communicate forever - especially in business.

If you're a business without an online presence, you're not in business. However, business treats social media like it's a television or radio ad.

In this comprehensive full-day program, your team will learn about the platforms, the purpose, the best practices, the fine line between brand values and the attention economy as well as forming a content plan for your business that will not only reach your target customer, but lead them to engagement.

Full Day Training from $5500

Speaking with Confidence

Confidence isn't born, it's learned.

The power of public speaking can be used to inspire, move and transform teams. But even at the smallest level, it brings the confidence to speak up in meetings, contribute to team work and collaborate with others. Simply, public speaking is less about TEDtalks and more about everyday use of our voices and our thoughts.

This is what Study NT Student Ambassadors, NT Training Awards Participants, Airport Development Group and Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory learned when they used this training.

Half Day Training from $3300

Half Day Training from $5500

AI Literacy

Using AI safely, privately and effectively in 2025.

Your staff are already using ChatGPT. Even if they've been told not to. So you could try and. "policy your way out of it" or you could provide the tools and training for them to use it safely and more effectively.

My half-day and full-day AI tools training introduces your team to not only the tools, but to how to best use them to get real work done in a privacy-first and safe way.

You'll learn how to integrate AI into your workflows so that everyone works better, faster and more accurately without compromising data privacy and business confidentiality.

Half Day Training from $3300

Full Day Training from $5500

Specialist Training for Government

Things in government are a little different to the private sector.

I have been delivering Digital Skills, AI Literacy, Strategic Planning, Design Thinking, Social Media and Crisis Communications training for the public sector for years now through local councils like Coomalie Community Council, West Arnhem Regional Council, Trade & Investmetn Queenland, NSW Health, WA Small Business Development Corporation, Northern Territory and Queensland Governments, Austrade and Ausindustry.

I am also a contracted trainer for the Public Sector Network across all three levels of government in Australia and both levels in New Zealand.

All my training programs are available and contextualised for both your government and local application.

Half Day Training from $3300

Full Day Training from $5500

Latest from The Saturday Sprint

Public Speaking Isn’t About Tricks—It’s About Connection

Public Speaking Isn’t About Tricks—It’s About Connection

February 08, 20254 min read

Why Winning Over an Audience is Simpler Than You Think

There’s this myth that to win over an audience, you need to master psychology, Jedi mind tricks, or fake some sort of deep familiarity. But it’s way simpler than that.

I’m no master of any of those things, but I still seem to be able to get some people to like me when I speak.

Yet, public speaking isn’t about fooling people into liking you. It’s about connection, and that happens naturally when you use a few straightforward techniques.

The Biggest Misconception About Public Speaking

If you’ve ever watched a great speaker, you might think they’ve got some secret formula. But really, what makes them effective isn’t complexity—it’s simplicity.

The best speakers don’t rely on tricks. They focus on three key things:

  1. Hook people straight away – A well-placed question, a prop, or a bold statement makes people sit up and listen.

  2. Make it about them, not you – The best speakers get their audience involved right from the start.

  3. Tell stories, not just facts – Nobody remembers raw data, but they do remember an interesting story.

These aren’t advanced tactics. They’re just how humans connect.

The Power of Simple Engagement

Look at how the 2015 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking started his talk:

"All of you think smoking kills?"

Boom—straight away, he’s got everyone’s attention. Five words. No gimmicks. Just a powerful question that made people think.

Then, he got the audience involved, making them feel like they were part of the experience. That’s why they listened.

Want to see more on how this works? Check out his speech:

Why This Works (And Always Will)

People don’t want to work hard to follow what you’re saying. That’s why:

  • A strong hook beats a long-winded intro.

  • A question gets more attention than a lecture.

  • A story sticks in people’s minds better than data.

The Science Behind Audience Engagement

Neuroscientists have found that stories activate multiple parts of the brain, making your message more memorable. The process is simple: when you tell a story, your audience's brain synchronises with yours, making them feel more connected to you. That’s why:

  • People are 22 times more likely to remember facts when they are wrapped in a story. (source)

  • Emotional engagement increases audience retention by up to 70% (source)

  • The average human attention span is 8 seconds, so the first few seconds of your speech matter the most (source)

What You Should Avoid When Speaking

Some speakers make these common mistakes that kill engagement:

  • Overloading with data – Too many facts and figures overwhelm people. Use a few key points and reinforce them with stories.

  • Reading from slides – If your audience can read everything on your slide, they don’t need you.

  • Speaking in a monotone voice – Vocal variety keeps people interested

  • Neglecting body language – More than half of communication is nonverbal. Engage with movement and facial expressions.

How To Nail Your Next Talk

Next time you speak, do this:

1. Start Strong

  • Drop a question or bold statement in the first 10 seconds.

  • Instantly grabs attention.

2. Involve the Audience

  • Ask for a quick reaction or show of hands.

  • Gets people engaged early.

3. Use Stories

  • Share real experiences instead of dry facts.

  • Makes your message memorable.

4. Keep It Simple

  • Skip the jargon and complicated slides.

  • Ensures clarity and connection.

5. Speak Naturally

  • Be conversational, not robotic.

  • Builds trust and authenticity.

6. Use Pauses Effectively

  • Give people time to digest your points.

  • Creates impact and engagement.

7. End with a Call-to-Action

  • Tell them what to do next.

  • Leaves a lasting impression.

Aussie Speakers Who Nail It

Hugh Jackman – More than just Wolverine, Hugh knows how to command a stage with charisma and storytelling.

Turia Pitt – Her speeches are raw, powerful, and inspiring. She connects deeply with audiences.

Lisa Wilkinson – Known for her powerful storytelling and personal connection with audiences.

Cathy Freeman – An inspiring speaker, Cathy talks about resilience, focus, and personal drive.

Dylan Alcott – A champion in both sport and public speaking, Dylan connects with audiences through humour and authenticity.

At the end of the day, public speaking isn’t about tricking people into liking you. It’s about being real, keeping it simple, and making people feel like they matter. That’s what makes you an unforgettable speaker.

Follow these steps, and you’ll not only hold an audience—you’ll inspire them.

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Dante St James

Dante is the Director of Australian Digital Education & Retail Group and Founder of Clickstarter, Speakstarter and Dante St James Consulting.

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