Unlock Your Full Potential as a Speaker with Smith – Expert Public Speaking Coach

Learn more about Suraj

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Public speaking is my passion because it's the art of creating connections and inspiring change. My interest was sparked during an international conference in Europe, where I was presenting alongside people from various countries. Despite the diversity of languages and cultures, I realized that effective communication was the one tool that united us all. Watching speakers from different backgrounds use their voice to break barriers and share their ideas made me realize the power of public speaking. Since then, I've made it my mission to teach others how to use their voice to build bridges, whether it's in a business meeting, a classroom, or a global conference.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  I am motivated by the ability to help people unlock their potential. Public speaking is not just about delivering a message; it's about finding your voice and using it to influence, lead, and inspire. I've taught students from all over the world-from India to Switzerland-and I've seen how mastering public speaking can transform careers and lives. The motivation to teach comes from seeing someone go from hesitant and nervous to confident and compelling. For me, the greatest joy is when a student walks into a room with newfound self-assurance, knowing that their voice matters.

• How does your work help society?

  Public speaking is a critical skill that empowers individuals to shape their world. In our increasingly global society, the ability to communicate effectively can bridge cultural gaps, resolve conflicts, and create meaningful dialogue. Whether it's a student preparing for an international competition or a professional delivering a keynote speech abroad, my work helps people be heard on a global stage. Strong communicators can advocate for social change, lead international projects, and connect across cultures, making the world a more united and empathetic place.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  I think of Nelson Mandela, whose speeches transcended borders and inspired a global audience. His ability to connect with people across cultures, to speak with both passion and compassion, is something I deeply admire. Mandela understood that public speaking was about more than words-it was about building trust and fostering unity. His speeches moved nations and led to lasting change. His journey shows that a single voice, when used wisely, can influence millions, and that's the kind of impact I aim to help my students achieve.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Outside of teaching, I love traveling, because each journey gives me a fresh perspective on communication across cultures. Whether I'm exploring the vibrant streets of Rome or attending a conference in Zurich, I'm constantly learning about the different ways people use language to express themselves. I'm also a big fan of storytelling-I enjoy writing short stories based on my travels and experiences with people I meet from around the world. Storytelling, much like public speaking, is about connecting with others on an emotional level, which is a skill I bring into my lessons.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  One of my most memorable experiences was teaching a group of international professionals who were preparing for a conference in Geneva. They came from all over the world-Europe, Asia, and the Middle East-yet they all shared the same fear: speaking in front of an audience. We spent weeks working on their delivery, helping them shape their speeches and find their confidence. On the day of the conference, one of my students, who had barely spoken above a whisper during our first session, delivered a speech that received a standing ovation. Afterward, she said, "I didn't think I could ever stand in front of people, let alone make them listen." It was a powerful reminder that public speaking isn't just about performance; it's about empowerment.