Become a Naturally Confident Communicator with a Professional Actor as your Tutor!

Find out more about Jovana

• How long have you been interested in this subject?

  have been interested in communication and public speaking since I was a teenager. In those early years when we are young and learning how to talk to others our age, or to our elders, it is a time of communication discovery. As a youngen, I was shy and felt limited in my communication abilities, so I began to push myself into conversations, to observe others' communication strategies intently and to respond bit by bit. As an actor, public speaking has always been something important - how to connect with and positively influence an audience. Then working in sales and marketing when I was older further accelerated my skills and my interest to know more.

• Tell us what your discipline can bring to people's lives.

  Communication is key to everything! When you are an able, confident speaker you, quite simply, achieve your goals more easily. We live in a relational world, where we have to work with others to reach success, to progress, to be happy... so there is so much to be gained from being a good communicator.

• How would you describe your method as a practitioner?

  I am a problem solver. I offer bespoke, tailor made classes to suit the individual's needs. There is a basic outline that is drawn from, such as technical aspects (breath, vocal strengthening, stagecraft, movement, gestures, articulation), as well as methodologies that help with storytelling skills, negotiation tactics, conflict resolution, communication strategies both for professional and personal gain.

• With experience, are there things you have learned or unlearned about yourself or others?

  There is so much to be learned from experience. My best teacher is my audience. As an actor facing a live audience there is no escape, no second chance, you're in the hot seat and you have to make it work, so a lot of the theory learned in drama school, in books, or in the sales room helped, however practical experience gave laser focus and pushed my abilities. For myself, I've learned to find stillness while in the throws of nervousness. Stillness of mind and body. Breath is a very important factor in achieving this, as well as having psychological structures/ triggers in place to keep you focused. From my students I have learned that we are all in the same boat with the same concerns... and there is a solution to any fear or problem.

• Do you have a role model, a person who really inspired you?

  Regarding communication skills there have been a few people. My brother can convince anyone of anything. Though I don't agree with all the tactics he uses, he definitely made me want to be a better communicator - initially so I could beat him in a debate! There is nothing like a bit of healthy sibling rivalry. There have been other wonderful speakers from my teachers at drama school to people I like to watch on youtube.

• How do you personally relax; what methods work for you?

  Breathing exercises are effective for relaxation and anxiety management. I also like to read, and to move my body. To fully release both mental and physical tension must be addressed, as one feeds the other, and vice versa.

• Tell us about a memorable lesson.

  There are so many at this point as I've been coaching for a few years now. So many wonderful people have crossed my path that I've been lucky to work with. For me a great lesson is one where I see the 'click' moment in someone's eyes, that they get it - the thing they've been struggling with - and they know how to overcome it, or use the tools I've taught them. It's also very nice when I see everything we've been working on come together in a speech. Or when they tell me their event, speech, panel discussion, TV interview, job interview, promotion... was a success!