Future Connect 2025 Kicks Off with Public Speaking Masterclass

7 February 2025

We started the year on a high note with our first Future Connect event of 2025, Speak Up, Stand Out – Public Speaking Skills. This engaging and interactive workshop provided young professionals with the tools and techniques needed to communicate with confidence, clarity and impact.

Public speaking is a crucial skill in the finance industry and beyond. Whether delivering presentations, leading meetings or speaking at industry events, the ability to articulate ideas effectively can elevate careers and build professional credibility. This Future Connect event was designed to equip attendees with the confidence and strategies to stand out in any professional setting.

Mastering Public Speaking

The workshop was led by Jo Ferbrache, a certified Physical Intelligence Coach and Performance Coach at Boost, a Jersey-based communication and presentation training business. Jo’s own journey – overcoming a fear of public speaking to become a keynote speaker and coach – served as an inspiration for attendees.

Throughout the session, Jo shared practical techniques to help participants manage nerves, refine their message and improve delivery. A key focus was on Physical Intelligence, a science-backed approach to understanding and harnessing physiological responses to improve performance. Attendees explored strategies such as the Performance Pathway, a method for shifting their state to remain calm and focussed under pressure.

more about jo

Practical Techniques for Impact

The interactive workshop introduced attendees to simple yet effective methods to enhance their communication skills, including:

Deep heartfelt sighs

A quick and effective way to release tension and reset the nervous system

Breathing techniques

Shown to increase cognitive function by up to 62% and reduce stress symptoms by 42%

Shaking out

A technique to release nervous energy and regain composure before speaking

These practical exercises, combined with expert guidance from Jo, helped attendees feel more prepared to tackle public speaking challenges with confidence.

Useful Resources: The Performance Pathway

Empowering Young Professionals

The Speak Up, Stand Out event was a fantastic opportunity for Future Connect Members to develop essential communication skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Attendees left with actionable techniques to help them deliver presentations with greater impact.

Our Future Connect network continues to provide young professionals in the finance industry with valuable learning and networking opportunities throughout the year. Keep an eye out for upcoming events designed to support professional growth and development.

Find out more

We asked attendees: what’s the biggest challenge for you when it comes to speaking or presenting?

Event Photos

Thank you to our event series sponsor

Grant Thornton Limited

Grant Thornton Limited is a leading Channel Islands practice with offices in Guernsey and Jersey with a combined staffing strength of over 250 people. We are the Channel Island member of Grant Thornton International, one of the world’s leading international organisations of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms.

We have been offering practical and strategic advice to all the key sectors in the Channel Islands for many years, and work closely with our clients to understand the specific issues that they face, evidenced by the many long-standing client relationships that we have developed.

Connect with Grant Thornton:

Facebook:@GrantThorntonChannelIslands
Instagram: @grantthorntonchannelislands
Twitter: @GrantThorntonCI
LinkedIn: @GrantThorntonChannelIslands

Topics

Careers and Skills Jersey