Master voice and presentation coach
As master voice coach and consultant, Richard is known for his kind, encouraging and informed style. He has worked with C.E.O.’s and board directors, all levels of legal professionals and executive level managers. In a former life as a theatre director and performing arts lecturer, Richard worked with the Sydney Theatre Company, N.I.D.A., Sydney and Monash Universities. At Monash he won the V.C.’s award for excellence in teaching. His long-standing meditation and yoga practice keeps him optimistic and energetic. He runs courses in Mindfulness to help people attain high performance mind. Since 2005 he has directed SoulSong choir. He also used singing as a healing modality at the Eating Disorder Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
In 2007 he joined Laird Culture + Capability (Formerly Ignite Coaching Australia) and since then has delivered training in presentation skills with
Global firms: Boston Consulting Group, K & L Gates, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Baker & McKenzie, and Bristol Myers Squib.
Locally: Telstra, Australia Post, Cricket Australia, Vic Police, Lander & Rogers, Victorian and N.S.W. Bar Associations and Vic Legal Aid.
Richard co-facilitates the ‘As She Speaks’ programme, with Mary Ferguson; helping female executives crack the glass ceiling.
Specialties: communication, confidence, voice, presentation skills, (especially lawyers) mindfulness.
And for women: assertiveness and cracking the glass ceiling. (As She Speaks program)
What I Do
“I help people find their voice
Their authentic voice
Their ‘power’ sound
The colour beauty and joy in their voice
I’ve helped lawyers speak in court
I’ve helped accountants speak up in meetings
I’ve helped women overcome centuries of conditioning and speak out boldly for what they want.
Many a time someone said to me, ’I can’t sing.’ And I’ve convinced them otherwise
When I came to teaching and training, I found that being of service was my best direction in life
And it’s filled me with delight ever since.”
What some of our clients say
You graphically reminded me of the value of giving the voice (your instrument) it’s full potential.”
Ian Gray
Former Chief Magistrate
Richard is a dynamic, inspiring and passionate teacher. People who work with him, and are taught by him, are very fortunate indeed.”
Professor P.S.
Monash University
In my line of work I get to attend many events and in doing so witness a huge array of speakers. Richard however, did something very special at that conference, something that I will carry with me forever. It was an incredibly uplifting, invigorating and enlivening experience for all who were lucky enough to share it.”
Gareth Sambrook, Head of Learning and Development,
Victorian Civil and Admin Tribunal
On the Reader’s Course we really value the contribution of someone who brings a really practical application to the development of voice and body language. Richard has been working with us since October 2012, and in that time has helped many of our barristers develop these essential skills in order to communicate effectively.”
Jacqueline Stone
Victorian Bar Assoc., Reader’s Course
The Presentation Skills Coaching that I received from Richard Lawton was nothing less than transformational. He listened beyond my words to gain an understanding of my hurdles and connect with my inner critic. Richard created a safe environment where I could step out of my comfort zone and challenge my perceptions. The coaching process enabled me to discover my authentic inner voice and embrace my core strength that propelled me forward, exceeding my expectations.”
Suzi Finkelstein, Senior Facilitator and Consultant
Workplace Training Advisory of Australia
When it comes to voice and body language, influence and gravitas, Richard has the ability to serve participants, helping them lay out a path through the discomfort of shedding the old in order to develop the new.”
Stefan Fothe
Head of Learning & Development:Boston Consulting Group
I found Richard very good at helping me work out the answers to my problems.”
Anna Barton,
Manager Cloud Solutions Telstra
Our symposium had 140 people from around the world. You were able to facilitate everyone…in creating something beautiful and in harmony, which was extremely powerful.”
Jeff Young, CEO
Bouverie Centre
Richards Book
