profiles
Bridget Brice by David Vaughan-Thomas
I have watched Bridget’s work with admiration over many years. She has a unique ability to bring out the best in people, with empathy, warmth, subtlety, skill and laughter. She creates a lovely atmosphere when she works, but serious things happen when Bridget rehearses with you, and I have seen shy, reluctant and nervous presenters walk to the podium and amaze themselves by performing as vibrant, powerful speakers after a session with her.
How does she do it? Well, that’s her magic, but it might have something to do with the lessons she learned from Mel Brooks about humour, spontaneity, pace and timing; the knowledge she obtained from Martin Sheen about how to speak authentically and excite the audience’s curiosity; and the craft she has acquired over many years as a sought-after performer on stage, screen and television.
Bridget is a remarkable woman, a real star at inspiring performance in others, and I’m so proud to be working alongside her in Rehearse That Speech.
David Vaughan-Thomas by Bridget Brice
David is one of the most natural communicators I know. It doesn’t matter whether he’s on a stage in front of a thousand people or in a rehearsal with just one person, he just has that rare ability to create an immediate rapport and offer inspiration with a beguiling mixture of warmth, humour and gravitas.
Perhaps this comes from the breadth of his professional experience. A director and writer in film and television for twenty years, he has worked in drama, commercials, documentaries and corporate films. His reputation as a workshop leader rests on the courses he has led all over the world in presentation skills, personal impact, communication and leadership.
But I like to think his real insight into performance and public speaking began at a very early age, as he watched his father, a renowned war correspondent, broadcaster and speech-maker, preparing. As he says “Everyone used to think Dad was a just a brilliant, hilarious, spontaneous speaker; that it all came naturally to him, but I saw what went on behind the scenes - hours of thought, research and practise, often on me! He certainly made me respect the art of preparation.”
What I enjoy most about David is his constant curiosity about the world around him, and I think it is that curiosity that gives him his terrific energy. I’m really delighted to be working with him. It’s such fun.