A new business offering advice and training in public speaking, social speaking and podcasting has been launched by former radio manager Rick Simmonds.

Research suggests that more people fear public speaking than death!

But, says Rick, in a Zoom-based, post-lockdown world, solid public speaking and communication skills have never been more important.

It’s the mission of Verbu Communicating Coaching to help with that.

Rick has over a quarter of a century’s experience in the communications sector, including two sizeable stints at local Dorset radio stations.

Verbu is offering one to one coaching, small group trainings (currently on Zoom) and will have digital courses online within the next few weeks.

It aims to help businesses that are keen to improve their verbal presentation skills – from internal meetings to business breakfasts and keynote presentations – along with coaching for social speeches.

The latter is considered especially useful for anyone worrying about their best man speech as weddings get rescheduled post-covid.

With Rick’s radio experience, Verbu says it can also help businesses create classy, professional podcasts – a ‘must have’ in today’s marketing world – or script and produce IVR (interactive voice response) messages that perfectly fit the personality of the business.

Rick said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this new venture.

“I’ve coached communicators, on and off-air for many years, and am really passionate about helping local businesses communicate their message, as loudly and effectively as possible.

“Looking back on my years growing up in Dorset, I wish such a service had been available as I started out in the world of work.

“While I was comfortable hiding away behind the microphone in a radio studio, the idea of standing up in front of real people in a room terrified the life out of me.

“What I’ve learnt over the last two decades has inspired me to create Verbu.”

Rick is on the Executive committee of both the Weymouth and Dorchester Chambers Of Commerce.

He is also a member of BNI Regency (Dorchester).

Verbu has a free one-hour webinar on effective Zoom calls next Tuesday September 8 at 10am.

To attend, please email [email protected]

• www.verbu.co.uk