What is iSpeak?

iSpeak's mission is

"To actively engage with youth in New Zealand to enhance their speaking skills, self-confidence and self-belief"

We know from research, and our own experience working with senior school students, having the skills and confidence to speak in front of a group will help them :

Boost self-esteem
Improve ability to influence and persuade
Increase critical thinking and creativity
Make new social connections
Enhance personal relationships
Deflect bullying
Be more comfortable in their own skin

iSpeak Trust is a registered charity CC59581.

iSpeak Ambassador

Richie Barnett

Richie is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A New Zealand international representative fullback, he also captained the side during his career, he played for clubs in New Zealand, Australia and England.

Currently Richie is very involved with I Am Hope Charity as their Culture & Well Being Ambassador. I Am Hope is dedicated to driving a positive change in societal attitudes towards mental health and ensuring a better future for all New Zealand’s young people.

Richie supports the work iSpeak Trust are doing within schools to grow confidence in young adults through developing confidence in public speaking. Looking back at his career he can relate to the importance of speaking to a group. He acknowledges his sporting background helped him master this life skill of speaking. He believes effective communication is crucial in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavours. When young people learn how to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively, they become better at articulating their needs and wants, which can help them in many situations.

Meet the iSpeak team

Gaye Stratton

Board Chair and Trustee

"Miss, thank you so much. Your workshop has really helped me gain the confidence to speak up. I always felt nobody wanted to listen to me." It was comments like this that encouraged Gaye to form iSpeak Trust.

iSpeak Trust enables Gaye, and the team of very experienced facilitators, to run workshops for senior high school students in their school. Students develop their speaking skills and grow their overall confidence.

Gaye also runs Speak Confidently Limited providing speaking skills workshops for organisations and individuals. An experienced presenter and Toastmaster, Gaye has been an Executive member and Course Coordinator for a Community based Toastmasters Club in Auckland, running non-profit courses.

Phillippa Pitcher

Trustee

Phillippa has over 25 years’ experience in general management in the charities sector where she specialised in developing small not for profit enterprises, building sustainable income streams and leading these charities to increase delivery of their objectives. She brings a wealth of governance and leadership experience to the iSpeak Trust.

As a member (and past president) of Parnell Rotary Club she is involved in the delivery of service through a multiple of projects with outcomes both in NZ and internationally. These include a number of education and development opportunities for youth, which is an area of her particular interest.

Stephen Church

Business Advisor

Stephen's Career includes 40 years creating growing and managing successful companies in a diverse range of industries. A marketing, finance and strategy specialist, his entrepreneurial style has produced successful results in small businesses, international corporations, federal and municipal governments, community associations and industry groups.

Born and educated in the USA, New Zealand resident since 1999 and New Zealand citizen since 2003.

Greg Stratton

Trustee

Greg has considerable experience in Sales, Product and Business Development. He has an MSc in Biochemistry. He is a founding shareholder and Director of KiwiEnzyme Limited. Greg has experience of a start up business and taking this business successfully to market.

Catherine Syme

Trustee

Catherine Syme, of Fear-less Public Speaking, specialises in working with people who are being held back in their careers or other aspects of the lives because they are extremely anxious about public speaking. She has been a Toastmaster for more than ten years and she has a lot of experience presenting to professional and political audiences. Catherine is passionate about the workshops iSpeak Trust deliver in schools. Catherine is a Facilitator for iSpeak Trust.