Communicating is one of the greatest skills we can develop. By the words we speak (and those we don’t), our tone and our body language- it’s possible to successfully convey a point, create social change, close a sale or develop a meaningful relationship. Yet, despite how crucial communicating is, we’re often not taught how to go about it. No wonder then that many of us experience difficulties in public speaking, asserting ourselves at meetings, and connecting effectively with others. Dr John Francis Leader is a psychologist who specialises in helping people to develop confident communication skills in a fun, friendly and effective way. For specialised advice you can complete a free online consultation.
“Massively beneficial. Enjoyable, encouraging, an opportunity to reset and align oneself.”
— 96% of clients found the process enjoyable —
Frequently Asked Questions
What is effective communication?
There are many different styles of communication, depending on who you are and what you want to achieve, but we like to think of great communication simply as “saying what you want to say, in ways the other person(s) can understand.”
What is Communicate.ie?
Communicate.ie is a communications clinic run by psychologist Dr John Francis Leader. We help clients with their communications goals big and small. It might be some help with an upcoming exam or interview, performing before a large crowd or support with ongoing communications difficulties.
How are you unique?
Our main distinction is that we have both a communications and psychology (therapy) background. There are some excellent communications trainers (that we often collaborate with) that focus more on powerpoint skills or technical aspects. There are also great therapists who focus on anxiety, but who aren’t communications specialists. The whole purpose behind our clinic is the combination of both. We focus on combining a really practical understanding of communications challenges with the psychological skills needed to improve confidence.
What type of methods are used?
When you get in touch we’ll help put together a custom programme for you. We use an experiential learning approach which means that rather than just assessing what’s happening and offering advice, we also use applied interactive methods to support learning. This can include real world practice, the use of simulation (using low tech and high tech methods as needed) and the support of hypnotherapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy so that you get better at positively imagining what you want, calming your mind and being present.
What can I expect when I attend?
Communicate.ie sessions are like attending physiotherapy sessions, but for the mind. When you attend you’ll chat with your consultant about what you want to achieve, put a strategy in place, and start to practice better approaches. Following the session tools and supports will be made available for you to continue to practice.
How many sessions are needed? How long a programme should I attend?
Communications consultancy can be anything from a single visit through to more advanced work that takes place over time, depending on how complex the topic you need help with is. The nice thing about this type of process is that it is modular, meaning that you can attend as many sections of work as is appropriate for your circumstances at a pace that’s right for you. Significant work takes place from the very beginning, and multimedia supports and other tools are provided so that you can practice in your own time.
Is communications consultancy covered by health insurance/workplace supports/tax relief?
Dr John Francis Leader is a Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (M4636C). The clinic will provide you with receipts that may be used for claiming from your private insurer if you have a suitable policy, your workplace or for use as tax relief if eligible. Often why you are attending can determine coverage, for example: perhaps health cover is available for support related to social anxiety, but probably not for something like improving your sales figures. Many companies and public service bodies allocate budgets for staff communications training and we regularly receive direct company payments on behalf of staff so do check with your HR department. Receipts can be claimed as appropriate by self-employed clients.
How are challenges addressed?
Having communication difficulties usually doesn’t mean that you’re a bad communicator. More often you just aren’t sure what the best approach is in a given situation, the situation genuinely is challenging or performance anxiety is blocking you from performing at your best. In our applied work we place a central emphasis on developing your own natural communication style and understanding more clearly how to reach others.
How are goals achieved?
Good communication is the sumtotal of a number of smaller, more achievable, building blocks. In our consultancy we identify areas of strength and draw upon them, and work to upgrade or improve any areas where there are challenges. A big part of the approach is making communication fun and interesting, something that’s positive and engaging in it’s own right (rather than just a means to an end).
How do I attend?
Communications work can be attended by secure live video link, or over the phone. This is an effective, environmentally friendly and convenient way to attend with the added benefit that distance or accessibility are not an issue. You just need a quiet private space and a connection.
Do you take emergency bookings?
It’s not uncommon for us to be contacted by someone who has an important event, surprise interview, daunting exam, sudden media appearance or PR ‘nightmare’ that they need help with ASAP! We’ll always do our best to help, though of course the earlier you get in touch the more likely we’ll have time to.
What challenges or goals can Conmmunicate.ie help me with?
Communicating is such a central part of our personal and professional lives, meaning that there are a wide variety of areas where difficulties can emerge. Also, many of our clients are already doing well in their communication, but due to the nature of their work they want to up the level of their interpersonal skills. See below for a list of common reasons why clients attend.
“Very nervous at the beginning but became very comfortable during the sessions. Overall great experience.”
— 98% of clients felt they learnt something of value —
Conmmunicate.ie can help you with improving how you confidently communicate with others. Our specialised programmes are all about recognising your approach to communication and supporting and upgrading it in a way that is consistant with your personal style. You have the option of attending by secure video link or by phone. Here are some of the most common reasons why clients attend:
Anxiety (interpersonal)
Marketing
Public figure support
Assertiveness
Media training
Public Relations (PR)
Body language
Mediation
Public service support
Celebrity support
Meetings
Relationships
Charisma
Musical performance
Remote communications
Communications training
Online presentation
Sales
Conflict resolution
Oral examinations
Self-esteem
Examinations
Panel interviews
Social anxiety
Influence
Parenting effectively
Social Influencer training
Interrogation training
Performance anxiety
Social media training
Interview skills
Performing artists
Stage performance
Job seeking
Presenting phobia
Tonality
Leadership
Platform presenting
Zoom training
Legal comms training
Presence
+ lots more
CARE Commitment: The core of what we do is based in quality. We firmly believe that something as important as supporting your wellbeing must be done with CARE: Confidentiality, Assurance, Respect and Empowerment.
“John’s approach, expertise and calm & encouraging manner was so helpful, right from the first session. I also found his follow-up notes and audio downloads very useful.”
— Clients found the process 81% effective in terms of achieving goals, and 89% effective in terms of improving their approach —
Dr John Francis Leader (JFL) is a consulting psychologist, psychotherapist and cognitive scientist who specialises in helping people to thoroughly enjoy communicating by identifying and developing their own natural style. John’s qualifications include a Degree in Psychology, Diplomas in Psychology and Psychotherapy, and a PhD in Cognitive Science from University College Dublin.
John splits his time between consultancy and research, based in the Psychology Department at University College Dublin where he is an Adjunct Research Fellow. John also conducts training programmes and workshops for teams, businesses and organisations. John regularly features in the media (see links below) and is the host of #bodymindself on YouTube, SoundCloud & iTunes.
Communicate.ie is a communication training & consultancy practice run by Dr John Francis Leader. Sessions are available by secure video link or by phone.