If you have something to say, let me help you say it with confidence and clarity.

I believe people can enjoy more success in their social and professional lives when they learn how to communicate clearly, confidently and charismatically. My mission is to teach people how to improve the way they communicate so they can get the most out of their lives.

That’s why I created Charm School.

Kia ora,

I’m John De La Hughes.

I love helping people improve their lives by becoming confident and effective communicators. I'm a communication performance coach and one of NZ's top combat sports MCs.

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Polish your people skills and learn winning communication techniques with a Charm School workshop.

 

  • "My team have been able to build better relationships with their clients using the communication and body language skills John taught in his workshops. John has deep knowledge of what he teaches and the workshops he runs are fun – I’d recommend him to anyone looking to improve their staff’s customer service, people skills and confidence."

    – Laurent Pang, ONI

  • "John ran a public-speaking mini-workshop for me and a colleague after we had been asked to MC an event for all staff within the Department of Internal Affairs. We both nailed it and afterwards my colleague was promoted and I got asked to MC future events for the department. The skills we learnt in the workshop were valuable and practical."

    - Matthew Moresi, Department of Internal Affairs

  • "After seeing John command a crowd as a ring announcer, I knew I’d found what I was looking for. As someone who has to speak to tough leadership teams and present data at national conferences, John’s approach to public speaking transformed everything - I now feel confident, connected, and able to deliver first-class presentations!"

    – Tahi King-Hazel, Dot.kāu

  • "John was fantastic. He's a consummate professional who really got to the core of why I was struggling with certain aspects of my leadership confidence. In only a short time I gained so much insight. I am now practising what I learnt from John in both my professional and personal life. I strongly recommend him as an effective kōrero coach."

    - Jeff Chapman, Mana College

  • I have always been a confident and social person, but I can become out-of-control anxious and nervous with speaking up in meetings and giving presentations and I didn’t know how to overcome that. One of my career goals is to become a leader at ANZ bank and the next step is to be confident to present who I am and my ideas to the crowd. After a one-on-one session with John, he’s helped me make a handful of personalised practical and meaningful changes that are actually doable and sustainable for me. I have been using his tips everyday, in both personal life and business. Now I want to put my hands up for all public speaking activities and I’m no longer afraid to do so, but looking forward to show the world who I am. I can’t thank you enough John!

    - Kitty Song, ANZ

  • "What sets John apart from a lot of coaches is his authenticity, and his ability to truly listen to your needs. Whenever I speak to John, I feel like he is totally invested in what I am saying, and can always provide the best tools to help me become unstuck. I totally recommend John for anyone wanting to improve their communication skills, and their ability to relate and strengthen bonds with others."

    - Jordan Berry, Kaizen Fitness

  • “Attending John’s workshop to improve business/sales communication really helped grow my business, build long lasting and effective relationships with clients, and most importantly understand my clients’ needs. You should get John if you want to be an effective listener, clear speaker, and communication jedi.”

    – Carl Rein, Coach Carl

  • "John's help was invaluable in preparation for an important presentation to a group of doctors and nurses to get their buy in to refer patients on to me. John taught me how to connect with people and communicate well. His skill and expertise led to a successful meeting."

    - Megan Healy, Nutmeg

  • "John's coaching gave me the confidence and the knowledge to succeed at MCing three weddings and I am now excited to be exploring a career as a professional MC!"

    - Trent Kiri, Taranaki

  • "John impressed me with his passion about communication in our first meeting. Our lessons are relaxing and helpful. I have built up more confidence in writing and overcome some pronunciation challenges which I never thought I would be able to."

    – Milda Chan, Probity Consulting Limited

  • "John and I competed in an innovation initiative, John's task was putting together our business case and he presented it to the CEO of IAG NZ - we took out the top prize. I also went to John when I needed to sharpen up my CV for what was a large step for my career. From that I have had multiple offers of interviews and jobs."

    – Robyn Dixon, Instinctive BI

  • "John is an amazing guy with a great warmth about the way he speaks to large crowds!! John is friendly and kind, and we have always loved the way he is approachable, confident, and always takes the time to listen."

    - Scott Tweedie, Aotearoa Muay Thai Association

  • “John always knows what to say.”

    – Mark Payne, IAG