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

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 as a vehicle to deliver communication training.

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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Learn winning communication techniques and polish your people skills with a Charm School workshop.

 
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  • “My team has 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 De La Hughes from Charm School has been an outstanding vocal confidence coach for some of our more reserved DJs at RadioActive.FM. He’s helped them grow into more confident, relaxed communicators both on-air and in social settings. If you’re looking to build your confidence, I highly recommend getting in touch with John.”

    – Nick Medder, RadioActive.FM

  • “After being thrown into public speaking with little formal guidance, working with John has been such a game changer. The tools and techniques he shared have been practical, easy to apply and genuinely effective. I now actually enjoy practising, knowing I have a clear understanding and approach I can rely on. Having one-on-one coaching that was personalised to me made all the difference – it’s the kind of support I know I wouldn’t have gotten from a group setting or an online course.”

    – Rutu King-Hazel, Hope Is My Homeboy

  • “John ran a public-speaking 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.”

    – Matt Moresi, Department of Internal Affairs

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “I’ve been more confident going into interviews and have been getting positive feedback about my use of STAR! Thanks John for your interview skills help!”

    – Spencer Burchell, Job Hunter

  • “We thank you for judging the Wellesley Speech Competition. Your experience and enthusiasm have been very inspirational for our boys.”

    – Wellesley Senior Syndicate, Wellesley College

  • “Thanks so much for your help John – the session with you boosted my confidence and I actually enjoyed presenting. I feel like I can be a bit more myself when presenting now, which is great.”

    – Iris Humm, Manage My Pain

  • “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. I'm now excited to be exploring a career as a professional MC for Barbwire Fight Club, after signing a contract to be their resident ring announcer and host six shows all over the North Island.”

    – Trent Kiri, MC

  • “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

  • “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, Insurance Australia Group