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  • "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

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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

Our Services

Select a workshop that suits you or secure yourself a one-to-one coaching session.

  • Group Workshops

    Explore a selection of workshops to boost your team’s communication skills.

    Explore workshops

  • One-to-One Coaching

    Learn how to express yourself effectively so you can communicate powerfully, and easily build strong relationships.

    Up your game

The Charm School Story

In 1978, two boys were born in Wellington and soon became firm friends. They kind of became half brothers, because both sets of parents had an arrangement that if anything untoward happened then their kids would be assimilated into each other’s family.

When the boys grew up they always joked about setting up a finishing school to teach the finer points of manners, etiquette and behaviour to young people. Since then one of these boys has become one of Wellington’s top management consultants and has little time for such things.

However, the other boy became obsessed with communication - in particular people skills, public speaking and how to make friends and create relationships easily.

 

He is John De La Hughes and he has created Charm School: the best place to learn people skills and winning communication techniques.