Why do I provide individual public speaking training?
about me
Who am I?
I am Magda Kern. I work as a public speaking trainer, psychologist, and Head of Speakers at TEDxZurich. I also help, among others, lawyers, vocalists, actors, lecturers, and business people in preparing for their speeches in front of hundreds of people in the audience, as well as in conducting small meetings or presentations.
For many years I worked on managing the stage fright that kept me awake at night. I have always wondered how to manage the internal critic, not worry about the opinion of others, and how to build a real sense of confidence on stage. Now I know the answer. I am also teaching at the different universities like ETH, UW, where I teach students public speaking.
In 2021 I was chosen as one of the top 11 public-speaking coaches worldwide, according to the Coach Foundation ranking.
about me
Who am I?
I am Magda Kern. I work as a public speaking trainer, psychologist, and Head of Speakers at TEDxZurich. I also help, among others, lawyers, vocalists, actors, lecturers, and business people in preparing for their speeches in front of hundreds of people in the audience, as well as in conducting small meetings or presentations.
For many years I worked on managing the stage fright that kept me awake at night. I have always wondered how to manage the internal critic, not worry about the opinion of others, and how to build a real sense of confidence on stage. Now I know the answer. I am also teaching at the different universities like ETH, UW, where I teach students public speaking.
In 2021 I was chosen as one of the top 11 public-speaking coaches worldwide, according to the Coach Foundation ranking.
TED
I have been training TED speakers for seven years. I started as a coach, and then I led a team as Head of Speakers at TEDxWarsaw. After moving to Zurich, I joined the TEDxZurich team. After several months as a speaker trainer, I took over the role of Head of Speakers at TEDxZurich.
I design the preparation process and supervise the next steps, from recruitment to the presentation on the stage. Under my wings, over 50 speakers have presented on the TED stage so far, including a speaker whose talk was selected as one of 230 editor’s picks out of 40,000 TED Talks.
My experience
I am a psychologist, an ICF accredited coach at PCC level, and I operate three successful businesses. By combining my business and stage experience, I can guide you through the process of changing direction toward your goals. Based on my vast stage experience, I have gained the ability to provide adequate tools and methods of coaching that will support your development.
During individual coaching sessions, we will work on developing public speaking skills, such as creating interesting presentations using storytelling, improvising on stage, gesticulating, modulating the voice, and working with the breath. We can analyze your speeches and prepare upcoming presentations. Till now, I have more than 5 000 hours of sessions and workshops with clients.
My why
Recently, I have given countless interviews, which made me aware of the importance of confidence in front of the camera. Having been involved in music since the age of 10, and I know how stressful it can be to present to a wider audience.
I studied music in cello and jazz vocal classes in the first and second grade of music school and right from the beginning I was faced with stage fright. After years of performing at many concerts, festivals, and workshops and performing in a musical about Cuba, I have learned not only how to manage my stress, but also to turn the stage into a safe environment where I thrive.
After hours
Besides discovering new ways of teaching and presenting, I also spend my time discovering new places. I have visited more than 50 countries, and I continue this passion. I like to do experiments in the kitchen and discover flavors of different cuisines. In my free time, I put on a polka-dot dress and travel to the 1930s, dancing swing to the music of jazz big bands.
Tea has been my main passion for many years. You can always find me with a tiny cup of tea. Step by step, I explore tea plantations all around the globe, learn more about different types of local tea, and discover new flavors. After many years, I rediscovered the charm of playing the cello. I like to spend time with my family and friends. Very often, you can also find me in the audience of standup comedies and improv theaters.
Education
Experience
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15 years of stage experience, won at song festivals, singing at concerts and conferences.
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7 years of experience as a Head of Speakers and TEDx speakers’ trainer.
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Lecturer on presenting techniques and stress management at one of the top 10 universities worldwide.
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Experience working in HR in a corporation and a smaller company.
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Extensive media experience - hundreds of press, television, and radio interviews.
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Running three successful companies for 10 years while managing up to a 100-person team.
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Conducted more than 5 000 hours of workshops and individual coaching sessions with clients.
Clients about me
Mateusz
Forbes 30 under 30
"Magda was my mentor in preparation for a conference. I was convinced that I knew a lot about speeches, but Magda really opened up my eyes and showed me a whole new world filled with the nuances of communication. She helped me achieve something we were both proud of. I highly recommend her to people looking to prepare for important speeches or people who work as orators.”
Mona
Climate Security at NATO
“Magda is an excellent coach. She supported me greatly in strengthening my public speaking skills which are essential for my job.”
Adriana
Top 100 Digital Shaper
“I was fortunate to have Magda as my speaking coach and I wholeheartedly recommend her! She offers a wealth of practical tools and exercises. Magda fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere that instills confidence for practice, all the while subtly nudging you beyond your comfort zone to enhance your skills. You can tell that she genuinely cares and goes the extra mile in her coaching sessions. I wouldn’t hesitate to seek her guidance again in the future.”
Barna
Co-founder
“Magda is a fantastic teacher, highly competent with hands-on experience, and super nice to work with. Her training sessions are well-planned, with lots of useful info and hands-on activities. She’s all about practical learning, so you’ll be doing plenty of exercises during the sessions. If you practice what you learn, you’ll definitely see improvement from one session to the next. Her advice is easy to follow and can be applied right away in your daily communication. I definitely suggest her as a teacher if you want to get better at public speaking.”
Roy
Chairman
"Public speaking was always a dreaded and hated subject in my life until I met Magda. She was able to teach me over the course of our 10 meetings the needed important fundamentals to become a good public speaker and also the needed tricks of the trade. Today, thanks to Magda, I don’t hate public speaking anymore, with time and practice I might even like it! So thank you Magda for the valuable course and the great and fun experience"
Barbara
PhD, Neuroscientist
“The coaching sessions with Magda were very helpful and effective, as well as encouraging. She is a great coach that helps to improve the message and the presentation skills”.