David trained as an actor gaining a 1st class degree in Performance at the Mountview Academy, while at drama school he began developing his theories of performance and communication which have gone on to form the basis of many Opposite Leg training courses, and led him to his first job as a Communication Consultant for a major UK charity (not a typical role for a newly qualified actor). 

He then worked for 6 highly successful years as a campaign fundraiser and trainer on behalf of leading charities such as Oxfam, Friends of the Earth and Cancer Research UK, putting into practise many of his communication ideas in the real world of work.   

 

Throughout this time David also worked for numerous theatre companies as an actor and director, culminating in directing a Manchester Evening News Award nominated performance, and teaching at leading drama schools.

 

His ongoing interest in personal change and development led him to train as teacher and spend a year on the front lines in an inner city school, it was never dull and certainly contributed to his energised training style.

 

Noticing the lack of performance training available for teachers David teamed up with Guy Michaels and designed their now hugely popular Classroom Presence course, which runs on teacher training programmes and in schools – turning teachers into performers.

 

And so, Opposite Leg Creative Training and Development was born.

 

Since then David and Guy have designed and delivered training courses in the corporate and public sector, working across diverse industries to give both staff teams and senior executives the communication skills they need to succeed.

 

The training is always imaginatively designed and delivered with sensitivity, humour and, above all, fun – people learn best when they are enjoying themselves.

 

David continues to teach acting, voice training, storytelling and screen acting to adults at Sadlers Wells Theatre and recently appeared on MTV’s Plain Jane as a confidence coach and performance expert.

 

To Opposite Leg David brings a combination of skills as a performance teacher and an insightful understanding of how to apply those skills in business or fundraising environments.  He is passionate about authenticity in communication and making genuine connection.  David has particular experience coaching executives for bespoke presentations and interviews, drawing out their personal stories and constructing engaging narratives.

 

With a broad range of interests from the Alexander Technique, to clowning, to person centred counselling and poetry David’s strength lies in unlocking the practical and useful in any communication concept.  He is an experienced  writer, regularly writing online copy for corporate clients including BTVision, as well as turning his hand to projects as diverse as children’s books, book reviews and websites.

 

David is a member of the Corporate Association for Professional Development.

Have a look at www.oppositeleg.co.uk for further information about David’s work.