Failure isn't fatal, it's merely feedback.
A leading voice in executive communication, Miriam Chancellor is a specialist in helping professionals express their ideas with clarity, confidence, and impact. As Director of Naked Audience, she has shaped the communication capability of senior leaders and organisations across New Zealand and Australia, building a reputation for her practical, transformative approach to public speaking and high-stakes presentation delivery.
Miriam’s style is grounded in directness and precision. She begins by sharpening thinking, structure, and key messages—then develops the performance skills that bring those messages to life. This balanced methodology has made her a trusted advisor to C‑suite executives, board directors, and leadership teams navigating complex communication challenges, from strategic storytelling to delivering critical organisational messages.
Under her leadership, Naked Audience has grown into a respected executive coaching consultancy, delivering flagship masterclasses, tailored corporate programmes, and one‑on‑one coaching. In late 2024 the business expanded into Australia, responding to increasing trans‑Tasman demand for high‑level communication development and presentation capability within large organisations.
Miriam’s background blends communication theory with deep practical experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, a Diploma in Speech and Drama, and has served as President of Auckland Toastmasters. Her early career as one of New Zealand’s most sought‑after speaking and presentation coaches laid the foundations for the methodology she teaches today—one that blends message discipline, storytelling craft, and authentic presence.
Known for her calm authority, fresh energy, and ability to bring out natural confidence in others, Miriam continues to influence how leaders communicate in moments that matter.
Talking Points
Speech delivery
Incorporating vocal variety, body language, and visual aids to engage your audience.
Speech delivery
Speech writing
Crafting a well-structured, succinct, and memorable speech/presentation.
Speech writing
Storytelling
Elements of storytelling and what makes an effective storyteller.
Storytelling
Pitch Preparation
Structuring and presenting an impactful pitch
Pitch Preparation
PowerPoint
Using PowerPoint to support your presentation, not distract from it.
PowerPoint
Preparation
Speech/presentation preparation. (Use of notes, timing, practising etc.)
Preparation
Communicating with confidence
Practical tools to manage/overcome nerves
Communicating with confidence
Impromptu speaking
Speaking to an audience without preparation.
Impromptu speaking
Personal presentation, style, and branding
Amplifying presence as a speaker
Personal presentation, style, and branding
Difficult Audiences
¢ Managing interruptionsDifficult Audiences
¢ Building rapport
¢ Being memorable
Finding your vocation in the 21st century
Understanding the idea of 'a passion,' and how it relates to building a career.
Finding your vocation in the 21st century
Miriam ran a presenting with impact session at Ignite Architects. Miriam was very easy to work with. She was super organised and let us know what she required, where we couldn't provide she ... keep reading Ignite Architects
Miriam Chancellor is a delight and a true professional. She radiates confidence, authenticity and empathy. She also does her homework and when it came time to introduce Peta Mathias at an evening event at the Northern Club the other week, she did so with aplomb. Peta was delighted and we were both seriously impressed. If you're looking for someone to introduce a speaker or MC an event, I can think of no one more talented than Miriam.
Miriam delivered a fantastic presentation at PwC in November. I was really impressed by the way she lived and demonstrated her key presentation messages in a way that really amplified and reinforced the impact. The team were highly engaged during the session and the use of volunteers and the interaction with the audience made it even more fun. Overall, there was plenty of food for thought, the lessons were clear and the attendees have increased their focus on ensuring that they are as impactful and effective as they can be in their presentation style in whatever forum they are presenting in.
Miriam Chancellor hosted a workshop at the Club on Presenting With Impact in late October 2019. Miriam was brilliant - immediately capturing the audience's attention which she continued to do over the course of her very interesting and interactive presentation. She was highly informative, using a clever combination of PowerPoint presentation and personal demonstrations to illustrate her points. At one point she invited someone from the audience to participate and she tastefully used the volunteer to further prove her main principles to perfecting public speaking. She interacted really well with the audience and masterfully answered questions at the end. I would highly recommend Miriam.
