WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Empowering Professionals and Performers through Expert Coaching in Public Speaking and Acting.
The world has changed a lot in recent years - but I think a few things remain true: Clear and confident communication is essential for growth, connection and progress. And the power of storytelling - to move, educate and entertain - is as strong as ever.
Without each other, without discussion, without the ability to share ideas or emotions, life can lose its meaning. That’s why I believe in helping people communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose — whether at work, on stage, or in everyday life.
For some, this comes naturally. For others, the idea of standing up and speaking in front of people can feel terrifying. I created James Westphal Creative Development to offer practical and empowering help and guidance for people who speak for a living — whether they’re professionals developing their public speaking and communication, students preparing for interviews or audition, or actors refining their performance and craft.
My work has taken me across the UK and internationally to places like Dubai, Milan, Rome, and Nice. I’ve worked with top companies such as Media Arts Lab (Apple’s dedicated marketing agency) and DAI Global, as well as leading UK drama schools like ArtsEd and Identity School of Acting. I’ve coached people from a wide range of industries — including the corporate sector, science, business, media, and film and television.
What sets me apart is how I merge the craft and training of theatre and film acting with proven public speaking techniques - all underpinned by performance psychology.
Take a look around — I hope you find what you’re looking for.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATIONS COACHING
My extensive training in vocal technique and my training and experience with Acting, Teaching, Public Speaking and Private Coaching lead me to design a programme of courses designed to help individuals to speak in front of people with confidence, ease and flair. Whether it be for presentations, speeches or just in general day to day communication, the courses are designed to enable you to realise and achieve your full potential. Using a range of different exercises and techniques, both conventional and unconventional, the coaching is tailored to the needs of the individual or to the group. Each course comes with a free half an hour consultation to establish the needs and desires to ensure there is a clear end goal to work towards.
To read more about the courses and to book please click the button below.
ACTING AND AUDITION TUITION
Alongside my acting and coaching, I also co-run the Part Time Foundation Acting Course at ArtsEd, which is a top UK Drama School based in West London. Here I also regularly deliver acting classes in screen acting for their 6th form students and prior to this used to work in their EXTRA department planning, developing and leading courses and acting sessions. I have over 7 years worth of teaching and coaching experience with students ranging from the ages of 7-25+ and over this time many of my students have gone on to perform in the West End, on screen, secured places at top performing arts schools/ colleges and gone on to train at world leading conservatoires and drama schools.
To read more about my experience and to book a session with me, please click the button below.


ACTING
I trained in Acting at ArtsEd, and after graduating with a First Class Honours Degree, went on to perform in the award-winning play A Wake in Progress at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since then I have originated roles in the published plays; It Never Happened, A-Typical Rainbow, Driftwood and The Band Back Together. I've worked on stages such as The Globe Theatre, Bush Theatre, Arcola Theatre, Turbine Theatre and The Bridewell Theatre in London and have toured the UK multiple times. On screen I have appeared in the feature film Nomad, ITV's Code of Silence, the YouTube Series The Paramedics and the Russian Interactive Series Who_You (nominated for 5 awards at the Rio Fest). I've also appeared in the short films The Trench (shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival in 2020), Starling, Sweetheart and You Got A Face On You, which was also selected as part of Pinewood's LiftOff Festival. I'm also currently developing my own play, which first premiered at the Canal Cafe Theatre and is currently in development after being selected for the shortlist for The Original Theatre Playwrighting Award.
To view my CV and read more about my acting work please click the button below.
COMPANIES AND CLIENTS
A few of the companies and clients that I've coached and worked with...

Leading global training institution preparing people to be global citizens who can shape the world

International School offering a varied curriculum enhanced by an innovative teaching approach

International School with a tailored learning approach to help students reach their highest potential

High-quality degree level, higher education, and performing arts training that celebrates the individual
RECENT PROJECTS

DRIFTWOOD to tour nationally
January 2025

The Band Back Together at The Arcola, London
September 2024
Wrapped as a featured role on feature film NOMAD
Coming 2025

Cast in DRIFTWOOD written by Tim Foley
September 2023

YOU GOT A FACE ON SELECTED FOR LIFT OFF GLOBAL NETWORKS FILM FESTIVAL AT PINEWOOD STUDIOS
November, 2022

APPOINTED A CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR ARTS INTERNATIONAL
September 2022

CAST IN A-TYPICAL RAINBOW AT LONDON'S TURBINE THEATRE
May, 2022

BETTER YET? SHORTLISTED FOR ORIGINALS PLAYWRIGHTING AWARD
July 2022

APPOINTED CO- LEADER OF THE PART TIME FOUNDATION ACTING COURSE AT ARTSED
June 2020

JOINS THE TEAM OF COACHES AT PUSH MIND AND BODY LTD.
June 2021

JAMES FILMS AN EPISODE OF THE MOCKUMENTARY SERIES THE PARAMEDICS
November 2021

JAMES' ONE MAN PLAY BETTER YET? PREVIEWING AT CANAL CAFE THEATRE
September 2021

EDINBURGH FRINGE TW AWARD
August 2019

DIRECTOR OF CHAT BACK IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARTSED & LYRIC HAMMERSMITH FOR THE NATIONAL THEATRE CONNECTIONS PROGRAMME
April 2022
VIDEO ARCHIVE
DRIFTWOOD Trailer - October 2023

AUDIENCE REACTIONS - A-TYPICAL RAINBOW - AUGUST 22
FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions about the public speaking coaching or the acting/ audition tuition I offer please don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly and I will get back to you as soon as I can.