Empowering Communication and Acting Coaching
for Growth and Success

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 feel pretty meaningless. That’s why I believe so strongly 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, empowering and effective help and guidance for people who speak for a living — whether they’re developing their public speaking and communication within business, students preparing for interviews and auditions, or actors refining their performance and craft.

My work has taken me across the UK and internationally to places such as Dubai, Milan, Rome, and Nice. I’ve worked with top companies like 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 & television.

What sets me apart as a coach is how I merge the craft and training of theatre and film acting with proven public speaking techniques - all underpinned by social, cognitive and performance psychology.

Take a look around, I hope you find what you’re looking for.

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What We Do

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION
COACHING
(One-to-one)

Tailored and Transformative Public Speaking and Communication Coaching

My one-to-one coaching isn't divided into categories like "confidence", "presentation skills", or "speech preparation" — because they’re all intrinsically connected. My approach is holistic: every one-to-one session is designed around you; your voice, your goals, and your growth. No-nonsense coaching, tailored to the individual and focused on the outcomes that matter most to you.

To read more about my courses and to book, please use the button below.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION
COACHING
(Group)

One-off Extended Sessions Tailored To Your Team’s Communication Goals

Great communication doesn’t just come from individuals. It shapes how teams lead, connect and present ideas. These group coaching sessions are designed around the shared goals and specific challenges of your team, offering practical tools and insights you can put into action straight away. Focused, energising and bespoke coaching designed to shift how your team shows up and speaks.

To read more about my courses and to book, please use the button below.

ACTING COACHING

Supportive and Challenging Audition and Performance Coaching

Whether you're training, auditioning, or in rehearsal, you deserve sharp, honest, actor-first coaching that builds your technique, supports your instincts and hones your choices.

This is coaching for those who want:

Clarity and intention in monologue or scene work
Support and guidance in finding authentic and truthful choices
Help preparing auditions for drama school, theatre or screen
Emotional connection and freedom in performance

Each session is practical, bespoke, and rooted in leading techniques from a range of practitioners.

Please use the button below to find out more and to book sessions with me.

The Globe Theatre, 2019

ABOUT ME

I'm a UK-based actor, coach and creative with a background that bridges performance, psychology, and storytelling. I trained as an actor at ArtsEd (one of the UK’s leading Drama Schools) and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree and later completed a Master’s in Psychology, which continues to inform my work as a coach. I regularly work with leading business professionals in a range of fields in one-to-one and group settings.

As a performer, I’ve worked on stages such as The Arcola, The Globe and Chichester Festival Theatre, and on screen in TV & Film and I bring the same depth and discipline to my acting as I do to my coaching. I'm currently developing a play based on my experiences as a Neurodiverse (ADHD/OCD) man, which was shortlisted for the Original Theatre Playwrighting prize in 2021.

I lead the Part-Time Foundation Acting course at ArtsEd, a position I’ve held for the past 5 years, where I support emerging actors in building their craft from the ground up. I regularly teach and direct at various other drama schools around the UK and work one-on-one with many actors who have gone on to secure places at world-leading drama schools and conservatoires, as well as professional actors who have gone on to land jobs in the West End and in Film & TV.

I'm passionate about the arts and about helping people. I lead with humour and kindness and strive to create supportive working environments that challenge people in the right ways, pushing people to be the best they can be andhelp them realise their full potential. Whether I’m in rehearsal, on set, in a coaching room, or classroom my approach is specific, intuitive and tailored - focused on helping people express themselves with greater impact, ease and flair.

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Terms and Conditions

Prudence - Senior Innovation Consultant

"James gave me the confidence that public speaking can be learnt with the right practice. He opened my eyes to the many different, often overlooked facets and left me with some very practical tools for creating a feeling of confidence, calm and conviction. James has taken an amazingly personalised approach, listening to the areas I want to address, pointing out other personal factors that I wasn't even aware of, and tailoring the classes to address these. He always keeps the classes light hearted and never underestimates how difficult Public Speaking can be to some. I honestly feel so much more confident, capable and focused on my ability to speak publicly thanks to these classes. Looking forward to continuing!"

Public Speaking Testemonials

Susan - Film Producer

"James has been instrumental in helping me shift my mindset when pitching. He’s really engaged, patient, and draws on an expansive range of techniques to deliver a bespoke tool kit. It’s been a joy working with him."

Lynne - Ex VP of Sony Music Entertainment

"James really helped my son through his auditioning process, by building confidence, teaching excellent skills and enhancing his knowledge on his performance skills. A brilliant teacher, a true professional."

Matthew - Publisher & Meta Ads Guru

"Working with James has been transformational. Just four weeks ago, I was genuinely terrified of speaking to a room of 200+ people — now, just 4 weeks later, I’m excited about walking on to stage. It’s a night and day difference, and I cannot thank James enough for what he has done for me. I’m excited to step on stage. His warm-ups, exercises and detailed feedback gave me the tools and confidence I didn’t know I was missing. His attention to detail, his professionalism, his friendly and supportive nature, his feedback; everything about his coaching is second to none. If you're looking for someone to work with to help with public speaking, I can’t encourage you enough to get in touch with James. He’s made a life-changing difference to my public speaking game.”

Acting Coaching Testemonials