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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.

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Photographer- Cesare De Giglio

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...

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The bespoke global agency

for Apple.

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International Development Company 

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Leading drama school in London

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Bringing excellence in performing arts to partner schools around the globe. 

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

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Charity providing free bikes for refugees and asylum seekers

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Leading wellbeing and performance company. 

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UK’s Number 1 booking platform for coach and minibus hire

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London based Production Company 

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Leading UK Bus Shelter Supplier

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

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Experiential education experiences to inspire action for  social impact

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

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Leading Performing Arts programme designed to inspire creativity

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

Double award-winning Part-Time Acting school based in London and LA. 

James' talent and dedication to his craft is as evident when teaching and coaching as when performing. A truthful, powerful actor with great sensitivity for the spoken work and a rare depth of insight. A superb mentor for anyone exploring the art of performance.

Steve Potts- Executive Director at Bill Kenwright Ltd. and Executive Producer at BK Films

RECENT PROJECTS

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DRIFTWOOD to tour nationally 

January 2025

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The Band Back Together at The Arcola, London

September 2024

Wrapped as a featured role on feature film NOMAD

Coming 2025

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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

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APPOINTED A CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR ARTS INTERNATIONAL 

September 2022

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

May, 2022

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BETTER YET? SHORTLISTED FOR ORIGINALS PLAYWRIGHTING AWARD

July 2022

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

June 2020

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

June 2021

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JAMES FILMS AN EPISODE OF THE MOCKUMENTARY SERIES THE PARAMEDICS

November 2021

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

September 2021

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EDINBURGH FRINGE TW AWARD

August 2019

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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.

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