Eleanor Smith

Ellie Smith | Public Speaking Coach | Using yoga to develop calm, confident communicators

Japan

About

Most people don’t struggle with public speaking because they lack knowledge or expertise in their topic. They struggle because of what’s happening in their body: - The racing heart. - The shallow breath. - The sense of panic just before they speak. That’s where my work comes in. I combine yoga, breathwork, and nervous system regulation to help people feel calm, grounded, and in control when speaking - whether that’s in meetings, presentations, pitches, interviews, or on stage. Through my work, I support clients to: • Manage anxiety before and during speaking • Build physical and vocal confidence • Stay present under pressure • Speak clearly without being overwhelmed by nerves My work isn’t about becoming a “perfect speaker.” It’s about feeling steady enough in your body to say what you need to say, and be heard. I work with individuals and teams who want a more embodied, sustainable approach to confidence and communication. If public speaking feels harder than it should, there’s usually a physical reason - and that’s something we can work with. I'm also working with teams and organisations to support confident, calm communication through embodied practices. Let’s connect.

Experience

  • Founder at Ellie Smith Yoga Ltd
    Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Deliver yoga-based sessions designed to improve public speaking confidence and reduce performance anxiety • Guide clients in breathwork and nervous system regulation techniques for high-pressure speaking situations • Support individuals with varying yoga experience levels in developing physical grounding and vocal presence • Help clients manage physiological responses (e.g., breath, posture, tension) that impact communication • Create safe, supportive environments for clients to build confidence speaking in front of others • Adapt sessions for both 1:1 clients and group/corporate settings

  • Assistant Professor at Aichi University
    Apr 2019 - Mar 2024 · 5 yrs

    - Create and develop course-related teaching and assessment materials - Conduct research to further teaching practices in the Global Liberal Studies department - Facilitate and monitor intercultural interactions in the Global Lounge facility - Teach language and culture courses to International Communication and English majors

  • Practical English Instructor at Kyoto Sangyo University
    Apr 2014 - Mar 2019 · 5 yrs

    - Collaboratively created and developed course-related teaching and assessment materials. - Conducted research to inform teaching practices in the Institute of General Education - Taught English language skills to non-English majors.