Jane Thomas John
Over 25 years' experience as a performer, communicator and trainer in Australia and New Zealand
Jane Thomas John
B.A. University of AucklandDip.Ed. University of Sydney
I always encourage people to tell their own stories, so I will share some of my background with you. As a young film, television and theatre actress I was often sick to my stomach with nerves. I was in good company. Many actors – Richard Burton, Laurence Olivier, Stephen Fry, Kate Winslet, Scarlet Johanssen, Amy Adams – have suffered from stage fright. When I spent a few years as a core cast member in soap opera and the actors had the benefit of instant playback/feedback of every scene, I learnt more in a few weeks than ever before. This is why I am passionate about this method in training my clients. Learning by doing, along with instant professional playback/feedback is the fastest, most-effective way to bring about changes in confidence and ability.
Working as a writer and group head on corporate
accounts in an advertising agency, I learnt how to present and communicate
ideas simply and effectively.
Management or raw recruit – nearly everyone finds speaking in public a challenge. By simply applying the training I offer, people gain the confidence to enjoy speaking to clients, colleagues or family. It is enormously rewarding for everyone involved.
Some Corporate Clients
Below is a selection of clients who have completed corporate training. You can also read client testimonials here.
- Air New Zealand – trainer for Strategic Storytelling
- Fuji Xerox – coach/ trainer
- Fletchers – coach/ trainer
- Westpac – coach/ trainer
- Strata Title – coach/trainer
- Progressive Enterprises (Woolworths) – coach/trainer
- Tonkin & Taylor – coach/trainer
- Macquarie Private Wealth – coach/trainer
- Accru – Smith Chilcott Ltd – coach/trainer
- New Zealand Steel – coach/trainer/interviewer
- Vitality Works – coach/trainer
- Sanitarium – coach/trainer
- AUT – coach/trainer
- North Shore City Council – voice coach
- Scarbro Construction – coach/trainer
- Employer's Federation – coached and directed non-actors to camera for TV campaign
- Health Funding Authority – coached children to camera for TV campaign
- Hasbro NZ – producer/director TVC'S Hasbro NZ
- FCB Advertising – training, casting, production, stylist
Writer and Teacher
Taught English and History at Ascham School, Sydney.
Senior copywriter, USP Needham
Author, children's book, published by Reed/Raupo 2007
Travel writer for The Dominion, The Press, The Otago Daily Times
'Shape-Up at Sea' – The Press June 8, 2009
'Oggle Poggle' – Children's Book


Actor, Presenter, Voice
Film: Lead in award-winning film ‘After the Depression' (Dir. Roger Donaldson) ‘Opening Night.' (Dir.Brian McDuffy) ‘The Whole of The Moon.' (Dir. Ian Mune)
Television drama: Lead in ‘The Immigrants'. Guest lead in ‘Inside Straight'. Guest lead in 'Hercules'. Leading roles in ‘Close to Home', ‘Radio Waves' & guest roles ‘Shortland Street,' ‘Legend of the Seeker'.
Educational CDRom: For Unitec – ‘Face To Face' and a language CD with Leighton Smith.
Voice work: A year as a commercial voice at ‘Radio i'.
Corporate presenter: Promotional videos for Vanuatu Airlines, Aotea Centre, Unichem.
Radio: Lead roles in many radio dramas including the award-winning play ‘A Family Matter' directed by John O'Leary.










