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 Auckland
Dip.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.