At a recent Hot Stories networking event, we heard from Paul Ward, founder of Paul Ward Coaching, who reminded us all that public speaking isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present and real.
🎥 Watch the full video here: Powerful Presence, Not Perfect Performance – Paul Ward
Paul shared the story of someone who once said, “I don’t know what I’m doing here,” on the first tea break of a public speaking course. But they were exactly where they needed to be — and that’s the heart of Paul’s work.

As a coach, trainer, and NLP practitioner, Paul focuses on:
Helping people step confidently into the front of a room
Creating space for authentic storytelling
Building connection through vulnerability, not polish
His Powerful Presence course teaches the basics — breathing, voice, attention — but the transformation comes from helping people realise they already know the most important topic: themselves.
Paul doesn’t aim for robotic speeches. He helps people trust their story, embrace their presence, and drop the comparison. Because as he says, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
If you want to find your voice, build confidence, and show up powerfully — Paul Ward is the coach to speak to.
What is Hot Stories?
Every second Wednesday of the month, from 10am–12pm, we meet at The Red Lion in Cherry Hinton. These in-person sessions are designed to help local businesses share their story, grow their network, and find genuine support.
👉 Register for upcoming events here: https://meetnew.business/
🙌 A special thank you to our event photographer Chris Hornby, and to our main sponsor Blue Line Operations Ltd, a highly trusted local security services provider.
📚 Want to catch up on previous Hot Stories events? Head over to our blog archive: https://meetnew.business/news-blog/
NEW: Network & Navigate – Hot Seat Tuesdays (Online)
From April, we’re excited to launch a new monthly online event offering even more in-depth support. We’ve spoken to so many businesses who are done with endless talk and ready for action.
That’s why we created Network & Navigate: Hot Seat Tuesdays — practical, focused sessions for entrepreneurs who want:
✅ Real support
✅ Real-time feedback
✅ Strategic guidance that actually moves the needle
📅 Next session: Tuesday, 15th April | 2–3 PM (UK time)
📍 Online via Zoom
These sessions run every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
🔗 More info: https://geminiweb.media/
At Gemini Web Media, we’re dedicated to supporting brand reputation and giving local businesses the platform they deserve. We don’t just talk about growth — we help make it happen.
If you’d like to share your story and be part of something meaningful, come to one of our events. We’ll make sure you shine.