Public speaking · Communication · English language

Confidence isn't something you pretend to have.

It's something you discover. Through doing, experimenting, making mistakes — and finding out that looking foolish isn't fatal.

See how we can work together
Peter Rae, actor and communication coach
I don't begin by telling people how to appear confident. I create situations in which they discover they can do things they previously found frightening.
What I do

Practical coaching for real people.

Public speaking & presentation skills

For people who have something worth saying but would rather not say it to a room full of people. We'll work on clarity, presence and making the experience less terrifying.

Communication & confidence

One-to-one coaching and practical exercises to help you speak up, take risks and find your own voice — without pretending to be someone else.

English language coaching

CELTA-qualified English teaching focused on fluency, expression and real conversations, with a flexible, individual approach.

Public speaking & presence

There’s a difference between knowing what to say and feeling able to say it.

Years spent onstage have taught me that confidence is something we develop through experience, not something we simply put on. My coaching uses practical exercises, curiosity and a healthy sense of humour to help you find your voice.

Let's talk about your goals
Peter Rae performing onstage under pink theatrical lighting
Peter Rae standing by a brick wall
The approach

Confidence comes after the frightening bit.

I'm an actor, writer and teacher. I've worked with people who could barely bring themselves to join an improvisation exercise — and watched them, weeks later, happily invent entire worlds together.

My approach is warm, practical and playful. Different people need different kinds of encouragement. That includes neurodivergent learners, whose needs I approach with care, curiosity and extensive teaching experience rather than a one-size-fits-all formula.

There may be some silliness. It's rather useful.

Who I am

An actor. A writer. A teacher.
Occasionally, a reluctant tarantula handler.

After studying English and Drama at St Mary's College, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Acting from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, I've performed in practically every pub theatre in London, toured the length and breadth of the UK, and trodden the boards on enormous stages across Scandinavia and much of Northern Europe.

I once appeared in an advert on Danish television wearing a boiler suit while somebody placed a tarantula on me. Which rather confirms that I practise what I preach: sometimes you have to do things you really, really don't want to do.

I'm also a writer of comedy and drama. I've recently completed my fourth play, having produced the previous three at the Drayton Arms Theatre in South Kensington. An independent feature film, which I wrote and starred in, is in the final stages of post-production. I've also created comedy and mystery web series and, as my alter ego Benjamin Hardcastle, write The A–Z Google Earth Travel Blog of the World.

For over a decade, I've taught at a central London drama school, specialising in improvisation.

And it was through improvisation that I discovered something rather wonderful: how to find peace in the storm, how to play when every instinct tells you to retreat, and how to allow joy to replace terror onstage.

I've seen these techniques transform the confidence of actors at every level, from complete newcomers to seasoned professionals. Now I adapt those same techniques to help people communicate, present and perform with greater freedom and confidence — whether they're stepping onto a stage, addressing a boardroom or simply trying to make themselves heard.

Kind words

What my students say.

★★★★★

“Peter brought his artistic talent into English classes and actively engaged me in conversation. Complex grammar became effortless and natural.”

Alexander · Preply

★★★★★

“Working with Peter is not only incredibly effective but also genuinely enjoyable—he brings intelligence, precision, and an impressive energy to every session.”

Léonie · Preply

★★★★★

“The lesson was lively and fun. He adapted the lesson to my own need by using the material I had suggested.”

Preply student · Public speaking
Get in touch

Shall we have a conversation?

Whether you're preparing for a presentation, looking for more confidence at work, or want to improve your English, tell me a little about what you're hoping to achieve.

Your message is sent privately to me via Netlify. I'll only use your details to reply to your enquiry.