Our Story
SpeakFirst Academy was born from a single belief: everyone can become a confident, inspiring speaker. Founded in Melbourne by passionate coach Alexandra Hill, the academy started with small workshops aimed at guiding nervous presenters towards self-assurance. Our journey has been one of empathy, innovation, and measurable results—helping over 2,000 students step up, speak out, and succeed. Today, we are Australia’s dynamic hub for developing communication excellence, supporting beginners to shine, one voice at a time.
Meet Our Founder
Alexandra Hill is a seasoned speech coach and award-winning speaker dedicated to transforming fear into confidence. After experiencing her own battles with stage anxiety, Alexandra developed an empowering, student-centric methodology. Her philosophy: ‘Progress beats perfection.’ Under her leadership, SpeakFirst quickly became synonymous with encouragement, expert coaching, and a culture of achievement.
Our Timeline
- 2017: First public speaking workshops launch in Melbourne
- 2019: Team of certified instructors expands, community support program starts
- 2021: Online courses introduced, reaching students across Australia
- 2023: Over 2,000 graduates celebrate their personal speaking milestones
Our Mission & Values
At SpeakFirst Academy, our mission is to make powerful speaking accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We nurture confidence, clarity, and community in everything we do, guided by ethical teaching and active encouragement.
Core Values
- Empowerment: We champion each student’s unique journey, celebrating progress over perfection.
- Support: Our instructors are dedicated, empathetic, and foster an inclusive, safe learning space.
- Integrity: We deliver practical, evidence-based training and honest, constructive feedback.
- Continuous Growth: Every step forward matters; we help students overcome setbacks with compassion.
Our Approach
Through a blend of live coaching, hands-on workshops, and continuous mentorship, our approach is dynamic, interactive, and designed to build real confidence. Every strategy is focused on making public speaking less intimidating and more empowering.
Why Choose SpeakFirst?
- Innovative Learning Methods: Proven frameworks for tackling anxiety, refining delivery, and improving stage presence.
- 96% Student Success: Most students see measurable confidence gains within four weeks.
- Inclusive Community: Our alumni network offers free speaking events and ongoing peer support.