Marisa Sarfatti, founder of Speak Easy Facilitatorsin 2002, is a Communications Coach and Facilitator, who is a SETA approved Trainer and Assessor. With more than 14 years experience as a theatre, radio, film and television actor, she headed up the Voice Department at City Varsity Film School from 2002. It was there that she realized the vital need for the corporate sector to develop strong communication skills. Ms Sarfatti graduated with a 3 Year Performance Diploma from the internationally acclaimed Drama School, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (1995) and she furthered her studies at Panico Film Studios, London (1997). Having established her coaching services in the specialized field of developing the soft skills that create effective and dynamic communication, she is also appearing more frequently in the Public Speaking arena.

All this diverse training and coaching experience has enabled Ms. Sarfatti to construct both individual and group communications training sessions, according to each client’s specific requirements. Incorporating international acting techniques, exercises and the filming of selected training sessions for instruction; Speak Easy Facilitators is able to offer a range of communication training to both individual clients and their companies. Some examples of aspects that are developed in the training are: self-confidence, conscious choice in communications, listening skills, empathy and awareness levels, improved verbal and non-verbal (body language) skills, positive language choice, vocal strengthening and accent improvement, conflict resolution skills, stress management, creativity, initiative and responsibility in communication, as well as presentation skills.

The following programmes are on offer: Individual Coaching, Group Communications Workshops, The Clear Speech Programme, Powerful Presentations Workshop and finally, the Media Workshop and coaching programme. Our range of communications programmes is applicable to everyone from the CEO’s, middle management to the frontline workforce.

Apart from the many private clients, Speak Easy Facilitators works with a diverse range of companies such as Cape Union Mart, SASFIN, Grand West Casino, Wesgro, The Table Bay Hotel, Shell, Shoprite Checkers (partnering Win Win), Royco (partnering Rainbow Experiential Marketing),The Media Workshop, S.A. Rugby, Gateways Consultancy and Red Bull. The facilitating in these companies has covered a broad spectrum and has been tailored to each company’s requirements. Ms. Sarfatti also lends her expertise to Management Consultants and internal H.R. on how to bring to life training and implementation for new strategies within businesses.

In 2005 Speak Easy Facilitators developed an exciting and highly effective 3 day Presentation Workshop, which it is now facilitating nationwide. The courses are run both on the clients’ premises and in a filming facility. A Media Workshop, which is tailor made for the level and requirements of each client, has launched this year with Rod Solomns, previously head of sport and arts in the Western Cape and editor, Michael Finch.

 

 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Our Individual Coaching Says…

I really want to thank you for all the help you have given me. I appreciate it tremendously and will be forever grateful for the part you played in my life. I've taken responsibility for my communications and feel I now grab every opportunity that presents itself. Thank you for opening up a whole new world for me!

Danlee Booysen
Administrator
Western Cape Sports Academy

I don’t think really knew the full importance of self belief if you are to be a strong leader and communicator – this coaching revealed things that I didn’t even know were influencing my communication. The coaching has also had a very motivating effect on my staff. The team is fused with energy and we’ve been trying some new things with very positive results.SASFIN – Gary Kalt (Managing director, Cape Town)I would highly recommend Speak Easy Facilitators as we found that our PA’s communications skills, as well as her confidence levels improved dramatically as a result. We found the coaching extremely beneficial and will be using this training in the future.

Lindy Sollinger
CEO Datafin IT Recruitment

The Individual Communications Programme has transformed our newly appointed manager. All details including his body language through to handling presentations at board level, improved speech and language usage, improved conflict resolution skills, broadened vision and perspective on difficult situations, has grown to one of a strong communicator. The course has also increased his self -confidence tremendously. We are very appreciative of the excellent work done and will be contacting Speak Easy Facilitators for the training of any other candidates/colleagues that may be in need.

Dr Iqbal Surve
CEO -Sekunjalo Investments Ltd.
Chairman Western Cape Sports Academy

 

It has improved my understanding of colleagues and has helped me “read between the lines”, which has resulted in better interpersonal and work relations resulting in a more motivated staff. This coaching really makes you look deep within yourself resulting in being more aware of yourself and other people. I’ve taken this work and made it part of my daily life and routine.

Gabey Dil
SASFIN – Credit Manager

Through improved time management and communication skills with my team, I believe that the effect on the bottom line has been a positive one and the process in getting there seemed easier. The coaching has led to me being a more organised, relaxed person both in and outside work. A subject in the finishing school for executives!

Jack Lester
General Manager
Bar Support Services
GrandWest

 

Our Communications Workshops Say…

 

Cape Union Mart Workshop…

‘I feel my self-confidence has increased, I know feel far more confident to come forward and express my ideas – even if they don’t always work.’

‘The main thing the course taught me was to be more aware of myself and also how to handle difficult and conflict situations.’

‘I achieved a great deal, I’ve found a way to improve my relationship with colleagues, especially towards my customers – I truly feel like I know how to handle myself.’

‘The biggest learning that I got from the workshop is learning to exercise the self-control necessary to think before I speak, improving my listening skills and improving my lateral thinking skills. Thank you so much!’

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Red Bull Samplers Workshop…

(Short workshops tailored to fit in with a bigger Red Bull training day)…
‘Even though I’m a very confident in front of individuals as well as large groups, I gained from discovering new ways and methods of approaching different groups and how my manner should be altered according to my market.’

‘I learned how to create connections and hooks to speak to consumers, it was awesome!’

‘Turning a No into a Yes with difficult consumers was one of my biggest eye openers.’

‘I learned how to calm down and pull away from difficult situations.’

‘It helped to make me feel more confidents with the public – I can’t wait for the next shift!’

‘I learnt to listen! I feel like I’m going to be able to assess people, handle crowds and what to do in different situations much more effectively now.’

What Red Bull Management said…

I have highlighted a few points below that illustrate the effectiveness and new learning’s the team has taken away from the Speak Easy Facilitators Workshop.

• Increased self –esteem, confidence and pride in each employee and the job they perform.
• Grooming and appearance has improved.
• Communication skills of listening and speaking have become more clear, direct and concise within the team as well as the consumer.
• Improved handling of situations of conflict with consumers, turning these negative situations into positive opportunities.
  
• General people skills have improved through patience, empathy and true listening and understanding of consumers and fellow team members.
• Team members are motivated, ambitious, without arrogance and take pride in their duties as the representative of an international brand.
• Team morale and spirit has lifted with all team members focused on achieving the same goal.
  

It was a true pleasure working with you and appreciate the attention to detail you put into your workshop. The high standard of workmanship you input into the workshop has left the team with a high standard of performance in their duties and roles.

Yolanda Dyers
Consumer Collecting Manager
Red Bull, SA
JMC (Pty) Ltd.

 

Our Clear Speech Programmes…

The Cape Union Mart Staff say….

‘I no longer get the reply of ‘Excuse me’ or ‘What did you say’. I am able to project my voice and be much clearer now. My work environment is now completely different and I really feel like I have accomplished my goals.’

‘My English has improved and I can see results. I’m starting to communicate better and that’s boosting my confidence.’

‘I’ve noticed that with a strong vocabulary I get very good responses from the customers, which in turn boosts sales…my managers have also noticed the improvement in my English.’

‘It has motivated me because my relationship between colleagues and friends has improved…people tend to listen to me more, I don’t have to repeat myself and I feel I’m projecting myself much more confidently.’

‘I’m the one at work with a very short temper, but because of the breathing exercises I’ve learned how to control it much more…’

‘This is a must do course and it will last a lifetime!’

 

The Cape Union Mart Managers Say…

‘My floor assistant was very loud and over energetic, but now she is taking her duties more seriously and has matured in a short period of time. She communicates much better and even teaches us how to pronounce our words! She is more confident and speaks slowly and clearly to her customers now.’

‘I feel more staff could attend this training it was well worth it. My floor assistant has greatly improved his speech, body language and his eye contact. It has definitely been a positive change for both the staff member and our team.’

‘My assistant manager is now more confident when approaching customers and more willing to assist customers fully. She also voices her opinions and ideas, showing a positive attitude and not waiting for the manager to resolve issues. The quality of her communications has improved greatly.’

A big thank you to Speak Easy Facilitators cc from Bar Support Services, Grand West Casino.
Since our associates have started on the Clear Speech Programme, I have seen significant changes in behaviour, especially the way they address guests, management and fellow colleagues. I have seen noticeable improvement on the voice projection, especially in answering the telephone and conversing with guests. A job well done!

Elizabeth Louw
Training Manager

 

Presentations Course…

 

GrandWest Casino and Entertainment WorldOur Presentations Course says…

‘Speak Easy Facilitators cc Powerful Presentation course helped our staff to understand practically how to present quality documents in a professional manner. The course went to the extent of teaching employees creative ways of improving presentation quality and content. Wesgro has noticed vast improvement from employees, they now design and present information of high quality and standard.’

Mandla Dlova
Manager Human Resources
WESGRO

Our Media Training says…


Just to let you know that Thobile came back VERY ENERGISED after his training today - he was so excited that he wants to do another session! Thank you for doing this today - it meant a lot for them and they had lots of fun, but also realised how important it is to do this. I think initially they were all a bit reluctant to do the training, but it was well worth it.

Thanks

Corlia
Corlia Pieterse
Public Relations & Events Manager
Shell South Africa (Pty) Ltd
P.O. Box 2231, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

‘Our facilitator was very competent, and very enthusiastic and passionate about what she was doing. At the same time, she was professional in her approach, and I certainly felt I was in the hands of someone who knew what she was doing.’

‘The facilitation was open, encouraging, entertaining and good all round.I found the final interview very intimidating, but good for a taste of reality. ‘

Shell South Africa (Pty) Ltd