ANDREW CECIL
CEO, BCW Brussels
Dennis ‘the Panda’ is a communications trainer and coach who has boosted our team’s skills, sometimes without us even realising he is doing so. His mix of easy-to-understand theory, entertaining storytelling and high-energy practical coaching make his sessions fun and much sought after. Our teams have particularly appreciated his focus on building confidence, while at the same time giving honest and useful feedback, in a kind and supportive way.
As a BCW alumni, we know Dennis well and had no hesitation is asking him to return to and partner with his ‘alma mater’. It’s like he never left the BCW family.
And the difference Dennis makes to anyone’s communications abilities is immediate and visible. I would highly recommend ‘Panda’ training to anyone looking to improve their communications skills, whether presenting or public speaking, media interviews, on-camera techniques, crisis communications, or persuasive writing.
KATARINA WALLIN BUREAU
Head of Strategic Relations, Microsoft
I have been part of the communications world in different roles for the past 15 years and cannot think of anybody that comes near Dennis in terms of his impact on people.
Dennis exudes the kind of communications skills one wants to have – strategic, confident, compelling, structured, emotional but fact-based, with great delivery and a sense of humour.
This is what makes him such an effective communications consultant and trainer, because his audiences and clients want to be just like him.
When we were colleagues at Burson-Marsteller, I introduced Dennis to all my major clients and he always became part of the establishment, known by the name 'Panda'.
There is no one like Dennis – he is simply the best comms strategist and coach.
MALTE LOHAN
Director General, Orgalim
As the 'virtual office' became the norm for Orgalim during long stretches of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was important for us to turn the constraints of digital work into an advantage. As a major European advocacy organisation, communicating with large and diverse audiences, the stakes were high for us. In that context, we asked Dennis to train our team on effectively communicating and presenting via webcam.
The training was a big success: tailored to our staff’s needs, well-prepared and well-structured, and superbly delivered. Dennis’ approach is all about being practical and includes a broad range of tips that can be immediately implemented – from simple voice and breathing techniques to connecting with your online audience. We valued the interactivity, with role-play, peer learning and 'live' online analysis. The tips and tricks we picked up made a noticeable difference without the need for extensive prior practice.
Throughout the sessions, Dennis created a supportive and stimulating environment. Most important – and hardest to do – he kept it fun. We will not hesitate to call on Dennis’ services again.
MAYSSA BADR,
Founder, Copl
Dennis is a great trainer because he doesn’t make you feel like you’re just ‘following another training’ … you’re learning by having lots of fun!
His kindness and encouraging words of reassurance instantly make everyone in the room feel comfortable. No-one feels judged and everyone feels encouraged to do their best.
Dennis uses imagery and metaphors, as his name suggests, to make people remember the tools he’s teaching – and to this day, I still remember vividly what the Panda stands for!
Dennis’ diverse background in media, consultancy, entrepreneurship and acting makes him ideal to teach anything from communication content and techniques to delivering speeches, media interviews, or impactful business pitches.
I strongly recommend working with ‘the Panda’!
ORNELLA COSOMATI
Government Affairs and Communications, PepsiCo Europe
Building on his acting skills, Dennis is a very engaging trainer. His charisma and expertise make everyone feel at ease during his sessions and make his stories and tips & tricks of communication very memorable. I think of his ‘Panda story’ every single time I am writing a piece.
KAREN SAMMON
Founder, Skincare Pro
Dennis is amazing at putting people at ease. I really loved the psychology behind the different elements of presenting techniques, particularly the hand movements and I see myself automatically doing this when I review my videos and I think of Dennis.
The feedback I have received from my viewers has been amazing: that I am very professional, engaging and knowledgeable - and this is all down to Dennis’s coaching. As I have grown in confidence, I have overcome my screen angst and now implement more and more of his coaching skills into my videos. I had some amazing ‘lightbulb’ moments, such as ‘cat & dog’ hand positioning, how to position myself on screen, as well as the importance of using pauses.
If Dennis can get me to present professionally on screen, he can help anyone. A huge Thank You, Dennis.