Management Consultancy Case Studies
Empowering Public Speaking Confidence and Emotional Wellbeing in Manila
How tailored in person training enhanced public speaking confidence and emotional wellbeing in Manila
At a glance:
Client: Partners Group
Sector: Global Investment Management
Location: Manila, Philippines
Programme: Bespoke Public Speaking and Breathwork Training
Duration: Two-day programme
Participants: 12 attendees for Public Speaking and 15 attendees for Breathwork
The Challenge
Following the success of Partners Group’s global soft skills training, the organisation sought to deepen its investment in staff development by commissioning a bespoke two day programme in Manila. Partners Group wanted to provide focused training in two areas where teams had expressed a strong desire for further growth: Public Speaking and Breathwork.
Public Speaking is a core capability across the business, particularly for professionals who brief senior leadership, present to clients or lead cross regional initiatives. Skill levels varied across the cohort, and Partners Group required a tailored programme that strengthened confidence, sharpened structure and enhanced delivery in a practical, engaging setting.
Breathwork emerged as a priority after earlier wellbeing initiatives highlighted a need for tools that help staff manage stress, regulate emotions and maintain focus. Partners Group sought a session grounded in science, simple to integrate into daily routines and suitable for participants with differing levels of experience. As this was a highly experiential topic, the organisation also wanted an environment that felt calm, relaxed and conducive to deep practice.
Programme Objectives
The bespoke training aimed to:
- Improve participants’ confidence, presence, and delivery in public speaking.
- Equip staff with practical techniques for managing stress and supporting emotional wellbeing.
- Provide a safe and immersive environment for experiential learning.
- Strengthen team cohesion and engagement through interactive exercises.
Our Approach
Using its consultative model, LBTC worked closely with Partners Group’s L&D team to develop a customised two day programme. As with all tailored training, the process began with detailed discussions between LBTC’s business development team, the programme lead and internal stakeholders to clarify goals and expected outcomes. A scoping call with our specialist consultants ensured that the curriculum aligned precisely with the needs of both cohorts.
Public Speaking
The Public Speaking module was designed to build confidence, elevate presence and help participants communicate with clarity and intention. Given the nature of the topic, this was a highly active and practice oriented session, with every concept followed by exercises and live coaching. Key elements included:
• Developing presence and effective body language
• Cultivating a constructive mindset before and during delivery
• Tips and techniques for structure, clarity and audience engagement
• The power of storytelling and the importance of setting a clear intention
• Strategies for managing fear and speaking with composure
• Repeated practice, group feedback and immediate, personalised guidance
Breathwork
The Breathwork module was delivered as an immersive and restorative session, offering practical tools that participants could apply in both professional and personal contexts. Core components included:
• Foundations of breathing awareness and its link to stress, cognition and performance
• A simplified introduction to the BOLT score, used as a quick indicator of breathing efficiency
• Guided practice in techniques such as balloon breathing and box breathing
• An exploration of the vagus nerve and accessible methods to stimulate it for calm and recovery
• A fully reconfigured learning space with yoga mats and cushions to encourage relaxation and deeper engagement
Participant Reflection
Feedback from Partners Group’s L&D Specialist in Manila highlighted the strong connection participants felt with the facilitators and the impact of the training:
On Public Speaking:
“The Public Speaking session was great, and it resonated well with our participants. We had a mix of leaders and professionals who joined, and they liked that there were two facilitators who offered different outlooks, recommendations and tips. Kindly extend my thanks to the consultants as they were able to customise the session for our participants and deliver it in an interactive way.”
On Breathwork:
“The Manila Breathwork sessions were amazing. I attended one myself, and I was able to sleep peacefully after the session. The sessions felt intimate, and Chad and Federica were able to connect with our attendees. We had one sound healing practitioner from HR who felt emotional in a positive way during the final activity.”
Additional participant feedback reinforced the value of the session:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was both engaging and insightful, providing valuable tools I can apply in both my professional and personal life.”
The Impact
The bespoke programme delivered significant benefits across both groups.
Greater confidence in public speaking:
Participants strengthened their delivery, structure and audience engagement through active practice and targeted coaching.
Enhanced wellbeing and emotional regulation:
The Breathwork module equipped participants with accessible tools to reduce stress, improve focus and support restorative rest.
Deep engagement through experiential learning:
The informal set up and hands on activities encouraged strong participation and created a sense of trust and connection.
Strengthened client relationship:
The success of the two day programme further reinforced the partnership between LBTC and Partners Group, demonstrating the value of human centred, tailored learning.
Next Steps
Following the success of the Manila programme, Partners Group have already locked in multiple bespoke trainings for 2026, including in person sessions in Manila (Philippines) and Zug (Switzerland), as well as live online sessions accessible internationally. The positive impact of the Manila programme has meant it was already repeated once in 2025 and is scheduled to run again in 2026.
LBTC will continue to support Partners Group with further development initiatives, including:
• Advanced workshops in communication, mental wellbeing and stress management
• Extended in person programmes incorporating scenario based learning
• Additional wellbeing courses delivered across global offices
• Ongoing coaching to embed skills and ensure sustainable performance
Ready to Strengthen Your Team’s Capability?
Equip your organisation with the skills and insight needed to thrive in an evolving global economy. Contact LBTC to discuss your bespoke training solution.
