Do I need any speaking experience to join Becoming an Effective Speaker?

Not at all. Becoming an Effective Speaker is designed for all levels. We work with complete beginners who avoid speaking entirely, as well as experienced speakers who want to sharpen their skills. The Sprout Model meets you exactly where you are.

What if I am too nervous to record myself?

Completely normal. For online students, you record in your own space at your own pace. For in-person students, sessions are recorded professionally in a supportive environment. Only your coach reviews the video privately with you.

How quickly will I see results from the BES course?

Most students notice a real shift in confidence by session three. By session five, you will feel significantly more comfortable speaking. After all eight sessions, you will have the tools and confidence to handle any speaking situation.

What is the difference between the online and in-person BES course?

Both follow the exact same 8-session curriculum and Sprout Model. Online classes have up to 20 students and run for 75 minutes via Zoom. In-person classes have a maximum of 8 students and run for 2 hours in an executive boardroom at Zarafa, Kilimani, with professional recording equipment.

What happens if I miss a session?

You can watch the session recording on SproutHub for free, or book a makeup session for KES 3,500. If you miss more than half the programme, we can move you to the next cohort at no extra cost.

What technology do I need for the online BES class?

A smartphone or laptop with internet for Zoom sessions, and a simple tripod for recording speech assignments at home. All learning materials, recordings, and feedback live on SproutHub.

Is Becoming an Effective Speaker worth it if I only speak at work occasionally?

Especially then. The professionals who benefit most are those who need to speak clearly in meetings, lead team discussions, or present to clients. Communication confidence affects your career trajectory whether you speak once a month or once a week.

Can I pay for the BES course in instalments?

Yes. Both formats offer flexible payment plans. You can secure your spot with an initial instalment and pay the balance before the programme ends. Payment is via M-Pesa or credit/debit card through SproutHub.

What makes the Becoming an Effective Speaker course different from other public speaking courses?

Three things. First, the Sprout Model works with your natural personality instead of forcing a template onto you. Second, every student gets personal video feedback on every speech. Third, SproutHub gives you a structured learning dashboard with session-specific rubrics, self-assessments, and a comprehensive learning book.

What happens after I complete the BES course?

You receive your certificate, retain access to your SproutHub dashboard and all session recordings, and join the BES alumni network. Many graduates also explore executive coaching for continued one-on-one development.

Where are the in-person BES classes held in Nairobi?

Zarafa, 3rd Floor, opposite Yaya Centre, Kilimani, Nairobi. It is an executive boardroom equipped with professional lighting, a projector, and QHD screens.

What if I do not improve after the course?

In 12+ cohorts, this has not happened when students show up and do the work. The video coaching makes it impossible not to improve because you see exactly what to change. If you feel you are not progressing, your coach will work with you individually.

BES Foundations · Public speaking classes in Nairobi and online

Speak clearly.Sound like yourself.

Eight coached sessions for adults and professionals who want to express their ideas clearly, use their voice effectively, and speak more naturally when people are listening.

Start with a confidence test

8 weekly sessions12 participants per classNew intakes every monthReserve with KES 3,000

Live coaching. Speaking practice. Individual feedback.

Who this class is for

You have ideas.
Make them easier to express.

BES Foundations is a starting point for new speakers and adults who want to improve how they speak at work and in everyday life.

You know what you mean, but your ideas become less clear when you say them.
You rush, go blank, speak too softly, or overthink when people are listening.
You want to speak more comfortably in meetings, presentations, interviews, or group discussions.
You need regular practice and specific feedback more than another list of tips.

What you work toward

See what changes
as you develop.

Progress is not about copying a speaker. It is about expressing more of what you know and who you are, with fewer things getting in the way.

Understand yourself as a speaker.

Recognize your speaking patterns, strengths, and the situations that restrict your expression.

Speak with less self-monitoring.

Work toward less rushing, freezing, and overthinking while retaining your natural personality.

Be easier to hear and follow.

Use more of your voice and express your ideas with clearer organization and emphasis.

Know how to keep improving.

Identify what has changed, what still needs attention, and how to continue practicing after the program.

Your progress has evidence. Assessments, speaking assignments, coach feedback, and reflection help you compare your starting point with your later work.

The Sprout Model

Your personality.
Your voice. Your words.

We develop these together. You do not have to adopt someone else’s speaking style.

Remain yourself when attention turns to you.

Become more aware of your speaking personality and what helps or restricts your expression.

Adult participant speaking naturally to a small group — Naturalness · Expression that remains your own

A participant practicing public speaking with a coach

Practice with a coachA participant speaking while a coach and classmates listen.

How you develop

Learn it.
Use it. Review it.

The class combines focused learning with speaking practice. Between sessions, you use the Practice Guide to reflect and decide what to work on next.

Learn

Understand an area of your speaking.

Practice

Apply it in speaking tasks.

Get feedback

Know what is working and what needs attention.

Reflect and repeat

Make a clear choice for your next practice.

Becoming an Effective Speaker book mockup

Becoming an Effective SpeakerBook included with the program

What’s included when you join

Support for the work
between sessions.

Becoming an Effective Speaker book
The ideas behind the program, in a book you can return to.
Becoming Practice Guide
A structure for practice, reflection, and your next steps.
Selected assessments and coach feedback
Understand your starting point and review your speaking assignments.
Learning resources and a 90-day growth plan
Keep your practice organized during the program and after the final class.

Your coaches

Coaching that starts
with the person.

Gikuyu Muchai and Wairimu Ruhara coach the adult programs. Feedback focuses on your speaking, without trying to make you sound like someone else.

Gikuyu MuchaiLead Coach

Gikuyu Muchai

Lead Coach

Developer of the Sprout Model and author of Becoming an Effective Speaker.

Wairimu RuharaAdult Program Coach

Wairimu Ruhara

Adult Program Coach

Coaches adults in Sprout’s public speaking programs, supporting practice and development.

Upcoming classes

Choose the format
that fits your week.

Both formats are BES Foundations. Each follows a fixed 8-session program, meets once a week on the same evening, and has a maximum of 12 participants. New in-person classes start every month.

Reserve with KES 3,000.
It counts toward the course fee. Make an installment payment before class begins and clear the remaining balance before Session 5.

KES 25,00012 of 12 places available

In person · Kilimani

First sessionTuesday, November 10, 2026

Weekly scheduleTuesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM EAT

VenueZarafa, 3rd Floor, opposite Yaya Centre, Kilimani, Nairobi

RegistrationOpen until the first session begins, or until the class is full.

8 weekly sessions at Zarafa. All times are East Africa Time.

Ask a question

Not ready to reserve a spot?

Start with the free speaking confidence test. Share your details through the assessment, and our team can follow up with you.

Take the confidence test ↗

Before you register

Know what
to expect.

Need help choosing a format?
Call 0795 756 688

Is this the right class for a beginner?

Yes. This page is for BES Foundations, the starting class. You do not need previous public speaking training. BES Advanced is a separate program for past BES students.

Do I need speaking experience?

No. Foundations is suitable for new speakers and adults who want to work on their natural expression, voice, and clarity.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. Reserve your place with KES 3,000, pay an installment before class begins, and clear the remaining balance before Session 5. You can also pay KES 10,000 or more during registration.

What happens if I miss a class?

A missed session requires an online makeup class at KES 3,500. Arrange and complete it before the next group session. This applies to both online and in-person participants.

What do I need for the online class?

A phone or computer with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet place to speak. Online classes meet once a week on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, 8:00–9:15 PM East Africa Time, depending on the intake you choose.

Is the schedule personalized?

No. Group classes follow a fixed program and weekly schedule. If you need a private program with an agreed schedule and selected modules, explore Executive Coaching.

When does registration close?

Registration stays open until the first session begins, unless the class fills first. If a class is full, choose the next intake or join its waitlist and we will contact you if a place opens.

When do new classes start?

A new in-person class starts every month, on a Monday or Wednesday evening, 6:00–8:00 PM. Online classes start regularly through the year, on a Tuesday or Thursday evening. Each class meets on the same evening every week.

What if a class has already started?

If you missed the first session, call 0795 756 688 before Session 2. You may be able to join with a makeup session, or you can register for the next intake.

Give your speaking
regular practice and clear feedback.

BES Foundations · Eight sessions · New intakes every month

Speak clearly.Sound like yourself.

You have ideas.
Make them easier to express.