Nice to meet you! I am

Jelmer Smits

I help professionals boost their communication skills forever.

✔️ Trained & coached 2500+ people since 2018.
✔️ Lecturer at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
✔️ Certified trainer with background in theatre and public speaking contests.​

Before you read my personal story at the bottom of this page, you should know this first…

When I go to read someone’s “about” section, it’s usually because I’m curious or even a bit skeptical.
In case you are as well, that’s good; there are so many coaches and trainers out there. Many of them seem to sell hot air.

So, what makes me different? 

❎I won’t promise you a magic pill that will immediately fix your life.
❎I won’t try to sell you things you don’t actually need or want.
❎I'm not perfect, nor will I pretend to be.

But I can confidently say:

✅I'm pretty good at my work, and I love it.
✅Without doubt, I can teach you some of the fundamentals and secrets.
✅I’ve got over 5 years experience, trained and coached 1500+ people to become confident communicators.

On top of that, my workshops always include:

☑️Clear feedback in a safe environment — something you must experience.
☑️Only the best tangible tools and techniques — no vague theory.
☑️Enough practice — that’s how we truly learn.

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My story

Growing up in ever-changing environments forced me to transform from being a shy kid who often felt muted and lonely, to learning to talk to everyone. The skill that used to help me make new friends and get good grades, eventually laid the foundation for winning public speaking contests and starting companies. But my true obsession with public speaking came later in life.

In 2016, I took part in a start-up competition at the London School of Business. We were up against delegates from virtually every top university in the world (Oxford, Harvard, MIT, etc.). With each round of competition it became clear how important presentation skills were. All teams had brilliant ideas and products, but ONLY the teams who could actually sell their ideas made it to the finals. I had to present for my team and luckily, I received an extensive course in public speaking. Because of that, we were among the winners.

This started my journey of learning everything about public speaking. I started doing theatre and followed many courses from great coaches. A world opened up for me: I improved in ways I never imagined. The most important thing I learned was that public speaking is not just a talent, but a skill we can all learn. We just need the right tools and the right environment.

In the meantime I worked for a few multinationals and the importance of good communication skills kept coming back. Those who developed their skills were more confident and charismatic. They made more impact and were more successful. They made promotions and earned more. They had a skill for life. It inspired me to learn as much as possible about public speaking, and one day start passing the skills on to others. 

That day has come, and since 2019, I've already trained thousands of people. But what I really do, and what I truly love doing, is helping professionals stand tall and find confidence in themselves. Trust, personal growth, and gratitude. Those are the things that drive me. Oh, and fun. I promise you'll have a lot of fun in my workshops.

My eyes regularly tear up during my workshops. Such is my passion. When I see a client embrace a tool and it works for them, when their confidence grows and they clearly leave the session energized and empowered. It’s what drives me and keeps my standards high.

Are you looking to grow more confidence and achieve more? Get in touch. 

Curriculum

  • PresentThing: Passionately giving workshops since 2018.

  • Previously: Quorn Foods, NXP, KPMG.

  • Theater, coaching and entrepreneurship competitions. 

  • Studied at Erasmus University (Rotterdam School of Management), with electives at London Business School and Delft University of Technology.

To this ->

Other cool things I do:

  • Tutor and Course Admin for the course Responsible Business Leadership (Rotterdam School of Management). I train and coach 22+ tutors, we give workshops to 1500+ students each year.

  • Founder of a book club – I love learning and sharing new knowledge. My goal is to read 3 good books a month. 

  • Founder of Man-Up Club. A platform for healthy masculinity. 15-20 men meet once per month to talk about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century.

  • At least one day a week goes into volunteering.

  • I make surfboards as a hobby.

Want to know more?

Check out the different courses available for individuals and companies