I help speakers, storytellers and performers engage audiences through storytelling, stage presence and improvisation.
A good story begins with the person listening.
I’m Calum Lykan, a Scottish storyteller, event host and voice artist based in Canada, with over 15 years of international performance experience. From Edinburgh’s streets to classrooms and festival stages, I’ve learned how to earn attention, read a room and keep people with me when the script goes out the window.
I help speakers, storytellers, tour guides and live performers bring their material to life through storytelling, stage presence, improvisation and audience connection.
Perhaps you’re preparing your first talk, reshaping a tour, hosting an event or wondering why a well-rehearsed story isn’t landing. Bring your material and we’ll work on it together, exploring structure, pacing, voice and delivery through practical rehearsal and honest, supportive feedback.
I know the shaky beginnings too. My own journey started with terrible stage fright. Confidence took practice, discomfort and people willing to help.
Now it's my turn.
Have a story to tell but feel it isn’t quite landing? Bring a short story, presentation opening or tricky section, and we’ll work through it together. Through practical feedback and rehearsal, we’ll explore structure, pacing and delivery to find what helps your words connect. Leave with a clearer direction, specific improvements and something useful to practise. Ideal for speakers, storytellers and performers who want focused help with one piece of material.
You know your material. Now, how do you bring it alive? Bring an upcoming talk, performance, reading or hosting assignment, and we’ll explore the human side of delivery: stage presence, reading the room, audience interaction and responding when things go sideways. Through practical rehearsal and honest, supportive feedback, you’ll develop ways to stay present, adapt and connect. Leave with clear priorities and techniques to practise before you step in front of your audience.
Got a presentation coming up and nerves doing a wee dance in your stomach? Bring your ideas, notes or draft, and we’ll shape a talk that sounds like you. We’ll work on a strong opening, clear structure, storytelling and natural delivery, with practical rehearsal to build confidence. Drawing on my own journey through stage fright, I’ll help you prepare, recover from stumbles and give your audience something worth listening to.