THINK AND SPEAK UNDER PRESSURE.
I help experts turn complex ideas into clear words in the moment.
COMMUNICATE UNDER PRESSURE
Brilliant ideas don’t speak for themselves.
You can know your subject inside out and still lose the room.
In meetings, pitches, and high-stakes conversations, capable people are overlooked because they sound too complex or uncertain in the moment.
That has a cost: good ideas are missed, decisions slow down, and people who should be trusted as leaders sound less convincing than they are.
When your communication is clear, calm, and direct under pressure, people understand you faster and trust you sooner.
If your work matters, the way you communicate it matters just as much.
FEATURED IN
ABOUT ME
Hi. I’m Dane McFarlane.
I help capable professionals communicate clearly under pressure.
I’ve spent the last decade sharing stories for some of South Australia’s most iconic institutions, working across arts, government and technology. I’ve also performed and taught improvisation on stages across Australia.
Today, I work with people across tech, research, and startups to give you the skills and frameworks so you can think in real time, feel confident in the moment, and make ideas land when it is most important.
WHAT YOU GET WITH ME
Interactive
Get involved with improv exercises that make learning fun, fast, and unforgettable.
Expertise
Over ten years in communication, working with brands to grab attention and get results.
Results
See real improvements. Think sharper, speak clearer and make a bigger impact.
CORPORATE WORKSHOPS
Think and speak clearly under pressure.
My workshops focus on how people think and speak in the moment, so their message stays clear when the pressure rises. Ideas land, decisions move, and trust builds faster.
Participants learn how to organise their thinking, explain complex ideas, and respond to questions without losing control.
The result is stronger meetings, clearer decisions, and more confident communication with stakeholder, and teams.
Delivery is hands-on, using improv-informed exercises and live coaching. People practise in real time, receive direct feedback, and leave with skills they can use immediately.
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Talks your audience will talk about.
These talks show what makes communication land, especially under pressure. Audiences learn to think clearly, simplify complex ideas, respond in the moment, and speak in a way that earns attention and trust.
Grounded in storytelling, performance, and live training, the content is practical and usable straight away. People leave with clear tools they can apply in meetings, presentations, and leadership moments.
Ideal for organisations that want sharper thinking, clearer communication, and stronger impact across their teams.
TESTIMONIALS
Wow! Thanks for being an awesome instructor. You really covered important stuff. I feel less anxious than I did before.
Geoff K
Dane creates a space where you feel safe to take risks. His feedback is direct and helpful, and immediately improves your performance. You can feel yourself getting better each time.
Kate M
Dane was fantastic. He truly knows his craft and has valuable knowledge to pass down. Had a really fun time.
Lisa T
THOUGHTS ON COMMUNICATION
What I Learned About Communication from Performing in the Dark
If you want to communicate better, don’t start with a slide deck. Turn off the lights. On a Saturday night …
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Regret and the Art of Einstein on the Beach
Michael Bierut is a legend in the design world. He’s done graphics for MIT, Disney and The New York Times. …
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What’s the Opposite of a Cat? A Guide to Being More Creative
I’ve got a quick question for you. What’s the opposite of a cat? Three… Two… One… If you’re like most …
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