About this event
What if you could tell stories that win hearts, change minds and attract clients? And what if you could make your audience laugh along the way?
Great speaking isn’t just about what we say.
It’s about how we make people feel.
The stories we tell. The connections we create. The laughter we share. And the lasting impact we leave on our audiences.
For our final PSA South East Regional Event of 2026, we’re bringing together the art of storytelling, the power of humour and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season with our brilliant speaking community.
Join us for a fantastic evening of practical learning, inspiration, laughter and connection, featuring two exciting masterclasses from Sarah Archer, our popular member showcase and a special festive quiz hosted by Jonathan Griffiths.
And, of course, all the usual PSA South East fun, food, networking, support and friendship!
Sarah Archer – Stage Alchemy: Strategic Storytelling that Wins Hearts, Minds and Clients
Most speakers can tell a story. But how many can tell a story that changes minds, shifts beliefs and wins clients?
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have as professional speakers.
But there’s a difference between sharing an entertaining story and using storytelling strategically to influence, inspire and create opportunities.
In this high-impact masterclass, Sarah Archer will explore how to turn your stories into powerful tools that connect with your audience, demonstrate your expertise and help you get remembered, referred and booked.
You’ll discover how to:
- Identify the right stories to share with your audience.
- Connect your stories to the problems your audience cares about most.
- Use storytelling to shift beliefs and inspire action.
- Create emotional impact through contrast, tension and powerful storytelling techniques.
- Build stories that showcase your expertise without feeling like you’re delivering a sales pitch.
Whether you’re developing a new keynote, refining an existing talk or looking to make your message more memorable, this session will give you practical tools and techniques to take your storytelling to another level.
Because the best stories don’t just entertain. They change how people think, feel and act.
Sarah Archer – The Laughter Refinery: How to Be Funny on Purpose (Without Turning Into a Bad Open Mic Act)
You don’t have to be a comedian to make your audience laugh!
Humour can be one of the most effective ways to connect with an audience, build trust and make your message memorable.
But for many speakers, the thought of deliberately trying to be funny can feel a little daunting.
What if nobody laughs?
What if the joke falls flat?
What if humour undermines the serious message you’re trying to deliver?
In this fun, interactive and practical masterclass, Sarah will draw on her extensive experience as a stand-up comic and speaking coach to show us how to use humour with confidence and purpose.
You’ll explore:
- The essential ingredients of creating and delivering effective humour.
- How to use humour naturally, without feeling like you’re trying too hard.
- Ways to make your talks more engaging, entertaining and memorable.
- How humour can strengthen your message and enhance your authority.
- Practical techniques to help you create laughter and connection with your audience.
Expect plenty of learning, experimentation and, of course, laughter!
Because when humour is used well, it doesn’t distract from your message. It helps your message land.
We’re delighted to be welcoming Sarah to PSA South East for what promises to be two entertaining, insightful and highly practical masterclasses.
Festive Fun – The PSA South East Christmas Quiz!
It wouldn’t be our final event of the year without a little festive celebration!
To round off our 2026 programme, we’ll be embracing the festive spirit with a special Christmas quiz hosted by our very own Jonathan Griffiths.
Expect a little friendly competition, plenty of laughter, some festive surprises and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate another fantastic year together.
Whether you’re a quiz enthusiast or simply coming along for the fun, it’s a chance to relax, enjoy yourself and connect with fellow members.
And who knows? You might even discover some hidden talents among your fellow speakers!
More Than Just a Speaking Event
At PSA South East, we believe that developing as a professional speaker is about so much more than what happens on stage.
It’s about the people we meet.
The relationships we build.
The experiences we share.
And the encouragement, support and inspiration we give one another along the way.
As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking, conversations, sharing ideas and making new connections, alongside food, refreshments and our usual warm South East welcome.
Whether you’re an experienced professional speaker, just starting your speaking journey or exploring what the PSA has to offer, we’d love you to join us.
Let’s Celebrate 2026 Together!
What better way to finish our year than by learning how to tell more powerful stories, discovering how to bring more humour into our speaking and celebrating the connections we’ve made?
You’ll leave with practical techniques to strengthen your speaking, fresh ideas to put into action and, hopefully, a big smile on your face!
Join us for our December PSA South East Regional Event and let’s finish 2026 with learning, laughter, connection and a little festive magic.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Keynote speakers
Sarah Archer is a speaker, speaking and marketing coach, podcast host, writer and performer. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), she is also Prince 2 qualified and an NLP Practitioner.
After more than 20 years’ experience in senior HR roles, leading and managing organisational change, Sarah shifted to focus on helping organisations, authors and experts use strategic storytelling to get buy in to their message.
She is at heart a storyteller herself, having spent over 20 years, performing stand-up comedy, and writing, directing and acting in sell-out plays, which have been published and performed internationally.
Her podcast The Speaking Club, is in the top 5 public speaking podcasts and in the top 1% of podcasts globally, with listeners in more than 190 countries.
Today she coaches individual authors and experts, and organisations such as the Imperial College, the CAA, the CIPD and Sony on marketing, strategic business storytelling, pitching and speaking.
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