Trainer Test Drive
David Goldwich
Principal consultant
Gold Star Training and Consultancy
What are your areas of specialisation and why did you choose this specialty?
Most challenges that people face in business and in life can be overcome with improved communications skills. I specialise in applied and persuasive communications, including influence and persuasion, negotiation, conflict management, presentation, assertiveness, and storytelling in business.
What makes your training unique?
I focus on developing skills and behaviors that will give participants the most bang for the buck. Thus, there are lots of role plays and interactive activities, including games and skits. I also use movie clips to introduce and emphasise key points. Finally, I use a lot of humor in my sessions – people can’t sleep when they’re laughing!
In addition, I create a full-color laminated reference guide for each programme. These are designed to help participants implement key learning points after the classroom training is completed. Workbooks usually sit on a bookshelf and are quickly forgotten, but these reference guides are very effective. I get a lot of compliments on them from participants.
How much does a session cost?
This depends on several factors, but S$1,500-2,000 a day is the norm.
How will your training benefit your participants?
Participants want practical skills rather than theory. I give them a start in developing key skills and behaviors, and provide follow up activities to help them practice these skills and behaviors and develop effective new habits over time.
What companies have you worked with?
I conduct public courses and have also worked with American Express, Shell and Siemens.
How long have you been a trainer?
I began training in 1996.
What was your profession before you started as a trainer?
I practiced law in the US for 11 years and also managed an employment screening company. I lectured at the tertiary level in the US and in Singapore, teaching in the areas of law and business.
What made you decide to be a trainer?
The legal system in the US exacerbates rather than solves problems. As a lawyer I often found myself representing one wealthy liar suing another wealthy liar, and I just couldn’t get excited about it! I felt a great need to use my talents to help people.
What school did you graduate from? What did you major in?
I graduated from Florida State University with a law degree (Juris Doctor). I also earned an MBA from the University of Miami and a BA in Political Science from New College of Florida. These are all fully accredited and highly regarded schools.
How can people contact you?
They can email me at david@reachforthestars.us, or call 6314 4280 or 9793 7286.
