About me
Let me introduce myself. My name is Maria Punch. I’m a speaker coach based in Amsterdam.
Born in the United Kingdom my father’s work brought us to the Netherlands, apart from a short adventure in Albany, New York. With a British father and a Dutch mother I had the benefit of a bilingual upbringing. I started my career in television but my background in radio journalism has hugely brought me where I am today.
Starting as a news reader for press agency ANP in 2004 I gained experience in radio presentation and current affairs. Gradually I grew towards the role of senior news editor. My career got a boost when I joined BNR Nieuwsradio in 2008, first as a news reader, later as a senior editor and from 2014 onwards as a trainer in radio performance, writing and podcast skills.
Alongside my work for BNR I set up my own business as a speaker coach and media trainer in 2013. My first clients were parliamentarians and an expert working for ESA. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with people from all walks of life and active in different industries: academics, entrepreneurs, politicians, weather people, podcasters and lawyers. My goal is to help my clients speak to their full potential, in their own professional arena, navigating their particular circumstances. I enjoy working with international clients on their public speaking skills paying special attention to cultural differences in language and speaking.
Next to my own work I support media platform VIDM and TEDxAmsterdamWomen as a speaker coach. Both initiatives aim to boost female representation.
![](https://www.mariapunch.nl/2022/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Maria-Punch-9767-1024x683.jpg)
Let’s work together
Mostly my sessions focus on public speaking and speeches, media training or presentation training. You can find my training packages on this page. Are you interested in a tailor made approach or incompany workshop? Please feel free to reach out. I’m more than happy to discuss options with you.