Medical role-playand training

Maggie brings her acting experience to training and development work. She responds to each conversation in character, then gives practical feedback from the other person's point of view.

Medical role-play

Much of Maggie's current work involves portraying patients with cancer in training sessions for doctors. The role-play gives healthcare professionals and students a chance to practise sensitive consultations and see how their words, manner and body language affect a patient.

One-to-one role-play can be used in teaching sessions or recorded for feedback. Maggie also works from scripts for medical school examinations (OSCEs), GP training and diversity training.

Performance management

Maggie uses role-play to help managers work through conversations they are finding difficult. A scenario can be shaped around the situation they need to handle, giving managers a chance to test how they open the discussion, ask questions and respond when it takes an unexpected turn. After the group has discussed what they observed, Maggie explains how the conversation felt from inside the role and which choices changed its direction.

Coaching and difficult conversations

Forum theatre can show what happens when a difficult conversation goes badly. The scene can be paused at the point where communication begins to break down, giving the group time to suggest another response. Smaller groups can then try the situation themselves, replay key moments and see how particular choices affect colleagues and teams.

Assessment centres

At an assessment centre, a candidate may meet Maggie in a coaching scenario or performance review while an assessor observes. The role develops naturally in response to the candidate, so the exercise tests listening and judgement as well as the points they need to cover. Maggie then provides written and verbal feedback on how the conversation was experienced from the other side.

Interview and presentation practice

Interview practice helps delegates notice how their questions and behaviour affect the person opposite them. Sessions can concentrate on structure, handling difficult questions or speaking with more confidence, depending on what the delegate needs to practise. For presentation skills, Maggie uses voice work, relaxation, breathing, storytelling and practical exercises to help people manage nerves and speak naturally. The aim is to help them feel prepared without making their answers or delivery sound rehearsed.

Selected clients

OFSTED, English Heritage, the Cabinet Office, Phoenix Housing, Eurostar, South East Cancer Network, Hertfordshire County Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Eversheds, Royal Mail, BAA, O2, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, the Wildlife Trusts, the National Gallery and Connexions services in Greenwich, Lewisham and Bromley.