Talent Academy

Overview

Founded in 2013 by Sanja Hendrick, Talent Academy is an award-winning public speaking training academy based in Adelaide, South Australia. Using innovative, theatre-based techniques drawn from over 20 years of stage and screen experience, the academy helps individuals, corporate teams, government bodies, and professional associations overcome speaking anxiety, refine body language, and become confident, engaging communicators. The vibe is energetic, performance-driven, and deeply practical — with a firm belief that how you say something matters just as much as what you say.

Best For

• Professionals, executives, and leaders seeking to sharpen presentation and communication skills
• Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and PhD candidates preparing high-stakes pitches or conference talks
• Corporate teams and government bodies requiring customised CPD (Continuing Professional Development) workshops
• Individuals at any level who want to conquer public speaking anxiety through a creative, theatre-inspired approach
• Aspiring TEDx speakers, media personalities, and those building a speaker profile or authority brand

Meeting Format

• Mode: Hybrid — in-person workshops at the academy's office or client premises, plus online and self-paced options
• Frequency: Quarterly group workshops open to individuals; one-on-one coaching by appointment; team workshops on request
• Duration: Varies by format — group workshops run as half-day or full-day intensives; the "Speak Easy" program runs 1 hour per week over 10 weeks; one-on-one sessions are tailored to the client's schedule
• Group size: Not publicly specified; individual coaching is one-on-one; group workshops accommodate mixed cohorts of individuals or intact teams

Typical Session Flow

1. Welcome and warm-up — participants are introduced to the session theme (e.g., Storytelling, Pitching, Comedy, Media) and complete theatre-style warm-up exercises to ease nerves
2. Core skill-building — facilitated activities and demonstrations covering the session's focus area, with an emphasis on body language, vocal delivery, and non-verbal communication
3. Practice and performance — participants practise speaking in front of the group or on camera, applying techniques in real time
4. Feedback and coaching — structured, constructive feedback from the facilitator and, where applicable, AI-driven feedback tools (Yoodli and Tutbob) to reinforce learning
5. Wrap-up and next steps — reflection on key takeaways, goal-setting, and networking with fellow participants

Language And Speaking Level

• Languages used: English
• Recommended level: All levels welcome — from complete beginners to seasoned professionals
• Beginner friendly: Yes — the theatre-based methodology is specifically designed to help people at any stage overcome anxiety and build confidence from the ground up; no prior speaking experience is required

Membership And Costs

• Trial policy: No traditional membership or free trial model; services are purchased individually or as packages
• Membership fee: No ongoing membership fee — Talent Academy operates on a pay-per-service basis
• Extra costs:
  • Online course bundle: includes three pre-recorded courses plus three months of access to AI feedback tools (Yoodli and Tutbob); an optional hybrid group workshop add-on is available for AUD $60 extra
  • One-on-one coaching: available at an hourly rate (tailored quote on request)
  • Corporate/team CPD workshops: priced per hour with a standard booking of 3–4 hours; custom packages available on request
  • No additional materials costs publicly specified for group workshops

Venue And Accessibility

• Address context: Talent Academy is based at ThincLab, the University of Adelaide's business incubator, located on the Ground Floor of 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide CBD (SA 5000) — on the corner of Pulteney Street and North Terrace, a prominent and easily recognisable location in the heart of the city. Workshops can also be held at the client's office, offsite locations, or online.
• Transit/parking: The venue is well-served by Adelaide's CBD public transport network, with multiple bus routes and the free City Connector service operating nearby along North Terrace and King William Street. Paid parking is available at the Nexus 10 basement carpark (access via the driveway on the eastern side of 10 Pulteney Street) and at the Napier underground car park nearby.
• Accessibility: ThincLab occupies the ground floor of 10 Pulteney Street, making step-free access straightforward; specific wheelchair or elevator details for the building are not publicly specified — contact the academy directly to confirm accessibility requirements before attending.

Joining Steps

1. Explore and register — visit the Talent Academy website to browse upcoming quarterly workshops, online courses, and coaching options; register or enquire through the website's booking or contact form
2. Choose your format — select the service that best fits your goals: a group workshop, the 10-week "Speak Easy" program, a one-on-one coaching session, an online self-paced course, or a corporate package
3. Prepare for your first session — no special preparation is required for most workshops; simply come ready to participate, practise, and step outside your comfort zone in a supportive environment
4. What to expect on arrival — a welcoming, energetic atmosphere at the ThincLab space (or online); facilitators guide participants through warm-ups and activities from the outset, so there is no need to feel nervous about walking in cold

Community Notes

• Atmosphere and culture: Talent Academy fosters a warm, encouraging, and high-energy environment inspired by the performing arts; the focus is on practical skill-building rather than theory, and participants are encouraged to take creative risks in a safe space
• Feedback style: Feedback is constructive, specific, and performance-focused — drawing on theatre coaching traditions; AI-driven tools (Yoodli and Tutbob) are integrated into some programs to provide objective, data-backed insights on delivery
• Social impact: The academy donates 10% of its earnings to Roma World United, its affiliated charity, reflecting a commitment to community and social responsibility
• Notable achievements: Talent Academy has coached winners of Adelaide University's eChallenge competition three years running, and has supported a PhD candidate who won the 3 Minute Thesis competition at both state and national levels — work that contributed to South Australia's emerging space program; founder Sanja Hendrick has received multiple awards including Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2021) and Top Ten Female Mindset Coaches of Australia (2021)
• Etiquette: Participants are expected to engage actively and respectfully; the theatre-based format means some physical warm-up activities and on-the-spot speaking exercises are part of every session

Last Verified

• Date: 2026-05-24