Students on stage at the final showcase of Kaya Bhandari's summer public speaking program
Private 1:1 coaching open now for the 2026/27 school year

Welcome to Express Yourself.

I help students from middle school through university build the confidence to speak clearly, think on their feet, and present with real impact. Right now that means private coaching and community workshops, serving Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton.

12xOntario Champion
WesternUniversity
AuthorPublished Book
Gr. 5–UniAll Levels Welcome

Why it matters

Most students dread
speaking up.

They rush through presentations, avoid eye contact, and forget everything they prepared. That fear does not go away on its own. But with the right coach, it does not have to stay either.

1

They know what they want to say but freeze the moment all eyes are on them.

2

They speak too fast, go too quiet, or lose their place and never recover.

3

They avoid volunteering, avoid leadership, and shrink in rooms where they deserve to take up space.

4

Nobody has ever shown them exactly how to stand, speak, and own a moment.

Ways to work together

Find the right fit.

Private coaching is open now. I also run free workshops for schools and community groups, and group cohorts for Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12 return next summer.

Giving Back

Free Community Workshops

I love bringing public speaking to my community. I run free workshops for schools, community centres, and libraries. Reach out to book one for your group.

  • Schools & classrooms
  • Community centres
  • Libraries
  • Always free
Contact Me →
Summer 2027

Group Cohorts

Our first summer program was such a hit that we're already planning several more. Cohorts for Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12 are both coming back next summer. I'm also exploring shorter workshops during school breaks throughout the year, TBD, so join the waitlist to hear first.

  • Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12
  • Multiple small group cohorts
  • Live showcase on the final day
  • Possible school-break workshops too
Join the Waitlist →

What people are saying

Parents and students
in their own words.

It was the best experience! Kaya is amazing, and she helped my child build so much confidence. I couldn't believe how confidently my child stood in front of everyone and delivered her speech without forgetting any details.

Wiam
Mother of Maya

We were so proud of Nihira at the showcase. We've seen a huge boost in her confidence over the last six weeks.

Ketan
Father of Nihira

At the beginning I was nervous about public speaking. Now I love it.

Nihira
Grade 7 student
Kaya Bhandari, public speaking coach

Your coach

Meet Kaya Bhandari.

I know what it feels like to stand in front of a room with your heart racing and your mind going blank. I was that student. Then I learned the skills that changed everything, and I went on to win 12 Ontario public speaking championships.

I started Express Yourself because every student deserves a coach who actually knows them, remembers where they started, and stays in their corner every single week. I also love giving back, running free public speaking workshops for schools, community centres, and libraries whenever I can.

🏆12-time Ontario public speaking championship winner
🏫Student at the University of Western Ontario
🎤2 years coaching, 6 years competing
📖Published author
Cover of 'Everything I Wish Someone Told Me: A Girl's Guide to Friendship, Confidence & Being Yourself' by Kaya Bhandari

From Kaya's desk

Everything I Wish Someone Told Me

A Girl's Guide to Friendship, Confidence & Being Yourself

Everything I've learned about confidence, friendship, and finding your voice: the book I wish someone had handed me a few years earlier. Written for girls navigating it all right now.

Buy on Amazon →

Follow along

@expressyourselfspeaking

Behind-the-scenes from sessions, workshops, and everything in between.

Follow on Instagram →

Common questions

Everything parents ask
before reaching out.

Is this right for my child if they are very shy or have never done public speaking before?+
Yes. Most students who work with me have never done formal public speaking before, and many describe themselves as shy. Coaching is paced to where your student is right now, and every session focuses on building confidence step by step.
What age or grade range do you work with?+
Private coaching is open to students from middle school through university. Free community workshops are tailored to whatever age range the group brings. Group cohorts return next summer for both Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12.
Do you offer in-person or online sessions?+
It depends on the time of year. During the school year I'm away at Western, so private coaching is mostly virtual, though I can occasionally come back to the area for an in-person session. Summer group cohorts and any school-break workshops are in person.
Do you work with students outside Burlington?+
Yes. Since most private coaching is virtual, I work with students across Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and beyond. In-person sessions and workshops are also available across the area during the summer and school breaks.
How much does private coaching cost?+
Rates depend on session length, frequency, and format. Reach out and I'll put together a rate that fits your student's goals.
Can you run a workshop at our school, library, or community centre?+
I'd love to. I run free public speaking workshops for schools, community centres, and libraries. Get in touch with your group size, age range, and preferred dates and I'll take it from there.
Is the summer group program running again this year?+
Our summer 2026 group program has wrapped up. Group cohorts for Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12 return in summer 2027, and I'm also exploring shorter workshops during school breaks. Join the waitlist and you'll be the first to know.

Still have a question?

Email Kaya Directly →

Ready to get started?

Let's find the right fit for your student.

Private coaching, free community workshops, or the group cohort waitlist. Reach out and I'll take it from there.