Julia Hailes

Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?

Julia Hailes: Actually, I'd really like to speak on Question Time. When I listen to it, I often imagine what I'd say. And I participate in a Question Time style event organised by the National Trust at the National History Museum. Other panellists included David Milliband, when he was Minister for the Environment.

Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?

Julia Hailes: That's a tricky question because if they're too amusing it can be difficult to compete. I made a speech at the Eden Project and was introduced by Tim Smit - he made me laugh so much that it was difficult to perform. But he'd be a great person to be on the panel with. And I'd like to meet Prince Charles, so speaking alongside him would be fun.

Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?

Julia Hailes: Between 10 and 20 times - it's quite variable.

Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?

Julia Hailes: Yes, I do use powerpoint - but I don't have to. And all my slides have pictures and very little text.

Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?

Julia Hailes: Yes, I don't mind the size of the audience. With smaller groups you can have more detailed discussions but with bigger audiences there can be a real buzz, particularly if you hit the right note.

Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?

Julia Hailes: I prefer to be introduced with a personal anecdote rather than someone just reading my bio, which the audience can read in the programme. I generally refer to myself as an environmental consultant and writer.

Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?

Julia Hailes: Yes, I think it's very important to know who you're speaking to and what your client wants to achieve. Also, the more detail they give you the easier it is to make up a speech in advance.

Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?

Julia Hailes: In 2009, most speeches I made had to include something about the impact of the recession on green issues. Clearly, my topic is always environment related but I'm asked to come at it from lots of different angles. Recent speech topics include nappies, detergents, packaging, cleaning products, chocolate, tourism, energy, waste and schools.

Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?

Julia Hailes: I quite often ask the audience for their views on something - it's a good way of getting them engaged.

Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?

Julia Hailes: A while ago I went to a conference in Norway which was designed to go on all night. One of the stunts they did to keep us all awake was to pull a large red piece of material right over the audience.

Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?

Julia Hailes: About a Boy, with Hugh Grant. But I also love anything with Audrey Hepburn - she was so beautiful and charismatic.

Speakers Corner: Favourite book?

Julia Hailes: A book called 'Aztec' by Gary Jennings. It's a fiction but historically accurate and extremely gripping.

Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?

Julia Hailes: I went to New Zealand to make a speech to their Chamber of Commerce over 15 years ago. We then explored the South Island and it was wonderful. But it's unlikely I'd go again. I like exploring France and so far Provence is top of my list.

Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple?

Julia Hailes: I'm almost teetotal - don't drink very often. But I do like caipirinha, which is a Brazilian cocktail, made with lime. I've a very light head so I have to be careful...

Speakers Corner: Country or townie?

Julia Hailes: Definitely country - I live in rural Somerset and really love it