Meet Louise Houghton | Broadcaster, Event MC and Public Speaking Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Louise Houghton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louise, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In many ways, I’ve always had my own business. As a freelance broadcaster, you quickly learn that being an independent contractor in entertainment requires far more than simply showing up on stage. You’re managing relationships, negotiating contracts, building a personal brand, understanding production, marketing yourself, and constantly evolving — even when you have a team around you. You are the business.
But when I’m asked this question, my mind goes straight to my coaching work.
Over the years, I kept hearing the same thing from people: “I don’t know how you do that.” Or, “I could never stand up and speak like that.” I always found that fascinating, because the truth is — we all have to use our voice at work. We speak in meetings. We pitch ideas. We interview for jobs. We lead teams. Public speaking isn’t reserved for stages and spotlights anymore; it’s woven into everyday professional life.
My acting training gave me the foundation to understand how to present — how to stand, breathe, and project. But after two decades working across live television, global events, and moderated discussions, I realised that the skills I’ve developed are essential for so many professionals to excel in their work — and that I have the ability to teach them how to do it.
The Four P’s of Public Speaking grew out of that realisation. It’s a framework shaped by lived experience: preparation that steadies you, presentation that reflects who you are, personality that builds connection, and performance that allows you to deliver under pressure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has many angles and has been shaped by working internationally for over a decade. From spending eight years on DWTV’s lifestyle show Euromaxx to filming across Thailand, Hong Kong, Europe, and the US, I’ve been fortunate to build a truly global body of work. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how different cultures communicate and collaborate. Without fully realising it at the time, this became one of my greatest professional strengths. In fast-paced environments where you’re often thrown in at the last minute, being adaptable, culturally aware, and able to read a room quickly is invaluable. Understanding how people work — and meeting them where they are — has been a real blessing and continues to support everything I do.
I’m incredibly proud of where my career is today, while also knowing there’s still so much more I want to do. Like many in this industry, I’ve experienced periods of uncertainty, rejection, and moments where I had to have my own back when there was no external validation. That’s a practice in itself. It can be challenging to keep showing up when the path ahead isn’t clear, but it’s exactly why this industry builds resilience and perseverance. You learn to trust yourself, stay committed to your craft, and keep moving forward even when outcomes are uncertain.
The challenges have taught me some powerful lessons. One is that clarity often comes after action, not before it. Another is that your voice becomes strongest when you stop trying to sound like everyone else. I’ve also learned that success doesn’t come from being fearless — it comes from being willing to be seen, even when you’re scared.
Today, I’m especially excited about the work I do helping others find their voice and confidence, particularly professionals and creatives who know they have something valuable to say but struggle to express it. My Public speaking coaching is built on the belief that communication isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present, honest, and human.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience the version of Los Angeles I love most — relaxed, nourishing, creative, and a little bit magical.
We’d start most mornings outdoors. A hike or a long beach walk is my favourite way to ease into the day, followed by coffee at LaLaLand Cafe on Montana Avenue. That whole neighbourhood is perfect for wandering — leafy streets, beautiful houses, and a calm energy that immediately makes you feel grounded and at home.
One day would absolutely include brunch at Fig Tree Cafe on the boardwalk — it’s one of those places that feels quintessentially LA — then heading up to Topanga Canyon or exploring one of the local farmers markets. For me, farmers markets are one of the best parts of California life: incredible fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farm, amazing flavours, and a real sense of community.
I’d also want to show them LA’s creative side. A comedy night or an intimate screening is always a fun way to experience the city after dark. And if they were open to it, I’d slip in something a little more grounding too — maybe a meditation, sound bath, or Pilates class. That balance of movement, creativity, and stillness is very much my version of a perfect day.
Of course, we’d need a night to dress up, have a drink, and dance. I’d plan that around a Sweet Nectar event — they consistently have some of the best DJs and late-night parties on the Westside, with a great crowd and energy that feels fun rather than forced.
Dinner is the hardest part because LA has so many great options. One of my absolute favourites is Meteora — it’s an experience as much as a meal. But I also love Le Great Outdoor for something more down-to-earth: open-fire cooking, rustic vibes, and food that feels comforting and honest.
For me, the best LA itinerary isn’t about rushing from place to place — it’s about good conversations, great food, being outdoors, and soaking up the postive vibes from the sun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I look back at my early training, there is one person I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for: my drama teacher, Mrs Lord.
She taught me from the age of 5 right through to when I left home for university. At school, I struggled with dyslexia and found reading out loud incredibly difficult. It made me self-conscious and shy, and it was something I often tried to avoid. But every single week in drama class, Mrs Lord would gently but firmly make me sight-read. She used to say, “If you want to work in this industry, you have to learn how to sight-read.”
At the time, I dreamed of becoming an actress, and she was very clear about how essential that skill would be — whether it was a cold read in a casting room, receiving a script the night before, or sometimes just minutes before walking in, I had to get better, and she believed I could.
With endless encouragement and care, she pushed me. Week after week, we would spend time reading something cold, out loud, in class. Slowly — very slowly — I improved. Looking back now, it still makes me emotional, because the truth is I quite literally could not do what I do today if I hadn’t learned that skill.
After decades now working in live television and events, often using teleprompters that change at the last minute, I rely on the ability to read what’s in front of me with confidence and conviction — ideally making it look like I’m not reading at all. That adaptability is fundamental to my work and I owe so much of my career to Mrs Lord. She is no longer with us, but I know she knows how grateful I am.

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