I spent my childhood growing up in Kenya, surrounded by wildlife. Every day I would watch crocodiles, monkeys, lizards, spiders and snakes – creatures that were very different from each other – finding a way to co-exist.
By watching these animals, I became fascinated by the natural world. Over time, I realised everything on Earth is connected to maintain a healthy, habitable, thriving planet.
Through sharing stories in the wildlife conservation space I want to restore balance, and protect and rehabilitate our planet so it continues to thrive for generations – to do that, I created Wild Stories.
Through this program I train conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts and filmmakers on their public speaking and storytelling, so they can raise awareness on animal conservation and climate change.
Past programs include partnerships with:
I have witnessed some of the world’s most beautiful places affected by climate change. By documenting my observations, I want to bring more attention to the challenge we face.
TESTIMONIALS
”As a young environmentalist in a field where there is an overwhelming amount of work to be done and so many people to be reached with a myriad of barriers and hurdles, you often worry about whether your voice will be heard. Through going through Shil Shanghavi’s Public Speaking course, guided by his approach to sharing knowledge and building capacity from within. I have been able to not only genuinely start to speak out but also, due to the skills and thought I have acquired through his mentorship in his course, I have been able to be heard. It is from this experience of impactful growth that I highly recommend Shil Shanghavi.”
Ledama Masidza
Environmental Programme Manager at Oceans Alive Trust. Working with Marine Conservation & Community Fisheries Management
”Shil is an exceptional public speaking coach with an incredible and personalised programme. The Wild Stories Public Speaking course helped me to increase my confidence in communicating and networking with people. I also got an insight into the importance of breathing, pausing and slowing down during a presentation and how I can practice this. The Clarity Model was particularly helpful for me as I learned how to structure and deliver my speeches and presentations. Overall, the course helped me be willing to accept speaking or presentation opportunities and will be a guiding light in my wildlife storytelling journey.”
Victoria (Wangui) Wanjohi
Wildlife Ecologist, Writer and Editor at Nyika Silika, Digital Media Specialist, Conservation and Sustainability Storyteller
“Shil absolutely changed the game for our storytelling as a nature conservation organisation. As a team, we often struggled to break down our impactful stories into ‘bite-sixed, 3-point nuggets’ until Shil conducted a training that gave us practical tips on how to do just that.”
Tubalemye Mutwale Kapisa
Communications Manager, east and South Africa
WWF
“A lucky few WWF communicators from countries across Africa went to the WWF Africa Communications Forum – in Cameroon! A highlight of the trip was a workshop on storytelling by Shil.
What Shil shares is finely tuned, yet 100% authentic; based on his personal journey of life design, public speaking and telling stories, Shil taught us practical techniques for everyday storytelling. Lastly, Shil himself is a reminder of how life can be when someone is comfortably aligned in thought, ambition and action.“
Sue Northam Ras
Communications Manager
WWF South Africa
“When Shil starts speaking, he captures the room like no one else I have ever seen. Even hard-core conservationists forgot about their endless to-do lists to soak up the wisdom and the knowledge he shared with us generously during two unforgettable workshops I engaged him for. By sharing his story, he creates a safe space for people to bring their full selves to the table and he manages to be encouraging, personal, witty and deep all at the same time. I can wholeheartedly recommend everyone to engage Shil!”
Martina Lippuner
Head of Communications
WWF Africa