Jeroen Swolfs is an inspired top photographer who spent no less than seven years traveling the world. His 400-plus page book Streets of the World was released last Thursday, which also tells the stories behind the photos. Jeroen is a sought-after speaker who wanted to sharpen his presentation skills. That's why he took the Speech in a Day training with us. After that, he did 2 more one-on-one coachings with our presentation coach Rutger Mollee. We asked him about his experience.

1.How did you experience the Speech in a Day training?
'Fantastic! An eye-opener. I thought I could talk quite well already, but during Speech in a Day it soon became clear that there was still a lot to learn. There are so many tricks that make your story much better! The funny thing is that the moment you know it you see these techniques applied everywhere. Because it works. And anyone can learn it. I found it really remarkable how the people in my training all had a much better story at the end of the day and knew how to present themselves more strongly."

2.What did the one-on-one coaching bring you?
'After the eye-opener at Speech in a Day, I wanted more. Especially since I was just starting to get active in the lecture circuit as a result of my photo project Streets of the World. A speech is one thing but a 50-minute lecture is something completely different. On top of that comes photo and video material and that all listens very closely. Through the one-on-one coaching, I have been able to reduce my story to a rock-solid essence in which all the highlights pass by, multiple emotions are evoked and a clear message is given.'

3.What is your story about in a nutshell?
'About the journey I have been on for the past 7 years. I did that for my photo project Streets of the World for which I photographed street life in every country in the world. Of course, there's a lot more to that than just taking pictures. What is it like to travel alone for so long, how do you arrange everything, how did you finance it? But above all: what has touched you, and who have I been able to touch myself. How do I see the world now after 195 countries? With the help of the photos and films, it became a very fascinating story of the ultimate journey.'

4.How have the coachings and the training contributed to your presentation?
'I was doing quite well before the coachings but now I really feel that I am well prepared. It's really good to know that your story is going to do well no matter what because so much thought has gone into it. And that makes you feel much more confident

5.What is the story behind this photo?
'I took this photo in North Korea. Not the easiest country to enter as a photographer. In fact, it is not allowed. I managed to arrange it anyway by going with a tour group in consultation. The guides didn't seem to have a problem when I explained to them what I had come to photograph. My great luck was that there were 2 American skate boarders in my group who took off on their skate boards in Kim Il-Sung Square. Our "companions" had to chase after them to pull them off the square because that was not quite the intention. That was my moment to sneak out and take this photo. Given the situation now I wouldn't do it again. I was a little younger then shall I say. How I got that photo out of the country you will hear in that lecture. That and many other wonderful and exciting stories."

6.Final question: where can we book you?
'I can be booked through www.despreker.nl/jeroen-swolfs/. Also, everyone is welcome from June 16 at the Streets of the World Photo Museum in Zaandam and my book can be ordered through Streets of the World.