Louisa Preston – From BBC News Presenter to Leading Communication and Presentation Coach

Who is Louisa Preston?

Louisa Preston is a highly respected British communication and presentation coach, event host, and moderator, best known for her successful career as a BBC television news presenter and reporter. With more than two decades of experience in broadcast journalism and corporate communication, she has become a trusted voice in both media and business circles.

She is the co-founder of Composure Media, a UK-based company that provides corporate training in confident communication, presentation skills, female leadership, and media handling. Drawing from her seventeen years at the BBC and her extensive experience at ITN and Channel 5 News, Louisa Preston now helps professionals communicate with confidence, clarity, and charisma.

Louisa Preston’s Early Career and Entry into Broadcasting

Louisa Preston’s passion for storytelling and public communication began early. After training as a journalist, she joined Independent Radio News (IRN) in 1999, working as a radio reporter before moving to television. Her sharp news sense, clarity of voice, and composure in front of the camera quickly set her apart.

In 2000, she became a production journalist for ITV News, part of the ITN team in London. Her skill and professionalism earned her a place as one of the youngest women to present national bulletins on Channel 5 News, where she became known for her confident delivery and approachable on-screen presence.

By her early twenties, Louisa Preston had already made history as one of the youngest national newsreaders in the UK.

BBC London News – A Defining Chapter in Louisa Preston’s Career

Louisa Preston joined the BBC in 2006 and soon became a familiar face on BBC London News, BBC News Channel, and BBC One network news programmes. Her work as a TV news presenter and reporter placed her at the centre of major British and global stories.

She reported on significant events such as:

• The Westminster Terror Attack

• The 2017 General Election

• The 2012 London Olympics

• The royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton

Throughout her 17-year career at the BBC, Louisa Preston earned a reputation for calm authority, warmth, and credibility. She connected with audiences through authentic storytelling and her ability to handle fast-moving, high-pressure live news environments.

Her time at the BBC shaped her understanding of how people process information, how confidence is conveyed through voice and body language, and how clarity can transform communication. These insights now form the foundation of her training work with executives and organisations.

Louisa Preston’s Transition to Coaching and Corporate Media Training

After an illustrious broadcasting career, Louisa Preston decided to take her skills off-screen to empower others. In 2016, she co-founded Composure Media, a communications consultancy that specialises in practical presentation and media training for professionals across sectors.

At Composure Media, she and her co-founder — fellow former BBC journalist Luisa Baldini — focus on helping clients build confidence, communicate effectively, and present with authority. Their workshops and one-to-one coaching sessions have transformed how executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders deliver their messages.

Key Areas of Expertise

Louisa Preston’s coaching portfolio covers a wide range of essential communication skills:

• Confident Communication on Video Calls – mastering digital presence in the era of remote work.

• Virtual Set-up Do’s and Don’ts – creating professional, camera-ready environments.

• Presentation and Pitch Content – structuring messages that captivate and persuade.

• Storytelling for Business – using narrative techniques to make data and strategy engaging.

• Executive Presence and Body Language – projecting authority and warmth simultaneously.

• Managing Presentation Anxiety – overcoming nerves to speak with assurance.

• Networking and Elevator Pitches – crafting memorable introductions.

Her approach combines practical techniques with psychological insight, ensuring clients not only know what to say but how to say it effectively.

Louisa Preston as an Event Host and Moderator

In addition to her coaching work, Louisa Preston is a sought-after event host and panel moderator. She has facilitated major corporate conferences, panel debates, and fireside chats for global brands and organisations.

Her impressive portfolio includes events for:

• UBS – where she hosted the Fireside Chat with Benjamin Cavalli.

• Squire Patton Boggs – moderating high-level business discussions.

• ITN Productions – hosting panel sessions and social media events.

Clients value her ability to handle large-scale events with professionalism, warmth, and poise, seamlessly guiding conversations between CEOs, politicians, and high-profile public figures.

Other Ventures and Achievements

Alongside Composure Media, Louisa Preston founded LJP Training Ltd in 2015, offering tailored media and communication workshops in the UK and the UAE. Her entrepreneurial success reflects her dedication to helping others develop confidence in professional environments.

Her clients span diverse industries — from healthcare and finance to education and creative sectors. Each session reflects her philosophy: “You know your subject, but are you communicating it with impact?”

Louisa Preston’s Skills and Professional Strengths

Louisa Preston’s background as a seasoned journalist gives her a rare combination of technical expertise and emotional intelligence. Her skills include:

• Broadcast presentation and media relations

• Crisis communication and on-camera delivery

• Public speaking and facilitation

• Executive coaching and leadership mentoring

• Voice control, pacing, and presence

• Story-driven communication strategies

Her training sessions are interactive, motivational, and rooted in real-world media experience, providing practical techniques participants can apply immediately.

Louisa Preston’s Personal Life

Public records show that Louisa Jane Preston was born in February 1978, making her approximately 47 years old. She lives in London, UK, where she balances her coaching career with family life.

A Getty Images photo from the early 2000s confirms that she was once in a relationship with former Lincoln City footballer Ben Sedgemore. The couple appeared in media coverage as residents of Cambridgeshire at the time.

In 2012, BBC London publicly noted Louisa Preston’s return from maternity leave, indicating that she is a mother. However, she keeps her private life largely away from the spotlight, focusing her public presence on professional work and advocacy for women in leadership.

Social Media Presence

Louisa Preston remains active on professional platforms where she shares insights into communication, leadership, and media confidence.

• On X (formerly Twitter), under @LouisaPreston16, she describes herself as a “Journalist and presenter for @BBCLondonNews, Confidence/Presentation Coach & Event Facilitator for Composure Media.”

• On Instagram (@louisajpreston), she occasionally posts about professional milestones, media projects, and inspirational female-focused initiatives.

Her online activity reflects her commitment to empowering others — especially women — to speak with confidence and authenticity.

Louisa Preston’s Legacy and Influence

Louisa Preston stands as a role model for aspiring broadcasters and business leaders alike. Her journey from live newsrooms to global boardrooms shows that communication is not just about speaking — it’s about connection, confidence, and composure.

Through Composure Media, she continues to mentor professionals on how to elevate their presence, manage their nerves, and convey ideas that resonate. Her career illustrates how journalistic discipline and empathy can evolve into a powerful force for leadership development.

Key Takeaways from Louisa Preston’s Career

• Confidence can be learned, practised, and perfected.

• Storytelling is central to every form of impactful communication.

• Authenticity and clarity matter more than perfection.

• Great communicators are not born — they are coached.

FAQs

1. How old is Louisa Preston?

Louisa Preston was born in February 1978, making her approximately 47 years old in 2025.

2. What is Louisa Preston known for?

She is best known as a former BBC London News presenter and reporter, with over 17 years of experience at the BBC, Channel 5 News, and ITN. She currently works as a communication and presentation coach, event host, and moderator, and is the co-founder of Composure Media.

3. Is Louisa Preston married?

Louisa Preston keeps her personal life private. Public records show she was once in a relationship with former footballer Ben Sedgemore, but she has not publicly confirmed her current marital status.

4. Does Louisa Preston have children?

Yes, Louisa Preston is a mother. BBC London News publicly mentioned her return from maternity leave in 2012, indicating she has at least one child.

5. What is Louisa Preston doing now?

Louisa Preston is currently based in London, where she runs Composure Media, offering corporate media training, presentation coaching, and female leadership programmes. She also continues to host and moderate major business events in the UK and abroad.

Conclusion: Louisa Preston’s Enduring Impact

From the BBC studio to the corporate stage, Louisa Preston has mastered the art of communication and continues to help others do the same. Her story embodies transformation — from broadcasting the news to transforming how people deliver their own messages.

With an unmatched blend of media experience, empathy, and coaching expertise, Louisa Preston remains a leading figure in the UK’s communication and presentation landscape — proving that the right message, delivered with composure, truly changes everything.

NewsDip.co.uk