Public Speaking & Executive Presence for Leaders

By completing the Public Speaking & Executive Presence for Leaders course, participants will be empowered to speak with confidence and authority, whether in boardrooms, team meetings, or public forums. They will develop a powerful executive presence that elevates their leadership capabilities, enhances their influence, and strengthens their ability to inspire others to action.

Introduction:

The Public Speaking & Executive Presence for Leaders course is designed to help leaders enhance their communication skills, build confidence, and develop the presence needed to lead with authority and inspire others. Public speaking and executive presence are vital for effective leadership, as they enable leaders to deliver compelling messages, influence others, and create lasting impressions. Whether addressing a small team, presenting at a board meeting, or speaking at a global conference, the ability to engage and persuade is a critical skill for any leader.

This course will focus on refining public speaking techniques, improving non-verbal communication, and cultivating a powerful executive presence. Leaders will learn how to command attention, connect with audiences, and convey their message clearly and persuasively, all while maintaining authenticity and poise.

Targeted Groups:

• Senior executives, managers, and business leaders who need to enhance their speaking and presentation skills.
• Professionals looking to develop or strengthen their executive presence.
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders who are engaging with investors, clients, and stakeholders.
• Team leaders and project managers responsible for presenting to diverse audiences.
• Leaders in training or those seeking to advance in their careers and take on more prominent roles.
• Public speakers, trainers, or coaches who wish to refine their executive communication techniques.

Course Objectives:

Upon completing the Public Speaking & Executive Presence for Leaders course, participants will be able to:

• Master the art of public speaking and present with confidence, clarity, and impact.
• Develop a powerful executive presence that commands respect and attention.
• Enhance verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively convey messages.
• Use storytelling techniques to engage and persuade audiences.
• Overcome fear and nervousness when speaking in front of others.
• Build rapport and trust with audiences, fostering stronger connections.
• Develop strategies to influence, inspire, and motivate through effective speech.
• Manage challenging speaking situations, including difficult questions and hostile audiences.
• Improve presentation delivery skills using visual aids, technology, and other media.

Targeted Competencies:

Participants will develop competencies in:

• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Building and projecting executive presence and personal branding.
• Verbal communication: Tone, clarity, and effective speech delivery.
• Non-verbal communication: Body language, facial expressions, and posture.
• Storytelling techniques to engage and influence listeners.
• Overcoming stage fright and managing public speaking anxiety.
• Effective use of visual aids and technology to enhance presentations.
• Strategies for addressing and responding to tough questions or challenges.
• Persuasive communication to inspire and motivate others.
• Developing authentic leadership communication that aligns with personal values.

Benefits of Public Speaking & Executive Presence Training:

This course will help leaders become more effective communicators, enhancing their ability to influence, motivate, and lead through the power of speech. Participants will gain the confidence to speak clearly and persuasively in any setting, while also cultivating the presence and gravitas necessary to command attention and respect. By mastering public speaking and executive presence, leaders will be better positioned to inspire their teams, win support from stakeholders, and elevate their career to the next level.

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Foundations of Public Speaking for Leaders

• The importance of public speaking in leadership and business.
• Understanding the fundamentals of effective communication.
• Structuring your speech: Introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Crafting messages that resonate with different audiences.
• Tips for creating engaging and memorable presentations.

Unit 2: Developing Executive Presence

• Defining executive presence and its importance in leadership.
• Key components of executive presence: Gravitas, communication, and appearance.
• Projecting confidence, authority, and authenticity in any situation.
• Mastering your body language, facial expressions, and posture.
• Developing emotional intelligence to connect with others and command respect.

Unit 3: Voice Control and Speech Delivery

• Using your voice effectively: Tone, pitch, pace, and volume.
• Techniques to improve vocal clarity and avoid speaking errors.
• Breathing and relaxation exercises to manage nervousness.
• Controlling filler words (um, uh, etc.) and using pauses effectively.
• Using rhetorical techniques (emphasis, repetition, pacing) for impact.

Unit 4: The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

• Why storytelling is critical for leaders in public speaking.
• Building a compelling narrative: Beginning, middle, and end.
• Using stories to inspire, motivate, and influence your audience.
• Crafting personal stories that enhance your leadership brand.
• Connecting with your audience emotionally through stories.

Unit 5: Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

• Understanding common fears and anxieties in public speaking.
• Techniques to overcome nervousness and build confidence.
• Preparing mentally and emotionally for speaking engagements.
• Visualization techniques to calm nerves before speaking.
• The importance of practice and rehearsal in overcoming anxiety.

Unit 6: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication

• The role of body language in communication.
• Using gestures, eye contact, and posture to convey confidence and authority.
• Reading the body language of your audience to gauge engagement.
• The importance of facial expressions in supporting your message.
• Building trust and connection through non-verbal cues.

Unit 7: Persuasive Speaking and Influencing Others

• Understanding the principles of persuasion and influence.
• The art of convincing and inspiring others through speech.
• Using rhetorical strategies to motivate and persuade.
• Building rapport with your audience and fostering trust.
• Handling objections and pushing for action with your audience.

Unit 8: Using Technology and Visual Aids in Presentations

• Best practices for incorporating slides, videos, and other visual aids.
• Avoiding over-reliance on PowerPoint: How to use visuals effectively.
• Ensuring clarity and consistency between your message and visuals.
• Handling technical issues and speaking without relying on slides.
• Engaging your audience with interactive media and tools.

Unit 9: Managing Difficult Speaking Situations

• Handling tough questions from your audience.
• Strategies for managing hostile or challenging situations during speeches.
• Dealing with distractions and maintaining control of the room.
• How to stay composed and professional in high-pressure environments.
• Turning negative situations into opportunities for engagement and influence.

Unit 10: Developing a Personal Action Plan for Public Speaking & Leadership Presence

• Creating a personalized action plan for improving public speaking and executive presence.
• Setting measurable goals for ongoing improvement.
• Practicing regularly to build confidence and enhance skills.
• Seeking feedback and continuous learning for personal growth.
• Leading by example: Becoming a role model for public speaking and executive presence.