Leadership presence training programs

What do public speaking and leadership presence have in common?

At no time in recent history has our ability to stay calm in the center of the chaotic storm of political and financial crises been more imperative. At no time in history do we need leaders at every level!

We need leaders who can listen to themselves and others and then speak from the stillness and wisdom of their core. But the very nature of the turbulence that swirls around us can so easily throw us off balance and derail good intentions.

In my years of coaching people to speak comfortably and authentically, I often consider speaking and leadership presence synonymous. After listening deeply to the issues, leaders must speak to convey their message, to motivate their listeners, to get buy-in. Whenever we speak up in a group, whether one-on-one, at a meeting, on a teleconference, or in a formal presentation in front of an audience, we are in a position to influence others. And, being able to influence others is the key ingredient for being an effective leader.

Beyond this rather general comparison of leadership and speaking, what are the commonalities between the two? What do they have in common?

Both can feel stressful.

Both require a clear head, a grounded center and the ability to stay calm while we respond in a balanced way to what is happening in the moment.

Both are tremendously enhanced when we can step away (metaphorically) and get a 10,000 foot view.

Both work best when we make the relationship and connection a strong priority.

Both take us to a higher level when we focus on how can we be of service to the whole rather than how can we be of service to ourselves alone.

Both require the ability to truly listen not only to the words but the essence behind the words.

Real discovery and learning is possible with both when we allow ourselves to listen to the collective as well as the individual voices.

Both can be playful and fun if we don't take ourselves too seriously while also taking the work very seriously!

I've come to believe that our ability to lead is entirely dependent on our ability to communicate! And, whether we need to speak or simply get clarity, both speakers and leaders need the skills to slow down, take stock, and respond to the realities of the moment.

Because of this, RiverWays programs add an important component to a comprehensive leadership training program. How?

As an individual, you can attend one of our group programs or sign up for private coaching to become more influential as you develop your personal speaking ability.

As an organization seeking to enhance the skills of newly emerging or firmly established leaders who may be content experts but have not developed the ability to communicate effectively, we can work together to design an in-house coaching or group program that best fits your needs. Let's talk to see what we can create together!

As a comprehensive leadership training program director, you might consider adding a specific public speaking presence module to your training curriculum.Again, let's talk to see what we can create together!

For our articles on the importance of leadership presence, what get's in the way, and how to develop it, visit our archives.

For weekly reminders on how to stay present, subscribe to our ABCs of Presence in Speaking, Leading, and Life! series either for yourself or the people in your organization.

If you want concrete suggestions and ideas on how to improve your speaking and leadership confidence purchase our SpeakingPresence Toolkit workbook and audio.

To participate in an ongoing conversation about speaking presence and leadership presence, check out Carla's article blog.

For daily visual inspiration check out Carla's photo blog.

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We are centrally located in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire close to the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91. As such we are in in the heart of New England and close to Boston and all of Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York and Maine.

Travel time from:

Albany, NY — 2.75 hours
Boston, MA — 2.25 hours
Brattleboro, VT— 1.25 hours
Burlington, VT — 1.5 hours
Concord, NH — 1 hour
Hartford, CT — 2.5 hours
Portland, ME — 3 hours
Portsmouth, NH — 2 hours