In today's hybrid workplace, public speaking and presentation skills aren't just valuable—they're indispensable. Yet, surprisingly few leaders get the training they need, resulting in missed opportunities and damaged credibility. And it’s not just about keynote speeches—these skills show up in everyday moments: internal meetings, client pitches, team briefings. Ignoring this skill set isn't just a missed chance—it's a competitive liability. Leaders and organizations that proactively address this gap can gain a substantial—and stealthy—competitive advantage.
Mount Auburn Leadership Institute, 2023
Public speaking accelerates career growth and earning potential by enhancing credibility, influence, and persuasiveness. A striking 95% of successful leaders credit their achievements to strong public speaking skills (Mount Auburn Leadership Institute, 2023)—highlighting the critical link between communication and leadership success. Additionally, professionals who refine their communication skills through training often see their salaries rise by 10% (NovoResume, 2023).
Why? Because they're better negotiators, influential decision-makers, and prime candidates for high-profile roles.
Organizations, too, benefit enormously when their leaders excel in communication. 90% of executives believe robust presentation skills directly contribute to stronger business performance, through improved negotiations, client relationships, and overall market presence (SketchBubble, 2024).
Without targeted training, leaders often encounter substantial barriers—particularly anxiety. In fact, public speaking anxiety impacts a staggering 77% of individuals—making it more common than fears like flying or drowning and underscoring how widespread this challenge truly is (Arnold, 2018). This issue intensifies in hybrid workplaces, with nearly half (48%) of professionals reporting decreased confidence in virtual presentations compared to face-to-face meetings (SketchBubble, 2024).
As anxiety leads capable leaders to avoid critical speaking engagements, their visibility and credibility within the organization suffer, directly limiting their ability to influence decisions and drive growth — both for themselves and for their company.
Fortunately, structured public speaking training has been proven to dramatically improve skills and significantly reduce anxiety, empowering leaders to communicate with confidence and clarity. Yet, only 8% of employees receive such training from employers, revealing a critical gap that leaves many leaders unprepared to effectively communicate (SketchBubble, 2024).
This lack of training perpetuates the myth that public speaking ability is innate, causing many leaders to underestimate their own potential for improvement. As a result, countless individuals miss opportunities to develop a crucial skill that directly impacts their professional growth, organizational influence, and overall career success.
Exceptional speakers emerge through intentional, structured training—not innate talent. Programs combining practical skills, immediate feedback, and regular practice significantly lower anxiety and boost performance (Arnold, 2018). Many respected leaders have transitioned from anxious communicators to compelling speakers through targeted development.
Effective training must be comprehensive, addressing both internal and external barriers, and leveraging innovative tools and technologies that can help presenters stand out on- and off-stage.
In the P20 Leadership Development programs, our approach focuses on four core pillars:
Presence, Confidence & Mindset
Overcome anxiety, establish an authentic presence, and build lasting confidence.
Narrative Strategy (Content)
Craft messages that resonate through storytelling, strategic data, and engaging anecdotes.
Presentation Strategy (Form)
Master the art of clearly and memorably delivering information, including visuals and props.
Cutting Edge Tools & Tech
Utilize advanced digital tools and platforms to elevate your presentations and enhance audience engagement.
By simultaneously addressing mindset, content, and technology, leaders gain the confidence and skills necessary for impactful communication.
Organizations that neglect communication training put themselves at serious risk—overlooked opportunities, weaker negotiation power, diminished leadership effectiveness, and compromised reputation. Conversely, companies that proactively invest in strengthening their leaders' public speaking capabilities are positioning themselves not just to survive, but to stand out and lead in today's competitive marketplace.
Building strong communication capabilities is no longer optional—it's essential.
