Training Future Leaders

Recently I have had the privilege of being a judge at UTS, for the Clayton Utz Intervarsity Negotiation Competition and also have presented training on Developing your Personal Presence to 100 delegates at the NSW Young Lawyers mid year assembly, an assembly of their leaders from all over the state. I with my team have also been working with large groups of year 8 and 11 students in preparation for their IB related speaking tasks. Being in the observation seat of so many talented speakers and presenters is always great, but it was again obvious to me that some people have the ‘IT’ factor.
What is the IT factor?
It’s more than a speakers ability to speak clearly and professionally, which of course is definitely needed as a foundation to build on, but there are clearly some people who have the power to engage an audience and hold their attention, take them on a journey and exert influence. They have ‘IT’.
‘IT’ is hard to define but the good news is ‘IT’ can be taught and that is exactly what we do in our public speaking and communication classes. Given that most of what we communicate is non-verbal then you’re not likely to develop your ‘IT’ behind a desk or with your head researching endlessly making writes and rewrites of your speech. Your audience, whether an audience of one or of hundreds will likely make a judgement call on your authenticity before you even get a chance to open your mouth. So it is important to understand the physicality of success.
Know your communication strengths
Your ability to know your strengths and find your own personal style of communication is the key. This draws people to what you have to say, gives you influence and influence is leadership. Most leaders are aware that their ability to lead is intrinsically linked to their ability to communicate. I’ve been training people, many of whom were leaders and even more who are now leaders in their fields, for 27 years. I can assure you of one thing, that there is not one way to secure your ‘IT’. It’s a process of trial and error and risk taking. This approach forms the basis of all our schools programs. We encourage students to stretch themselves, take responsibility and risks.
Effective Communication and Public Speaking classes.
For adults we also offer Executive Coaching Packages; one to one coaching to prepare you to speak at an upcoming event or presentation or to develop your personal communication strategy and we also offer short courses. Please email kayte@kaytelewis.com to register your interest.