Most public speaking training focuses on prepared presentations. But the moments that define senior leaders are unscripted: panel discussions, live Q&A, impromptu remarks, situations where the slides fail. This one-day course is for speakers who are already competent in controlled formats and want to build agility, authority and presence in the interactive situations where real leadership visibility is won or lost.
Unscripted authority and the agile mindset, audience engagement in interactive formats, panel discussion mastery, high-stakes Q&A and impromptu speaking.
Every session runs in a small, boardroom-format group — typically six to eight senior professionals. Your trainer tailors content to the specific industries, organisations and challenges each participant brings, so you work on real situations, not generic examples. The learning combines evidence-based best practice briefings with structured discussions, practical workshops and peer learning. This is training with a coaching and consulting flavour — focused on building skills and producing outputs you can apply in your work immediately.
- Speak with confidence and authority in unscripted and high-pressure situations
- Stay composed and on-message when responding to unexpected questions
- Engage audiences through open dialogue, not just formal presentations
- Reframe or redirect difficult questions while maintaining credibility
- Adapt energy, tone and content to suit different formats and audiences
- Participate in panel discussions with clarity, presence and impact
- Moderate group conversations with focus and structure
- Think and speak on your feet with speed and clarity
- Distinguish the specific skills required for interactive environments versus controlled presentations.
- Develop the psychological resilience to maintain authority when the script is removed or technology fails.
- Learn cognitive drills to improve listening speed and ability to pivot content in real-time.
- Explore the "Anchor Point" method for internalising messages without relying on memorization.
- Understand how to read the room and adjust energy levels to match unstructured environments.
- Develop strategies for addressing challenging and unexpected questions.
- Understand when and how to skilfully deflect questions without evading responsibility.
- Learn techniques for reframing questions to highlight positive aspects of your message.
- Explore innovative ways to engage with the audience during Q&A sessions.
- Understand ethical considerations when choosing to avoid or redirect certain topics.
- Understand the unique challenges and opportunities of participating in panel discussions.
- Explore the essential duties of a moderator in guiding a panel discussion.
- Identify potential pitfalls in group formats and panel discussions.
- Develop proactive strategies to prevent and address common mishaps.
- Learn collaborative preparation techniques for effective participation in panel discussions.
Experienced speakers who are already competent in scripted formats and want to master unstructured, high-stakes speaking environments such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions and impromptu presentations. The course builds on existing ability.
The following are some of the ISOC trainers who regularly lead this course, depending whether you join us in London, Dubai or live online.
The day builds progressively, with each module combining briefing, discussion and practical exercises. The small-group format ensures every participant gets individual attention.
Nothing specific is required. If you have a current project or challenge relevant to the course topic, bring it along — the practical exercises can incorporate real-world contexts.
Presentation Skills covers the fundamentals of public speaking including prepared presentations. This course is specifically for speakers who are already comfortable presenting and want to master unscripted, interactive formats where agility matters more than preparation.
Yes. The day includes extensive practice in simulated panel discussions, Q&A sessions and impromptu speaking scenarios, with individual coaching and detailed feedback.