Our industry is driven by passion, knowledge and experience. Qualities that run throughout a company and all of its employees.
So why, then, are the faces and voices on-stage at our myriad industry events often so samey?
Every company needs to dedicate themselves to making better use of their best advocates, their staff and ensuring they’re providing the support and encouragement they need to be willing, and happy, to start speaking at industry events.
Too often, businesses limit public speaking opportunities to a small group of senior, media-trained-to-within-an-inch-of-their-lives execs.
While this may feel ‘safe’, it overlooks the immense potential within other teams and departments. From product managers to account executives, every employee holds a unique perspective on their business and the wider industry.
In my decades in this industry I’ve never met ANYONE who can’t talk with knowledge, passion and expertise about what they do!
By restricting who represents your company on stage, you not only stifle diversity of thought but also miss out on opportunities to engage with audiences in fresh and unexpected ways.
The reluctance to expand the pool of speakers often stems from two main issues: lack of confidence and fear of mistakes. Public speaking can feel intimidating, and it’s natural for individuals to feel hesitant, especially when representing their organisation at high-profile events.
However, confidence on-stage isn’t some sort of innate or god-given talent, no matter what some of the posts on LinkedIn may make you think, it’s cultivated through preparation, support, and experience. Confidence, grounded in the belief that employees are experts in their field, can make all the difference.
This was highlighted this week when Zoe from Bluestripe Communications, owned by Bluestripe Group, the publisher of NDA, stepped onto a panel for the very first time. Despite initial nerves, her passion, expertise, and authenticity shone through, delivering a standout performance that the audience loved. She was passionate, provided advice based on hard-won experience and as a result was nothing less than totally authentic.
And actually, every single person over the years who’s taken part in their first panel with me has always been brilliant. If you love what you do, you always will be.
There is of course an endless amount of professional public speaking training and it has its place. But really every company just needs to start by working to instill a sense of ownership and pride in employees’ expertise. This isn’t about crafting perfect speeches; it’s about helping people feel equipped to share their knowledge in a way that feels natural to them. Authenticity is what connects with audiences, and it always wins.
Encouraging employees to step into the spotlight also reflects positively on the company itself. When attendees at conferences or panels see a diverse mix of employees representing a brand, it signals inclusivity, innovation, and depth of expertise.
This is especially important in the fast-paced digital media and marketing industry, where companies are constantly fighting to stand out. Showcasing multiple voices and viewpoints not only humanises a company but also strengthens its credibility.
Ultimately, empowering employees to represent your company is as much about culture as it is about skill-building. Businesses must create an environment where people feel trusted and supported. This includes not only providing training but also actively encouraging participation at all levels. Leaders should champion their teams, recognising that sharing the stage is a sign of strength, not risk.
So, here’s a challenge for companies in 2025: don’t just train your staff to speak publicly, trust them to do so. Equip them with the tools they need, yes, but also give them the encouragement and trust to take to the stage.
Public speaking isn’t just a skill for the elite few; it’s an opportunity for everyone to contribute to their company’s voice, brand and reputation.
