During this meeting, participants will reflect on two aspects of managerial communication that are rarely addressed together: accountability for what is said and the ability to handle what one did not anticipate having to say.

In contexts marked by uncertainty, change, and difficult decisions, communication is a decisive leadership tool. The very same tools that enable leaders to inspire and align an organization can either strengthen or weaken trust. At the same time, many of the moments that define a leader’s credibility do not occur during a prepared speech, but rather in unexpected questions, objections, and situations that throw the script off course. For this reason, preparation and improvisation are not at odds: one can only improvise effectively when there is clarity about the essential message and why it matters.

Under the guidance of John Zimmer, an executive coach and international expert in communication and persuasion, participants will explore the following topics in depth, including through examples and practical exercises:

• how to distinguish between persuasion that builds trust and persuasion that erodes it, recognizing the line between influencing and manipulating
• how to distill every message down to its essence, making it clear, memorable, and action-oriented
• how to improvise methodically, responding to unexpected situations with clarity and adaptability
• how to use rhythm, pauses, and silence to handle difficult questions and high-tension confrontations without losing credibility.