Influence can be one of the hardest skills for communicators to master, and one of the most valuable. This course helps you build it.

When you understand yourself and the people around you, you gain the authority to influence and the confidence to create real impact. That's what lets you work effectively with stakeholders at every level, and speak up, challenge and hold your ground when it counts.

Over two sessions, you'll explore how people really interact: the psychology behind trust, the role of emotional intelligence, and how neuro and cognitive diversity shape the way we communicate. You'll leave with a sharper sense of your own communication style and the tools to read other people's more accurately.

The course introduces SQ: Situational Intelligence, drawn from The Academy's Holistic Approach® methodology. It's a practical way to read hierarchy and power dynamics, whether you're managing up, managing down, or working alongside peers, so you walk into any stakeholder conversation feeling more assertive and in control.

Expect a highly interactive, collaborative course built around real-life scenarios, individual exercises and group work, all designed to give you practical tools for communicating, motivating and influencing others, even in the most challenging situations.

Who should attend?

This course suits communicators building their influencing skills, and those stepping into more senior stakeholder relationships. 

It is aligned to Levels 2 & 3 of the IOIC Profession Map. 

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of the course, delegates will: 

• Know how to enhance their own gravitas
   
• Have valuable new insight into the psychology of communications and taking on different perspectives
   
• Recognise and flex their personal communications style to influence and motivate others
   
• Understand how to apply interpersonal and active listening skills to build rapport
   
• Be able to apply SQ – Situational Intelligence to prepare more effectively and successfully navigate hierarchical, cultural and psychological barriers
   
• Develop negotiating skills to better handle conflict and manage challenging conversations

The course will cover:

Part One: 10 September (9:30 - 12:30)

Part Two: 11 September (9:30 - 12:30)

The Psychology of Communication

• Neuroscience - The holistic approach to building rapport
• The Trigger Concept - What pushes our buttons?
• Neuro- and cognitive diversity - Adapting your filters

Stakeholder Analysis and Management

• Stand in their shoes – Positioning Technique
• SQ – Situational Intelligence – Hierarchy and power dynamics

Principles of Influence and Impact

• Communicating with gravitas and presence
• TQ – Building and maintaining trust
• Staying tuned - Active listening
• Managing challenging conversations – Staying focused and confident

Additional Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• Pre and post course access to Canvas, the IOIC's online learning environment, where you will find all course materials and be able to engage with their fellow participants through forum discussions
• Eight CPD Points for IOIC Members
• A network of internal communication professionals to connect with and learn from
• Places are strictly limited to ensure every participant gains the support and guidance they need, and to facilitate maximum opportunity for interaction, connection and engagement.

Please note that we use Zoom for our online courses. Please ensure that you are able to access this system where you are based before booking your place. All times are in BST. 

Trainer

Nicole Utzinger

Find out more