A room full of people is looking at you with anticipation. They’re curious to hear what you have to say. You take a deep breath, think of the 150 slides you’ve prepared, the extra deodorant you were lucky enough to have in your bag, and you begin your talk. But perhaps you’re one of those people who steps onto the stage without any effort or nerves. Someone who can give a presentation at any given moment without much preparation, hardly batting an eyelid.

The data reveal a paradox: the ability to speak in public — on which the implementation of any plan or project depends — is, precisely, one of the areas that receives the least attention in management training. Investment is made in strategy, finance and leadership, yet the factor that largely determines whether all of the above actually comes to fruition is often overlooked.

In this session, Begoña Aláez, director of B-stage, will explain why public speaking is not a secondary soft skill, but a critical executive competency on which team alignment, sound decision-making, reputation and, ultimately, business results depend.

In addition, the session will break down the key communication variables that define effectiveness in high-demand, high-responsibility settings such as institutional speeches, presentations to boards of directors and management committees, shareholder meetings, pitches, negotiations or interactions with strategic stakeholders and institutions.