Learn business communication and interpersonal skills training through my tailored workshops, coaching and consulting
Interpersonal skills matter. They build successful teams, client relationships, collaboration, and businesses large and small.
What are interpersonal skills?
The exchange of information between people. And exchange is used deliberately: meaning not only how information is transmitted but how it’s received.
We transmit, and the receiver attempts to decode our information by matching patterns they already recognise; patterns such as words, vocal style, body language and other behaviours.
From these patterns, they make assumptions and draw conclusions – and these lead to rapport, trust and relationship building. To use musical language (my first career), there’s resonance and a sense of harmony.
Or if it goes wrong, there’s misunderstanding, awkwardness, and relationship breakdowns.
So interpersonal skills are how we communicate – and we can’t not communicate. It’s automatic, every time we’re with one or more people!
Communication and interpersonal skills training benefits
Build initial rapport and strong, lasting connections.
Win – and keep – the right kind of sales or business.
Influence and persuade others consistently and effectively.
Communicate well online – a vital skill nowadays.
There are three key lenses through which I work when running interpersonal skills training or coaching
All of these combined add up to your brand, professional and personal. And your ‘brand’ – like the idea or not – is what makes people “turn towards” you and want to learn more. Or what makes them turn away and move on.
Visual
How you look: body language, behaviours and the image you convey.
Vocal
How you sound: for example your tone, presence, amount of contrast and variety.
Verbal
Your words (written and spoken): for example word-choices, patterns, repetition, metaphors.
I work with you or your team to enhance your professional interpersonal skills via three delivery methods:
- Workshops: From 2 hours – 2 days depending on your needs.
- Training series: 2 or 3 workshops, building on each other.
- Coaching: Delivered 1:1 or in small groups of 2 – 4.
Every option is tailored precisely for your needs and goals and can be delivered to any level of your organisation, from executive team to frontline salespeople. So if you or your organisation need help with business communication skills training, get in touch! I’d love to discuss how I might support you.
Business leaders estimate their teams lose an average of 7.47 hours per week to poor communication - almost one full work day
*The State of Business Communication, Grammarly 2022
What my clients are saying
My Team of certified Project Managers were delivering projects successfully, but I realized that good public speaking and presentation skills are an integral part.
The three workshops she did for us were a huge success.
In fact, a Team member who dreaded public speaking, did the best presentation during the third workshop! The workshops were fun, we learned from each other, we encouraged each other and more importantly the learnings are lifelong!
Personally, I kept taking guidance from Sarah even after her official engagement was over. She was very supportive, and I have no hesitation in saying that Sarah – you have been an integral part of my journey from Manager to Director.
Rohit Srivastava
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Our consultants found it a delight and a pleasure working with Sarah Denholm. Sarah’s modules were constructed with content that was grounded in psychology and human behaviour. Her practical tips and approaches were well received too. During her workshops, Sarah was able to draw out the most reluctant of our consultants and make them participate enthusiastically.
The sessions were thoroughly enjoyable while being educational and practical. Thank you, Sarah. We have no hesitation in recommending Sarah’s course to others who are looking for such programs.
Arvind Krishnaswamy
Logic Information Systems
Sarah is a great teacher – kind and gentle and works in a very positive way with people. She has a knack of building confidence and giving people the skills they need.
I was overseeing the management of a group of 20 projects for a large company. Sarah was engaged to improve the presentation skills of Project Managers who were expected to present progress to the CEO and senior board members regularly and felt unprepared. She quickly established rapport with all staff and was able to assist them in a very short timeframe. There was noticeable improvement and their confidence grew rapidly.
I believe that the skills each person gained will stand them in good stead in many roles throughout their careers.
Lynette Jordan
ICS Pty Ltd
Sarah provided training in public speaking to the LiverWELL team last week and we were able to see an improvement in our skills within one day! Sarah managed the diverse requirements of our staff and lived experience speakers with sensitivity and warmth. A combination of experience, expert advice, science and a little humour made it a highly valuable and enjoyable day. I would highly recommend Sarah.
Paulette Trevena
Communications and Engagement Manager - LiverWELL
About me
I’ve been coaching, consulting and mentoring in public speaking and presentation skills for over 13 years. Plus many years on stage as a classical pianist before that.
I work with clients worldwide in organisations from the UN to Deutsche Bank.
To find out more about my background and story, visit the About Sarah page, or my LinkedIn profile.