I help people find the most influential way to communicate

Lori Klinka Speaking at Professional Communication Training

by | Dec 1, 2025 |

December tends to be a month of wrap-ups, evaluations, and planning for the year ahead. And in almost every conversation I’ve had with leaders this month, one theme keeps coming up: Presence. Not performance. Not perfection. Presence. It’s the skill that determines how people experience you — whether you’re presenting to 200 people or having a difficult one-on-one conversation. Presence isn’t loud. It’s not forceful. It’s not about dominating a room. In fact, some of the most impactful leaders I coach are soft-spoken. What makes them powerful is their ability to be fully where they are. No rushing. No over-explaining. No trying to “sound smart.” Just grounded, intentional communication. Here’s what I teach my clients this month: 1. Slow down your first 10 seconds. The beginning of any interaction sets the tone. A breath, a pause, and eye contact signal confidence — even if you don’t feel it yet. 2. Don’t fill silence. Use it. Most people panic when the room gets quiet. Strong speakers use silence as punctuation. It draws attention to your message instead of your nerves. 3. Lead with one thought at a time. When your mind races, your message gets muddy. Presence grows when you trust that one clear idea is more compelling than five scattered ones. 4. Bring your human side into the room. A short story, a real moment, a personal insight — these are the bridges that help people connect to you, not just your content. As you plan for 2026, I encourage you to think less about saying “the right thing” and more about showing up as the right presence — grounded, calm, and intentional. It’s the quiet skill that changes how people listen. And it’s one of the most learnable skills you can develop. Here’s to entering the new year with clarity, confidence, and presence.

Lori Klinka leading a live communication and presentation skills workshop, sharing strategies to influence, connect, and communicate with confidence. Photo captures Lori presenting on stage and interacting with a room of engaged participants.