For Kiwi business owners, strong communication skills are essential for effective leadership, building trust, and driving growth. Improving your ability to communicate can enhance team alignment, foster collaboration, and inspire employees to perform at their best. Here are some top resources that can help Kiwi business leaders sharpen their communication skills.
Toastmasters is an excellent platform for business leaders to practise public speaking and refine their presentation skills. Its structured programmes offer a supportive environment where participants can develop the confidence to address both small and large audiences.
By joining a local Toastmasters club, Kiwi business owners can hone essential leadership communication skills, such as clarity in delivering messages and engaging audiences, both of which are crucial for leading teams effectively.
Rapport Leadership offers online and in-person workshops that focus on leadership development, with a specific emphasis on communication. One of their core areas is emotional intelligence—understanding and managing your own emotions as well as those of others, which is vital for giving and receiving feedback. These programmes help leaders apply communication strategies in real-world scenarios, enabling them to better connect with their teams, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative environment.
MindTools is a comprehensive resource for those looking to improve their leadership and communication capabilities. It provides articles, tools, and training modules focused on various aspects of business communication, including active listening, transparency, and persuasive speaking. The platform is particularly valuable for leaders looking to expand their skills at their own pace through a wealth of online materials.
Aside from these training programmes, several leadership or self-help books can help leaders improve their communication strategies. For example, Carmine Gallo’s Five Stars emphasises the importance of mastering persuasion, a key skill for business leaders to inspire and influence others. Another recommended read is Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Rob Biesenbach, which teaches leaders how to use narratives to connect with their audience on an emotional level, an approach that resonates deeply in both personal and professional settings.
TED Talks are another valuable tool for improving communication. Speakers on the platform provide insight into how to deliver messages with impact, and these talks offer practical lessons in connecting with an audience, staying authentic, and making complex ideas simple and accessible. Watching and analysing top TED Talks on YouTube can provide business owners with new perspectives on how to engage their teams and stakeholders more effectively.
In the fast-paced business world, clear communication is more than just a “soft skill”—it’s a critical business tool. Leaders who communicate well are better equipped to inspire their teams, clarify objectives, and foster a sense of purpose within their organisations.
Poor communication, on the other hand, can lead to confusion, reduced morale, and even financial losses. A study from Harvard Business School suggests that effective communication can be a major factor in preventing missed performance goals and building stronger relationships within an organisation.
Whether it’s through Toastmasters, leadership training, or self-guided learning, investing in communication skills is a must for Kiwi business owners. Strong communication not only enhances leadership but also drives business success by fostering trust, transparency, and team cohesion.
