Sarah Denholm looking into Mac computer teaching via Zoom

Influence, Impact and Persuasion Skills Training
for organisations 

Frame persuasive messages 

Change opinions and gain action

Influence stakeholders

Why Intentional Influence matters


We all know how much the world has changed. And the way people communicate has changed too.

More ‘heavy-lifting’ is being asked: remote learning hybrid models, video calls, virtual conferences, online presentations, onsite and offsite interactions.

There’s so much noise. And the sheer volume of information makes influential cut-through with stakeholders even harder.

Intentional Influence is about becoming consistently influential when communicating – in both the planned and spontaneous moments. For example:

  • Presenting, giving a talk or speech.
  • Facilitating or participating fully in meetings.
  • During 1:1 conversation.
  • Moderating or being part of panel discussions.
  • Interviewing or being interviewed.
  • Coming across powerfully online.

To influence successfully, people need to be comfortable, competent and engaging. To have a personable and professional presence.

Their success is tied to this ability to ethically engage and inspire confidence, trust and action.

This comes down to both what they say and how they say it.

Pyramid-of-Intentional-Influence

Intentional Influence Model

Who’s it for


The program is designed specifically for people who need to:

Influence different and often multiple stakeholders.

Frame their messages to persuade and convince.

Develop further capability in personal power and professional presence.

Change opinions and gain action, regardless of organisational position.

Influence in the best ways for their own personality and the people they’re aiming to persuade, while remaining authentic.

Sarah Denholm looking into Mac computer teaching via Zoom

Influence and Persuasion Skills Training
PROPOSAL for organisations 

Frame persuasive messages 

Change opinions and gain action

Influence stakeholders

Why Intentional Influence matters


We all know how much the world has changed. And the way people communicate has changed too.

More ‘heavy-lifting’ is being asked: remote learning hybrid models, video calls, virtual conferences, online presentations, onsite and offsite interactions.

There’s so much noise. And the sheer volume of information makes influential cut-through with stakeholders even harder.

Intentional Influence is about becoming consistently influential when communicating – in both the planned and spontaneous moments. For example:

  • Presenting, giving a talk or speech.
  • Facilitating or participating fully in meetings.
  • During 1:1 conversation.
  • Moderating or being part of panel discussions.
  • Interviewing or being interviewed.
  • Coming across powerfully online.

To influence successfully, people need to be comfortable, competent and engaging. To have a personable and professional presence.

Their success is tied to this ability to ethically engage and inspire confidence, trust and action.

This comes down to both what they say and how they say it.

Who’s it for


The program is designed specifically for people who need to:

  • Influence different and often multiple stakeholders.
  • Frame their messages to persuade and convince.
  • Develop further capability in personal power and professional presence.
  • Change opinions and gain action, regardless of organisational position.
  • Influence in the best ways for their own personality and the people they’re aiming to persuade, while remaining authentic.

Intentional Influence Model

Pyramid of Intentional Influence

Delivered in your choice of format


Workshop Outlines 



Influence as an inside job:

  • Introduction and overview: defining influence (as a skill and a practice) and your influencing goals.
  • The qualities and characteristics that make you influential.
  • The dynamics of first and continuing impressions.
  • Myths, pitfalls and mistakes that diminish your chance to influence.
  • What you need to believe about yourself and what you need to project.
  • Confidence and presence skills, and where strengths become weaknesses.
  • Owning your voice, stepping up and speaking up.
  • Building that internal capacity: techniques and tools.
  • 9 Key Influencing Tactics.
  • Understanding your preferred influencing styles.
  • Understanding your linguistic style, and how that impacts perception of you.


Influence in the world

  • How to build your influence with internal stakeholders.
  • Leading from any seat (concept draws on my original training as a musician).
  • How to tailor and adapt your style and move flexibly between styles.
  • Virtual influence – influencing online.
  • “Off the cuff” opportunities and how to make the most of them.
  • Create your own influencing plan.


The training has these elements:

  • Ideas are introduced and discussed both in whole group and smaller breakouts.
  • A mix of theory, best practice and group interaction.
  • Self-reflection and self-assessment exercises.
  • Checklists and models.
  • Additional resources for extra reading and depth.
  • Practice techniques.
  • Action plans.

Sam PowellSARAH RECOGNISES THE NEED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL APPROACH - Technical Sales Manager, Steinert

Something I found particularly good was Sarah’s individual approach. She recognised that each individual person had strengths and weaknesses and helped everyone with their unique weaknesses. Normally these training sessions have a “one size fits all“ approach and that was certainly not the case here.

Deanna BeareTHE SESSIONS WERE ENJOYABLE, EDUCATIONAL AND PRACTICAL - National Dietetics Manager, Plena Healthcare

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.

Angela Spillman,SARAH HELPED US DEVELOP AS INDIVIDUALS IN THE AREAS WE NEEDED MOST - Engineering Support Officer, Southern Grampians Shire Council

Sincere thanks from the Assets team at Southern Grampians Shire Council.  We were a diverse group with unique challenges but your tailored program allowed us to develop as individuals, in the areas we needed most. Your workshops were challenging, but engaging and fun as well.

You’ve given us techniques we can use professionally and personally for the rest of our lives.

The program’s background

Through my work with 1000’s of clients on high-impact influential, persuasive speaking and presentation skills, I saw a real need for a stand-alone training that didn’t require ‘public speaking-specific’ skills as part of the program.

So when clients started to ask for intentional influence corporate training skills, this program was developed.

Covering both internal and outer world roadblocks and pathways to real influence and impact communication, the training has a blend of highly practical, learnable skills that can be put to use by participants the very next day.