When uncertainty grows, every speech becomes a test of leadership

Berlin. The figures are volatile, the decisions unpopular, the attention high. In the economic situation of 2026, executives in Germany are under particular scrutiny. Investments are being postponed, structures reviewed, priorities reset. And almost every one of these decisions has to be explained--to employees, committees, supervisory boards, or investors.
In this environment, the function of speeches and presentations has changed. They no longer serve primarily to inform, but to provide orientation. Speakers are judged not only on content, but also on clarity, attitude, and inner confidence.

Leadership is reflected in one's appearance

Business psychologists point out that people react particularly sensitively to communication in uncertain times. Unclear statements, erratic arguments, or visibly nervous appearances are quickly interpreted as signs of poor leadership. At the same time, there is a growing desire for clarification: What does this decision mean? Where is it leading? What does it mean for me specifically?

"Many managers underestimate the fact that their appearances are evaluated more strongly today than in the past," says Jessica Wahl, a presentation and leadership coach from Berlin. "In tense phases, audiences are less forgiving. Preparation is then not optional, but a prerequisite."

Why improvisation loses its impact

Studies in communication research show that listeners remember the beginning and end of a presentation most of all. Much of the middle is lost - especially when the content is not clearly structured. This effect is exacerbated in times of economic uncertainty: the more complex the situation, the greater the demand for structure.

Research on the perception of leadership skills suggests that clearly prepared presentations are associated with confidence and decisiveness. On the other hand, those who visibly improvise risk being perceived as uncertain or indecisive - regardless of their professional quality.

Mental preparation as a leadership tool

In addition to content structure, mental preparation is becoming increasingly important. Dr. Martin Kelmer, business psychologist and university lecturer, compares key presentations with high-performance situations: "Today's executives are under similar pressure to competitive athletes. Mental preparation helps to regulate stress and remain capable of acting - especially when questions are critical or emotions are running high."

This includes thinking through possible objections in advance, defining clear goals for the presentation, and developing routines to control nervousness. "Those who are mentally prepared retain interpretive authority even in difficult moments," says Keller.

When preparation determines confidence

An example from corporate practice shows how powerful good preparation can be. During an internal strategy presentation at a medium-sized company, an unclearly presented austerity plan met with resistance and uncertainty. A week later, the same content was presented again - this time in a structured manner, with clear classification and a precise outlook. The reactions were much more constructive, even though the measures had not changed.

The difference was not in the decision, but in how it was communicated.

Performance and presentation coaching as strategic protection

Against this backdrop, presentation and communication coaching is increasingly seen as part of professional preparation for upcoming speeches. "Good preparation reduces risks," says Wahl. "Those who know what they want to say and why come across as confident even when they don't have all the answers."

In uncertain times, people listen more closely. And unprepared speeches are a risk that no executive can afford to take. Those who speak prepared take responsibility for impact, direction, and trust. Preparation is therefore no longer an add-on, but a central leadership tool.

WAHLUNIVERSUM (R) PR
Berlin
https://www.jessicawahl.de

The Institute for Personal Performance Coaching has been supporting specialists, managers, and personalities in challenging professional contexts for 20 years. Jessica Wahl, senior performance coach, breathing, voice, and speech therapist, and J?rg Tewes, certified actor and senior performance coach, are internationally renowned as leading experts in performance and career coaching.

The coaching takes place in a unique setting in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg: the institute is located in a beautiful church that offers an atmosphere of calm, concentration, and clarity--a deliberate counterpoint to the pulsating dynamics of the big city.

The coaching approach focuses on posture, presence, and sustainable performance--all under real-life conditions and with a clear goal: to empower people not only professionally, but also personally. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to present oneself authentically. This ensures that clients are optimally prepared for the complex demands of the modern working world, which require both technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. https://www.sprechcoaching-berlin.de

This release was published on openPR.