News and blogs
Sustain your motivation at work: reflect, reassess and reset
It’s easy to feel motivated at work when you start a new role; there are processes to learn and new people to meet. But when you’ve spent some time in a role and what was new becomes routine, how can you or the people you lead sustain the energy, and a sense of direction when feeling uninspired? RADA Business Practitioner Kate Montague shares insights.
How to make decisions and stick to your convictions as a leader
As a leader, your team looks to you for decisions on matters big and small. Some decisions are easy to make, but what about those bigger decisions that can leave you second-guessing yourself?
The ability to make decisions, communicate them to your team and secure buy-in, have the confidence to stick by them and adapt when necessary are essential skills for leaders. RADA Business Practitioner Sandie Miller shares her insights into the process.
AI alone will never be able to lead a business to success, Leadership Coach explains
Leaders’ days are filled with high-pressure, time-sensitive tasks – important presentations, meetings with the board, driving performance of their teams and influencing a range of external stakeholders.
With 85% of UK executives admitting that AI is inspiring their long-term strategy in business, it’s clear many of us have already integrated AI into our everyday lives.
This year, RADA Business has observed a shift in how clients are integrating it into their working lives. From preparing content for presentations and finessing language for increased impact, to designing agendas and setting team objectives.
Creating a culture of trust in your team
What does it feel like to be in your team? Does the environment feel safe and trusting enough to risk offering new ideas to the table without fear of embarrassment or judgement? Leaders of teams can help create this feeling and draw out the best from each colleague, and the collective responsibility of each team member to establish and maintain the environment free of judgement.
RADA Business Practitioner John Hoggarth says that the key to developing an engaged, effective and innovative team that trusts in your leadership is to create an environment where people feel safe to share ideas, and make their voices heard.
Boost your resilience at work
There are lots of factors that contribute to stress at work – whether that be changes within your organisation, the challenges of working from home, or delivering on a big project. How we deal with these stresses is often down to how resilient we are.
Resilience is the ability to maintain your wellbeing in the face of adversity. In the workplace, people who are resilient are able to adapt and respond to setbacks and stressful situations.
Knowing how to identify, limit, and handle pressure makes it easier to get through times of higher stress, and recover.
RADA Business Tutor Leandra Ashton shares insights into setting boundaries, increasing your self-awareness and becoming more resilient at work.
How can you become a more effective leader? Discover your purpose.
You may have a plan for your career trajectory, and perhaps a desire to move up the corporate ladder. But have you ever thought about why you are doing it, and what is really important to you?
Finding and understanding your purpose and being able to embody that through your work and relationships with others, is key to impactful leadership, excellent performance, a motivated team, and even sustaining your personal wellbeing.
Leadership purpose isn’t about what you do, it’s why and how you do it, says RADA Business Tutor Abi Eniola.
Become a trusted and confident spokesperson for your organisation
A media interview is a crucial opportunity to get your message across. There are no second takes for a live broadcast, so it's essential that you're prepared for any scenario.
We sat down with our expert Tutors Louise Collins, a qualified vocal coach, and Robert Taylor, a journalist and media training specialist, to get their insights on communication style, the importance of giving an authentic performance, and how these essential skills can be put to work.
Perform at your best in any interview
Whether you’re interviewing for a job role with a new company or for an internal position, preparing for a job interview and ensuring you perform at your best can be daunting.
It’s easy for nerves or lack of confidence to set in, which can mean that you struggle to communicate your suitability for the role to the interviewer.
RADA Business tutor Sheelagh McNamara offers her key insights and skills for creating a connection with your interviewer, tackling nerves and projecting confidence to make a standout first impression.
Helping female professionals return to the office with confidence
RADA Business tutors Sheelagh McNamara and Lisa Åkesson share key insights and techniques to help female professionals return to in-person working with confidence.
Start your new job with impact and confidence
Whether you're just starting out in the world of work, or you're established in your career and starting a different role, a new job is certain to come with a lot of change. You’ll meet new people, and learn and adjust to a different office culture and procedures.
Sometimes this information overload, and the pressure of making a good first impression at your new place of work, can cause confidence to dip. So how can you sustain confidence, show up, and make the best start possible in a new role?
RADA Business tutor Imogen Butler-Cole offers advice for tackling nerves, connecting with colleagues, and making an impact.
How to spot signs and overcome poor leadership practices
Whilst leadership has always played a crucial role in any business, the increasing pressures and expectations being placed on organisations, by both internal and external stakeholders, make it clear that strong and effective leadership has never been more important.
Although there may not be a blueprint for the ‘perfect leader’, there are certain leadership skills which can be applied across many different scenarios to help strengthen team performance and connections.
For those looking to enhance their leadership skills and spot any areas which can be improved upon, Liz Barber, Tutor at RADA Business, shares insights to empower leaders to perform at their best.
Developing world-class leadership with The Leading Role
With the increasing pressure and challenges business leaders are facing following the pandemic, RADA Business’s flagship leadership programme, The Leading Role, aims to help leaders feel more confident within their job and organisation through an intensive blended learning programme.
Designed for experienced leaders who want to flex their leadership style and increase their influence within an organisation, The Leading Role builds gravitas and leadership presence, whilst equipping professionals with the ability to handle the varying challenges they will face as a leader with authenticity and confidence.
The value of storytelling in business
When were you last moved by a story – a play, film, or book, perhaps, even an advert, or a conversation with a friend? Chances are, you can immediately remember several stories that resonated with you.
Storytelling is at the core of human interaction; it’s how we connect with people. “We are storytelling animals”, says playwright and RADA Business tutor Tariq Jordan. “Story structure mimics how we learn as human beings. A protagonist exists in the world and then they experience that world. And often through trials that they encounter, they change, and then the cycle continues. Existence, experience, change. That cycle happens constantly throughout our lives.”
How can we bring the power of storytelling to our work lives and use this huge potential for connection to make our interactions more meaningful and effective?
Imposter syndrome: what is it, and how do you deal with it?
Chances are you’ve heard the phrase ‘imposter syndrome.’ It’s a concept that has gained a lot of traction in recent years, having been referenced in everything from glossy magazines to academic papers to social media posts.
But what exactly does it mean, and what steps can you take to try and deal with it?
We caught up with RADA Business tutor Lisa Åkesson to explore the concept of imposter syndrome.
How to flex your leadership style: take the RADA Business quiz
We believe that the most important thing to learn about your leadership style is how to flex it. To do this, you need to understand where your confidence comes from – and what your habitual style is.
Working with RADA Business tutor Jonathan Lewis, we've put together a short series of basic questions to help you identify the habits you are more likely to fall back on within your leadership, and how you can start to challenge them.
Leading by example: trust and communication in a post-Covid world
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam's idiosyncratic communication style became a rare highlight of news conferences, while New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was praised for her empathetic style.
As we look back on the last couple of years, what can we learn about the leadership and communications styles of those in the spotlight? RADA Business tutor Andrew Tidmarsh talks us through his five steps to integrated leadership.
Back to the office: are women taken less seriously at work?
It’s been nearly two years since the world of work was turned on its head and during that time, numerous reports have talked about the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on women.
But with many of us now returning to the office, is it true to say that the pandemic has set women’s careers back? Are there any positive outcomes to explore?
We caught up with Executive Presence for Women tutors Sheelagh McNamara and Lisa Åkesson to get their thoughts.
Managing burnout: how to prioritise your wellbeing at work
After months spent in digital meetings, dealing with heightened health anxieties and the uncertainty of restrictions, it's no wonder reports of workplace burnout are at an all-time high. Now, we're nearly two years into the pandemic – but with many companies still managing the impact, workplace anxiety remains very real for many of us.
The good news is, there are ways to prioritise your wellbeing, no matter how burned out you feel. We caught up with RADA Business tutor Kate Montague to find out more.
The power of communication: why company culture is still so important
Unless you are a QR code, a digital meeting software provider, or the phrase ‘unprecedented times,’ it’s likely that the past two years have been… difficult. Our lives have completely changed – and it’s probably no surprise that living through a pandemic has led to many workers quitting their jobs.
So, what can companies do to keep employees happy, engaged and motivated after two years of working through a global pandemic? We spoke to RADA Business tutor Conrad Hornby to find out.
Lead with impact
As a leader it is important to demonstrate confidence, authenticity and agility. Your team should feel connected to you and feel your impact. In a series of short videos RADA Business tutor, Leandra Ashton, talks us through key techniques in order to effectively engage and influence with your team.
Curiosity at work
To build strong business relationships it is important that our interactions are authentic. We must show curiosity and be present in the moment. In a series of short films RADA Business tutor, Abi Eniola, provides insight into how to engage effectively with others.
How to Present Effectively to an In-Person and Virtual Audience
A hybrid approach to working may be welcomed by many, but it does present new challenges for workers of all experience levels, particularly when trying to engage with or present to a work force that is physically separated. Christine Adam shares five top techniques to help workers deliver presentations and speeches effectively in a hybrid environment.
How to maintain effective communication in a hybrid office environment
Charlie Walker-Wise shares tips and techniques on how to communicate effectively with colleagues as organisations move to a hybrid working model.
As offices and businesses welcome back employees to the office, research has shown people would like the option to continue working from home. Managers and colleagues are now faced with trying to find ways to bring their teams together and continue to feel connected with some people working remotely and others in the office.
Find out more
New media training for interviews on television and radio
RADA Business launches a new two-day media training programme, teaching how to confidently handle interviews, including television and radio broadcasts.
Created for people required to speak publicly about their company, this programme gives participants the tools to calmly and skillfully handle any live or recorded media interview or presentation.
Find out more
What is Storytelling for Business?
As individuals, we are all instinctively (yet maybe not consciously) aware of the importance of storytelling. Stories are an essential way that we connect with each other, helping to build empathy and understanding.
We caught up with one of our Storytelling for Business tutors, Elliot Russo, to discover the benefits of storytelling for businesses.
Could hybrid culture be the future of work?
As restrictions begin to ease across the UK, businesses are starting to look to the future. For many, this means considering the role that virtual working, which has been a necessity for many of us over the past year, has to play alongside the gradual reopening of office spaces.
At RADA Business, we are also assessing how we can best meet these challenges. In this blog, tutor Simon Delaney looks at the opportunities offered by adopting a hybrid working style – in other words, a workplace culture that includes both office-based and home-working employees.
From challenge comes change: managing difficult conversations
It takes courage and confidence to express an opposing opinion or have a challenging discussion, whether in-person or through a virtual meeting.
Research finds that this is particularly true for women in business – and our programme of women's courses has been created to help women manage any such anxieties and transform their workplace performance.
RADA Business tutor Kath Burlinson shares some simple advice to help women feel empowered to make their voices heard, even in challenging situations.
Take part in our March Women's Series
International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March 2021. This year’s theme is 'choose to challenge'.
To celebrate, we are launching a March Women's Series of short, practical virtual masterclasses with our expert tutors, designed to help women stand their ground, hold their space and find their voice, empowering them to challenge themselves – and others – to perform brilliantly at the most senior level in their company.
How to chair a virtual meeting
Over the past year, virtual meetings have become a daily part of working life for many of us, and so too has dealing with the challenges they present.
From technology failures to miscommunication, remote working has given us a whole new perspective – and yet with clear management, virtual meetings can be just as productive as in-person discussions. We asked RADA Business tutor Lucinda Worlock for her thoughts on how to connect with your colleagues when chairing, even when the Wi-Fi drops.
Kamala Harris: women's leadership in the spotlight
With the recent election of Kamala Harris to America's Vice-Presidency, women’s leadership is taking its rightful place under the spotlight.
At this historic moment, we asked Sheelagh McNamara and Lisa Akesson – two of our expert RADA Business tutors, who co-deliver our Executive Presence for Women: Virtual programme – what exactly this appointment means for women's leadership.
A dancer's perspective on preparing for performance
With the recent return of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing to TV screens, households across the UK are tuning in to watch this year's crop of dancing hopefuls try to wow the judges with their skills.
With that in mind, we caught up with RADA Business Head of Open Courses, Jessica Moores, a Competitive Ballroom and Latin dancer - to find out how she gets ready for a dance competition, and why she thinks that preparation is the key to a pitch-perfect performance on the dancefloor and in business.
Read on for Jessica's five key steps to prepare for a performance.
Creating a new laboratory for leadership performance
In many ways, a leader's role in business is similar to that of a theatre director. In both cases, a strong overall vision and clear communication from the top are vital to ensure a successful performance.
In this blog post, RADA Business tutors Charlie Walker-Wise and Claire Dale explore the concept of the leader as director.
Why don't I have more presence?
Whether it's preparing to meet a new business contact in person or getting ready to chair a virtual meeting, the idea of having presence is something many of us want.
It's easy to compare our own behaviours with others. But, as RADA Business tutor Matt Bannister says, when we interact with someone that 'has presence,' it helps to think that we can achieve it too.
Matt shares some techniques from our virtual courses on how to achieve this quality – read the full story here.
Virtual Media Performance
Over the past few months we've all seen how media interviews have changed, as everyone continues to adapt to the reality of working – and performing – in a virtual environment.
We're seeing formal announcements and interviews being delivered by CEOs and media spokespeople from home offices and dinner tables, as leaders get used to delivering messages remotely, without the support of a professional crew and the benefits of recording in a well-lit studio.
Are your spokespeople prepared for the spotlight? Find out how our Virtual Media Performance programme can help.
The power of storytelling for working parents
In recent months, Covid-19 has caused a great deal of upheaval, and not just for businesses.
We spoke to husband and wife team, RADA Business tutor Matt Bannister and leadership role-player Jessica Pidsley, about the reality of working and parenting from home during lockdown, and how storytelling techniques can make a difference.
Remote Intimacy: How to lead at a distance
As face-to-face connection has been replaced with virtual platforms for many of us, RADA Business tutor Claire Dale believes that our leaders need to start creating new ways of maintaining connection.
In her latest blog, Claire shares her thoughts on developing Remote Intimacy and how to lead at a distance.
RADA Business launches Virtual Stage programme
We want to help organisations adapt to the 'new normal', and by this we mean accepting and adapting to a world where communicating across virtual media such as video calls is a fundamental part of everyday working life, as things may never go back to exactly how they were.
Human connection is just as important on screen as it is in person, so tailoring the use of our body, breath and voice is a crucial skill when performing on a virtual stage for the world's future leaders and the leaders of today.
Our Virtual Stage offer covers a wide variety of online training options for individuals and organisations.
Leading in a virtual environment: analytical thinking
Over the past few weeks, the pace of change has been so rapid that for many of us, finding time to reflect has been difficult.
In her latest blog post, RADA Business tutor and Leadership Programme Director Claire Dale looks at analytical leadership, and why it is so important to try and make time to analyse our responses – even during challenging times.
Leading in a virtual environment: connection and compassion
With daily press briefings and intense public scrutiny of our government and other world leaders – all set against the backdrop of medical guidance that is constantly being updated – leadership style is a big topic of conversation right now.
Over the past weeks, RADA Business Leadership Programme Director Claire Dale has been looking at how our bodies can help us to think about how we are showing leadership in challenging times.
Having previously considered how your feet can help with grounding and why the centre of your body aids inspiration, today Claire concentrates on how leaders can strike a balance in today's virtual world, by connecting to the heart.
Leading in a virtual environment: be inspired and inspirational
In her latest blog, Leadership Programme Director Claire Dale shares further insight into how leaders can adapt and develop their skills whilst navigating the changing landscape of business.
As we continue to get to grips with working in a virtual world, it can be easy to lose focus. Yet the way we communicate as leaders is key to success – in fact, it has never been more important, as all teams look to their leaders for guidance, motivation and reassurance during trying times.
So how can you achieve inspirational leadership during such unusual circumstances? Read Claire's blog for techniques to try right away.
Leading in a virtual environment: staying grounded
Like most of us, RADA Business tutor and Leadership Programme Director Claire Dale has spent the last few weeks adapting to working in a virtual world – and she is sharing her techniques through a series of blogs looking at leadership performance in a virtual world.
Here, Claire shares insight into how focusing on your feet can help you stay grounded, even in a fast-changing world.
Do try this at home...10 things to consider on virtual calls
As we settle into virtual ways of working, for most of us the concept of communicating with work colleagues and clients via online conferencing tools alone is entirely new. Here, RADA Business tutor and Client Director Charlie Walker-Wise shares some quick insights for speaking well on camera.
Read Charlie's ten points to consider before you log onto a virtual call.
Clare Dale on leading in a virtual environment
Claire Dale, RADA Business tutor and Leadership Programme Director, shares her insight on how to flex your leadership style in order to meet today's unique set of challenges. This includes a focus on maintaining connection, and ways to develop four key leadership qualities through embodiment.
Discover techniques to help you maintain your leadership performance in a virtual world by reading Claire's blog.
Techniques to perform on a virtual stage
In response to Covid-19, the swift adaptation by many companies from office to remote working, in most cases overnight, has been admirable.
In this new suite of films, our expert tutor Kate Walker Miles shares techniques to help you perform well on a virtual stage by offering advice on three key themes: Audience, Breath and Posture, ensuring you have as much impact through a screen as you do in person.
Business Book Awards winners announced
Physical Intelligence, by RADA Business tutor Claire Dale, wins award
This week, the winners of this year's Business Book Awards were announced, and we're delighted that our leadership programme director Claire Dale's book Physical Intelligence: Harness your body’s untapped intelligence to achieve more, stress less and live more happily, co-authored with Patricia Peyton, has won in the Personal Development category.
How to work from home effectively
As we all get to grips with new ways of working, it's never been more critical to communicate effectively with your colleagues, yet it is also important to take some time to adjust to this new business landscape.
So how can you ensure that you stay focused on your work, whilst also maintaining connection and taking care of your own wellbeing?
Virtual meeting, authentic performance
Virtual meetings such as video calls on platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams, and telephone conferencing are currently invaluable to many businesses. They are a necessity in these uncertain times, and for global organisations that work with clients all over the world. Virtual meetings offer an obvious alternative to face-to-face meetings, or to avoid unnecessary travel.
The future of voice – artificial intelligence (AI) or human?
What can artificial intelligence voice development learn from the world of acting?
Last year, RADA Business tutor Liz Barber joined speakers from organisations such as the BBC and Amazon at an event hosted by Apadmi in Manchester to consider this question. There are few people more experienced to have a voice on this topic. Liz holds a Postgraduate Degree in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, with her Masters research focussing on ‘AI and voice’.
It was quite an event, here are just some of the things that stood out from Liz’s presentation.
Roaring to find our voice
Our latest Women's Network event
Our RADA Business Women's Network was in fine voice at our latest event last month. RADA Business tutor Sheelagh McNamara gave a powerful skills refresher session, before RADA Singing Coach Tom Wakeley arrived to deliver an uplifting vocal workshop.
Courses at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester
Attend our world-class training courses in Manchester. Master the art of presenting, make your impact, and learn the tools and strategies to influence others. Drive towards the next level of your career and outperform in 2020.
Find your voice this New Year
A 60 minute vocal session with the coach who trains the world's most powerful voices
How can practicing their singing help business leaders develop gravitas and authority?
Rachel Griffiths, Client Director at RADA Business, talks to singing teacher Tom Wakeley about how he helps people across all areas of business to find their voice.
Personal impact, professional growth
Your impact can help you to communicate better
Our Personal Impact course helps employees of all levels to find their voice, recognise their communication style and hold their own in any work situation.
So what exactly does a Personal Impact course entail? We caught up with RADA Business tutor Leandra Ashton to talk about the three fundamental tools of communication.
'Tis the season to socialise
Network like a pro this festive season
As Christmas approaches, many of us are about to enter into a whirl of office parties, after work socials and other festive events.
If the thought of all that networking fills you with something other than Christmas cheer, we have some top insight from our tutors Claire Dale and Kate Walker Miles to help you thrive and communicate well.
Building presence with Man Utd Women’s Network
Step into the spotlight
Earlier this year, RADA Business tutor Abi Eniola worked with members of the Manchester United Women’s Network to help them understand why, in a business context, it's as important to consider your physical presence, as it is to think about what you want to say – because both empower your message.
How to think on your feet
The art of improvisation
Our latest research report positions improvisation as an art form that can be learned by anyone, allowing business professionals to think on their feet and respond 'in the moment' with greater confidence.
It looks into the key factors holding workers back from improvising and thinking more creatively, with insights from our tutors on how you and your workplace can become more open to new ideas.
Growth mindset and finding your voice
‘Ouch, I have some of the traits of a fixed mindset.’ Such is my reaction as I’m listening to the keynote by entrepreneur and author Melanie Yusebe at this year’s two-day Arts Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Newcastle. Ironically, I envisage her telling me that this is the embodiment of a fixed-mindset - fearing that I’m doing something wrong and not appreciating that there’s something I can do about it.
Read the full blog from RADA's Commercial Marketing Manager, Emily Gallagher
Supporting our UK expansion and international business
Following a successful expansion in MediaCity, Greater Manchester, we've hired a new operations director as we gear up for future growth.
Learn more about Anne Welch's appointment and our plans for the future
RADA is Audible
What Britain's best brands can teach the world
Learn how RADA has stood the test of time in an exclusive series by Audible, the online audio entertainment programmer, which focuses on Britain’s oldest and most famous institutions - to find out what makes them successful. The series: How to Outperform - What Britain's Best Brands Can Teach the World, is available now and is free to all Audible members, or purchasable through Amazon.
The Leading Role
Learn about our flagship leadership programme – The Leading Role, including Sir Martin Donnelly’s experience of it.
Hold your space with confidence for International Women's Day
Earlier this month, we designed a bespoke one-day, in-house course for women consultants at Moorhouse, run by RADA Business tutor Abi Eniola.
Rebecca Farmer, Energy and Utilities Lead at Moorhouse and one of the course participants, fed back to us about the parts of the programme that resonated with her – and why – for International Women's Day 2019. #BalanceforBetter.
Investing and expanding in Manchester
We're investing in Manchester, as part of our ongoing growth plans.
As part of the expansion, we have opened a new office in MediaCity, appointed a new Client Director, and launched a regional advertising campaign.
An ExecLab in Hong Kong's new cultural district
We're delighted to be partnering with West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong this March as part of their ExecLab, which will see us present a world-class learning programme for their members.
Why we’re launching in Manchester
When RADA Business began in 2001 as the commercial subsidiary of our world-renowned drama school, it offered only a handful of open courses, but has rapidly grown to provide an extensive portfolio of courses, coaching and consultancy, working with over 7000 delegates every year, and in over 30 countries worldwide.
Learn more about our Manchester launch and our sponsorship of the Made in Manchester Awards
Tutor insight: Techniques to help business women thrive
Only 8% of women feel that they confidently make their voice heard at work, compared to 15% of men, highlighting the challenges that women in business can face when seeking to lead with impact.
By adopting and building on the techniques that RADA uses to train leading actors, women can increase their confidence, impact, and authority in professional situations.
Join us on 9 Jan for a unique book launch at RADA
We're delighted to host the book launch of Physical Intelligence: Harness your body’s untapped intelligence to achieve more, stress less and live more happily, written by our leadership tutor Claire Dale and her co-author and business partner, Patricia Peyton.
A poem of remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall
To mark the end of the centenary of the First World War, The Royal British Legion in partnership with Never Such Innocence invited young people aged between 9-16 years to create a piece of art, poetry or song that said thank you to the generation that served - as part of their Thank you competition. A selection of the competition winners will take part in the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 10 November 2018.
Supporting young people to find their voice is something that’s essential to us, and we’re pleased to be a part of this celebration by coaching one of the winners.
Tutor insight: How to make an impact in business
Making an impact is harder than you might expect, even for seasoned employees, as nearly 80% of business professionals say that they seldom come across people at work who make a lasting first impression.
Our top five tips will help you to have more impact in the first instance – whether you’re chairing a meeting or presenting to a large audience.
Building an executive presence for our women’s programme
We’ve been spreading the word about our pioneering three-tier women’s programme, to ensure more women can discover and practise the skills they need to perform and communicate with authority, authenticity and impact in the workplace.
We’re delighted that our commitment to upskilling women in business is encouraging a range of brands to feature us in their literature - and at their events.
A lesson in change
RADA Business Tutor Charlie Walker-Wise focuses on the tools that help us to be resilient leaders when our professional and personal lives are incredibly busy.
Gender parity at the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference
As guests at the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference this month, it was heartening to see gender parity amongst its guest speakers and panellists – not least because it was also International Women’s Day.
Supporting women to find their voice, be heard and succeed in business is something close to our hearts here at RADA Business. We’ve worked with over 300 women during the last three years, at various levels, to enable them to successfully hold their space, land their messages with impact and achieve their goals.
Read the full story: Gender parity at the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference
Do you have the courage to fail in front of those you lead?
In his latest blog for The Leadership Coach, Client Director and RADA Business Tutor Charlie Walker-Wise explores the notion that having the courage to fail in front of those you lead is a vital aspect of good leadership.
‘If leadership is about leading the way, then as a leader, you’ve got to be prepared to tread the path for others to walk on, not just plan the route.’
If you’d like to avoid the cliché of expecting others to do as you say yet not as you do, read Leading in the Training Room and learn how one company is challenging hierarchical training structures by coaching senior and junior teams together.
Flown a spaceship, lost a million and fired by Simon Cowell
Watch this fascinating TEDx talk by RADA Business tutor Dominic Colenso about the power of telling your personal story in a business environment.
In a world of carefully constructed selfies and an obsession with displaying the perfect image in every aspect of our lives, how can we use our individual experiences to show the best and most authentic version of ourselves at work?
RADA Business courses are open to anyone and will develop your communication style, from storytelling for business to perfecting your presenting skills. A full list of courses can be found here
Margaret Heffernan: the voice of leadership
CEO and author Margaret Heffernan gives the keynote speech at the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference 2016, titled 'The Voice of Leadership'.
To weep or not to weep? That is the question...
Angela Eagle, MP and contender for the Labour leadership, came under the scrutiny of seasoned broadcaster John Humphrys this morning (12 July) on BBC Radio 4’s 'Today' Programme. “Do we really want somebody who weeps?” he asked of her.
Read the full story: To weep or not to weep? That is the question...
Becoming the person you want to be; is it all just an act?
RADA in Business tutor, Adrian Kirk, explains how practical communication skills training will help individuals to meet their aspirations and talks about his new book on the subject.
Being effective in achieving our aspirations is influenced by many factors. However, if we have practical tips on how to behave differently we are more likely to achieve that which we desire.
Read the full story: Becoming the person you want to be; is it all just an act?
To Prepare Or Not To Prepare?
Charlie Walker-Wise answers the question.
As the parent of a young son, I’m getting ready for the first time I have to announce “do as I say, not as I do”. It’s a statement I’m not looking forward to but whether so explicitly stated or not, it’s a dictum every child experiences.
Read the full story: To Prepare Or Not To Prepare?
Training Zone Article - Soft Skills: Practice Makes Perfect
RADA in Business Development Manager, Emma Oakley, tells Training Zone why soft skills are hard to gain but vital to learn, particularly in a modern, technology-based business environment.
Read the full story: Training Zone Article - Soft Skills: Practice Makes Perfect
Take Your Time When You Present
Take your time when speaking and thinking. Listen to what our tutor Abi says about keeping a steady pace when under pressure.
Read the full story: Take Your Time When You Present
Taking Executive Presence Across The Pond
Last week, RADA Business flew across the pond to deliver our Executive Presence for Women open course programme in Toronto – and we made sure that we packed our hats and gloves in preparation for the -10oC temperature!
Read the full story: Taking Executive Presence Across The Pond
Nicola Sturgeon: A Woman Seen And Heard
Well, the results are in – so how do they reflect the women’s pre-election performances? With the largest representation yet of senior-level women in the pre-election campaigning, and not without their gaffs (Labour’s pink van-gate anyone?) did the women leaders get heard is the real question. Certainly the increase in female MPS, currently at 190 from a pre-election figure of 147, would indicate so, at least superficially.
Read the full story: Nicola Sturgeon: A Woman Seen And Heard
Rada's Bite-Sized Presentation Skills Training
Having just completed tutoring on a four week evening course I wanted to take a moment to reflect on why I believe this bite size evening training is so beneficial to the delegates. Just a little over a month ago 8 diverse individuals met together with me to undergo our first Presentation Skills evening class. The group was made up of different ages, nationalities, backgrounds and job titles. All had in common a desire to be able to communicate with more clarity and impact.
Read the full story: Rada's Bite-Sized Presentation Skills Training
Enabling Confident Councillors
With May 3rd local elections fast approaching, local councils will be undergoing many changes. New councillors will be joining the ranks and experienced councillors will be embracing new roles. Whilst most councils have their own induction processes for new councillors, there are many skills the councillor needs in order to fulfil their potential and to serve their community as effectively as possible. At the heart of these skills is the ability to communicate with clarity and impact.
Read the full story: Enabling Confident Councillors
US Presidential Election: TV Debates
The last fortnight has seen two TV debates in the US election campaign as Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump went head to head on 26 September and 9 October. Voice coach and Lead Tutor on our Executive Presence for Women programme Sheelagh McNamara was keeping a keen eye on their body language and public speaking skills at both debates. So – how did they do?
Read the full story: Us Presidential Election: Tv Debates
Women In The Boardroom - What's Holding You Back?
Historically few women have occupied the most senior roles in business but things are changing rapidly. By 2015 the Government recommendation is that 25% of FTSE 100 boardroom places be held by women.
Research also shows that diverse boards make better decisions and are more effective as well as promoting equal opportunities for talented women.
Read the full story: Women In The Boardroom - What's Holding You Back?
How To Overcome Stage Fright
“Stage Fright” is a major issue for many people in business and, taking Michael Bay’s recent bout of stage fright into account, it can happen to even the most experienced public speaker.
Breathlessness, sweating and increased heart rate are all symptoms of stage fright – any of them sound familiar?
Read the full story: How To Overcome Stage Fright
RADA Offers New Shakespeare Team Building Activity With Elsewhere
RADA is working with Elsewhere to provide a new team building activity. Elsewhere are an uncorporate off-site organisation offering a range of imaginative and unique team building activities.
The RADA workshop, Shakespeare will Break You, is a three hour session that splits the group into teams using and excerpts from Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V and The Tempest to end with a competitive live performance.
Read the full story: Rada Offers New Shakespeare Team Building Activity With Elsewhere
Women.... Know Your Place
It is gratifying to witness the promotion of more women to the cabinet following the reshuffle this summer. And even more reason to cheer is the recent news that Glencore, a bastion of male industry became the final FTSE company to appoint a female director. All signs that we are ever moving nearer to the government target of 25% female board representation by 2015. Whilst we still fall short of the target, the fact remains that there are significant cracks appearing in the ceiling. And every reason, as a woman, to push through to grab those top jobs.
Read the full story: Women.... Know Your Place
Tips From A Tutor: Personal Impact
We've cherry-picked some top tips from our Personal Impact Course.
- Open your window
The next time you go into a meeting, before you put your hand on the door handle to open the door, check you are entering with an “open window”. Don’t’ get caught in the “OK, here we go…” frame of mind; as you will be entering anticipating defeat or a battle. Before opening the door, stop. Breathe. Raise your eye line so that when you enter the room your head is up and able to see who is in the room and where they are.
Read the full story: Tips From A Tutor: Personal Impact
Transforming London’s Transport
You may notice a RADA Business presence if you commute to or travel through London and the South East this autumn.
We’ve launched a new display campaign on trains and in underground stations and black taxis, encouraging people to transform their communication skills by refining their confidence, impact, presenting or leadership.
Read the full story: Transforming London’s Transport
How Relevance, Authenticity And Delivery Shaped Oprah Winfrey’s Iconic Acceptance Speech
What made Oprah Winfrey’s iconic acceptance of the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes 2018 so effective?
We asked RADA Business Tutor, Sandra Miller, to break down what gave Oprah’s words so much impact, and how you could apply these techniques yourself:
There are three main reasons that this speech stands out as a piece that will be remembered: relevance, authenticity and delivery.
Read the full story: How Relevance, Authenticity And Delivery Shaped Oprah Winfrey’s Iconic Acceptance Speech
This Is A Voice (The Wellcome Collection)
"It's not what you say, but how you say it"
Caroline Kilpatrick, Voice Tutor
At RADA in Business, the voice is one of the most important tools we train. Clients are often amazed at the significant impact that can be made with relatively small changes. The Wellcome Collection current exhibition ‘This is A Voice’ explores the unique grain of a human voice, the voice’s utter flexibility, and the ways in which it can be altered with treatment and training.
Read the full story: This Is A Voice (The Wellcome Collection)
RADA Business Teams Up With Room To Read
We’re teaming up with the global organisation Room to Read this November, a non-profit that promotes child literacy and supports educational equality in Asia and Africa.
On 11 November 2017, we’ll be offering a series of Personal Impact masterclasses for companies and individuals at Room to Read’s exclusive fundraising auction in Zürich. The annual galas raise money to develop literacy skills, and to support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.
Read the full story: RADA Business Teams Up With Room To Read
RADA Business Featured On CNN
RADA Business has been working with Richard Quest to help combat his unlikely fear of public speaking. His experiences of training with us were broadcast in a three-part segment aired on Richard’s show, Quest Means Business.
Read the full story: Rada Business Featured On CNN
Return To Work With Impact And Influence: Mums In Technology
For the second time this year, RADA Business is running a bespoke training course with Mums in Technology, the UK’s first baby-friendly coding school.
The training will take place on Mon 20 and Tue 21 November 2017, to give eight women the communications skills required to have more impact and influence over stakeholders in the workplace after returning to work, supporting them on their path to a successful career.
Read the full story: Return To Work With Impact And Influence: Mums In Technology
The Collaborative Leader: Learning From The World Of Theatre
What can a business leader learn from the role of a theatre director?
A theatre director needs to act like a leader, bringing together a disparate group of people under a common purpose.
Read the full story: The Collaborative Leader: Learning From The World Of Theatre
Good Customer Service Starts With Communication...
As simple as it sounds, it is so easily forgotten. Ever more so apparent in my experience recently when travelling to Italy. Two planes, a week apart – both delayed with the same problem, resulting in us sitting on the tarmac both times for over an hour. And yet, both experiences had an entirely different effect on the passengers, as a result of the communication we received from the captain… or didn’t.
Read the full story: Good Customer Service Starts With Communication...
Rada Is Working With Inneventive
RADA has teamed up with events company, Inneventive. The unique partnership aims to deliver teambuilding activities tailored specifically to the corporate sector using the unique and creative powers of both organisations. The relationship has been featured in the lastest issue of Events Magazine.
Read the full story: RADA Is Working With Inneventive
Fundamentally Brilliant
This Summer we trialled a new series of evening courses a Foundation Suite designed to teach the basics in presentation skills. Members of the RADA Business team, Charlie and Emma reflect on the experience of designing and attending the courses respectively.
Read the full story: Fundamentally Brilliant: Basics in Presentation Skills
A Taste Of Rada Business
RADA Business held its quarterly Taster Session on Wednesday 10 June, here at our RADA studios. The session invites people unfamiliar with our approach to learning to come and experience it in an informal and relaxed manner, under the guidance of one of our highly experienced RADA tutors.
Read the full story: A Taste Of Rada Business
The Power Of Play
Charlie Walker-Wise, Business Development Manager, RADA Business
I have a theory. It goes something like this: first we celebrate play in children, then we indulge it, then we tolerate it, and then we squash it.
When a baby becomes a toddler and begins to interact with their environment we are thrilled and encourage its experimentation through play. As toddlers become children we accept the games they play, the make-believe worlds they create, understanding that these are important for them to make sense of the world around them.
Read the full story: The Power Of Play
Conflict Management In The Workplace
Without a doubt conflict occurs in all human relationships. If handled badly, it can harm important connections we may have spent years building and developing, and at its worst it can have detrimental effects on our jobs, our reputation and even on our emotional and physical well-being.
Read the full story: Conflict Management In The Workplace
Hands Up And Go For Gold!
Every time I give a Presentation Skills Workshop the same questions crop up:
- "What do I do with my hands?"
- "I feel so self-conscious standing in front of people."
- "I've been told to stay still and not to use gesture."
- "I can't talk without using my hands!"
Read the full story: Hands Up And Go For Gold!
Classroom Presence
While teachers are experts in their subject matter they often lack experience of performing in front of a crowd, particularly when new to the job. In fact, many teachers don’t acknowledge that they are performers despite the obvious presence of an audience of thirty Year 9s.
Read the full story: Classroom Presence
How RADA Helped Me Find My Inner Gordon Gekko - Personal Impact Course Is Featured In The Times
If you aren’t a natural master of the universe RADA might teach you to act like one in a day, says Richard Morrison
My mind has blanked. The old limbs feel like jelly. Nine people, all strangers to me until two hours earlier, are sitting in a semicircle. I am in the middle, trying to hold their attention. Not by speaking or gesticulating. Simply by standing still and exuding such an air of friendly but confident ease that all present will feel the impact of my charisma.
Read the full story: How Rada Helped Me Find My Inner Gordon Gekko - Personal Impact Course Is Featured In The Times
RADA's Tenth Annual Business Lunch
RADA’s Tenth Annual Business Lunch took place on Wednesday 7 November at The Savoy, London. The event was a huge success, raising over £127,000 for the Academy.
To mark a decade of the event, the entertainment celebrated 10 years of performance at the Lunch. Bertie Carvel, who performed at the first Business Lunch in 2003 kicked off with ’It’s Hard to Speak my Heart’ from Parade, Rebecca Blackstone entertained with ‘Ladies who Lunch’ from Company, and current students Jessie Buckley and Peter Hannah performed ‘Looking at You’ from the upcoming 2013 RADA Spring production of Six Pictures of Lee Miller.
Read the full story: Rada's Tenth Annual Business Lunch
RADA Is Officially One Of The Coolest Venues In The Capital!
RADA has been featured in this month's Event Magazine as part of their 'Capital of Cool' publication. The supplement provides an in-depth look at some of London's coolest venues and RADA was proud to be included!
Read the full story: RADA Is Officially One Of The Coolest Venues In The Capital!
Think, Breathe, Speak: RADA Business Goes Underground
Noticed these posters on the underground? Intrigued to know more? We’ve just launched our second RADA Business tube campaign, encouraging people across London to focus on their body, breath and voice when communicating.
Read the full story: Think, Breathe, Speak - Rada Business Goes Underground
Rada Business Offers PR Week Readers Top Tips For Successful Audience Engagement
RADA Business has been featured in PR Week with an article about how to use actors' techniques for engaging audiences effectively. The article includes 5 top tips for PR professionals to use when speaking with people in meetings and presentations.
Read the full story: Rada Business Offers PR Week Readers Top Tips For Successful Audience Engagement
Cameron’s Triumphant Performance
The UK enthusiastically welcomed the American-style televised leader’s debates with seven-million of us tuning in to see the seven major contenders represented on stage. Some thought that the presence of women added a human, authentic, touch - perhaps even a ‘moral’ element. Others felt it was tokenism for the smaller parties and merely done to increase the quota of women on stage. Either way, the strongest performers in that seven-way debate, Sturgeon and Cameron, both having physical and vocal presence, came out winners post-ballot.
Read the full story: Cameron’s Triumphant Performance
How Can I Make Sure I'm Heard At Meetings?
The Guardian money feature 'Dear Jeremy' regularly publishes career-related questions and concerns from readers. Recently the feature included one reader's problem about being listened to and respected in meeting scenarios:
Read the full story: How Can I Make Sure I'm Heard At Meetings?
Lunch With The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art
On 06 November 2013, our annual Fundraising Lunch returns to The Savoy, London.
Lunch with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, now in its 11th year, is a celebratory event presented by the English-speaking world’s premier drama school. The lunch offers a drinks reception overlooking the Thames and a three course lunch in one of Britain’s most iconic hotels. Musical entertainment is provided by RADA’s third year acting students and graduates, along with a colourful display of RADA’s expertise in costume and property making.
Read the full story: Lunch With The Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art
Use Your Body To Create Presence RADA Featured In The Times Educational Supplement (TES)
Whatever their personal style, all teachers are performers and the classroom is their stage. But success can depend on the kind of show they put on. Kerra Maddern reports.
Why do some teachers struggle to control a class while others manage to get a lesson flowing seamlessly with apparently little effort?
Read the full story: Use Your Body To Create Presence - Rada Featured In The Times Educational Supplement (Tes)
Why Finding The "Right" Word Isn't So Important
As the geographical reach of our work continues to expand, I seem to have been working in Europe a great deal recently. This means I am working with delegates for whom English is not their first language. As ever it makes me feel embarrassed about my meagre attempts to speak anything other than my mother tongue and the issues it can throw up are interesting.
Read the full story: Why Finding The "Right" Word Isn't So Important
Are 'Killer Heels' Killing Women's Impact?
The findings of ‘High Heels and Workplace Dress Codes’, a report by the parliamentary committees for Petitions and for Women and Equalities, was published yesterday. The report urges the government to fine companies that force their employees to wear high heels, responding in particular to the case of London receptionist Nicola Thorp, who was sent home from her job after refusing to change from her flat shoes into high heels.
Read the full story: Are 'Killer Heels' Killing Women's Impact?
Presenting Without Props
Charlie Walker-Wise, Business Development Manager, RADA Business
I’ve been reflecting on the experience for non-theatre professionals when they come to work with us at RADA. Over the last couple of months we’ve had major events here with large numbers of people from media agencies, banks, consultancies, government and retail brands.
Read the full story: Presenting Without Props
Don't Hold Your Breath - It's Bad For Business!
When we are stressed our natural response is to hold the breath. Our tendency is to lift the chest and reduce the length of our exhalation. This raises our heart rate and can make us appear lacking in confidence, unapproachable and sometimes aggressive. We either play small and take up less space - or we do the opposite, puffing the chest and chin out. Neither is optimal!
Read the full story: Don't Hold Your Breath - It's Bad For Business!
News and blogs Rada Business At TEDx Whitehall Women
We were delighted that RADA Business Tutor Sheelagh McNamara was invited to speak at TEDx Whitehall Women in May 2015. Over 200 women heard her talk, 'Heard' Mentality, and you can watch it here now.
Read the full story: Rada Business At TEDx Whitehall Women
