Sydney, Australia - December 15, 2025 - As organisations reset priorities for 2026, a clear focus is emerging at kick-offs, leadership summits and sales conferences: influence is no longer optional. In a business climate shaped by hybrid work, faster decision cycles, AI-generated noise and rising stakeholder expectations, companies are investing in leaders who can communicate with authority, connect quickly, and move people to action - whether in the room or on the screen.

Michelle Bowden, Australia's expert in persuasive communication in business, says she's had more bookings than ever for a keynote entitled Persuasion is the New Influence. These increased bookings demonstrate that 2026 will reward organisations that treat persuasive, engaging communication as a capability, not a personality trait.

"In 2026, the teams that win will be led by people who can ensure their ideas land. Clarity will become a competitive advantage. Presence will become a performance lever. And persuasion will become the skill that separates good leaders from the ones everyone follows," Bowden said.

A new standard for leadership in 2026

Across industries, leaders are being asked to do more than present information. They're expected to create belief, build trust quickly, and gain commitment - often in compressed timeframes, high-pressure environments and online!

"That means the old 'update style' won't cut it. The leaders who thrive in 2026 will know how to structure a message, frame it so it feels inevitable, and finish with a clear call to action," Bowden said. "When people speak with conviction and make it easy for others to decide yes or no, momentum follows."

The rise of aspirational, high-impact business events

As businesses plan 2026 strategy launches and cultural resets, event organisers are seeking speakers who can lift energy while leaving teams with practical tools. Bowden who is a Keynote Speaker in Sydney suggests this is driving increased demand for a kick-off speaker who can set the emotional tone of the year and create a shared language leaders can apply immediately.

Organisations are also being more intentional about the voices on stage. They are prioritising credibility, connection and diversity. As a result, demand continues to grow for a female keynote speaker who can model influence and authority in a way that feels authentic, engaging and immediately transferable to day-to-day leadership.

For many planners, the brief is evolving from "inspire us" to "equip us," with a stronger focus on keynote speakers who combine high engagement with repeatable techniques and measurable outcomes.

What are organisations saying they want their people to be able to do after the keynote?

In 2026, organisers are prioritising speakers who can help audiences:

• Lead meetings with confidence and control (without over-talking or over-explaining).
• Present complex information so it becomes clear, commercial and compelling.
• Influence stakeholders and decision-makers faster - online and in person.
• Handle objections calmly and persuasively.
• Create executive presence through language, stance and structure.
• Turn momentum into follow-through with crisp calls to action.

This shift is also driving interest in speakers who are positioned as a leadership speaker - particularly speakers who specialise in influence, persuasion and executive communication.

Inspiration is evolving: from "feel good" to "do better"

Businesses still want inspiration - but in 2026, they want inspiration that converts to action.

That's why event planners are increasingly searching for inspirational leadership speakers who can energise a room and deliver structured strategies that lift performance long after the event ends.

Commercial teams are also doubling down on persuasion and confidence as the economy demands smarter selling, not harder selling - driving demand for sales motivational speakers who help teams communicate value clearly, manage resistance, and win commitment with integrity.

About Michelle Bowden

Michelle Bowden is a two-times best-selling author and Australia's authority on persuasive communication in business. She works with leaders and sales teams to strengthen influence, executive presence and communication capability - helping people speak with clarity, confidence and impact in high-stakes business situations.

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