Strong ideas don’t always succeed on their own. In complex workplace environments, the ability to influence upwards, gain buy-in and communicate with confidence is essential.
This practical course helps participants build the skills to communicate more strategically with senior leaders, navigate challenging conversations and increase influence across the organisation.
Is this course right for you?
This course is designed for professionals who need to communicate confidently with senior leaders, stakeholders and decision-makers.
This course may be right for you if you:
- need to gain buy-in for ideas, projects or recommendations
- want to communicate more confidently with senior leaders
- struggle to influence upwards effectively
- want to improve your stakeholder communication skills
- need to navigate challenging conversations or resistance
- are stepping into leadership or advisory roles
- prepare briefings, presentations or recommendations for decision-makers
What you’ll explore
Participants will explore practical communication and influence strategies to help build credibility, confidence and stronger workplace relationships.
Topics include:
- understanding influence in government and workplace environments
- communicating effectively with senior leaders
- tailoring messages for different audiences and personalities
- building trust, credibility and confidence
- influencing without formal authority
- managing resistance and challenging conversations
- communicating clearly under pressure
- strengthening negotiation and persuasion skills
- presenting ideas with greater clarity and impact
Benefits to You and Your Organisation
By attending this course, participants and organisations will benefit from:
- improved communication with senior leaders and stakeholders
- stronger influencing and persuasion skills
- greater confidence in difficult conversations
- improved stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- clearer and more effective workplace communication
- increased ability to gain buy-in and support for ideas
- stronger leadership and interpersonal capability
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for:
- emerging and experienced leaders
- policy and project officers
- advisors and stakeholder-facing roles
- communication and engagement professionals
- team leaders and managers
- professionals wanting to strengthen influence and communication skills
No prior leadership training is required.
Group Bookings
**For groups of five or more, IPAA SA can tailor the training to suit your organisation. Group bookings may also be eligible for a preferential rate. Complete the form, and our team will be in touch to discuss options. **
Learn about our speakers
Sharon Ferrier
Professional Speaker & Corporate Educator
Persuasive Presentations
Sharon has a knack for making the complex simple. She believes that ‘passionate people persuade’ and that to make your message stick, you need to balance information with delivery style.
Sharon’s background is in sales and marketing and along the way has studied business administration, marketing, management, journalism as well as more eclectic skills including comedy, improvisation and the art of persuasion.
As an award winning speaker and salesperson Sharon uses her skills to help people become persuasive and influential speakers. She works with individuals and organisations from a diverse range of industries across Australia and overseas.
She coaches senior people ranging from CEO’s and entrepreneurs, to Professors and PhD’s helping them to be engaging and persuasive presenters and enabling them to win pitches, tenders, fellowships and grants.
Upcoming course availability
In person
July 2026
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Format
Face-to-face
Duration
9:00am - 12:30pm (8:45am registration)
Competency framework
Entry Level Common/Core (ASO1-ASO2)
First Line Manager Common/Core (ASO2-ASO5)
Middle Manager Common/Core (ASO5-ASO8)
(this competency framework is provided as a guide only)
Inclusions
Workbook, morning tea and refreshments
Location
Level 6, 12 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000
(please refer to course reminder email sent closer to course date)
View map
Costs
Personal Member $355
State Govt Employee Member $390
Corporate Member $405
Non-member $440
This course is also available in-agency. Please contact us for further information
