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Seminar Communication & Leadership

Develop your own "Leadership Voice"

Recognizing communication as a core leadership competency – let’s be honest: very few people truly master this skill. Can charisma be learned? How does effective public speaking work? How do I communicate during a crisis? And how do we ensure that our leadership team speaks with one voice? These are the questions that leaders grapple with on a daily basis—and this is where the “Communication & Leadership” seminar comes in. Over three intensive in-person days with a strong emphasis on practical application, executive and board members will develop their own “Leadership Voice.” Led by Eva Wannenmacher, a certified leadership coach with 30 years of TV experience.

Overview of the Seminar "Communication & Leadership" →

Study Modules of the Seminar →

Benefits of the Seminar →

Overview

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Degree

Expert in Communication & Leadership
Rochester-Bern Executive Programs
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Course Start

November 5 – November 7, 2026
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Venue

Haus der Universität
Bern
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Duration

3 days
Icon of a Clock in front of a Schedule – Application Deadline

Application Deadline

October 5, 2026
Late applications considered if seats are available.
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Program Language

German
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Program Fees

CHF 3,500

Program Details

Goals & Benefits

In this three-day seminar, participants learn to refine their personal “leadership voice” and to consistently embody it in management and board situations. The goal is to communicate difficult decisions and strategic directions in a transparent, understandable, and accessible manner. Participants will also learn to remain calm, credible, and clear in challenging situations. In doing so, they will consciously use communication as a leadership tool – to build trust, protect their reputation, and expand their scope for action.

Modules, Dates & Professors

Head of Seminar
Eva Wannenmacher
Eva Wannenmacher
Executive Communication Coach for C-Level and Board Members

Please note that courses and dates can be subject to change.

Target Audience/Requirements

The course is designed for CEOs, members of executive management, members of the board of directors, and high-profile corporate spokespersons whose reputations are particularly at risk.

Program Fees

The cost of the Communication & Leadership seminar is CHF 3,500.

The program fee includes the following: program participation, digital course materials, lunch on course days, and snacks during breaks. Participants are responsible for any accommodation expenses.

Course materials will be provided electronically; participants will use their own laptops (or tablets) during class.

Discounts

Members of the Leaders Circle,VR-Circle, or Future Circle benefit from 10% off the program.

Seminar Modules

The seminar encourages existing and prospective board chairpersons of SMEs to reflect on their role. You will receive up-to-date knowledge, exchange ideas with peers, contribute your own case studies and apply what you have learned in practice. The tools and checklists will help you to successfully master future challenges.

Day 1 Self-image, Values, Role

The first day lays the foundation: a personal assessment of the gap between one’s self-image and how others perceive one, as well as a clarification of one’s own leadership values in the context of the executive board and supervisory board. In boardroom simulations, participants practice decision-making communication and governance dynamics, accompanied by peer and individual feedback on attitude, integrity, and impact.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand your own “leadership voice” and your role within the context of the executive board or board of directors
  • Translate integrity and responsibility into concrete decision-making communication
  • Assess your self-image and how others perceive you in critical leadership situations

Day 2 Stage Presence, Public Speaking, Voice

On the second day, the focus is on public speaking: Executive Presence on Stage, with training using camera and video feedback on body language, voice, and overall impact. This is complemented by rhetorical tools for clear C-level communication, as well as message design and Q&A training for handling critical questions.

Learning objectives:

  • Remain calm, credible, and clear in challenging situations – such as analyst calls, town hall meetings, and media inquiries
  • Apply rhetorical tools for concise, effective C-level communication
  • Respond confidently to critical questions and objections

Day 3 Storytelling & Critical Arenas

The third day combines strategy with story: Participants develop storylines for transformation, ESG, and change, and translate complex content for various stakeholders. The session also simulates public relations and crisis situations, including initial statements and a “one-voice” policy.

Learning objectives:

  • Communicate strategic decisions transparently and in a way that fosters collaboration
  • Remain calm and credible in crisis situations, with a clear division of roles (Chair of the Board vs. CEO)
  • Deliberately use communication as a leadership tool

Application

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Step 1

Online Application

We accept applications exclusively through this form. You will need the following documents:

  • Portrait photo (.jpg, .jpeg, or .png, highest resolution possible)
  • Current resume (.pdf)
  • Transcripts/diplomas of your highest degree (.pdf)
  • Copy of passport or ID for university registration (front and back)
  • Completed statement of purpose (download template here (in German))

Please note that the application form cannot be saved temporarily.

→ Click here to apply

Icon of two Speech Bubbles – Initial Meeting
Step 2

Personal Interview

A personal interview will be conducted to determine if your qualifications and specific needs match the program.

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Step 3

Admission Decision

The admission decision is made after the  interview.

Your Benefits

Sustainable Learnings

How can I improve my presentation skills – and how do I tell stories effectively? A large portion of the course is hands-on practice with camera feedback. Real-world C-level scenarios and detailed feedback on body language, voice, and overall impact.

Communication as a Management Tool

Clear, honest communication is the cornerstone of trust, reputation, and the scope of action for senior management and the board of directors.

Executive Board and Board of Directors Together in the Room

A shared approach to communication across all levels of the organization, rather than separate training sessions for executive management and the board of directors.

All Critical Arenas in a One Module

From boardroom situations to investor dialogue to media crises – including the crucial question of who speaks during a crisis.

One-Site Communication Expert

Led by Eva Wannenmacher, who has 30 years of TV experience, a degree in IKP coaching, and a CAS from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in “executive leadership coaching” – with mandates including AXA, Deloitte, PwC, ETH Zurich, and others.

Ready to Implement

Each participant leaves the module with a personalized action plan for their own day-to-day leadership responsibilities.

Get in touch with us!

Do you have questions about the program? Our team is happy to answer them.

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