Speak to Influence, Not Just Inform: Webinar Recap

On August 16, 2025, StorytellerCharles hosted an inspiring and highly interactive online session titled “Speak to Influence, Not Just Inform”, led by Charles Grand John. The event drew a diverse group of students, early professionals, and communication enthusiasts eager to strengthen their speaking skills in academic and professional contexts.

The one-hour webinar was more than just a lesson in communication, it was a practical roadmap on how to transform ordinary speaking into a tool for influence, leadership, and connection.

Why Influence Matters More Than Information

In a world overflowing with data and constant updates, information by itself rarely moves people to action. What distinguishes effective communicators is their ability to influence, to inspire, to connect emotionally, and to leave a lasting impression.

Charles opened the session by drawing a clear distinction:

• Information is the transfer of facts. It can be accurate, even useful, but is often forgotten without context.

• Influence is about moving hearts and minds. It appeals to both logic and emotion, creating resonance that lingers long after the words are spoken.

For students, this difference can determine whether a classroom presentation is simply noted, or remembered. For professionals, it can decide whether a proposal gains support or gets overlooked.

From Speaker to Influencer

Charles emphasized that moving from speaking to influencing is not about manipulation. Instead, it is about authentic connection, credibility, and trust.

At the core of this transformation is the S.P.E.A.K. Principle, a practical framework introduced during the session:

• Simple – Use words that are easy to understand. Complexity does not equal intelligence; clarity does.

• Precise – Stay on point. Remove unnecessary details that dilute the message.

• Ethical – Influence built on honesty and integrity earns long-term respect.

• Appropriate – Adapt tone, language, and delivery to fit the audience, culture, and context.

• Kind – Speak with empathy and respect, remembering that how you make people feel is often more important than what you say.

Each element of S.P.E.A.K. was backed with real-life examples, showing participants how to elevate ordinary communication into impactful influence.

The Role of Active Listening and Body Language

A major highlight of the webinar was the reminder that influence is a two-way process. Great communicators are not only persuasive speakers but also attentive listeners. Active listening builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and demonstrates genuine respect.

Equally powerful is non-verbal communication, which research shows can account for up to 55% of overall impact. Charles emphasized that posture, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions are silent yet powerful reinforcements of any message.

Participants practiced reflecting on how they show up physically during communication, whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or online meetings.

Strategies to Speak with Influence

The webinar provided participants with actionable strategies they could start applying immediately:

1. Storytelling for Impact

   • Structure stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

   • Use relevance and authenticity to connect with the audience.

   • Blend personal anecdotes with data to make content relatable and credible.

2. Persuasion Techniques Drawing from Aristotle’s timeless model, Charles encouraged speakers to balance:

   • Ethos (credibility and trustworthiness),

   • Pathos (emotional connection), and

   • Logos (logic and evidence).

3. Practice and Feedback

   • Engage in low-stakes speaking opportunities like class discussions or team huddles.

   • Record and review speeches to identify habits.

   • Seek feedback from diverse audiences to strengthen delivery.

Overcoming Barriers to Influence

Communication challenges are universal, whether it’s fear of speaking, cultural differences, or language barriers. Charles reframed these not as limitations but as opportunities to build resilience.

Some of the techniques shared included:

• Reframing anxiety as excitement to shift mindset positively.

• Deep breathing rituals to control nerves before important conversations.

• Focusing on the audience instead of the self, to reduce pressure and build authenticity.

These tools helped participants see nervousness not as a weakness but as energy that can be harnessed.

Amplifying Influence in the Digital Age

With much of today’s interaction taking place online, communication influence extends beyond physical presence. Chapter 5 of the session explored how digital platforms can be leveraged to:

• Build a personal brand by consistently sharing meaningful insights.

• Reach wider audiences through social media, webinars, and blogs.

• Create lasting impact with recorded content that outlives live conversations.

• Practice communication in low-pressure settings before moving to high-stakes environments.

The message was clear: in the digital-first era, one’s influence can travel far wider and last far longer when communication is intentional.

Feedback, Reflection, and Growth

The session closed with an emphasis on continuous growth. Influence is not a one-time skill but a lifelong practice. Participants were encouraged to:

• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and audiences.

• Look for recurring patterns in their strengths and challenges.

• Set measurable goals for improvement.

• Periodically reassess and refine their communication approach.

Charles underlined that the journey to influence is iterative. Each presentation, conversation, or digital post is an opportunity to improve.

Conclusion: Your Voice is Your Superpower

The webinar ended on a powerful note:

“Your voice is your superpower. When you learn to influence, not just inform, you transform conversations into connections, contributions into impact, and presentations into leadership opportunities.”

For students, this means standing out in classrooms and interviews. For professionals, it means leading with authority and empathy. For everyone, it means leaving behind more than just words, it means leaving behind impressions and actions that matter.

Event Details

• Title: Speak to Influence, Not Just Inform

• Speaker: Charles Grand John

• Date: August 16, 2025 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM IST)

• Format: Online Webinar

• Audience: Students and Professionals across diverse fields

Final Reflection

This session was more than a training, it was a call to action. Participants left not just with knowledge, but with strategies to implement immediately in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

StorytellerCharles thanks all participants for their active engagement and looks forward to hosting more events that bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world application.

In a world where communication often determines opportunities, the lessons of this webinar stand as a reminder: influence is not about saying more, it is about saying it better.

What Students Had to Say

Students expressed that the session was not just informative but transformative. Many shared that the practical strategies and relatable examples helped them see communication in a new light. They felt more confident about applying storytelling, active listening, and the S.P.E.A.K. principle in their daily interactions. Several participants highlighted that the webinar gave them a clear roadmap to overcome stage fear and build authentic connections. Overall, the session left them motivated, empowered, and eager to put their learning into practice.

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