In this digital world, what we need today is a little theory and a lot of practical knowledge and application.
Knowledge is not a problem, but its application and the way it is conveyed are. As someone who constantly needs new input, Simon Hofer rarely takes a break and consumes information through books and podcasts.
As an experienced public speaker, Simon precisely uses his unique speaker training programs. Additionally, he is also the CEO of Swiss Academy SACT AG, an International Keynote Speaker, entrepreneur, and best-selling author.
Leading with Heart and Hustle
Simon, the bookworm with a surprising streetwise edge, dives into the world of communication, calling it the “unsung hero” of success, especially in big companies. He flips through the pages of history, pointing out how the old-school way of getting things done—shouting the loudest, wielding power, or relying on fancy titles—has reached a dead end.
Instead, Simon, the streetwise operator, sees promise in leaders who can rally the troops with inspiring words, emotional connection, and a genuine walk-the-walk approach. He’s seen firsthand how the barking-order bosses from the boardroom (C-levels, he calls them) are burning out at record rates. New gadgets and gizmos won’t solve this, he argues. What we need is a communication revolution!
Simon, a keen observer of human nature, emphasizes the need to rebuild connections. He wants to see folks talking to each other, not at each other, and ditching the whole “titles and territories” game. It’s time to break down the silos and build something better together, that’s the Simon way.
Mastering Communication from Message to Delivery
Swiss Academy SACT AG has established itself as a valuable partner for SMEs and corporations in a remarkably short timeframe. This success is attributed to their unique approach: “Neurocommunication.”
Swiss Academy doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of both internal messaging and external presentation, they offer a comprehensive solution. Its expertise in Neurocommunication techniques tackles internal, external, and even crisis communication needs. Additionally, their team of public speaking professionals empowers companies and managers to present themselves with confidence and impact.
This two-pronged approach, encompassing both the “what” (Neurocommunication) and the “how” (public speaking skills), is a rare and highly valuable combination for clients. It allows Swiss Academy to not only craft persuasive sales pitches using Neurocommunication but also equip clients with the delivery skills to present them flawlessly.
The Three Secrets to Captivating Your Audience
The art of captivating an audience hinges on mastering a few key principles. By focusing on these three crucial elements, speakers can effectively engage their listeners and leave a lasting impression.
- Entertainment and Humor: Successful presentations move beyond dry information delivery. Injecting humor and fostering an entertaining atmosphere can significantly improve audience retention. Even in serious business settings, speakers who demonstrate a willingness to lighten the mood and avoid excessive seriousness tend to connect better.
- A Focused Message: A clear and concise central idea forms the backbone of a compelling presentation. Speakers should identify their core message, like “battery-powered vehicles are the future,” and ensure all content revolves around reinforcing that central theme. Avoid diluting the message with irrelevant details or stories.
- Authentic Presence: The most challenging yet impactful element is the speaker’s presence. Connecting with the audience requires genuine engagement in the “here and now.” This involves making eye contact, smiling, and displaying While many find this aspect difficult, it’s a skill that can be honed with practice.
Communication Across Cultures
Simon, the cultural anthropologist, dives into the treacherous world of cross-cultural communication. He warns that overlooking cultural nuances can lead to misunderstandings that quickly spiral out of control. “There’s no other arena where you can go so wrong, so fast,” he emphasizes.
Recognizing the near-impossibility of mastering every cultural quirk, Simon proposes a different approach. He advocates for focusing on the “universal similarities” that bind humanity together. “We all experience joy, sorrow, pain, and appreciation,” he argues. By tapping into these shared emotions and themes, communication across cultures becomes a bridge, not a barrier.
Captivating Crowds
Simon, a lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, exemplifies his dedication to audience engagement. “The stage is my testing ground,” he declares, referring to his own experience performing on large platforms. This allows him to intuitively grasp what resonates with audiences and what falls flat.
Beyond his personal experience, Simon leverages a vast network of trained speakers. This constant exchange of ideas fuels his creative fire. A self-proclaimed information sponge, Simon’s brain is rarely idle. He devours knowledge through a steady diet of at least 50 books a year and strategically utilizes travel time to absorb insightful podcasts.
Humility remains a cornerstone of his approach. He often reflects on his grandfather’s wisdom: “The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.” This guiding principle ensures that he continues to seek out new knowledge and refine his understanding.
Guide to Real-World Communication Skills
Swiss Academy SACT AG emphasizes a practical approach, prioritizing real-world application over theoretical knowledge readily available through online resources. They recognize that the abundance of information at our fingertips—”Google, YouTube, or Wikipedia” – can provide a wealth of theory. However, the challenge lies in effectively applying that knowledge.
This is where Swiss Academy shines. Their team, composed of seasoned public speakers, world champions and politic experts understands the specific skills that translate to success in real-world scenarios. They translate this expertise into actionable training for their clients, empowering CEOs and other company representatives to confidently connect with audiences, be they employees, shareholders, or customers.
Swiss Academy highlights a crucial point: the importance of personal credibility. They emphasize, “It is impossible to convince people of a company if the person is not convincing!” They advocate for prioritizing the speaker’s authenticity and persuasiveness. The reasoning is clear: “Only when I believe and trust you will I do the same with the company.” By fostering a genuine connection with the audience, the speaker becomes a bridge between themselves and the company they represent.
Beyond the Grind
Simon tackles a fundamental question: what truly drives success? He enthusiastically cites Jim Rohn’s quote, “Work harder on yourself than on your job,” highlighting the importance of self-improvement.
However, he diverges from the common adage that “standing still is going backward.” He emphasizes the value of introspection. “We need to take time to observe,” he argues. This involves analysing not only our actions but also those of others. By questioning “why” and “if,” we engage in a critical thinking process that can lead to breakthroughs.
Simon underscores the importance of this approach at Swiss Academy SACT AG. He emphasizes that by taking the time to reflect, they can identify opportunities for improvement in processes and overall operations. This commitment to “meaningful innovation” is their secret to creating significant added value for clients.
Further demonstrating their dedication to growth, he highlights their regular personal development seminars offered to both clients and employees. This ensures a company culture of continuous learning and improvement.
People-centric Path to Success
Swiss Academy SACT AG prioritizes a trifecta of success: liquidity, profitability, and stability. However, it recognizes that figures alone don’t tell the whole story. True success hinges on positive customer feedback. This, they believe, can only be achieved by prioritizing people over numbers. “We strive to enrich our facts with a lot of understanding for people,” they state, confident that this human- centric approach is the key to long-term sustainability.
Sustainable growth, according to Swiss Academy SACT AG, requires targeted innovation. It continuously explores ways to improve customer reach, aiming for faster, more efficient, and more convenient solutions. Traditionally, workshops and training involved travel—either to clients’
locations or to their facilities in Switzerland, which boast excellent infrastructure. The appeal of their beautiful and well-equipped space has drawn an increasing number of clients to visit them in person.
Taking innovation a step further, Swiss Academy SACT AG has plans for Q1 2025. They intend to launch a series of short and engaging online video courses. These communication courses will cater to on-the-go learners, as they’ll be structured to function effectively as podcasts (audio-only) as well as video lessons.
Beyond the Numbers
Swiss Academy SACT AG champions active listening as a cornerstone of their success. They emphasize the importance of not only listening to their clients but also staying attuned to market trends. This keen awareness allows them to identify emerging opportunities with development potential.
Once a potential project is identified, they conduct a thorough financial analysis. However, Swiss Academy SACT AG acknowledges the limitations of pure number-crunching. They incorporate an “X factor” – unforeseen circumstances or variables—into their calculations. If the project remains financially viable after accounting for this uncertainty, it will move swiftly towards implementation.
Beyond financial considerations, Swiss Academy SACT AG values understanding and inspiration. They believe that fostering mutual understanding of diverse viewpoints creates fertile ground for inspiration. This inspiration, in turn, fuels innovation, a crucial element for a strong, stable, and healthy society.
Interestingly, Swiss Academy SACT AG draws a parallel between their own approach and the success of Switzerland as a nation. They point out that Switzerland is not only renowned for its stability and safety but is also a global leader in innovation. They have highlighted Switzerland’s top ranking in the Global Innovation Index (founded by Boston Consulting Group) for over a decade. This impressive track record underscores the power of effective listening, calculated risk-taking, and a focus on fostering inspiration for continuous improvement.
