How can you grow your influence as a leader? This unique two-day course advances your non-verbal skills, as you’ll learn how to create more impact in your communication and interaction.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
You might have great ideas, perspectives and methods. But you might lose your effectiveness if you don’t know how you come across, and if you don’t represent your message with intention. As a matter of fact, 50 to 90 per cent of our communication is non-verbal – embodied by the tone of our voice and our body language. The corporate course Leading with Presence is taught by the authors of the book Leading with Presence, who are experienced teachers and trainers of executives and MBA students.
In RSM’s two-day course Leading with Presence, you will learn how and why presence in everyday interaction is a vital component of impactful leadership. Leading with Presence is essential for business, to understand the science behind body language while exploring and practising leadership presence. You will boost your non-verbal communication skills, including elements such as posture, facial expressions and gestures, and the voice. Through theory, practical tools and exercises, you will increase your skills at being confident, persuasive and inspiring.
This course offers exercises tailored to each participant, along with instant feedback and coaching catered to your situation and goals. You can see impact and growth right away. By the end of the course, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and tangible ideas that you can put into practice immediately.
An exciting way of acquiring a toolbox for aligning posture and voice to enhance a delivered message. During the course one has plenty of opportunities to practise and become aware of all the elements in the toolbox. Further material is provided to support you in daily training of all aspects of the course. Mastering all elements is not an easy deal, but this course definitely puts you on the right track to accomplish it.
During the Leading with Presence Programme you will learn from Prof. Steffen Giessner, Amanda Wolzak, and Antonie Knoppers. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Steffen Giessner is professor of organisational behaviour and change at RSM. He researches organisational psychology and management. His primary topics are change management, leadership, team management and non-verbal communication. Steffen has authored and co-authored many papers in these areas, and his research has received media coverage in publications including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Manager and The Wall Street Journal. He has an MSc in psychology from the University of Kent at Canterbury in the UK, and a PhD in psychology from the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena in Germany.
Amanda Wolzak is a trainer at RSM and teaches the Essentials of Leadership. As a trainer in the business world, Amanda specialises in voice, presence, storytelling and improvisation. Her previous work in professional theatre and film and drama across the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Finland has enriched her training capabilities. And she calls on the teachings of Grotowski, Le Page, Brecht and Stanislavski in her work. Amanda’s goal is to inspire, invent and challenge students to be in the moment and release tension when presenting to small and large groups. She has worked in Europe, USA, and South Africa with company consultants, HR specialists, technical staff, CFOs and CEOs.
Antonie Knoppers is a trainer, coach, facilitator, guest speaker and actor. He trains individuals and teams on leadership and personal development, presence, communication skills, storytelling, and presentation through his company D&A Trainingen. He is co-author of Leading with Presence (Emerald Publishing 2021) and wrote How To Have Effective Zoom Meetings—And Make Them Less Boring for Forbes magazine (March 2021). He is adjunct faculty at RSM and guest faculty at Nyenrode University and the University of Maastricht. Antonie holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of San Diego/Old Globe Theatre.
22 - 23 May 2025
11 - 12 September 2025
6 - 7 November 2025
€ 2,600 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam. See more information in the Transportation, directions and accommodation section below.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.