Stage fright? Fear of public speaking? Too shy to speak up? Intimidated by authority figures? Struggling to connect with your team members? If you're an entrepreneur or working professional and you're facing these or other communication challenges at the workplace, hop on! I'm Mridu Bhandari, TV Anchor & Journalist, Podcast Host, Public Speaking & Workplace Communication Coach & Entrepreneur. Every week I share learnings, experiences and actionable tips to help you SPEAK WITH IMPACT & OWN THE ROOM!
Your Next Appraisal Starts Now (Even if It’s 6 Months Away)!
Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Speak with Impact & Own the Room
Issue #7
Hello Hello!
How are you doing? As you know I juggle journalism, leadership communication coaching and entrepreneurship and on most days I am walking a tightrope. So when I started writing this edition of the newsletter, I was reflecting back on all the wonderful people I've met and interviewed over the years - from policy makers to global business leaders, economists, academicians, founders, VCs and others, I thought hard about what's common among diverse achievers?
Having interviewed hundreds of them for nearly 2 decades on TV and on podcast platforms, I’ve noticed something striking.
It’s not what they say that sets the exceptional ones apart.
It’s what they consistently signal without ever spelling it out.
Here’s what I mean.
🎙 From the Journalist’s Chair
When the cameras roll and the lights come on, most leaders switch into "broadcast mode." But the best communicators? They know how to listen visibly, pause with intention, and signal readiness without stealing the spotlight.
They use communication not to prove a point, but to invite the next point forward - whether from a stakeholder, a team member, or a tough interviewer like me.
They tell stories. Simply. Animatedly. Authentically.
As a result, they don’t just lead meetings. They lead attention.
Moderating an exciting discussion in Bengaluru about 2 years ago. I love enterprise tech conversations. The best speakers are those whom non-techies can understand!
👔 From the Coaching Room
One of my current clients - a brilliant, high-performing senior leader, is ready to take on more responsibility. He sees clear ways to add value across verticals.
The challenge? His boss - well-intentioned but slightly insecure -doesn’t like to delegate. At all.
This leader wants to grow. But he doesn’t want to grab power. He wants to earn it.
So here’s what we worked on:
Communicating not just ambition, but alignment - with the company’s growth, not just his own.
Framing solutions not as “I should do this” but “Here’s how we can move faster if I take this on.”
Managing with empathy: speaking in a way that doesn’t trigger the boss’s defensiveness.
Playing the long game - making himself undeniable, not just available.
He's getting set for his C-suite level promotion conversation. So, here are some nuggets I am sharing from our sessions.
💡4 Ways to Get More Responsibility (Without Asking for a Promotion)
Communicate Contribution Before Capability Show how your increased role will help the business, not just your career.
Start Where Your Boss Stops Don’t wait for permission. Start solving problems your boss is avoiding or too busy to handle, without making them feel irrelevant.
Be Seen Doing the Work Before You Get the Title Visibility matters. Loop others in, speak up in strategy conversations, and document wins that aren’t officially on your plate.
Speak the Language of Risk Management, Not Just Ownership Senior leaders love initiative but they love risk-awareness even more. Propose, then de-risk your proposals yourself.
A small glimpse into the narrative design for my client's upcoming C-suite level promotion meeting. Each 1:1 coaching conversation with him is hyper customised.
Communication Tip of the Week 🗣️
Before speaking to your boss about a new responsibility, rehearse this sentence:
“I’ve noticed there’s an opportunity to move faster on [X], and I’d love to contribute more actively to it, if it helps you and the team.”
It’s assertive, not aggressive. Collaborative, not competitive or needy.
🚀 Ready to Communicate with Clarity & Confidence?
Whether you're heading into a high-stakes appraisal, addressing your team, speaking on a panel, or going live on a podcast - how you show up and speak can shape your entire professional journey.
Here’s how we can work together:
✅ 1:1 Appraisal Preparation – Walk into that meeting with clarity, strategy, and gravitas. ✅ Workshops for Your Teams – Equip your employees with the tools to communicate with impact across all levels. ✅ Pitch Training for Founders – Nail your next investor conversation with compelling storytelling and sharp delivery. ✅ Keynote & Panel Coaching – Get ready to own the room and deliver memorable messages with confidence. ✅ Podcast, Interview & Media Training – Learn how to speak in soundbites, stay on message and bring your best voice to every public platform.
📩 Reply to this email or DM me on LinkedIn to explore the right format for you or your organisation.
If this edition sparked a thought, a smile, or a shift, forward it to a colleague or friend who could use it today.
Hit subscribe to get future editions straight to your inbox.
🔁 Forward this to a friend who’s eyeing their next big promotion.
And remember:
I help leaders speak and speakers lead!
Until next week, it's goodbye! :)
Warmly, Mridu Bhandari 💫🎤 Public Speaking Coach | Leadership Communication Expert | TV Anchor & Journalist Founder & Chief Mentor, Mentorleap Helping you own the room & speak with impact!
Stage fright? Fear of public speaking? Too shy to speak up? Intimidated by authority figures? Struggling to connect with your team members? If you're an entrepreneur or working professional and you're facing these or other communication challenges at the workplace, hop on! I'm Mridu Bhandari, TV Anchor & Journalist, Podcast Host, Public Speaking & Workplace Communication Coach & Entrepreneur. Every week I share learnings, experiences and actionable tips to help you SPEAK WITH IMPACT & OWN THE ROOM!
