Mastering Public Speaking with Authenticity: Leyla Baymaganbetova Inspires at Connect to Elevate

By Klaster* Editorial Team

February 10, 2025

A Morning of Insight and Connection

On February 19, 2025, over 100 professionals gathered at the prestigious Capital Club Dubai for Mastering Public Speaking with Authenticity, a Connect to Elevate event hosted by WomenChoice.org in collaboration with sponsors Logitech and Capital Club Dubai.

Our Founder and CEO, Leyla Baymaganbetova, joined forces with Nezha Alaoui (Founder of WomenChoice.org) and Loubna Imenchal (VP and head of Enterprise Business for AMECA at Logitech) to lead a dynamic session focused on transforming public speaking through authenticity, simplicity, and purposeful presence. Attendees—ranging from executives to entrepreneurs—are left equipped with actionable strategies to elevate their communication in every interaction, from boardrooms to global stages.

Why This Event Mattered

In an era where attention is fleeting, the ability to communicate with clarity and authenticity is a cornerstone of leadership. Leyla’s session cut through the noise, emphasizing that impactful communication isn’t about grand gestures but how we show up in everyday conversations.

The event united a diverse audience under WomenChoice.org’s mission to foster growth, collaboration, and empowerment—values echoed by sponsors like Logitech, whose tools enable seamless communication.

Key Strategies from Leyla’s Session

Leyla’s workshop blended real-world anecdotes and actionable frameworks to empower attendees with tools for authentic communication. Below, we unpack the core principles that resonated deeply with the audience:

Authenticity Over Perfection

Leyla dismantled the pressure to deliver “flawless” speeches. “People don’t want polish—they want connection,” she asserted. That we could stumble yet win audiences by embracing vulnerability. “Perfection creates distance; imperfection builds bridges,” Leyla explained, urging attendees to replace scripted rigidity with mindful presence.

The Power of Simplicity

Building on this, Leyla introduced the Point-Evidence-Effect Rule, a framework to cut through complexity. Attendees practiced crafting messages by first stating a clear point, supporting it with evidence, and defining the impact. Leyla warned against jargon overload: “Your goal isn’t to sound smart—it’s to be understood.” Participants left armed with techniques to distill even technical topics into relatable narratives.

Your Body Speaks

Another cornerstone was the art of pausing and body language. Leyla demonstrated how intentional pauses eliminate filler words like “um,” allow ideas to land, and create emphasis. “Silence isn’t empty—it’s where reflection happens,” she noted. Attendees practiced aligning their posture and gestures with their tone—opening arms to convey confidence or leaning forward to signal engagement. Leyla stressed that presence isn’t just physical: “When you truly listen, your audience feels valued. That’s leadership in action.”

Speaking Under Pressure

Public speaking in high-stakes moments isn't about banishing fear—it's about turning that nervous energy into something enjoyable. Start by shifting your internal dialogue to affirmations like, "I deserve this moment. This is a great opportunity!" Ground yourself by organizing your key focus points—clarity has a calming effect. And rather than trying to impress, remember that when you simplify your message and slow your pace, you naturally hold the room’s attention.

Attendee Insights: Voices from the Room

The session sparked lively discussions and reflections. Here’s what participants had to say:

True impact happens in every conversation. Authenticity builds bridges—not perfection. Read more.

Rita Sanna

Coach & Founder of Rita Sanna Coaching and Consulting
Authenticity & Simplicity = Relatability. Believe in yourself, know you're worth it! Wear your confidence with grace and panache! Seize the moment! Read more.

Tasneem Taherali

Advisor Marketing & Brand Strategy for Tech Startups & Scale-ups
Grateful to join a space where women uplift each other. Moments like these redefine leadership. Read more.

Hadeer Khalil

Founder of CATTITUDE Academy
A perfect blend of learning and networking! The tools shared will reshape how I communicate. Read more.

Carmen Rendi

Co-founder & Managing Partner of Divergent Line HR Consultants

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Organizers

We’re deeply grateful to WomenChoice.org for inviting our CEO, Leyla Baymaganbetova, to contribute as a speaker at their Connect to Elevate series—a platform dedicated to empowering leaders through actionable insights. This invitation reflects the shared values of authenticity and growth that define both WomenChoice.org’s mission and our own work.

We also extend our thanks to Logitech and Capital Club Dubai for their invaluable support in bringing this event to life. Logitech’s dedication to enhancing communication tools and Capital Club Dubai’s world-class hospitality ensured a seamless, inspiring experience for all attendees.

It’s an honor to collaborate with organizations that prioritize meaningful dialogue and leadership development. Thank you for including us in this impactful initiative.

Inspired? Take the next step.

Enroll in our Public Speaking 101 course to turn Leyla’s strategies into your signature speaking style.

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