Practical Communication Skills for Real Business Situations
We've spent years working with companies across Durban and noticed something. Most professionals struggle not because they lack ideas, but because they can't communicate them clearly when it matters most.
Explore Our ApproachStarting July Through October 2026
These courses grew from real challenges we've seen in boardrooms and client meetings. You won't find theory-heavy lectures here. Instead, we focus on what actually works when you're presenting a budget proposal or negotiating with stakeholders who don't share your perspective.
Strategic Stakeholder Dialogue
Ever notice how some people just get their projects approved? It's rarely about having the best idea. More often, it's about understanding who needs to hear what, and when.
- Eight Tuesday evenings, 18:00 to 20:30
- Limited to fourteen participants
- Recording each session for your review
- Two months of follow-up support included
Financial Communication That Actually Makes Sense
Finance teams often struggle to explain complex numbers to non-finance colleagues. We've watched countless presentations where eyes glaze over after the second slide. This course addresses that specific problem.
- Six-week intensive format
- Wednesday afternoons, 14:00 to 17:00
- Work with your actual financial data
- Maximum twelve professionals per group
Cross-Department Communication Frameworks
Marketing speaks one language. Operations speaks another. Finance has its own vocabulary entirely. And somehow, you're supposed to get everyone aligned on quarterly goals.
- Four intensive Saturday workshops
- Running from 09:00 to 16:00
- Practical exercises based on your scenarios
- Small cohorts of ten participants maximum
Client Relationship Communication
That moment when a client relationship starts feeling strained? Usually happens long before anyone realizes. We'll work through early warning signs and practical responses.
- Seven Monday evenings scheduled
- 18:30 to 21:00 timeframe
- Role-playing difficult conversations
- Ongoing peer review group access
Executive Briefing Skills
You have three minutes to explain why your department needs additional budget. The CFO is checking her phone. The CEO just walked in late. This course prepares you for exactly that scenario.
- Five-week accelerated program
- Thursday mornings, 08:00 to 11:00
- Video review of your presentations
- Eight participants maximum
Written Business Communication
Emails get misinterpreted. Proposals get rejected for unclear reasons. Reports sit unread. We'll address the gap between what you write and what people actually understand.
- Six Friday afternoon sessions
- 13:00 to 16:30 each week
- Editing real documents from your work
- Twelve-person collaborative cohort
Led by Lachlan Finnerty
Lachlan spent twelve years working in corporate finance before he realized something. The analysts who advanced weren't necessarily the most technically skilled. They were the ones who could explain financial implications to people outside the finance department.
After watching too many talented colleagues struggle with communication barriers, he shifted focus. For the past seven years, he's worked with finance professionals and cross-functional teams across Durban and Johannesburg, helping them translate technical knowledge into language that actually connects with diverse audiences.
He's particularly interested in moments when communication breaks down. Those subtle misalignments that compound over time until suddenly a project is off track or a client relationship has deteriorated.
How These Programs Actually Work
Assessment Week
We start by examining real communication challenges from your current role. Bring a difficult email you need to send, a presentation that didn't land well, or a stakeholder relationship that feels off. This isn't theoretical work.
Framework Building
You'll learn specific approaches for different communication contexts. The framework you need for a board presentation differs completely from what works in cross-department negotiations. We address each situation separately with practical models you can immediately apply.
Hands-On Practice
Most of your time goes here. You'll practice difficult conversations, refine written communications, and get direct feedback. The small cohort size means everyone gets substantial individual attention during these sessions.
Real-World Application
Between sessions, you'll use these approaches in your actual work. Then we reconvene to discuss what worked, what didn't, and why. This iteration process helps you adapt the frameworks to your specific business context and communication style.
Ongoing Support
After the formal program ends, you'll have continued access to resources and peer feedback. Communication skills develop over time, not overnight. The support structure recognizes that reality.
What Participants Have Experienced
Devereux Hartshorne
Finance Manager, Manufacturing SectorI used to dread quarterly business reviews. My presentations were technically accurate but somehow never quite landed. After working with Lachlan, I understand why. The shift wasn't about adding more data. It was about restructuring how I framed financial information for different audiences.
Tavish Landvik
Operations Director, Logistics CompanyThe stakeholder dialogue course changed how I approach cross-department projects. I realized I'd been focusing on explaining my department's needs without really understanding what other teams were dealing with. That small shift in perspective has made a noticeable difference in project approvals and implementation.
More Learning Opportunities Throughout 2026
We're organizing several networking sessions and shorter workshops throughout the year. These complement the formal courses and give you opportunities to practice skills in different contexts.
View Events Calendar