PRESS RELEASE: Confidence is the number-one communication challenge facing senior professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Confidence is the number-one communication challenge facing senior professionals

Fear of being judged causing a significant confidence gap for senior execs, new research reveals

LONDON, 8th September 2026 — Confidence, nerves and self-belief are the most common communication concerns raised by senior professionals, according to new research from executive communication coaching firm Benjamin Ball Associates.

The report, From Expertise to Influence, includes the results of 2,589 pre-coaching questionnaires, covering 15,768 answer fields submitted by professionals attending executive communication programmes. A lack of confidence, nerves and self-belief issues appeared in 74% of responses, ahead of preparation and rehearsal at 73% and audience engagement at 71%.

This lack of confidence is typically caused by; fear of being judged, the commercial consequences of getting the message wrong, unfamiliar audiences, pressure to demonstrate authority quickly and concern about difficult questions. Technical specialists may also lose confidence when deciding how much detail to include for non-specialists.

The findings suggest that the principal communication challenge for experienced professionals is rarely a lack of knowledge. Instead, it is the ability to turn existing expertise into clear, confident and influential communication when attention is limited, scrutiny is high and commercial outcomes matter.

A lack of confidence at senior level can have consequences far beyond presentation style, from weakened credibility and slower decision-making to poorer investor, board and stakeholder engagement.

Benjamin Ball, founder of Benjamin Ball Associates, said:

“Confidence can disappear the moment the stakes rise. You can know your subject inside out, but when you’re facing a board, an investor or a tough question, nerves can take over and your message can get lost.

“The answer isn’t to become a slicker performer. It’s to strip your message back, know what really matters and practise under pressure. The more familiar those high-stakes moments feel, the easier it is to stay calm, clear and in control.

“And don’t mistake nerves for a lack of ability. Some of the most experienced people we work with feel the pressure most because they care deeply about getting it right. The goal is not to eliminate nerves altogether, but to stop them getting in the way of the expertise, authority and judgement you already have.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The 2026 Executive Communication Coaching Report: From Expertise to Influence is based on a thematic analysis of 2,589 pre-coaching questionnaires completed by delegates attending Benjamin Ball Associates programmes.

The analysis covered 15,768 answer fields across programmes including presentation and public-speaking coaching, investor and fundraising communication, media and crisis communication, board-report writing, executive presence, sales, influence and negotiation.

Eighty-three per cent of responses related to presentation, public-speaking, pitching, investor or fundraising contexts. As the questionnaires and wording varied between cohorts and programme types, the reported percentages should be treated as directional indicators rather than statistically representative survey results.

About Benjamin Ball Associates

Benjamin Ball Associates is a UK-based executive presentation and communication coaching firm. It works with senior leaders, technical specialists and client-facing teams across the UK, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

The firm supports clients with presentations, investor meetings, board updates, pitches, executive presence, media work and other commercially significant communication situations.

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Jack Hayes

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E: j.hayes@varn.co.uk

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