My first visit to Ireland will stay with me for a long time. It wasn’t just the warm welcome, the beauty of Dublin, or the fascinating history (all of which was incredible). It was the people. The energy. The conversation.

I had the absolute privilege of delivering the keynote at the Public Relations Institute of Ireland’s internal communications conference.

I shared insights on the power of influence and how internal communication professionals can reclaim their voice in organisations that sometimes try to quiet it.

Here’s a snippet of what I shared with the brilliant comms professionals in Dublin and why I believe this message matters right now more than ever.

1. Influence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room

Let’s clear something up: influence is not about volume. It’s not about shouting, posturing, or forcing your way into conversations. It’s about consistency, empathy and action.

The best internal communicators build trust through relationships. They influence by understanding their audiences deeply. They know when to speak up and when to listen hard.

In fast-moving, noisy workplaces, integrity stands out more than ever. When your influence is built on truth, clarity and care, people lean in.

2. DEI isn’t a campaign, it’s a commitment

Diversity, equity and inclusion cannot live in a poster, a training session or a single month on the calendar.

It’s a culture and often, internal communicators are the ones carrying the emotional load of trying to fix a culture that feels broken.

If you’re the person pushing for braver conversations, fighting for representation, challenging language, or highlighting invisible inequities, you are not imagining the weight of it. It’s real. And it can be exhausting.

But it also matters. Massively.

So, protect your energy. Get support. Set boundaries. But don’t stop. Because your voice might be the one that starts the change.

3. Confidence and influence go hand-in-hand

Here’s the thing about reclaiming your voice: it often starts from within.

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting that your perspective matters. That your insight is valid. That you belong in the room and at the table.

Your impact is felt, even when it isn’t always recognised. And the more you back yourself, the more others will too.

4. Build your own table

Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Or the invitation. Or the permission.

Internal communicators often know more about the organisation’s mood, heartbeat and culture than anyone else. So why wait for a seat at someone else’s table when you can build your own?

Use your insight. Connect the dots. Show up with data and empathy. Be clear about your role as a strategic advisor, not just a content creator.

We’re not here to make things look nice. We’re here to help people understand, feel connected and take action.

5. Lead with R.I.S.E: Relationships, Insight, Strategy, Energy

One of the frameworks I shared at the conference was R.I.S.E., a simple, human-centred approach to leading with influence and purpose.

• Relationships: Influence starts with trust. Build strong relationships across the business.
• Insight: Know your people. Understand what they care about, what frustrates them, and what motivates them.
• Strategy: Don’t just deliver. Advise. Align your work to business goals and help leaders see the ‘why’.
• Energy: Bring yours – and protect it (it’s okay to recharge). Energy is contagious; when you bring it, others will feel it!

Whether you’re leading a transformation, managing change, or simply trying to get people to open a company-wide email, this framework helps bring intention and clarity to your work.

So, what now?

Internal communication has never been more important. In times of uncertainty, people need clarity. In times of change, they need context. And in every moment, they need connection.

We’re not just sending messages. We’re shaping culture. And the more we own that, with confidence, care, and a bit of courage, the more powerful our impact becomes.

To everyone who shared stories, asked questions, and leaned in during the Dublin event, thank you.

Here’s to reclaiming our voice and using it well.

We help you build more confident workplaces through effective internal communications so people and organisations thrive. Get in touch for a free discovery call.

PS. If you enjoyed reading this, check out 28.8 touchpoints – Why one message isn’t enough.