In a fast-paced, high-stakes world, the ability to communicate clearly and with confidence can make all the difference. Whether you're preparing for a major presentation, delivering a pitch, or speaking up in a meeting, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. But here's the good news: communication is a skill that can be learned, refined, and perfected with the right techniques.
This is the core philosophy of Composure Media, a consultancy founded by Luisa Baldini and Louisa Preston, both former BBC TV presenters with decades of experience in live broadcasting. The two "L(o)uisas" are now channelling their expertise into helping business professionals and leaders improve their communication skills, especially in high-pressure moments.
Communication: The Key to Professional Success
The UAE, with its unique blend of cultures, values, and traditions, presents both challenges and opportunities for business professionals. With a rapidly growing international workforce and a complex landscape of local and expatriate communities, understanding how to communicate effectively across cultural lines has never been more important.
Working with a diverse portfolio of clients, such as HSBC, Bank of America, Clifford Chance, Domino’s and Amazon, Composure Media has been supporting individuals and teams to enhance their communication skills for the past eight years. Explaining their motivation for moving from broadcasting to training, Baldini says, “I used to find public speaking and reporting on TV exhilarating but nerve-wracking. Throughout my career I acquired several techniques to make it easier for myself to feel more confident, from knowing I could communicate with impact, to structuring my content well, to confidence boosting techniques. I learned the hard way, so I wanted to parcel up all I’d learned to easily help people in business with their high-stakes moments through the training and coaching programmes we devised.”
In a multicultural business environment like the UAE, communication takes on an even greater significance. It's not just about getting your point across—it's about ensuring that your message resonates with a diverse audience, each with different backgrounds, communication styles, and expectations.
 and Luisa Baldini (R)_2.jpeg)
Less is More: Mastering the Art of Clarity
For Baldini and Preston, both of whom honed their communication skills in front of millions of viewers as BBC broadcasters, the secret to effective communication is simplicity and clarity. "In business, there is often a tendency to over-complicate things, especially when you're an expert in your field," says Preston. "But the key to great communication is remembering that less is more. As a TV presenter, we learned to communicate complex stories in bite-sized soundbites, and this is an invaluable skill in business too."
Preston explains that when you're speaking to a busy, often distracted audience—whether it's a room full of executives or a team on a conference call—being concise is essential. "You’d be surprised how much you can communicate in just 30 seconds. It's not about overwhelming people with information; it's about ensuring they understand and remember your core message."
Building Confidence for High-Stakes Moments
One of the biggest challenges professionals face is managing their nerves in high-pressure moments. Whether it’s a pitch to a potential client, a speech at a major event, or presenting to senior leadership, the anxiety that comes with these situations can be overwhelming. The ability to stay calm, composed, and confident is essential to delivering your message effectively.
This was something both Baldini and Preston have mastered during their careers in live broadcasting. "It can be nerve-wracking to speak on live television," Baldini recalls. "But over time, I learned techniques to manage my nerves and boost my confidence. It's about preparing well, understanding your audience, and feeling in control of what you're saying."
This is where Composure Media’s training programs come into play. The company specializes in teaching individuals how to approach high-stakes communication moments with poise and confidence. Through their masterclasses and coaching sessions, Baldini and Preston help professionals develop strategies for overcoming anxiety, structuring content effectively, and staying in control during key moments.
Empowering Female Leadership
An exciting facet of our work is its focus on female leadership development. In a business world that can sometimes feel dominated by male voices, women often face additional hurdles when it comes to speaking up and asserting themselves. Baldini and Preston have worked with numerous women in business to help them overcome these challenges and find their voices in male-dominated industries.
"We kept hearing from women in business that they lacked the confidence to speak up in boardrooms or meetings, so we’re passionate about helping them gain the skills and confidence to step into leadership roles," Baldini explains. "Our programs provide a safe space for women to share their experiences, learn from each other, and support each other’s growth."
This is particularly important in the UAE, where gender equality is increasingly becoming a focal point of corporate culture. The UAE’s recent mandate requiring private companies to allocate at least one seat for women on their boards of directors is a significant step toward improving gender balance in business, and Baldini and Preston are eager to support this shift.
"By providing both men and women with the communication skills to lead effectively, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and empowered workplace," Preston says.
A New Era of Leadership Communication
As the UAE continues to evolve as a global business hub, the demand for strong, effective communicators is only going to grow. Whether you're a young professional looking to make your mark or a seasoned leader navigating complex stakeholder relationships, mastering the art of communication will set you apart.
Join the Conversation
The two L(o)uisas bring their communication expertise to the UAE this month, offering masterclasses in partnership with Ellevate Dubai Community and Coffee with an Expat. For those looking to take their communication skills to the next level, these sessions are a valuable opportunity to learn from two seasoned professionals who know what it takes to communicate with impact in high-pressure environments.
Whether you’re looking to refine your public speaking, boost your confidence, or develop a more impactful communication style, this is your chance to present like a pro.
