CHICAGO, IL - Speak by Design, a leadership communication coaching firm founded by Stephanie Bickel, will host its flagship one-day immersive experience, Sharpen & Elevate, on July 15, 2026, at the Thompson Hotel in Chicago.

Designed for high-performing professionals stepping into bigger roles, Sharpen & Elevate helps leaders strengthen how they think, speak, and show up in the moments that define their trajectory.

This is not a traditional communication workshop.It is a focused, high-impact experience built to help leaders sound like the level they are stepping into.

“Most leaders are not held back by their ideas,” said Bickel. “They are held back by how those ideas come across. Sharpen & Elevate is about closing that gap quickly. When leaders start to communicate with clarity and confidence under pressure, they are seen differently. Trusted differently. Chosen differently.”

From Strong Operator to Compelling Leader

Sharpen & Elevate is designed for professionals who are:

• Technically strong but find their message does not always land

• Recently promoted and adjusting to higher expectations

• Leading in more complex, high-stakes environments

• Looking to communicate with confidence without over-explaining or over-talking

Participants leave with a clear shift in how they are perceived, moving from capable contributors to compelling leaders who can command the room.

A One-Day Immersive Focused on Presence and Agility

The experience is structured around two core leadership capabilities:

Morning: Presence

Participants learn how to establish instant credibility and build trust through:

• Visual leadership and executive presence

• Vocal delivery including tone, pace, and word choice

• Authenticity and personal style

• Clear, confident communication that signals leadership readiness

Afternoon: Leadership Communication Agility

Participants develop the ability to respond effectively in real time by learning:

• The five leadership communication roles and when to use them

• Message structures for managing up, down, and across

• Techniques for thinking on their feet

• Practical tools for handling pushback and challenging conversations

Throughout the day, participants practice applying these skills in realistic scenarios, ensuring the learning is immediately usable.

Real Development, Not Theory

Unlike traditional training programs, Sharpen & Elevate emphasizes active practice and real-time feedback.

Participants are not just learning concepts.They are applying them, refining them, and experiencing what it feels like to communicate at a higher level.

Attendees consistently describe the experience as both challenging and transformative.

“Speak by Design was one of the best professional development courses I’ve taken,” said Phil, an investment professional. “Very beneficial regardless of position.”

An Experience Designed for Leaders Ready for More

Hosted in Chicago’s Gold Coast at the Thompson Hotel, Sharpen & Elevate offers a focused environment for leaders to step away from daily demands and invest in how they communicate at the next level.

Registration is limited to maintain a high-quality, interactive experience.

Event Details:

Sharpen & Elevate

July 15, 2026

Thompson Hotel, Chicago

To learn more or register, visit: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026

About Speak by Design

Speak by Design is a leadership communication coaching and consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, IL, founded by Stephanie Bickel. With 25 years of experience and a team of certified coaches trained in the proprietary Lead by Design method, the firm helps leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence. Speak by Design serves professionals across private coaching, group training, enterprise solutions, and its flagship SBDU program. The firm has been featured in Manage HR Magazine and offers services across the United States. Speak by Design also produces the Speak by Design Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts. For more information, visit speakbydesign.com.

Media Contact
Company Name: Speak by Design
Contact Person: Stephanie Bickel
Email: Send Email
Phone: (773) 257-3433
Country: United States
Website: http://speakbydesign.com