I recreated Marina Abramović’s experiment from MoMA — silent eye gazing — during the Masterclass Leadership conference in Benedictine Abbey of Tyniec. In the room sat remarkable people: director Krzysztof Zanussi, Professor Jerzy Bralczyk, actors, business leaders, and young professionals.
At the end of my speech on the persuasive communication, I asked everyone to sit in pairs and look into each other’s eyes for one minute — in complete silence. After that minute, the energy in the room shifted completely. The silence became filled with emotion, reflection, and a quiet sense of connection.
Would I have done this experiment twenty years ago, when I was just beginning my journey with public speaking? Absolutely not.
But today, I know that my philosophy, experience, and maturity give me the courage to show what true communication is really about and use that power to make an impact. I know that public speaking is not about flawless, perfectly rehearsed speeches. It’s about the courage to move people — to inspire a shift in how they think, act, and believe.
These are the five steps that helped me build courage in public communication — on big stages and in intimate one-on-one conversations, whether with presidents, CEOs, monks, or students.
1️⃣ I know who I am — and I don’t need to compare myself to anyone else.
For years, I worked to understand that my story is my unique path.
I don’t need to be like others — I don’t compare myself anymore.
I use my personal stories to illustrate a message.
I speak simply. I speak from the heart.
2️⃣ I know why I stand on stage.
A few years ago, my mentor Florence told me: “Magda, your role is not to impress people with your knowledge, looks, or charisma. Your role is to help them communicate and build influence.”
That became my mantra for every talk — to stay fully focused on my audience.
3️⃣ I know what I want to say.
My key themes revolve around communication, persuasion, trust-building, and how AI is shaping human relationships.
I use my own Masterclass Communication Model to design every talk — building it on strategy, structure, rhetoric, and storytelling.
4️⃣ I know how to say it.
Nearly twenty years on stage have taught me three essential skills:
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A special kind of dialogue with the audience.
Monika, a producer of major TV events, once told me: “Magda, you have this rare gift of making people feel: I hear you. I see you.” -
Conscious voice work.
Training with actors from the Słowacki Theatre taught me diction, voice modulation, pauses, and the beauty of speaking naturally. I’ve practiced and used these techniques for over 15 years. -
Working with body, breath, and awareness.
This allows me to be fully present — connected with the audience, emotions, and myself.
5️⃣ I know how to engage the audience.
Maya Angelou once said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Today, I know that public speaking isn’t just about delivering information.
It’s about creating an experience — one that transforms how people think and opens them to something new.
Which of these areas of courage in communication are you exploring or want to develop right now?
