Finding Your Voice to Become an Award Winner with Helen von Dadelszen

Behind every credible award entry and engaging acceptance speech is someone who has learned how to communicate with impact. In this episode, Helen von Dadelszen shows us how. Helen is founder of Present Potential and author of 'Courageous Action', the ideal book for helping people communicate more confidently. She tells Debbie why nerves are normal, sharing practical tips on reading the brief carefully, respecting time limits, and bringing genuine personality rather than a rehearsed script. Additionally, she discusses the growing use of video entries, how to make a pitch memorable within a strict time limit, and the breathing and grounding techniques that help manage nerves. Helen and Debbie also compare approaches to acceptance speeches, and why fear of public speaking should never stop someone entering an award. Her tips could be the catalyst for entering your business into awards. Don't miss it! About Helen Helen von Dadelszen helps smart, thoughtful professionals turn their ideas into clear, confident and impactful communication. She believes confidence is built through action, and that everyone has a unique communication style that can be strengthened and shared. As founder of Present Potential Sàrl, Helen provides practical training and coaching in public speaking, presentation skills, vocal presence and confident communication, working across technical, scientific, academic and humanitarian fields. She is also the author of 'Courageous Action: Your Playbook for Communicating Confidently One Step at a Time', a hands-on guide to building communication confidence. Her work is strongly influenced by improvisational theatre, helping clients become more present and comfortable with uncertainty. An active Toastmasters member and European speech contest winner, Helen is originally from New Zealand. Now based in Switzerland, she brings an international, human-centred approach to communication coaching. {2:08} Helen's background and her journey to Present Potential. {4:08} Helen's typical clients. {6:02} How to prepare for an awards presentation. {12:08} The importance of planning your pitch. {14:51} Helen's book 'Courageous Action'. {17:30} How to give a good acceptance speech. {24:23} Connecting with an audience. {26:49} Helen's future plans. Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Helen: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/ LinkedIn:   / helen-von-dadelszen     / present-potential   Instagram:   / present_potential   YouTube:    / @presentpotential_speaking   Helen's book 'Courageous Action': https://courageousaction.ch/ _____________________________________________________________________ #businessawards #ukbusinessawards #smebusinessawards The Best SME Awards are new for 2026 and are founded by multi-award winning entrepreneur Debbie Gilbert, also the founder of the Best Business Women Awards which has been operating since 2015. They are now considered to be one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for business women. The Best SME Awards will match their quality and ethos and will recognise and reward businesses and their employees from across the UK. The awards cover a wide variety of industries and recognise and reward business talent across the SME business sector. Any business operating in the UK with fewer than 250 employees is eligible to enter. The Best SME Awards shines a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of SMEs across all sectors, recognising the leaders, innovators, and teams whose passion and dedication inspire others. Winning a Best SME Award isn’t just a trophy on your shelf, t’s a mark of excellence that sets you apart. This national recognition validates your credibility and showcases your success. Awards raise your profile, attract new business, and expand your network. Find out more about the awards at— https://www.bestsmeawards.com --We love to connect and share success on social media— Check out our channels here Facebook :   / bestsmeawards   Instagram :  / bestsmeawards   LinkedIn :   / the-best-.  . X:   / bbwomenawards   HASHTAGS #bestbusinesswomenawards #businessawards #ukbusinessawards Music