Powerful Communication that Makes an Impact
My experience – your key to a powerful presence.
For almost 20 years, I have supported global corporations, mid-sized businesses, and leaders at all levels as a certified executive coach and trainer. I help my clients master impactful communication – in front of the media, on stage, through change, and in building strong teams.
The world is changing fast – and so is the stage you step onto. From AI and 24/7 media to social platforms, town halls, and video messages – your presence matters more than ever.
In my training and coaching, I bring more than 20 years of experience as a journalist, reporter, and PR expert – combined with two decades of international work. From reporting live in New York during the 9/11 attacks to 14 years in China, where it all began with studying Chinese at the renowned Fudan University in Shanghai.
Whether on stage, in meetings, or in front of the camera for social media, we build presence and communication skills through practical exercises, interactive training, and expert feedback. (More about suitable programs for you below.)
One of my most valued pieces of feedback: “Karsten Schmidt’s guidance helps you improve immediately – and his feedback is always easy to take.” (More client references below.
» Presence with International Experience.
Even under pressure—live on TV or as a radio host—my experiences and training for over 20 years help me to keep a clear head, even when facing critical or unexpected follow-up questions. My presence training is more than just coaching for effective communication and your successful performance during a speech or media training..
It’s always about your impact, storytelling, and attitude—individually tailored to the participants, your team, or your company’s goals. With the right techniques, you communicate in a way that ensures your words get across and your performance leaves a positive and lasting impression. My approach combines effective communication techniques, journalistic argumentative power—like a reporter video for the presidential elections in the USA—legal precision, and experience on international stages, ranging from working as a foreign correspondent for RTL in the USA to business meetings in Shanghai.
I know the pressure and nervousness of appearing live in front of millions of people on camera and still maintaining inner calm and clear messaging. This knowledge and practical expertise are what I pass on—in a hands-on, individual way. Video: RTL
The Programs:
Whether it’s clear communication in critical moments, professional appearances on camera, impactful storytelling, or confident presence in challenging situations, together, we develop an individual program that implements your goals directly.
Persuasive Speeches
Presence training for meetings, pitches & town halls
Trains confident performance in business presentations – live, hybrid and remote.
Training includes video analysis, structured performance feedback, and simulation of realistic communication situations.
Learning outcomes:
✔️ Conscious use of body language, voice and posture
✔️ Clear, persuasive presentations – with and without slides
✔️ Confident handling of nervousness, stage fright and insecurity
✔️ Self-assured reactions to follow-up or challenging questions
📍 Group or individual sessions | On-site or remote
Media Competence
Media training, crisis scenarios, press conference preparation
Strengthens performance competence for all media formats, interviews, and public communication.
Training includes developed scenarios, interview simulations, video feedback from media professionals—with or without a camera team.
Learning outcomes:
✔️ Professional performance in media, camera, live situations
✔️Clear communication in stress and crisis
✔️ Confident handling of critical questions from journalists
✔️ Reliable presence in interviews, statements, and live formats
📍 Simulation training & 1:1 coaching | On-site or remote
Video & Social Media
Create successful posts – show presence in LinkedIn & Co. –
Trainiert das How-To-Do für Videos – den Kameraauftritt und Storytelling für Social Media Posts
Practical camera performance training for social media posts –based on actual content, from recording to publication.
Learning outcomes:
✔️ Professional and authentic presence in digital formats
✔️ Confidently create and share your own content
✔️ Appear authentic and convincing on camera
✔️ By the end, you’ll have a compelling video—ready to post successfully
📍 Group workshop or one-on-one coaching | In person or remote
Storytelling Techniques
Provides tools & practice for getting started in storytelling.
Training explains storytelling concepts and creates development and perfection of participants‘ specific storyline case.
Learning outcomes:
✔️ Understand storytelling: how to use stories successfully
✔️ Develop clear, emotional messages that resonate
✔️ Apply storytelling with purpose and precision
✔️ Build an authentic, inspiring narrative structure
✔️ Reach people – not just inform them
📍 One-on-one coaching or team workshop | In person or remote
» Speaking Live Before Millions – Yes, It’s Possible.
As a breaking news reporter and foreign correspondent, I stood live on camera before millions of viewers during dramatic events such as the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Stage fright? Absolutely.
Feeling tense under extreme time pressure—especially during those first assignments—was completely normal. I was nervous, too. But over time, I learned and developed techniques to speak confidently and with authority, even in front of a global audience. The key is not to deliver a stiff, formal speech—but to speak freely, connect with people, and truly reach them.
With these practical techniques from more than 20 years of experience, you too can perform with confidence and impact—whether it’s a speech to your employees, a media appearance, or simply a video for social media. Video: RTL .
For nearly 20 years, clients worldwide have benefited from this:
“When it comes to media training, Karsten Schmidt has been a reliable and trusted partner for years. His combination of journalistic expertise, professional calm, and individual guidance makes all the difference. A real asset to any communications department.”
Przemyslaw Jedrysik
Head of Communication Europe, Covestro
“Karsten Schmidt’s training combines legal expertise with genuine media competence – a rare and crucial combination for us. Absolutely recommended!”
Prof. Dr. Heiko Fuchs
Attorney, Kapellmann Law Firm, Germany
“More than ten years after my training with Karsten Schmidt, I’m still impressed by how much it continues to help me today. The results were outstanding.”
Andreas Förster
CEO, M.A.I Automation, Malaysia
“The valuable practical tips Karsten Schmidt provides during video analysis instantly give you the confidence you need for your next appearance. His highly effective coaching is something I can recommend to everyone.”
Eckhard Köppen
Regional President, Vossloh China
“The participants benefited greatly from Karsten’s extensive practical and theoretical experience. His authentic, friendly, lively, and engaging manner captured everyone’s interest.”
Harrison Dong
Deputy Dean, WPP School Shanghai
“The workshop immediately improved collaboration within my team. We now have fewer conflicts, better communication, and stronger team spirit.”
Sutesh Kumar
General Manager, tesa China
» Engaging Lunch & Learn Sessions and Inspiring Impulses.
It doesn’t always have to be multi-day training or extensive coaching sessions – often, a lively spark is enough to inspire reflection, questioning, and new ways of thinking. In my interactive keynotes, I provide exactly this kind of stimulus – entertaining, motivating, and practical.
Whether it’s emotional intelligence, storytelling, or global communication, I deliver content that provokes thought and is immediately applicable.
Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for fresh ideas for your event or team. Video RTL.
Experiences – they’re what make me who I am
The Beginning: Youth Work, Law Studies & Communication
Already as a youth coach at my local sports club in Bielefeld, I experienced firsthand that communication determines whether goals are achieved – in leading youth groups as well as in the sporting success of teams. My fascination with communication initially led me to study law, since at its core, law is always about communication. During my time abroad in the legal department of the United Nations in New York, a new and powerful dream began to take shape: one day becoming a correspondent in this fascinating metropolis.
The Fulfilled Dream: USA Correspondent in New York
From a newspaper traineeship to hosting on radio and producing television reports in the USA for ZDF, my path led me to RTL’s headquarters in Cologne — and ultimately to New York. For six years, I served as a foreign correspondent for RTL’s TV news. Covering breaking news live, reporting on the 9/11 attacks, presidential elections, and interviewing stars like Julia Roberts and Eminem – creating compelling video stories, appearing live before millions, and producing under constant time pressure became part of my everyday life.
China: Chinese Studies & International Public Relations
After New York came the next step: Shanghai. A year of Chinese studies at Fudan University was followed by building the China office of what was then Germany’s largest PR agency, Pleon (today Ketchum). Press conferences, communication strategies, leading a German-Chinese team — and international media training across Asia and Europe became my focus. In 2010, I founded my own training agency, SinoComms, supporting global and Chinese companies and their teams throughout Asia in strengthening their presence and communication.
Today: Trainer & Coach, Lecturer in Düsseldorf & Worldwide
After 14 years in Shanghai, I am now back in Germany, living on the Rhine in Düsseldorf — working with clients across Europe and Asia. I coach at the C-level, support companies as a media law attorney beyond traditional media training, and teach Applied Rhetoric & Communication at Heinrich Heine University. My passion remains unchanged: helping companies and individuals succeed in their public presence — with proven techniques, practical advice, and insights drawn from over 20 years of experience.
Some of my References:
» Presence, Impact & Message – Straight to the Point.
In my training sessions, it’s not just about techniques — it’s about presence. How we appear, how we are perceived, and how we remain credible in every situation while creating lasting connections. Whether it’s confidently presenting on camera, delivering a speech to hundreds of listeners, or handling challenging questions with ease, I provide strategies that can be applied immediately. I combine my international experience with a clear focus on what matters most: ensuring your message has impact — with every audience, on every stage. Video RTL.
