Communications and Public Speaking: Head. Heart. Hands. The Three Keys to Lasting Influence

Title: Head. Heart. Hands. The Three Keys to Lasting Influence

Abstract

What makes someone truly influential? It’s not their title, expertise, or authority. Real influence happens when you connect with people’s minds, earn their trust, and inspire them to act. In this engaging keynote, participants will explore the Head, Heart, and Hands framework, a practical approach to influencing others by appealing to logic, building emotional connection, and creating momentum for action. Whether you’re leading projects, collaborating across teams, or serving in a volunteer leadership role, this session will equip you with simple, powerful techniques to turn ideas into impact.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the three dimensions of influence—Head (logic), Heart (connection), and Hands (action)—and why all three are essential for lasting impact.
• Identify communication strategies that build credibility, trust, and commitment with colleagues, stakeholders, and teams.
• Apply the Head, Heart, and Hands framework to influence decisions, gain buy-in and inspire action in professional and volunteer settings.
• Develop a personal influence plan by selecting one practical technique from each element of the framework to use in an upcoming conversation or leadership opportunity.

Keynote Speaker:  Reema Bhattacharya

Reema Bhattacharya is a healthcare analytics and AI leader at UNC Health who specializes in building communities and fostering change through influence rather than authority. She leverages relationships, communication, and shared purposes to unite diverse stakeholders and turn ideas into action.

She is a passionate supporter of Toastmasters and currently serves as the President of UNC One Talk Toastmasters. Reema has employed influence-based leadership strategies to grow membership, boost engagement, and enhance member development. Her focus on creating meaningful connections, mentoring emerging leaders, and cultivating a culture of belonging has helped increase participation and maintain club momentum. Last year she served as a Toastmasters Area Director, supporting multiple clubs and helping leaders improve club performance and member experience.

Whether building Toastmasters clubs or leading enterprise-wide AI initiatives, Reema exemplifies how trust, community, and influence can drive lasting organizational change.