Helle Idland at our Community Breakfast here at Republikken

Slow Down to Speak Up: Helle’s Insightful Take on Communication.

At this Community Breakfast, we got to know about communication and that Helle ’s story is anything but ordinary. Raised just outside Copenhagen and later whisked off to Bangkok thanks to her dad’s airline job, she spent her formative years bouncing between cultures and school systems. Her time at an American international school introduced her to weekly tests, strict rules – and her first taste of cognitive dissonance (spoiler: it involved a candy reward and some rebellious generosity).

That early mix of cultures shaped how she sees communication. It gave her the tools to teach in both Danish and English and a unique sensitivity to how messages land across diverse audiences. It also planted the seed for what she does today – helping people communicate clearly, confidently, and with purpose.

The power of pausing in Communication.

This morning, Helle reminded us of one thing that nearly everyone forgets in a presentation and communication: pause. Slow down. Give your words room to breathe.

It’s not just for dramatic effect – it’s how our brains process and remember what’s being said. When you take the time to deliver fewer points clearly, your message sticks. Whether you’re trying to persuade, inspire, or simply explain your work, rushing through a laundry list of details won’t do you any favors.

One tip to rule them all

So, how do you explain complex things without losing your audience? Helle says: pick two great points. Not five. Not seven. Two.

Slowing down forces you to make decisions. It helps you cut through the clutter and focus on what really matters. Your audience will thank you – with attention, understanding, and maybe even applause.

From body language on Zoom to storytelling on stage, Helle covered it all with warmth, humor, and that calm confidence we all wish we had under pressure.

You’ll find her around Republikken, always ready for a chat about Aristotle, editing, or that one time she gave her candy prize away in school. Catch her in the café – and don’t be surprised if she pauses before answering. She’s practicing what she preaches.