In this interview, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ria Vorster, a multifaceted communicator, motivational speaker, poet, and author. From her early life and education to her powerful work in facilitating personal and professional growth, Ria shares insights into how she overcame personal challenges and transformed them into a platform for empowering others. With a passion for teaching, communication, and self-esteem, Ria continues to make an impact in the lives of individuals and organizations worldwide.
Ria Vorster’s Early Life and Education
We were curious about Ria Vorster’s background, so we asked her to share something about her early life and educational qualifications.
Ria Vorster: I was born to teach and have a passion for inspiring people through my teaching and facilitation skills and improving their self-esteem. Being a performing artist and motivational speaker I use the following mediums to my benefit:
- I am an accredited Trinity College London Speech and Drama and Public Speaking teacher for teenagers and adults.
- Facilitating the business world with the soft skills needed for their staff members.
- Motivational speaker for women.
Being a soprano, I registered in the early eighties at the Pretoria Technicon Opera School in South Africa, where I studied and performed the role of Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. That experience complimented my training and skills for several years. After 20 years of intimidation and humiliation, I had the privilege to establish my own professional theatre company and performed in all the shows as we toured South Africa for more than two years. I published a course on Udemy in 2018 called ‘How to Become a Pro in All Aspects of Acting Skills.’
I had my own local radio program called Ria’s Classics in the Western Cape of South Africa where I introduced my listeners to the great classical composers and singers of the centuries. I was a finalist in the 2007 Businesswoman of the Year contest that was held in the Garden Route of the Western Cape. During COVID I began teaching and facilitating online and am still doing so today. I have students from all over the world who thoroughly enjoy their online classes. Either personally or as a staff member or a group from a company.
My poetry album ‘Relations’ was published by Europe Books in November 2024. Amazon gave it a 5-star rating and it sold out twice. The book was also nominated for several literary awards in Europe and was exhibited at the London Bookfair that took place from the 11th to 13th March. “Relations is a selection of poems that arise from human relationships, spiritual awakening, and emotional depth. Relations are a world made up of many subsets: children, lovers, soul mates, social issues, and even connection with the illness. In Relations, we are told about challenging choices and emotional ties that can turn into prisons, leading us to a complete loss of identity. Here comes the courage to cut them and the desire to return to life.’ – Europe Books. London.
My memoir ‘Extracts’ will be published by the end of 2025.
Ria Vorster’s Journey into Communication and Speaking
We wanted to know more about Ria Vorster’s journey into communication, facilitation, and motivational speaking, so we asked her what inspired her to pursue this path.
Ria Vorster: Following my divorce where I was emotionally abused for 20 years, I received my diploma from Trinity College London, which allowed me to establish my own speech and drama studio. However, the income from the studio could not see to all my monthly responsibilities. I then compiled my soft skills courses when I registered my company as The Communication Channel (TCC Soft Skills Training) and began my facilitation. After many life lessons learned, I felt the responsibility to encourage women to take back their dignity. Being an entrepreneur I decided to share my experience with potential women entrepreneurs to inspire them to live their dream no matter the challenges awaiting them to learn from. From there the motivational speaking.
Ria Vorster’s Role as Managing Director
We were interested in Ria Vorster’s role as the Managing Director of the Communication Channel, so we asked her about her primary mission and how her work impacts individuals and organizations.
Ria Vorster: My primary mission is to provide soft skills to staff members worldwide to improve the workforce and encourage them to foster the company they are working for to grow and provide a better future for all.
What Makes Communication Effective?
We were curious about Ria Vorster’s thoughts on effective communication, so we asked her what she believes are the key elements of communication in both business and personal life.
Ria Vorster: Self-respect and respect for your fellow human beings no matter where they find themselves in their life cycles. To listen effectively and respond respectfully. Voice skills and body language are vital. So is your appearance.
How Ria Vorster Balances Her Many Roles
We wanted to understand how Ria Vorster balances her multiple roles as a facilitator, speaker, poet, and author, so we asked her how these different roles complement each other in her professional journey.
Ria Vorster: It is similar to when a composer composes a harmonious composition. They all have one purpose in life, to make the world a better place.
Common Communication Challenges and Solutions
We were curious about the challenges people face in communication, so we asked Ria Vorster about the most common issues she sees and how she helps people overcome them.
Ria Vorster: Lack of confidence, low self-esteem, and emotional pain. Afraid to face the world and experience the freedom they deserve. You find this in their personal capacity and in their career environment. To share my personal story and how I overcame the difficulties. I am still learning that every life season has a purpose and so do they. To encourage them to love themselves first before they can love another and to practice assertiveness with dignity in the workplace and in their personal lives.
Communication Techniques for Leaders
We wanted to learn about communication techniques that can inspire and influence others, so we asked Ria Vorster what powerful techniques leaders and professionals can use.
Ria Vorster: Excellent voice skills for effective communication. Effective presentation skills. Listening skills. Body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Time management. To be confident and self-assured. Assertiveness. Integrity and dignity. Self-discipline and inner strength.
How Public Speaking Has Changed in the Digital Age
We were interested in how the landscape of communication and public speaking has evolved, so we asked Ria Vorster about the changes she’s observed in today’s digital age.
Ria Vorster: Miraculously! We all know the benefits of the digital age. Virtual meetings and public speaking events can be held worldwide. It is convenient and cost-saving. As we look back, it is hard to imagine how we survived without it. Those who cannot master the skills of the digital age will certainly fall behind.
Advice for Aspiring Speakers and Authors
We wanted to know what advice Ria Vorster would give to aspiring public speakers, authors, or facilitators who want to make an impact, so we asked her for her insights.
Ria Vorster: Know that these careers are not about you, they are about serving others. If your soul is not yearning to encourage people, even the less fortunate, then you will not be honest with yourself. These careers are not about financial security. It is about encouraging your fellow human beings to feel good about themselves and building their self-esteem to face the world with all the difficulties they will encounter. If you think public speaking is a skill, you are mistaken. It is your passion to go out and do what the universe is expecting you to do.
Being a facilitator you must approach your sessions making your attendees believe they are in a theatre being entertained by someone. If that energy is not coming through, it is time to find another career. Authors will have to be patient to succeed one day. Never give up! It takes perseverance and tenacity to believe in yourself. Your day will come when you say: “I did it!” “A publisher accepted my manuscript!”
Life Lessons Ria Vorster Shares in Her Speeches
We were curious about the life lessons Ria Vorster emphasizes in her sessions and speeches, so we asked her to share one lesson that she always highlights.
Ria Vorster: You are unique. Believe in yourself and allow your soul to tell your mind. He will never disappoint you.
Gratitude for Your Inspiring Story
Ria, we are truly grateful for the time and thoughtfulness you’ve shared in this interview. Your story, wisdom, and passion for helping others are deeply inspiring. Thank you for opening up and offering such valuable insights into communication, personal growth, and empowerment. Your journey is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have when we follow our true calling. We appreciate you and all the incredible work you continue to do!
