This month IoH Youth Council Vice Chair, Lizzie Grundy AIH reviews: ‘Gravitas – Timeless Skills to Communicate with Confidence and Build Trust’ by Dr Louise Mahler.
Visit our FREE IoH Online Library
This book challenges the idea that confidence and presence are qualities you’re either born with or not. Instead, Mahler explains how these are skills anyone can develop through practice, self-awareness and conscious communication.
Drawing on the traditions of ancient Greek and Roman orators, alongside modern leadership thinking, Mahler explores how our voice, posture, gestures, breathing and mindset influence the way others perceive us. The book encourages readers to think beyond what they say and consider how they communicate their message.
What stood out to me was the idea that gravitas isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or pretending to know everything. I liked how Mahler presents confidence as something that can be developed authentically, through preparation and practice, rather than by adopting a leadership persona that doesn’t feel natural.
I could relate to the challenges younger professionals can face when speaking up in meetings, presenting ideas or stepping into positions of responsibility before feeling fully confident. The book offers a helpful reminder that technical knowledge alone isn’t always enough; being able to communicate clearly and build trust is just as important.
This is particularly relevant to hospitality, where human connection is at the heart of what we do. Whether welcoming guests, resolving concerns, motivating teams or presenting ideas to senior leaders, the way we communicate can have a significant impact. Developing these skills can help us build stronger relationships, deliver better service and become more effective leaders.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its practical approach. Rather than treating communication as a natural talent, Mahler breaks it down into skills that can be observed, practised and improved. The exercises and frameworks can be applied to everyday situations, including interviews, meetings, presentations and online communication.
Ultimately, Gravitas is a valuable read for hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers. It offers practical tools to help build confidence, overcome presentation anxiety and communicate with greater clarity, while remaining authentic to who you are.
As the next generation of hospitality professionals continues to develop their communication and leadership skills, this book is a useful reminder that trusted leadership begins with how we connect with others.
This review and rating are the opinion of the reviewer.
5 stars = Exceptional not to be missed | 4.5 stars = Essential read | 4 stars =Very good | 3 stars = Good | 2 stars = Poor | 1 star = Very poor
This book falls under the Business and Leadership pillars of the IoH’s Five Pillars of Learning, an approach to continuing professional development based on the five core areas of hospitality management.
Record your CPD Hours: This book forms part of a member’s CPD hours. You can log your CPD hours here.
Find out more about the IoH’s Five Pillars of Learning here.
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
Your business card may take a moment to be generated. You can save your business card by right clicking -> save image as, or holding down on the image on your phone.
