Presentation Excellence

Presentation Skills

Overview

Presenting to groups is one of the most stressful things that many people have to do. This is borne out by the fact that speaking in public is the number one phobia in the world today. This poses a dilemma, in that most presentations are not just about information, they are also about reputations. They are about communication rather than recital of facts and figures. Delivering your message in a clear, relevant and meaningful way for a range of different audiences requires skill, as does handling the nerves. These skills can be taught. The workshop examines, analyses and improves upon the communication of information from a presenter to an audience.

Aims of the Training

The overall aim of this training is to significantly improve the standard, professionalism and impact of presentations, which have been designed to influence or inform an audience.
<       Improve self image and build confidence
<       Deal with nerves and harness nervous energy in a creative way
<       Examine, analyse and improve upon the communication of information from a presenter to an audience
<       Develop structures to plan for success
<       Provide methods and skills on how to influence an audience and handle questions and anticipation with ease
<       Improve congruity of message and heighten competency
<       Explore the workings of small and large group presentations
<       Provide opportunities to practice skills addressed during the workshops and thereby achieve greater performance
<       Allow for the communication of complex information to an audience in an interesting and non-threatening way
<       Examine the subject of visual aids, their use, control and sequencing 

All the problems faced by the presenter will be addressed. Examples of the areas for inclusion are:
<       Physical skills and personal image to maintain rapport
<       Audience contact and control
<       Planning and organisation of material
<       Translating technical subjects for non-technical groups
<       Use of visual media: flipcharts, PowerPoint, etc.
<       Creating productive dialogue and maintaining group rapport
<       Handling audience participation assertively
<       Gaining commitment and moving to action

Methods
The results are achieved through a series of videoed presentations. These are designed as a ‘vehicle’ to practice the skills, which have been introduced in formal input sessions by the trainers. There will be the opportunity to do at least five short presentations during each workshop and to learn the skills from a variety of ‘perceptual positions’. Each participant will then receive individual attention, coaching and feedback from the Performance Coach so that everyone is stretched and challenged appropriately dependent upon their personal development potential. Encouragement is given to experiment with different presentation styles and to gauge the effect upon the audience. Thus, the repertoire of options that each presenter can adopt is extended and versatility is improved. The workshop is highly participative, constructive and enjoyable with 100% of the time being devoted to the acquisition of relevant practical skills.

Participants
Our expectations are that people attend the programme willingly and are open to learn about themselves and their impact on others. In addition, the methods require a shared responsibility for learning, with participants contributing their involvement, experience, ideas and interests. Tutorial staff will maintain responsibility for overall design and direction and provide a climate in which support and learning can take place.

Results
This presentation skills programme utilises accelerated learning techniques, and is therefore guaranteed to improve anybody’s presentation ability, subject to their learning ability, regardless of their role, status or experience with the organisation.

Duration
2 Days, with an optional additional Consolidation Day.