To Find Out More. Call Us on
+44(0)121 616 0575 Busy?..
click here & we'll call you back
“If we always do what we always did, we will always get what we always got.” –Jackie ‘Moms’ Mabley
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
Duke Ellington
"Neither politicians nor business leaders can lead today without the ability to communicate with
audiences of all sizes or compositions"
Michael Sheehan
(speech coach to Bill Clinton)
|
|
What We Do > Workshops > Commercial
Beyond mere delivery of training material, these workshops are delivered by hands-on professional experts, so you can pose scenarios and questions relevent to your situation and organisation. You will leave with answers, so you can immediately put it into practice.
Each course can be tailored to fit your specific requirements, at your place of work, or in any part of the World. (for price guidence, see bespoke rates for each course)
Sound Commercial skills are the backbone of every Successful business.
|
You're a professional and have years of speaking experience. Unfortunately even accomplished speakers such as politicians fail to connect with their delivery. Would it be beneficial if your audience remembered what you said and they could repeat your key points two weeks later? Would it be adventageous if prospects knew 'why' you are the chosen vendor ahead of your competition? Free Speaking Tips here You don’t have to be a "born speaker" to make lively, interesting, effective presentations. This course aimed at business professionals will show you how to go beyond PowerPoint. More Details. |
 |
Good publicity and interviews don't happen by accident. The press, radio and television present enormous opportunities for your organisation to make a positive impact. Whether one to one or in small groups this media training delivered by an ITV/Central news anchor, shows you how to maximise return on your PR opportunities, from making a story to turning a TV interview to your advantage. More Details. |
 |
This workshop has been designed to provide you with a strong appreciation of the commercial environment. |
 |
Whilst many businesses want to bid for contracts, few have the time required. Those that do, often get little or no return on their investment in time. Arm yourself with the knowledge, tools and skills. Master the bid and tender management process and engineer yourself a profitable long term future and highly valuable customer base. |
 |
Winning new business is a challenge for companies of all sizes. When you face the same issues and problems day after day, you often can’t see the wood for the trees. |
Each course has a maximum of 10 places and minimum of 6, and are allocated on a first come first service basis. DISCOUNT - Take on site at your premises. You provide the venue/refreshments, you receive a hefty discount. (min numbers apply) Let us know numbers and dates required then contact us. |
|
PUBLIC SPEAKING for Professionals
What Is This Workshop About?
Public Speaking for Professionals.
You're a professional and have years of speaking experience. Unfortunately even accomplished speakers such as politicians fail to connect with their delivery.
For example, would Barack Obama have become US President if he delivered speeches like Gordon Brown?
Would it be beneficial if your audience remembered what you said and they could repeat your key points two weeks later? Would it be adventageous if prospects knew 'why' you are the chosen vendor ahead of your competition?
You've probably noticed as your career advances, the more frequently you've been requested to speak. Whilst most people manage to pull this off successfully, they rarely make the impact of trained speakers.
By applying what you learn on this course, you will deliver speeches that leave a lasting impression and single out you & your organisation as something special.
Feedback
Feedback is an important element of this course. Delegates receive constant feedback as they learn and put the techniques into practice, along with recommendations for improvements. Whilst we don't shy away from telling the truth, all feedback is highly positive. You will receive recommendations for improvement, but also learn your strengths and the best aspects of your speaking. We don't do negative.
Standing Out from the Crowd
You will learn continuous improvement techniques of evaluation, so you continue to grow as a speaker.
Whether for business presentations or speeches; attending this course you will drastically improve your speaking ability and gravitas. Memorable speeches, that make you shine and stand out from the crowd.
Picture the audience jumping to their feet in appreciation of your speech or presentation …what would an experience like that do for your reputation, your career, your organisation?
Who should Attend?
This course aimed at business people, builds on your existing skills. Drawing on everything from ancient master speakers, speech writing and the use of rhetorical devices that will make your audience want to applaud, (even in business presentations). The vanilla course may be tailored to suit your exact requirements (bespoke course cost)
Post course support
Each delegate leaves with a speaking guide that you can use to apply the techniques to your next speech. You will also have direct access to your course tutors for one month after the course finishes to help you apply what you've learnt. Click here for Free Public Speaking Tips
Note: If you prefer individual coaching, geared towards preparing for a major speech or presentation. Click here to request more information. Or Drop us a line if you want to ask another question.
Objectives
Course Benefits
Learning Outcomes
Who Should Attend
Course Content
Free Support
About Your Trainer
Public Speaking |
|||
Date |
|||
Duration |
2 Days for full course. Or can be taken as single days; Intermediate & Advanced |
||
Price |
GBP £425 + VAT (two days) |
||
Price guide £2K- £4K (plus expenses) depending on changes required. Contact us. |
|||
Location |
Birmingham or a location of your choice. |
||
Venue |
Institute of Directors, Birmingham |
||
Registration |
09:00 – 09:30 |
||
Seminar Close |
17:00 |
||
Other Dates |
|
|
|
Objectives
Understanding what makes for an effective or ineffective presentation, depends on knowing about what audiences like and dislike, much of the course content is based on speaking experience and research into audience reactions to speeches and presentations.
- Deliver dynamic, effective speeches/presentations which are concise & clear
- Create strong openings and closings.
- Build audience rapport through eye contact, vocal variety and body language.
- Capture and maintain audience interest and attention.
- Learn the rhetorical devices of speaking legends, that will earn you standing ovations.
- Develop Visual Aids that dazzle and reinforce your message (inc PowerPoint)
- Learn your individual strengths, with the recommendations that will make you shine.
- Improve your preparation, structure and delivery.
- Conquer speech nerves
What makes an effective speech or presentation, (and why so many fail)
Techniques to improve your preparation, structure and delivery of your presentations.
Learn your particular strengths and weaknesses.
Course Benefits
The course draws on the oratory skills of the legendary speakers of the past. Learn the rhetorical devices of speaking legends, that may go on to earn you standing ovations.
- Convey a message in a clear, concise and engaging manner.
- The knowledge to plan and deliver well-structured, polished speeches/presentations.
- Use PowerPoint to reinforce your message and enhance audience experience.
- How to add and use humour to your speaking
- Practical delivery techniques to communicate & reinforce your message, so you can focus on audience objectives.
- Learn by preparing, evaluating and speaking BUT from within a positive supportive environment.
- Receive recommendations for improvement rather than criticism (there's a big difference); together with feedback on what you do well along so you can build on your personal strengths.
Learning Outcomes
- How to win and hold the attention of audiences.
- Speaking techniques that maximise impact.
- Techniques to enhance your credibility & gravitas
- How spoken and written communication differ.
- Communicating technical material more effectively.
- Planning, structuring and rehearsal of a presentation.
- Highly effective use of visual aids (such as PowerPoint)
- Increasing impact with voice and body language
- Identifying individual strengths and weaknesses.
- How to Introduce and use Humour to your speaking
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who wants to deliver presentations and speeches that dazzle and persuade:
- CEOs, Directors, Management or anyone who presents to the board
- Anyone who delivers (or wants to deliver) key note speeches at conferences or workshops
- Sales Teams looking for a unique edge (over and above PowerPoint approach)
- Anyone looking to fast track their Public Speaking skills
Due to the supportive and positive nature, this course is suitable for anyone who feels uncomfortable of public speaking. You will be expected to speak during this course but you WILL improve dramatically.
This course vanilla course can be tailored to suit your exact requirements such as for specific groups eg, graduates, sales teams etc (Bespoke course)
Please Note: The standard course is designed for professionals and assumes at least some prior experience of speaking in front of a group of people, for that reason it's not suitable for the complete novice. If you're unsure drop us a line
Click here for Free Speaking Tips
Course Content
Each course is designed achieve the specific objectives of delegates, therefore emphasis and content can changes slightly to suit requirements. We also provide the more cost effective bespoke courses at your premises.
General vanilla course overview:
THE AUDIENCE. Keeping them engaged
SPEECH CRAFT BASICS. How to Write an Effective Speech. Opening and Closing.
SILENCE and the POWER of the PAUSE. Confidence and Gravitas
CONQUERING NERVES
VOCAL VARIETY, PACE & VOLUME
LANGUAGE of SPEECH Intonation & Conversation
BODY LANGUAGE In Front of the Audience
DELIVERY and differences between Writing and Speaking
SPEAKING WITH POWER & PERSUASIVE WORDS Persuasion/Inspiration. Advanced Techniques & Rhetorical Devices
ADDING HUMOUR Writing Your Own. Guidelines to Humorous delivery.
EVALUATION The Art of Continuous Improvement
VISUAL AIDS Use of PowerPoint, Talk & Chalk
STRUCTURE & PRESENTATION Pulling it all Together
Free Support
Click here to see Public Speaking Tips (these are extracts of the full course)
After attending the course you will receive free email/telephone support for a period of one month to help you with your forthcoming presentations and speeches. Plus a 50% discount on all personal one to one coaching for a period of 3 months.
MEDIA TRAINING
What Is This Workshop About?
Media Training
Good publicity and interviews don't happen by accident. The press, radio and television present enormous opportunities for your organisation to make a positive impact.
Virgin saved itself millions of pound in advertising, by propagating good PR and turning difficult situations to their advantage.
Whether one to one or in small groups this media training shows you how to maximise return on your PR opportunities, from making a story to turning a TV interview to your advantage.
This course is delivered by an extremely experienced journalist with over 20 years experience covering stories on and off air with both radio and TV. She brings a wealth of media experience and expertise to help you project exactly the right image and message (see below for more details)
Note: If you prefer individual coaching. Click here to request more information. Or Drop us a line if you want to ask another question.
Objectives
Course Assignments
Course Content
About Your TrainerThis is a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of turning the media to your advantage, directly from the journalist and TV presenter Llewela Bailey. Originally from Sheffield, her journalistic career began as in local radio, before moving to ITV Central News as a main anchor in 1989. Now working in a “poacher turned gamekeeper” role, she helps corporate organizations, improve their PR and get the better of journalists with her media training. Llewela is also much in demand as an after dinner speaker and event compere. |
Objectives
This course is a combination of real, informed advice from a media expert and practical interview experience and has been designed to help you define, refine and deliver your story.
This course simulates real situations, so when it comes to a real interview, you'll know exactly what to do.
After completing the media training, you will understand the workings of news media, what makes a good story and how to use it your advantage. You will be far more confident in front of camera and all dealings with the press in general.
Course Assignments
Each delegate puts theory into practice and is filmed on camera, during the training with a live interviews.
Llewela will conduct a challenging interview, followed by feedback and instruction, before moving into a warm breakfast TV on-air chat; focusing on aspects of your delivery and how we can improve you still further.
Each delegate leaves with an instruction book and a DIY PR guide.
Course Content
- Workings of a newsroom; print, radio & TV
- How to approach a newsdesk
- What makes a story -What will and won’t interest a journalist
- How to think through and prepare for an interview.
- How perform an interview on camera.
- Getting your message across.
- Dealing with difficult questions
- Five essential questions to ask before agreeing to a TV or Radio interview.
- Crisis handling. How to deal with the media when you’re facing a crisis.
Each course is designed achieve the specific objectives of delegates, therefore empahsis and content changes slightly to suit your requirements. We also provide bespoke courses at your premises, which is often more cost effective.
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS
What Is This Seminar About?
As a manager or in a in a technical role, an engineer or business specialist, you'll have enough to worry about without concerning yourself with the commercial aspects of business.
Unfortunately purely focusing on your job function often isn't sufficient to get ahead. Your success depends on your company winning and fulfilling orders.
This workshop has been designed to provide you with a strong appreciation of the commercial environment.
With a better understanding of business & commercial objectives, you can see more clearly how you can actively contribute to them; significantly helping your company and career advancement. View Brochure
About Your Trainer
|
The Commercial Engineer |
Pencil Me in Spaces |
View Brochure | |
Date |
|||
Duration |
1 Day |
||
Price |
GBP £345 + VAT (includes lunch & refreshments) |
||
Location |
Birmingham |
||
Venue |
Institute of Directors, Birmingham |
||
Registration |
09:00 – 09:30 |
||
Seminar Close |
17:00 |
||
Other Dates |
|
|
|
Key Benefits
Who Should Attend
Content -View Brochure
Key Benefits
This programme will help you:
- Gain a crucial sense of commercial awareness. A better understanding of business objectives and how you can actively contribute to them.
- Understanding contracts; together with a working knowledge of terms & technicalities
- Add to your organisation’s commercial management
- Understand the financial issues and appreciate business challenges faced by your accounting colleagues – no conflict, collaboration.
- Contribute the logic and reason, commercial judgements & boost career development.
Who Should Attend?
Managers, Senior Execs or anyone in a discipline where performance has a direct impact on the success of the company.For Example;
- Project managers/directors/engineers
- Engineers – design/mechanical/maintenance
- Technical cost and estimating managers
- Production/programme managers
- Product managers
- Sales managers
- Business development managers
- Contract managers
- Commercial managers
- Executives & Small Business Owners
FINDING & WINNING NEW AEROSPACE/DEFENCE BUSINESS download flyer
Safeguard the future of your business -in any economic climate.
 |
What Is This Seminar About?
Winning More NEW Business
Winning new business is a challenge for companies of all sizes. When you face the same issues and problems day after day, you often can’t see the wood for the trees.
Find YOUR Winning Formula
This workshop is your chance to pose the issues, problems and challenges in YOUR business externally to experts, who have been there and done it. Regardless of larger or better known competitors, you will come away with a fresh approach, a totally new perspective and more importantly a plan you can put into action immediately.
Bring Along current and past Challenges and come away with answers
Delegates are encouraged to bring along current or past challenges during this highly interactive 2 days view Brochure
The whole two days, is geared directly to win YOU more business.
Finding & Winning Aerospace Tenders |
Pencil Me In Spaces |
View Brochure | |
Date |
|||
Duration |
2 Days (2 trainers for full two days) |
||
Price |
GBP £475 + VAT (includes lunch & all refreshments) |
||
Location |
Birmingham |
||
Venue |
Institute of Directors, Birmingham |
||
Registration |
09:00 – 09:30 |
||
Workshop Close |
17:00 |
||
Other Dates |
|
|
|
Your Expert Trainers |
|
As Commercial Manager at Bombardier Aerospace, Paul Shields was lead negotiator and contract signatory to aerospace contracts worth hundreds of millions and responsible for multi-million pound cost reduction initiatives. Now on the other side of the fence; Paul’s skills are in constant demand, helping the Aerospace industry in North America & across Europe win major contractual bids, assisting Tier 1 & 2 suppliers with several Billion dollars of tendering in the past six years. Author of his own unique "Six Pillars" approach to
|
With over 25 years Sales and Commercial experience, for major European and US Corporates, Marcus has led many bid teams down the ‘Champagne Trail. In the last five years he has been accountable for nearly a thousand bids, valued at over £1.5 Billion. Marcus is familiar with the challenges of winning bids for businesses of all sizes. As well as writing and managing bids on behalf of his clients, Marcus also delivers Tender Skills workshops for Chartered Management Institute and the Yorkshire Kickstart programme. His techniques have won major contracts with organisations as diverse as: NHS, Ministry of Defence, Marks & Spencers, the Environment Agency and Centrica. |
Who Should Attend
Content
Payment
Who Should Attend?
Anyone involved in, or wanting involvement in tendering for Aerospace bids, where outcome has a direct impact on the success of the company.
For Example:
- Directors
- Sales Teams
- Bid Professionals
- Sales managers
- Sales Professionals
- Business development directors/managers
- Contract managers
- Commercial managers
- Consultants, Executives or Small Business Owners
- Project managers/directors/engineers
- Technical cost and estimating managers
Content
Workshop Topics include:
- Finding & Winning New Business (non Tender)
- Business Development -What you do right
- Standing Out From the Crowd
- Overcoming Hurdles/Objections
- The Must Know of Prospect Alignment
- Finding Profitable Tenders
- Formula for Effective Bids
- Saving Time -The Bid/No Bid Decision
- Top of the Pile -Proposal Preparation
- Max Profit -Procurement & Cost Estimating
- Building Partnerships And Alliances
- Contractual Negotiation -what you should know
- The Winning Sales Contract
- Focusing on Wins -Risk Management
- After You’ve Won -increasing momentum
- Being overlooked in place of larger, better known companies
- Organisations withdrawing bid opportunity mid-process
- Misinterpretation of tender requirements
- Copy of the 'Bidding for Public Sector Business' handbook (RRP £39.99)
- Excel file of all current CPV codes, so you can find more business to bid on
- An example proposal template
- Sample de-brief questionnaire
- Section templates eg, Exec Summary
- File with all workshop slides
- Sales managers
- Sales Professionals
- Business development managers
- Contract managers
- Commercial managers
- Consultants, Executives or Small Business Owners
- Project managers/directors/engineers
- Engineers – design/mechanical/maintenance
- Technical cost and estimating managers
- Production/programme managers
- Product managers Workshop Content
- Course Mission Statement – Objectives and Aspirations
- Introductions and Exercise in Managing A Tender Brief
- The Background and Introduction to Effective Tendering
- Types of Tenders and the differences between bidding to the public sector and the private sector
- Obtaining opportunities – How To!
- The Elements of the Compelling Tendering Formula – and what they mean.
- The Commercial Decision – To Bid Or Not To Bid and the “Business Fit” – Risk Assessment
- The Five Planning Stages of Managing a Successful Bid
- The WHY? Question
- Benefits and Perceived Value v. Features / The Common Buying Motives
- Defining Effective Proof Statements
WINNING PROFITABLE TENDERS download flyer
What Is This Seminar About?
Many organisations invest countless hours on the tender process, often with little or no return on their investment. Some will tell you 'it's a numbers game.' believing they'll win through eventually. Unfortunately, most people who undertake the writing of bids are not bid professionals or have never received any training. You will come away with everything you need to begin writing winning bids. All delegates receive a flash drive including: |
About Your Trainer Marcus Eden-Ellis With 25 years Sales and Commercial experience, working at senior director for several major UK and US Corporates Marcus has led countless bid teams down the ‘Champagne Trail. Incredibly innovative, he achieves wins by re-focusing their response on differentiation; even in apparently identical companies he still manages to pull a ‘rabbit out of the hat’ His techniques have won major strategic contracts with organisations as diverse as Marks & Spencer’s, Centrica and the NHS and MoD. |
Bids & Tender Skills |
|
View Brochure | ||
Duration |
2 Days |
|||
Price |
GBP £345 + VAT (includes lunch & refreshments) |
|||
Location/Date |
London TBC |
Birmingham 25%Discount |
Leeds |
Burnley |
Registration |
09:00 – 09:30 |
|||
Who Should Attend
Content
Payment
“I was told that our tender was the best by far and
that if we continued to present tenders of that
standard then we will definitely continue to be |
“I have just looked at the CD you gave us following the two day tender writing course. Given how good the two days were, this just makes it even better. The content is superb, so I would like to thank you very much indeed.. ” DAVID WOOD - HALO |
“...thank you again for
your insight at the tenders seminar today. I'm just
looking through my notes now, and there is so
much useful information; it will certainly help me
develop our bid document, literature and web
content. Had an ITT waiting for me at the office
this afternoon, so fingers crossed!” |
Who Should Attend?
Anyone involved in, or wanting involvement in tendering for bids, where outcome has a direct impact on the success of the company.
For Example:
Content includes:
FREE TIPS & HELP SECTION
PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR PROFESSIONALS TIPS
The following links take you to tip extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content (this is not representative of full course contents). Click here to view details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Click the section you want to read:
How to Write an Effective Speech...
-Preparation
-Where Do I Begin
Conquering Nerves When Public Speaking...
Public Speaking Body Language ...
-Facial expressions
-Gestures & Body movement
-Eye Contact
Delivery of Public Speaking...
Use of Rhetoric in Public Speaking...
-What is Rhetoric?
-Examples of Rhetoric
-Benefits of Rhetoric
Adding Humour to your Speech...
-Why Humour?
-Quotations and Anecdotes
-Writing Your Own Comedy
Visual Aids. PowerPoint, Talk & Chalk ...
7 Point Plan to Create Amazing Powerpoint Presentations...
Four Steps to a Perfect Presentation...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
How to Write an Effective Speech
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
When writing a speech, the best place to begin is in your head; don’t be panicked into writing a full speech immediately.
Preparation Where Do I Begin Writing My Speech?
As part of your preparation, and before writing your speech, find out about your audience:
- Who are they, why are they there
- Will they have any objectives
- What will they know/believe (relative to your message)
- Age range and background
- Size of audience
Where Do I Begin Writing My Speech?
Once you have your purpose, you need a structure – a way of keeping all your words together in a framework, perhaps a story, or a puzzle that you go on to solve.
Focus on getting your audience's attention at the start and then trying to keep that attention steady throughout. This is tricky but there are ways to keep people’s ears pricked up.
Jot your thoughts down on a piece of paper, never begin writing your speech on a computer without preparing the basics first.
Introduction. Focus on getting your audience's attention at the start and then trying to keep the attention steady throughout. This can be tricky but as you’ll learn, there are plenty of ways to keep people’s ears pricked up.
Body. This is the main part of your speech. Think about the single central message you want people to leave with. You can write your body as three main points to support your central message. You can build each point with questions, examples, similes from every day life (you will learn more techniques later in course). Wherever possible repeat your single central message as often as you can.
Conclusion. When it comes to closing a speech with impact, less is always more. Re-state your central message and why it’s important, perhaps supported with a summary of the key points in your body. Or maybe relate a quotation to your message. If you can (and it’s appropriate) finish with impact and passion.
Begin writing with the speech body:
- List key points
- Arrange them in order
- Expand those points
- Develop an introduction
- Develop a close
- When rehearsing think in general themes, rather than trying to remember your speech verbatim.
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
CONQUERING NERVES WHEN PUBLIC SPEAKING
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Nerves can seem to paralyse, giving the impression of an emotionless zombie.
Stress causes women’s voices to get squeaky and men’s voices become monotonous.
Even highly accomplished speakers get nervous before speaking, the aim of these techniques is to minimize and control, rather than eliminate your nerves.
Everyone is different. Try these techniques out and highlight the ones that help you most:
- Place your focus on walking confidently up to the front; shoulders back, head held high (useful if you are particularly terrified).
- Take deep slow breaths beforehand. Clench your fists and open it slowly
- Once at the front, don’t feel rushed to start, allow yourself time.
- Before you speak, pause, smile and make eye contact with the audience –whilst breathing. You’ll feel better and reassure your audience; the audience will relax, which will magnify your confidence.
- Allow your preparation give you confidence, you DO know your subject.
- Try to use any fear to fuel the passion you have for your message:
- Rather than thinking about speaking, focus all your attention on your message:
- Focus on what your message means to you.
- Why it’s important.
- If you feel passionate about it, speak from your tummy and don’t be afraid to let your passion out.
- Before you go on stage, visualize the audience applauding and beaming with admiration.
- You won’t have to speak for more than a few minutes, so it’ll soon be over.
- Remember, most people fear public speaking above death, the audience will be thankful that you are doing something they expect to be done, but nobody actually wants to do.
- Alcohol won’t help!
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
PUBLIC SPEAKING BODY LANGUAGE
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Body language is an important part of speaking because it enhances your message and gives you more credibility. It also helps release any nervousness you may feel.
Stance, movement, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact help communicate your message and achieve your speech’s purpose. If you want to deliver a calm speech your body has to convey calm, if you want to deliver an exciting speech you’ve got to be excited.
Good Body Language consists of:
- Facial expressions
- Gestures
- Whole body movement
Your Face Communicates:
- Attitudes Sincerity
- Feelings Attention
- Emotions Honesty
Good Eye Contact Communicates confidence and respect.
Varying Your Position:
- When making a point, walk closer to the audience.
- When changing the topic, walk to one side of the room
- When asking a question, walk toward the audience.
In Front of the Audience
Stand tall, take your time and try to speak as though there is only one person you are addressing (but remembering there are more and you will instantly have an air of authority.
Eye contact with individual members of the audience is vital; take care to look around everyone, so that they all feel included. If you're too nervous to look them in the eye, look at their forehead, it will still make them feel involved.
Be yourself and let your enthusiasm for the subject shine through, this is what will engage your audience and immediately put them on your side.
What should I do with my hands when speaking?
Let your gestures come naturally. Start by letting your hands relax by your side or allow them rest on a lectern if there is one (don’t grip it tightly).
Avoid putting your hands in your pockets, and/or jingling money; clasping hands in front or behind you. A good technique to use is ...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
DELIVERY when PUBLIC SPEAKING
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
To be understood, avoid:
• Words rarely used in conversation, it makes it difficult for the audience to understand what you’re talking about.
• Jargon and acronyms, or at least keep them to a minimum.
• Slang and swearing -it’s not worth the risk of offending someone.
Remember writing can convey far more information than the spoken word. One of the most common mistakes made in presentations, is trying to convey more information than is possible with the spoken word, or reproducing a report into slides. Providing too much information, there’s a danger you will come across as insecure or lacking confidence -and/or boring your audience.
This problem is especially relevant to the use of PowerPoint. Most presenters don’t take the time to simplify their message and merely reproduce a report, which they proceed to read from the screen.
Aim to simplify the content just beyond your comfort level; and you will give the impression of being authoritative and in command of your subject matter.
In presentations associated with written documents or reports, aim to make ...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
USE of RHETORIC in PUBLIC SPEAKING
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
What is Rhetoric?
Rhetoric is simply using words in different ways to influence or make an impact on the people listening.
Rhetorical techniques work to gain the audience's attention, give emphasis, cue a reaction and help the audience remember what is said.
Before television and computers, the spoken word was the most powerful form of communication. The ancient Greeks held it in such high esteem, they even taught the art of rhetoric to their school children.
Politicians still use ancient rhetorical techniques to win applause or the hearts and minds of voters. You can use rhetoric techniques to massively increase the impact of your speech or presentation.
Examples of Rhetoric
Welcoming the finalists in the 2008 Masters Snooker tournament, instead of just introducing them as Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby, it was much more effective to say 'Rocket Ronnie' and the 'Jester from Leicester'. It sounds better, gives an intriguing image and is memorable. This is rhetoric.
Almost all good speeches finish in the future. So Barack Obama's inauguration speech ended with the image of delivering the 'gift of freedom' to future generations. Again, this is rhetoric.
Benefits of Rhetoric
These techniques are particularly powerful at the beginning, end or in summarising a section within your speech, or they can act as a link to another section.
Using these techniques will provide you with gravitas, punch and credibility and will nearly always result in applause. Where applause is not appropriate, such as business presentations, the audience will feel compelled to find other ways to show their appreciation.
The List of Three
This is a classic rhetorical technique. For some reason, the human mind reacts favourably to ideas and concepts presented in lists of three.
In the English language the list of three is seen as the embodiment of wisdom. There’s no apparent reason why they work but they do. You can have lists of sounds, lists of words, lists of phrases – just don't overdo it.
Building up to a key point with a list of three can have a dramatic effect on your audience.
Lord Spencer’s speech at Princess Diana's funeral, started:
“I stand before you today the representative of a family in grief, in a country in mourning, before a world in shock.”
We were all included in an incredibly electric way. Lord Spencer used a simple structure, going up a scale in - a list of 3.
Used in isolation these techniques ...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
HOW TO ADD HUMOUR TO YOUR SPEECH
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Why Humour?
Delivering humour, especially within the first minute of speaking will relax your audience and prepare them for listening to your central message.
It is not necessary to be naturally funny to add humour. People are often surprised to learn that many stand up comedians are no more funny that the rest of us, they merely know the techniques necessary to deliver in such a way they elicit laughter -they are excellent public speakers.
Quotations and Anecdotes
Perhaps the best and simplest way is to use humorous quotations or anecdotes.
It’s not enough just to repeat the words, you must work on practicing your delivery, using the classic set-up/punch format, together with the other speaking techniques you have learned, such as slowing down your speech, maintaining good eye contact.
If you are using an anecdote, focus on making your delivery conversational, as if you were telling it to a group of friends.
Contrast
Create or find humour with contrast. Use the same list of three techniques already discussed; use the third item creates contrast; or create an alternative contrast to something known:
“Scientists are starting to use lawyers instead of rats for their studies.
They do this for two reasons: one, because scientists become less attached to their lawyers, and two, because there are some things even rats won’t do.” Robin Williams
Writing Your Own Comedy
Stand-up comedy involves a very specific joke-writing format and is often the quickest, most efficient way to get laughs. Doing this involves brevity and good, tight editing. Remember you’re not doing stand up, a simple smile will often suffice. Any humour at all will be appreciated by your audience.
Anatomy of A Joke
A joke must have at least one of two elements - exaggeration or surprise. So a good way to tell if a joke will work is to ask yourself if it contains some sort of exaggeration of reality, some sort of unexpected twist, or both.
Joke writing rules
Whilst there are no real rules in comedy, most humorous techniques follow a simple set-up/punch format. The set-up establishes the scene, (this is often the most wordy part); followed by slight pause and delivery of your punch line. The tiny pause between set-up and punch is critical, as it sub-consciously prepares your audience to get ready to laugh.
Simplicity is the key, most comedy set-ups have a maximum of 5 lines; the punch often less than 5 words.
Generating Punchlines & Making it Funny
The best way to generate punchlines is to come up with five or six for each setup, then choose the best.
The setup also contains your attitude to your topic, either stated or implied. Do you think your topic is weird? Stupid? Does it frustrate you? Bother you? Your attitude is what gives rise to the humor in the punchline.
Often your topic isn’t what’s funny, it’s how you feel about your topic that gets the laugh.
Basic Guidelines to Humour
Follow these guidelines for the delivery of humor...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
VISUAL AIDS -POWERPOINT, TALK & CHALK
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Visual Aids
Visual aids help an audience understand and remember what they hear; they are a valuable tool for speakers. The most popular visual aid are computer-based visuals such as PowerPoint but also overhead transparencies, flip charts, whiteboards, and props.
The type of visual aid you choose depends on several factors, including the information you wish to display and the size of the audience. Visuals must be appropriate for your message and the audience, and be displayed correctly with ease and confidence.
• Select visual aids that are appropriate for your message and the audience
• Use visual aids correctly with ease and confidence
Presentations
The term presentation has become distorted over the years, most people now interpret a presentation as PowerPoint, when a presentation should be focussed on delivering a message, PowerPoint is merely a visual aid to enable that to happen.
Less is Always More -Your Message
Spoken word, PowerPoint, Talk and Chalk; whatever means you use for your presentation, remember the single most important thing is communicating a message.
Being able to communicate ideas or concepts very simply, generally requires massive effort and thought but your audience will love you for it.
Less is always more, but you have to put more in, to get the ‘less’
If you want to communicate a message effectively and perhaps make a difference to your career, change how people view you, focus on your audience and take the time out, to work on simplifying your message.
PowerPoint
PowerPoint helps communicate big or complex ideas between groups of people quickly and efficiently
As previously discussed, communication is about transferring a message, to help our audience understand.
Unfortunately, rather than supporting a message, PowerPoint tends to get used to create a file of facts and figures, hence the term “Death by PowerPoint”-if this is the case you might as well just send in a report.
Selling Ideas
Whether we like it or not, as communicators we’re affectively sales people. We must become champions of the message. Use PowerPoint to support the words of your message, not as a medium to display reports.
If you believe in your idea, sell it. Get back to basics of the spoken word. Make your point as hard as you can and get what you came for. Your audience will thank you for it, because deep down, we all want to be sold.
Take Aways
There is a tendency to provide audiences with a paper copy of your slide set, so they have something to take away. Don’t. Create instead a written document as a leave-behind. Try to resist the temptation to merely print out your slides. Create a short summary document that focuses on your central message(s).
BUT make sure you don’t hand it out at the beginning! If you do, people will read the memo while you’re talking and ignore you.
Your goal is to get them to sit back, trust you and take in the emotional and intellectual points of your presentation.
If appropriate, also consider ...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
7 Point Plan to Amazing Powerpoint Presentations
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
7 Point Plan:
1. Write your presentation BEFORE you touch a computer.
2. Keep words to a minimum (ideally less than 10) & NEVER read your slides*
3. Use Images more than words & reinforce the emotion of your message (avoid standard clip art**)
4. When presenting data, keep it to a minimum.
5. Limit bullet points to 3-5 max with 1-3 words (never on more than one line)
6. Use animations or sound to enhance only, be careful not to appear gimmicky
7. Don’t hand out print-outs of your slides. They don’t work without you there.
* If you need a reminder of what to say, use your notes but keep the audience slide fresh & simple.
** Use instead professional stock images For example, www.istockphoto.com
Useful little known PowerPoint Speaker Functions...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Four Steps to a Perfect Presentation
Extracts from Public Speaking For Professionals Course Content
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.
Try not to let the pressure of your forthcoming speech or presentation push you to a computer until you have got the foundations of your message right.
Avoid the use of a computer, until you have a clear idea of where you’re going and how to get there.
Stage 1. Your Audience
- Consider who will be in the audience & how many?
- Think about age range, cultural diversity and delicate issues to avoid offence.
- What will be their perspective/opinions? (what will you have to convince them of?)
- Consider the venue, the room layout, your position in the agenda (who’s speaking before/after you)
Will other speakers deliver a similar message? Consult organizers beforehand, if possible.
PLUS critically: What is your central message?
Stage 2. Your Message
- When writing; whether a word, phrase or message, it’s highly unlikely that you will get it right first time.
- Jotting down ideas with a simple pen and paper works well (even better a whiteboard) because you’re not constrained by trying to get it right first time.
- If possible try to work with someone else or a small team and bounce ideas off each other. Try using a mind mapping approach, or anything you are comfortable with.
Begin with questions, such as:
“What is the single biggest problem we’re trying to solve.”
“What do we realistically want from the audience as a result of listening.”
“If the audience remember only one thing, what would it be.”
Your aim should be to have a clear single message.
Stage 3. Speech Structure
The opening should catch the audience’s attention, the body must support the idea you want to convey, and the conclusion should reinforce your ideas and be memorable. Transitions between thoughts should be smooth.
The basic format: “Tell em what you’re going to tell em”; “Tell ‘em”; “Tell ‘em what you told ‘em” of writing presentations remains the same, you just need to add a few refinements:
Pre-Introduction. This is your chance to add a humorous aside or link from previous speaker.
Introduction. Set out the problem/issue or opposing view. Lead into your body.
Main Body. Try creating three points to add weight to your central point, and/or build up to the central point using a combination of rhetorical techniques.
Summary. Provide a clear summary, again using a rhetorical technique and/or a quotation to add weight to your argument.
Conclusion (optional). Be clear what you want them to do or think as a result.
Stage 4. Delivery
Having decided what to say, work on some ideas to deliver your message or points across (if you haven’t already done so)
Visual Aids
Decide whether you really need visual aids to reinforce your message and what would be most suitable relative and powerful to this audience/venue.
The aids must add something powerful that can’t be expressed sufficiently with words alone, (usually this means the use of an image or something physical)
Rehearsal
Everyone skips rehearsal but if you’re looking to make a real impact, this is the one thing that will totally transform your delivery, especially if you are competing against others.
Run through the whole speech.
Rehearse saying it aloud, as problems with messages are not always obvious on paper. It also often results in other ideas.
Where possible, record your delivery with video or audio recorders to give you feedback. And/or rehearse in front of someone –ideally people who will provide honest feedback.
Follow Up
Anticipate questions or alternative perspectives that may arise and ...
View details of the Public Speaking for Professionals course.