PRESENTATION SKILLS
THE REQUEST:
To assist spokespeople for a public power company to feel more at ease making presentations
ATTENDEES:
25 employees who give talks on the company’s behalf
THE EVENT:
1 ½-hour workshop in the company conference room
WHAT WE DID:
Our objective was to give participants an experience of connecting with an audience by getting their attention off themselves and onto others, and increasing observation and awareness skills.
Following introductions and a brief presentation about connection and charisma, we interviewed a volunteer from the group to demonstrate the skills of observation and feedback. This showed the participants how to read the subtle clues people give us. It also helped foster their own curiosity which heightens connection to others.
We then broke into groups of three (the presenter, the audience, the observer) and explored the quality of their communication and if they were really connecting with their “audience”.
The final exercise explored the personal presenting style and way of delivering information that suited each individual and enhanced their natural charisma.
RESULTS
The CEO of the company was pleased with the value of the workshop. The participants realized how they were actually communicating and, even in a short time, began to make changes in the way they connected with others.
