If effective leadership is based on clear and precise communication, why do so many of our leaders exhibit poor platform skills? When you put someone in front of an audience and ask them to “say a few words,” why are so many reduced to a nervous wreck stammering and stuttering through a confusing series of disconnected thoughts?

What is it about an audience that terrifies so many people? Why is it so difficult to present a clear and concise message in public, yet so easy to organize your thoughts and convey them effectively face to face?

Extensive research has confirmed that the fear of public speaking is second only to the fear of death among people. And some, I venture, would prefer death!

“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and doesn’t stop until you’re asked to give a speech.”

-Roberto Frost

The ability to stand up and give a professional business presentation is a highly admired and sought after skill. True leadership is often on display from the podium, where effective communication skills have never been more important than they are today. It also shows in the boardroom, where communication and “meeting management” skills require a steady hand, organization and experience. Our customers judge everyone at our company, from sales managers to customer service representatives to the receptionist, based on our ability to communicate effectively.

Fortunately, the key elements used in effective communication can be summarized and learned to our great advantage. Whether we’re delivering a keynote speech, managing an important meeting, talking to a client, or simply answering the phone, the basics of effective communication are constants.

Everyone in your organization can improve their communication and presentation skills, especially team members who are in “customer-facing” roles (almost everyone). In particular, sales staff, customer service, inside sales staff, sales support staff, help desk, receptionists and marketing staff are vital elements in conveying a professional image to your business. customer base.

You’ve probably spent considerable time defining your corporate image and selecting a suitable “brand.” You have a mission, strategies, objectives and guidelines. Marketing is doing everything possible to position your company and gain visibility. You have the right products at the right time, and now the world is knocking on your door! However, none of this will be worth much without the ability to communicate effectively with your customers.

In my consulting practice, we are often asked to perform an operational analysis to determine the areas that are most likely to lead to positive performance improvements. And in almost all cases, one of the highest ranked areas (in importance) that we recommend investigating is the customer-facing areas of the company. Improved communication with your customers directly translates to customer satisfaction, retention, new business, and better revenue.

Fortunately, communication and presentation skills can be learned, practiced, and mastered. Although having the correct information is vitally important, for true mastery of these communication skills they must be practiced regularly.

What are the most important elements to learn in developing effective presentation skills?

Here’s a quick summary:

Calendar

Who do you intend to communicate/introduce yourself with? What is your profile? Average age, sex, nationality, occupation, educational level? How many people will attend? Find out before you speak!

Where are you talking? What is the size of the room and what equipment is available for use? Is it inside or outside? Sound/lighting equipment?

Lastly, what is the appropriate attire and how long will you be talking? Who will introduce you and have a proper introduction/biography? Have you done a “dress rehearsal”?

If you’re leading a meeting, what presentation wizards are there? Do you have appropriate handouts/workbooks to use? What are the food/drink requirements? Are you running the meeting or joining in?

Preparation

What do you hope to achieve? Is your speech intended to inform, persuade, demonstrate, answer questions, tell a story, or inform the audience of “just the facts”?

What are the 3 most important messages you want your audience to retain?

What are your goals? Are they consistent?

Have you practiced speaking out loud, with a coach, or on video?

Are you prepared to handle questions/objections about your topic?

Overcoming Barriers

Do you experience “stage fright”? If so, it’s usually one of the 3 barriers. Here they are, with a simple cure:

barrier cure

Nervousness (pounding heart, sweaty palms) Talk to one person at a time

They can’t see that you’re nervous.

Breath deeply

Anxiety Focus attention on hearing, not inside

Visualize your success in advance

They want you to succeed

Lack of confidence Be prepared (see above)

practice

you are the expert

Building an effective presentation

All presentations, meetings, phone calls, appointments can be reduced to a simple format:

The opening (grabs attention, introduces purpose/topic)

Item #1 (with supporting material)

Point #2 (support material)

Point #3 (support material)

Closing (summarizing, call to action)

Delivery

There are 4 basic elements to getting your message across, whether as a keynote speaker or in a boardroom meeting:

1. Professional appearance (clean, crisp, bright, groomed, presentable)

2. Posture (upright, balanced, not slouched, not nervous, “parade rest”)

3. Eye contact (look directly, one at a time and focus. Do not “follow” from side to side)

4. Speak with authority (stand up front, move with purpose)

delivery skills

1. Use vocal variety: Vary the pitch, volume, sound, and speed of your voice.

2. Body Motion: movements and gestures to convey your images more effectively

` 3. Connect with the audience: Try to get your entire message across to each person

4. Active Listening – Make sure you are heard, listen at all levels

audience participation

1. Get them involved… ask questions, opinions, comments.

2. Ask the right questions and LISTEN to their answers.

3. Include them. Use “we”, “us”, “our” frequently.

4. Follow your outline and stay on track.

5. Be sure to start and finish on time.

summarize and close

1. Check your target and support points

2. Remind them of “our” goal

3. Get their support and commitment

4. Call to action

This summary contains the basics of effective communication skills and should be used as a guide or checklist to review before your next important meeting/presentation. However, communication skills are largely learned by DOING, not by reading. Overcoming nervousness and learning to connect with your audience are skills that develop over time.

Two organizations should be considered for developing presentation skills among your staff:
Toastmaster’s International and Dale Carnegie. Both institutions provide hundreds of clubs/training centers across the country, and both are highly recommended.

Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmaster’s International, had this to say about leadership and communication:

“Self-expression is one of the first steps toward leadership. The well-balanced,

The intelligent speaker is the natural leader in any group of which he is a part.”

Good speech… to your success!