Reviewed by Helen Caton Hughes

 

Leaders know that presentation is part of the role.  They know it’s all about getting their message over effectively, memorably and with impact. They know it’s the 'transmit' part of effective two-way communication and that this is down to them.

Yet knowing is one thing and doing is another.

Over the years I’ve worked with many people to improve their impact – on a national and international stage.

My proudest moment was walking into a conference where my young client, who had suffered badly from presentation nerves, was holding her own against some hostile questioning.

I was reminded of her when I was reading Lyn Roseaman’s book, “Now You’re Talking”, because Lyn writes powerfully about channelling your nerves, not trying to suppress them.

Her approach identifies the 3Cs - Confidence, Connection, Change as essential to good communication. Which is true, regardless of situation: whether you’re talking to a handful, or a hall full, of people.

Lyn summarises these as:

• Confidence in your content and delivery
• Connection with your audience
• Change hearts and minds with your message

Presentation is an important topic for coaches too – not only for taking up those opportunities to speak in public and demonstrate our own talents – but also to support our clients to develop.

I’ve worked on my own impact. I’m personally using Lyn’s book to help me prepare my own talk next month as well as recommending it to my coaching clients.

Most leaders have been trained in techniques such as improving body language.  Part of the challenge is recognising the subtler signs of poor presentations; for example, ones that -

• Confuse or bore the audience
• Deliver too much information
• Dilute the true message

And once we recognise these, we need to know what to do.

One way to develop is to learn from our mistakes.  As Lyn points out: “…please don’t underestimate the value of having a go and embracing the opportunities that speaking and presenting can create.”

Many of our clients hesitate to speak because of a previous bad experience.  We can provide a safe rehearsal space and get over those experiences. 

When we know what good looks like, we can also give feedback in that safe space to support peak presentation performance.

Let’s hear from a leader working on the humanitarian stage who is a role model to women in this challenging field.  She was interviewed in front of people joining the organisation to support the Ukrainian crisis and shared her experiences of professionalism, integrity and the importance of diversity throughout her career. 

“Thank you.  It was an inspiring session...I am still hyped up today.”

As Lyn says, “When we understand these communication essentials and make them our own, we increasingly give talks and presentations we’re proud of.”