Presentations and speeches are public speaking in its most distilled form. This gives you maximum control over the situation and the impression you make, because you have a chance to prepare and practise what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it.
There is, therefore, a case for saying delivering a speech or presentation is the easy end of the public-speaking spectrum. At the other end, in an unstructured discussion, you have to find the right words in the heat of the moment.
When I put this case to people, nobody ever agrees. The reasons, I believe, are these:
1. The fact that the audience knows you’ve had time to prepare and practise your presentation can pile on the pressure. I understand this and can help you overcome it.
2. A lot of people are confident in conversation but unnerved by making a formal speech. It’s easy to assume the problem is making a speech, when actually it’s being the only one talking for minutes on end.
Public speaking isn’t just speaking, in public; it’s an art and a science. Scaling it up transforms it into a different activity. A good presentation or speech feels like a conversation, on both sides, but it isn’t really a conversation and needs to be approached differently.
If you find public speaking difficult or scary, it’s only because you’ve never learnt how to do it. We can change that very easily!
Delivering a presentation via Zoom, Skype, Teams, or whatever platform you’re using for virtual meetings, throws up a whole new set of challenges. Broadly the same principles apply as for addressing an audience in person, but there are additional factors to consider.
Once we’ve talked through the differences and similarities between real and virtual presenting, though, you’ll be just as well tooled up and ready to enjoy delivering a webinar as you would a live presentation.
When it comes to public speaking, one-to-one coaching is – perhaps ironically – far and away the most efficient and effective way to learn.
It’s tailored to suit you and your individual needs. It’s also completely confidential and a safe space to experiment and try out your new skills.
A session lasts an hour and a half and in that time I can give you the tools you need to prepare, practise and deliver a successful presentation or speech.
About half my clients reach breakthrough in one session (in person). Of the rest, some know they’ve got what they need and are happy to take it from there by themselves, while others have a second session, to consolidate and build on what we covered in the first. It’s rare anyone needs more than two sessions to get to where they want to be.
If you’re looking for coaching in how to put yourself across online, to prepare and present an effective webinar, it makes sense for us to work together via Zoom. Equally, if you’re a long way from Manchester, online coaching may be the way to go. Otherwise, let’s meet in person, if we can.
Coaching in person – £225 for a 90-minute session, plus travel outside Manchester and any room-hire
Coaching via Zoom – £195 for a session up to two hours
Online coaching for offline public speaking is around 90% as effective as meeting in person. It does tend to take a bit longer, so I’m happy to offer you some extra time, to make sure you get the full benefit.
It’s very easy! We just need to find a time and a place to meet. In fact, if we’re working via Zoom, we don’t even need a place.
Contact me, let me know what you need and we’ll make a plan to suit you.