COMMUNICATION
Our Clients frequently wish to hear an external perspective on how to enhance their communication in crucial circumstances. They wish to deliver with conviction and clarity, individually and sometimes as a team.Excellent communicators still seek counsel to improve the likelihood of the best results.
It may be in the context of -
facilitating a critical conversation in a board room,
undertaking an important pitch, bid or interview for example in an infrastructure context, to win business on a major project
leading on-boarding sessions with a new team of an existing client or in an acquisition situation
articulating strategy to investors and/or other stakeholders
addressing their own people on a key decision
Client objectives often include to -
sharpen how they introduce and interact with clients and possibly other audiences;
discuss their proposals, ideas & theses in a compelling fashion;
engage and present well generally;
answer questions professionally & adroitly, and
explore how they use supporting materials (visual) optimally.
Many of our clients have leaders who are skilled communicators and will have already undergone extensive communication/ presentation skills development programs in their professional careers.We design and tailor each session or engagement to client need and situation. A simple and effective approach may include to:
explore how the professionals can elevate aspects of their own communication impact (i.e. do some work on first principles);
develop a team’s communication capabilities generally via individuals presenting to us in a variety of contexts
Record their deliveries via video so they and we can observe how they deliver and provide immediate critique and suggestions.
In our experience a mix of elements can accelerate development whether the professionals be accomplished, or more experienced and polished or relatively fresh .
1. Principles Refresh
Discussing framing, positioning and messaging
Audience “analysis”
Sharing some general tips that apply regardless of audience / scenario/situation
What works now for an individual
2. Principles Application – we review selected simulations of client conversations, and presentation work of existing material to different audiences so we can gauge current communication capabilities and potential development areas. Individual coaching sessions furnish tailored individual development opportunities. We work individually face-to-face in applied, practical ways to sharpen and refine capabilities through the use of video to furnish feedback and practise Q&A.
3. Reinforcement & Suggestions – We give immediate constructive, pragmatic suggestions on delivery, style and use of ancillary material (and possibly content if appropriate). In our experience these preliminary observations have an immediate practical impact to support honing communication capabilities.
4. Examine - the content and form of relevant materials (e.g. the presentation deck associated templates and materials), will be viewed and if requested we will furnish concise feedback on those materials and possible improvements as may best suit the situation and individual.
5. Debrief & Capture Tips/Suggestions - we will give our assessment of:
where improvements have been observed;
current status of capabilities, and
potential further development focus areas.
Outcomes Achieved
Delivery
Increased impact in compelling communication of complexity adapted to a variety of situations
Enhanced awareness of tailoring and being empathetic to identified audiences.
Alignment of tone, gestures and appearance to maximise audience understanding & appreciation
Optimal Use of Supporting Materials in various Contexts
Fundamental building blocks of the themes and associated narrative identified, and key messages conveyed
Exploring how supporting materials with congruent themes, messages and tone demonstrably improve outcome performance (subject to objectives and audiences)
Sequence material in the optimal order for delivery and audience buy-in