With any oral presentation–a keynote address, a project update, a rocket pitch or anything else–the person who speaks engagingly–with clarity, conviction and confidence–wins our attention (if not always our agreement or support). But like any other skill, even the person who enjoys public speaking can benefit from training or coaching. I help my clients find better ways to:
✓ Connect with their audience from the start
✓ Organize their material for greatest impact
✓ Make sure their non-verbals (body language and voice) support their message
✓ Anticipate and handle difficult questions
✓ Design and use visual aids skillfully
✓ Rehearse effectively
✓ Build their confidence and skill!
Some Timeless Wisdom on Public Speaking
Look your audience straight in the eyes and begin to talk as confidently as if every one of them owed you money.
– Dale Carnegie
The mind is a wonderful thing—it starts working the minute you are born and never stops until you get up to speak in public.
– Roscoe Drummond
Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it to “To Whom it May Concern”.
– Ken Haemer, Presentation Research Manager, AT&T
If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time, a tremendous whack.
– Winston Churchill
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
– Maya Angelou
Group Workshops
Typically for groups of 5 or more….we’ll arrange workshops to fit your schedule, budget and the skills you want to strengthen. Workshops can take place at your location or at a facility I arrange. We’ll work on the presentations that matter to you professionally or personally — both organizing your material and delivering it effectively. And we’ll enjoy a number of simple exercises. My workshops are highly interactive and fun!
Services
Individual Coaching
In person or online, coaching sessions typically go for at least ½ hour but seldom more than 2 hours at a time. Our discussions and the practice techniques I share may involve any aspect of the interview, presentation or pitch that might concern you: audience analysis; how you’ve organized your content; the clarity of the key message and any technical explanations; the choice of appropriate language; the design or use of visual aids; your vocal presence and body language; Q & A practice, and any other issues relevant to content or delivery.
Coaching and Rehearsals for
Short-listed Team Interviews
For architect, engineer or construction teams competing for large contracts. Depending on the interview format, the number and readiness of the presenters, and the time and budget you have available, these sessions may last just a few hours or for several hours on several days. I’ll help you build, practice and polish a presentation that engages the selection panel and distinguishes your team from the competition.
Some Coaching Memories and Reflections
Focusing on Our Audience
Getting Their Attention
Overcoming Speech Anxiety
Some Clients & Testimonials
I’ve enjoyed working with a great variety of clients, including architects, civil engineers, construction contractors, laboratory scientists, non-profit and community organization leaders, government officials, software developers, medical device executives, lawyers, and finance professionals.
Paul has been incredibly helpful, really easy to work with, and has made a real difference in both the content of my presentation and the way that I present the material. Definitely a good investment!
Paul…your workshop was great—fun, engaging and instructive. We’ll look into doing a longer session next time, as several people suggested—and arrange for some individual coaching.
Since our first meeting with Paul…we have completely remodeled our school interviews from scratch. They are much more lively, informative, relevant, and competitive. That’s a huge achievement in six months. I’d like to keep training more staff members so we don’t lose the momentum.
Hi Paul,
I spoke to Tom late yesterday. The team did an amazing job. He said it all came together really well. He didn’t forget his challenges piece (!) and he said the client mentioned to him at the end, how he liked how he started off the presentation that way. We received a note of praise from our COO, relating that he was very pleased as well and that the “guys were on point!”. Randy’s prop and thorough logistics piece was also well received.
Thank you again for all your help with the team. Your insight and encouragement went a long way!
Many moons ago Paul helped a team I helped lead prepare for a project interview that involved delivering it as if it were a community meeting. His advice, guidance and insights made all the difference toward our success. Watch the video (prepared for student consulting teams at Babson College: https://youtu.be/KJ1PluUfpyU) It’s worth way more than the 20 minutes you’ll invest. If you ever need some help preparing, Paul should be someone you talk to.
As construction managers, most of our team don’t think of themselves as “public speakers,” but your ability to offer constructive criticism with insight and humor has been especially important in building their awareness, performance, and confidence.
Your advice was very helpful for the final presentation…your feedback highlighted how technical the presentation was and reminded us to engage a wider audience. As a result, the team rehearsed for another 4 hours on Sunday evening. The next night, they delivered their presentation and it was spectacular! Several people commented on the incredible job the team did in boiling down the technical concepts into an easy to understand presentation. I wanted to share that with you and thank you again for helping the team move to the next level.
What’s Your PSQ?
(Presentation Skill Quotient)
Test your understanding of some basic public speaking principles by taking this quick and simple quiz. I’ll review your answers and will also be happy to address any concerns or questions you may have about the presentations you give or hope to give. At the end of the quiz you’ll see a list of presentation skill topics. Check any that interest you, add any comments or questions, and I’ll send you some informative self-help materials.
✓ Organizing your Presentation
✓ Dos and Don’ts for PowerPoint
✓ Overcoming Nervousness
✓ Managing Q and A
✓ Becoming a More Interesting Speaker
✓ and other topics…