This client had just become a senior partner at a leading law firm. The ability to deliver top-level presentations was a critical element of his new role, but there was a potential problem:
When it came to speaking in front of large audiences, he lacked experience. He was concerned that this would affect his confidence as a speaker.
I wanted to be the very best I could be – an impressive, credible speaker, very comfortable on my feet.
We started with a 2-hour intake meeting. This gave us the chance to get to know each other. I wanted to spend time with him, getting to know his style and objectives so that I could then tailor the coaching and develop a strategy that would work for him.
Jeremy and I met for coffee and got on well. We wanted to know if the chemistry was right, and it was.
After the initial meeting there were 8 sessions, each lasting 1 hour. They involved a combination of advice and encouragement, observation, constructive feedback and working with my client to help him develop the right mind-set for delivering large-scale presentations.
Jeremy did a lot of listening too. He listened and suggested different directions and ideas. It was a very collaborative way of working.
I never take a formulaic approach. Instead, I provide tailored techniques that reveal a signature style. It allows someone’s true personality to shine through. Connecting from the stage is all about authenticity, so a formulaic teaching method will never work.
He wasn’t dictating my style and did not want to change me so the way we worked was in fact quite subtle. I didn’t feel pressured. It was a very thoughtful approach. He never pushed me in a direction I wasn’t comfortable with.
I 100% achieved the objective. The results were extraordinary.
The effects have been lasting – my client has gone on to deliver numerous presentations in front of large audiences in the UK and overseas. He is now a confident and credible speaker but admits to being surprised by the enthusiastic response to various presentations, speeches and remarks.
I probably didn’t think it would go so well, but I had senior people come up to me after many of the key speeches and say remarkable things. I got extraordinary feedback. They said it was polished and funny. I had comments such as `Your remarks just hit the nail on the head and captured the occasion.’ and `You seem incredibly comfortable on your feet`. All my presentations during the year went well. The whole coaching exceeded my expectations.
If you’d like help to find your authentic speaker style and deliver your content with confidence, get in touch now to find out how I can help.