Even after years of communicating in verbal and written formats, I found that the skills learned in the course have completely changed my perception of what is required to plan and deliver effective and professional presentations. In particular, the planning formulae provided a way to critically examine the premises of what is required in a presentation, which dramatically reduced the time and resources spent in information gathering.

I have been able to cut through the chaos the characterised my information gathering processes, and dramatically reduce the time and effort previously expended in planning verbal and written communications. Through using EC’s planning structure, I feel more confident in choosing what is included in presentations, and in succinctly presenting that information.

EC’s approach of getting in touch before the session surprised me, but certainly made the first day more efficient, as I had a better idea of what to expect than I normally do when going to a training course. EC had made their goals clear from the start, so after we met up we got straight down to productive work.

The key point I took away from the course was the need to tailor one’s presentation to the audience. So often in the past I have tailored my presentations to myself! EC also highlighted just how essential good preparation is to effective communication.

This meant it did not feel like the message was being pushed on us by the facilitator. Rather, as a group we worked towards our own ideals of what a good presentation should be.

What I Learnt from Training: That less is more with PowerPoint presentations. I also learned that I need to control the audience better when I engage them in verbal interaction.

Tangible Business Outcomes Gained: I am much more able to produce improved presentations that rely less on PowerPoint and more on me delivering the message.

I watched my presentations on the ‘DVD’ you gave me and, even though I know there is still much room for improvement, I believe the difference between my first and last presentation is very wide.

The two day workshop definitely lessened my presentation nerves.

Many thanks!

• The ways all participants communication development needs across the different work groups were successfully tailored
• The use of participant presentations as the basis of all constructive critique, feedback and advice. This made the entire workshop easier to relate to plus, made all learning more effective.

What I Learnt

• The best practices of constructing any presentation (Argument), Environment & Personal Delivery
• How to plan & deliver presentations by focusing on key points + ‘take away’ message
• How to ensure my presentations are clear, short & sweet (to suit audience palate)
• How to present with more influence by ensuring my message(s) possesses the correct amount of ‘IQ’ (facts/data etc.) + ‘EQ’ (visuals, analogies, case studies, examples etc.)

Based on an existing contact who now works within this organisation, I was able to convince him to book time with a number of his senior managers to present my business. I must admit, two weeks before the agreed presentation date, I was lacking in confidence predominantly based on the fact that our business needs to “raise the bar‟ in the business development area.

I had been referred to Effective Communication.com.au (EC) who I contacted only days before I was to present. Having met with John Rayner of EC, he asked the right questions to gain a clear commercial understanding of where my business was at plus, what needed to be achieved to ensure the upcoming presentation was successful.

In very little time John was able to construct my entire presentation, which greatly helped overcome my lacking confidence.

I really liked the way John tailored his approach to suit my individuality. “Hand Carved‟ is the term SILCAR (my business) uses.

In addition, John cut out a large number of PowerPoint Slides I had considered based on our organisations “standard‟ approach‟. And the visual aids he designed were brief, specific and drove the key Points and Message home.

Ultimately, during the presentation our organisation gained immediate commitment with this prospect to review 2 of their sites. This was what John and I set out to achieve when we first met because by gaining this commitment means we have a really good chance of selling the fullness of our services to this prospect. Great result!

In addition, I’ve already used EC’s approach again at our recent “Safety Conference‟, which had a great affect! Thanks John and I hope we can work together again.

Accountabilities Maps were created against each identified objective. The outcome was the creation key performance communication indicators stating the involvement of particular members of the team. We are monitoring this process quarterly to ensure we achieve what we agreed.

The process that EC put us through in preparation for the Westmead Hospital Workshop assisted in making sure the day was successful. I have since used this process and EC’s input on our 100 Pacific Highway (a commercial high-rise development) project.

I know some of my staff could not have presented their input on the two examples above without the preparation work EC put them through leading up to the workshop. EC are retained on an ongoing basis to conduct Communication training for our business and to assist on individual assignments as required. I highly recommend EC to future clients.