Presentation Training
Beyond the Ordinary
Presentation Skills
Compel your audience and make an impact. The most common phrase participants use to describe this training is “huge relief” because it changes their presentation paradigm—removing its daunting mystery and replacing it with clear, easy steps and guidelines for reaching the hearts and minds of your audience. This paves the way for communication that fulfills your goals and delivers your brand. Through a combination of classic communication techniques and cutting-edge neuroscience, participants learn the keys to compelling an audience, making a positive impression, specific words that evoke desired audience reactions, and the do’s and don'ts of: ∙ Body language ∙ Vocal technique ∙ On-camera delivery ∙ Engaging an audience ∙ The Data Sweet Spot: just the right amount of factual information ∙ Strengthening your message through stories ∙ Speechcrafting ∙ Overcoming nerves ∙ Building audience rapport ∙ Conveying credibility and gravitas ∙ Making sure your message hits home ∙ Graceful transitions between topics and program elements ∙ Recovering from curveballs
Presentation for Pros
For experienced or professional speakers
Amplify your voice, expand your brand—from the boardroom to the global stage. Whether you’re addressing a Congressional hearing, giving a TED Talk, or a commencement speech, our Presentation for Pros training helps you navigate uncharted territory and make it look effortless. Building on your strengths, presentation goals, and unique voice, we help you refine—or reinvent—as needed. With targeted strategies, you'll elevate your personal brand, adapt your delivery technique to the situation, and refine your messaging to meet the moment. Examples include: ∙ Repositioning delivery style for different platforms and venues ∙ Tools for speaking authentically off-the-cuff ∙ Facility with the 'Bypass Critical Factor' technique ∙ Skills to shape the tone in the room ∙ Techniques to inspire and motivate ∙ Persuasion strategies ∙ Awareness of subtle audience cues ∙ Ability to resolve cognitive dissonance in listeners’ minds ∙ Stronger engagement in longer presentations ∙ Approaches for sensitive topics ∙ Methodology for delivering bad news ∙ Techniques to boost audience retention This training is ideal for: ∙ Media or mass audience appearances ∙ Political campaign speeches (including stump speeches) ∙ Inauguration speeches ∙ Congressional testimony (in collaboration with legal & PR teams) ∙ Commencement addresses ∙ Award acceptances ∙ TED Talks ∙ High-stakes sales presentations ∙ All-hands meetings
Team of Event Speakers
One of our most in-demand services
You've got the talk points, a polished deck, and the logistics all lined up. You’ve even practiced out loud once or twice. So, what’s missing? Usually, the most critical part: The Audience Brain™. Far too often, presentation teams create in a bubble. While you may have considered some audience perspectives, market research, and social media comments, you won’t fully know how your communication will land in the hearts and minds of your audience until you put yourself in their shoes—and their brain. Our preparation process puts this essential perspective at the forefront, giving you insight into how to elevate your event even more. This may include word-crafting refinements, more effective delivery, staging and visual improvements, or even a more precise messaging strategy. You will have the opportunity to view recorded rehearsals—just as the audience will see the event. (This is optional, of course!) In this discreet and supportive environment, you will also be able to ask questions about any uncertainties that may be weighing on your mind. Recommended for teams preparing for a high-stakes events, such as: ∙ Product launches ∙ Major announcements or reveals ∙ Investor meetings or board presentations ∙ Congressional hearings ∙ Press briefings
Panels and Q&A
Navigating panels and live Q&A sessions involves a special skill set beyond classic presentation or media training techniques. These formats serve as a golden opportunity to drill down into details not covered in your presentation and create a stronger story that drives home your message. A successful Q&A or panel is memorable to the audience because it leaves them with vivid images and a stronger connection to you. However, the slightest misstep can lead to a loss of credibility, backlash, and a host of other unintended consequences. Don't leave this to chance. In this training, you will learn how to make the most out of every panel and Q&A session, while protecting yourself and your brand: ∙ How to handle “gotcha” questions ∙ How to gracefully cut off rambling panelists and audience members ∙ How to address off-topic questions while staying on message ∙ What to do if you don’t know an answer ∙ How to reframe questions to work to your advantage (without looking evasive) ∙ How to distill complex information into a clear and concise answer ∙ How to make your answers memorable ∙ How to recover when things don’t go as planned ∙ Panel and Q&A etiquette ∙ Body language do’s and don’ts
Difficult Audiences
Handling hostile questions, hecklers, or protesters can put even the most experienced speaker to the test. No matter how well you’ve prepared your speech, these situations can be irritating at best and a media nightmare at worst. Here's what most speakers don't know: Handling disruptions effectively starts before the presentation begins. This training gives you step-by-step logistical guidelines and specific word-crafting techniques to decrease the chance of people disrupting your event in the first place. It also helps you handle disruptions as quickly and smoothly as possible if they do occur. You will learn these crucial elements: ∙ Logistical tips to help deter or minimize protestors/hecklers ∙ Best practices for video/audio teams in the event of a disruption ∙ Do's and don'ts for announcing bad news ∙ Body language and staging in the face of protestors/hecklers ∙ Verbal responses to audience disruptions ∙ Specific words and phrases to avoid ∙ Handling challenging or hostile questions ∙ Audience plants--yes or no? Your team will leave this training more prepared, confident, and able to handle anything that happens with poise and alignment with your brand.
Nerve Reduction
Jerry Seinfeld famously said, "I saw a study that said that speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person... Number 2 was death...This means to the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy." Nerves before or during a presentation can sabotage your preparation, rob you of sleep, and weaken your impact when it matters the most. At worst, nerves can undermine your credibility and turn an audience off. Many people think there is no cure, resigning themselves to avoiding public speaking—and missing out on potential career-advancing opportunities. Others suffer through the inevitable and face the consequences. The good news: there is a fix. In this program, you will learn the techniques of world-class performers and professional athletes to reduce fear, gain confidence, and present yourself with poise, authenticity, and credibility. You will also learn powerful techniques to connect with the audience, which allows you to keep your focus on what matters the most—reaching people. Results in this program are consistently transformative, ranging from a dramatic reduction in nerves and fear to complete elimination of the fear. Either way, the fear will no longer get in your way. You will be able to deliver your message powerfully, at your best. Look forward to: ∙ Train your brain techniques that dramatically reduce fear and anxiety ∙ Where to place your focus for optimal performance levels ∙ Visualization techniques used by professional athletes ∙ An understanding of the 'fear spiral' and how to break it early ∙ Strategies to diminish or eliminate your fear if it does crop up ∙ Greater clarity and delivery in presentations, media appearances, meetings, Q&A sessions, and panels
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Excelling in Meetings
One of the most common concerns executives face is how they are perceived in critical meetings. Whether it’s a small conference room with direct reports, presenting to the Board of Directors, or sitting across the table from a less-than-well-wishing colleague, executives across industries need to know how to handle interruptions, when and how to speak up, when to remain silent, what body language to use and how to navigate a host of subtle but dangerous pitfalls. This program, best offered as private or semi-private coaching, provides you with valuable insight into how you are coming across in meetings and offers actionable strategies for improvement. You will gain: ∙ Tools to handle obstacles smoothly and effectively ∙ Skills for navigating others' reactions, even in the trickiest of circumstances ∙ A user-friendly plan to convey your message and desired image while remaining authentic ∙ Renewed resolve to accomplish your goals ∙ Increased confidence in your ability to do so
The Art of Storytelling
Created in partnership with Syd Field, known as “the guru of all screenwriters,” this engaging, interactive workshop brings an innovative and creative angle to any kind of message, from software to politics, healthcare to semiconductors. Be prepared to have some fun! The most iconic movies, television shows, and social media content use tried-and-true storytelling techniques to captivate audiences, influence culture, and leave lasting memories. The most effective business and political events do the same. In this workshop, the art of storytelling is applied to your world. In a dynamic setting complete with video examples and techniques for releasing creativity, your team will uncover greater depth and texture in your story, and gain the ability to convey it in a more compelling, influential, and memorable style that engages your audience. Program elements include but are not limited to: ∙ The power of stories in the subconscious brain ∙ Crucial elements to a meaningful story ∙ How to craft a clear and effective story ∙ Three tips to leave your audience wanting more ∙ Specific words and phrases to create the effect you desire ∙ The Data Sweet Spot—how much data to add and how to do it ∙ Breakout groups and hands-on coaching
