5 Reasons Communication Skills Training Won’t Work For You
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Baxter Dickson
Does this headline surprise you? Why would VoicePro®, with decades of experience and hundreds of clients, set you up for failure?
Actually, this approach is my way of getting clients (and you!) to expect something different from presentation coaching, a deeper kind of change. So many clients in VoicePro presentation workshops arrive expecting drills on how to stand, build a PowerPoint, speak up, and look smart. It’s as if they hope to hide behind presentation skills. Actually, our philosophy is just the opposite.
Powerful communicators simply approach the whole process with a different mindset. And that’s what VoicePro’s “inside out” development is all about – flipping the mindset switch.
Are you ready for that? Let’s see. How many of these can’t-do reasons apply to you?
#1 You want to learn how to survive in the spotlight.
That’s the viewpoint that needs refocus first. Being in the spotlight is a hot, sweaty, uncomfortable place to be. Let’s start here instead: the spotlight is on the audience. You were asked to make a presentation because someone needs information and insights you have. Putting your energy into thinking about what your audience needs to know and how you can help them is the best antidote for presentation aversion.
#2 You want to defend your position.
Unfortunately, we see this outlook more in a difficult economy. Every presentation — maybe every conversation – can start to feel like a potential firing offense. The stress can distract you from your goal which, as noted above, is to think about how to help your audience. Stay focused and you’ll be calmer – and demonstrate value to the organization at the same time.
#3 You want to learn the best presentation tricks.
Have you ever been so distracted by a speaker’s unnatural gesturing or stiff enunciation that you couldn’t concentrate on the message? There are no one-size-fits-all presentation techniques. The key to success is learning to think about a presentation as a conversation, recognize that there are strengths in your own natural style, and then learn to build on them.
#4 You want to eliminate emotion from the equation.
Bad idea. There’s power in passion when you back it up with facts and reasoning. It let’s an audience know you care about your topic and have done your homework. Tirades, shouting matches and tears don’t come under this category.
#5 You want to learn how to talk to a group.
Think again. So much of true communication is about listening and watching your audience. If they’re bored, argumentative, or confused – you need to see it and respond. Great communication starts by built on a give-and-take interchange.
So, how did you do? In some ways the VoicePro® approach demands something more of you – or at least something different. Yet, time and time again, I’ve seen clients shake their head in disbelief, laugh and say, “I get it now!” Are you ready for real, authentic change? Find out more about the VoicePro® Philosophy and explore how we utilize it in our Speak! Present! Influence!™ workshop.
Image provided by TomNatt
