My friend is a polished presenter and her 'gig' is as a Communications Specialist and Government Relations expert for a major health care company here in Chicago. She had asked me to help her get a handle on an hour presentation that she was giving the next day.
We went through the powerpoint presentation slide by slide and I helped her with a few minor points such as fluidity of message, clarity and handling/ stacking of sensitive topics.
We reviewed some of the body language basics and I was relieved to see that she really didn't have a problem staying on message with an ease that is only accomplished by seasoned professionals. Her pacing, eloquence , and gestures were solid. It was evident that she "knew her material" .
The smile comes across may face when I see someone handle with such ease an hour's worth of presentation material with little prep time, and have the audience enjoying their time with her, and from her assessment, the audience was thoroughly engaged.
The experience was one that reminded me that even the most seasoned and experienced speaker can be coached on basics, and the elemental. We all forget the basics and there's no shame in that. . Early in this I admit that the joy I experience in seeing novices come as far as they do in a short period of time, is a pretty powerful drug for me.
For more experienced speakers, posture, and foot placement , can be easily forgotten over time. The temptation is to write off having someone that can help us when we get to a high altitude in our professional careers. My friend is conscious of her need to improve things that she might be good at already. It was high level stuff and I passed the test. I'm thankful for that. And thankful for the opportunity to assist someone more effectively express their message to their audience.
Engagingly yours,
Robert S.
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