Business Storytelling - Expression for Growth

15Nov 2019 by Lucy Clarke

Feel the fear of presenting…and do it anyway!

Business Storytelling, Inspiring People, Presentation Skills

Feel the fear of presenting…and do it anyway! Top 10 Tips for success. Within the field of ‘Presentation Skills’ (for want of a better descriptor), I have noticed at times, the deep discomfort that some people have in this area. I am not talking about those who are ‘new to presenting’. I am also talking about some people - senior and experienced leaders, whose job it is to engage their businesses and motivate their teams. Their ‘deep fear’ of presenting dramatically affects their approach to this necessity – some avoiding it at all costs, some experiencing massive stress in the build up to an ‘event’, and others simply doing a lack-lustre job. The impact on them, their teams and their organisation is huge…and in some cases presents career-limiting barriers as they are considered unable to communicate…

03Oct 2019 by Lucy Clarke

…but I can’t possibly present without my slides…

Business Storytelling, Presentation Skills

The pitfalls of slide reliance... Picture the scene: Just before a ‘significant’ presentation is about to start. Preparation? Check.Slides done? Check.Deep breathing exercises done? Check. Good to go…and then...then disaster strikes: The computer driving your presentation crashes...and the ‘blue screen of death’ appears. What? You forgot to bring a spare copy on a jump drive? You are stuck. But you shouldn’t be stuck, should you? Now, consider what has just happened (in fact, it may have happened to you). Consider the impact it has on you, your audience, and your reputation. Disaster? (well, perhaps not disaster, but not a great way of getting your messages across, that’s for sure!) Disaster averted This set of circumstances should not be the disaster that many would expect: In fact, quite the opposite….it should…

22May 2019 by Claire Winn

Stand out and achieve your goals using memorable and moving business storytelling

Business Storytelling

If you want your message to land, you need to engage your audience using rich and relevant business storytelling techniques – be bold, stand out from the crowd and be remembered for what you have to say. Most people presenting to others, virtually or physically have an uncanny technique of switching their audience off within the first 30 seconds. Our research shows that fewer than 10% deliver a good job – imagine the opportunities lost, the careers affected, and the sheer impact on business and the reputation of the speakers. Telling a story in a compelling, engaging, believable and meaningful way, delivered confidently, supported by clear visuals using a multitude of media will enable you to stand out as a communicator. Taking care how you then deliver that message, how…

21May 2019 by Lucy Clarke

Business storytelling – a story about telling stories

Business Storytelling, Customer Relationships, Inspiring People, Presentation Skills, Selling, Virtual Meetings

Make an impact and stand out from the crowd to deliver your message I have been involved in helping others be the best they can be in front of groups of people for the past 25 years, and in my view, this core business skill is underrated, usually poorly executed, and probably one of the most significant ways you can make an impact on your colleagues, customers and stakeholders. It’s a question of; “what kind of impact do you want to have?” Is it lunchtime yet? Think of all the presentations that you have been in the audience for. Now, think of all the ‘virtual’ presentations that you have witnessed. Then, think of all the conference calls you have been part of. Be honest - how many of them stood…