The cornerstone of effective communication is inner conviction
about what you're saying and commitment to that conviction.
The goal of a public speaker, mid-level mananger, CEO, attorney, public official or any other idea-presenter, is to present your version
of the “truth” on a particular topic with committed emotional
and intellectual honesty that makes listeners, if not persuaded, open to
further thought on the subject.
We don’t use formulas. We
don’t want our clients to be artificial. (Our work goes far beyond
motivational speaking training.) In the courtroom, in the workplace, in negotiations, or on the podium, we help you use your natural ability to
move others to action by tapping into your personality and passion for what
you’re talking about. In that way, the audience walks away with a
powerful experience of you and what is being communicated - not just an
intellectual understanding.
In
working with you, we don’t begin by second-guessing what you think
the audience would like to hear. We look for and cultivate what works for
you!
You first need to find the particular ways you most comfortably
and honestly communicate your beliefs, and then shape your presentation
into a form and style an audience can follow and relate to.
Once you find your form and style, we can add specific
tools to make your delivery even more effective.
Like an actor, who must personally connect with what is
happening on stage, a public speaker must first connect with the importance
of what he’s saying and then share with his audience the energy, thought
and personal conviction that animate his belief.
The challenge is that every time
you perform in public, you put your ego on the line.
Our coaching sessions together are a safe place to take
the necessary risks to build the skills and psychology that enable competence
and confidence when performing outside of the class.
It takes courage to expose ourselves to evaluation. Our
feedback is simultaneously honest, constructive and supportive. Personal
and professional growth comes from facing our fears, experimenting, making
mistakes and learning from them.
Studies have shown that it is common
for people to be terrified of speaking in public. Depending on the individual,
reasons behind this terror can vary, but almost always they include fear
of making a fool of oneself, anxiety about how others will judge one’s
efforts, and false preconceptions about what “public speaking”
is.
While we will address techniques of traditional lecturing,
we will also help you develop tools for involving whatever audience you're addressing, in setting the agenda
for the presentation and increasing their stake in what they are hearing. Our work frequently involves conflict resolution and team building.
Class participants will deliver presentations that grow
from topics and themes they personally care about or find themselves needing
to address in their professional and personal lives.
Whenever possible, we will videotape presentations to
help you see yourself as others see you.
Our clients include corporate executives, lawyers, accountants,
teachers, salespeople, religious leaders, political figures and anyone who
has to speak before groups, lead meetings, manage employees and influence
others.
Effective communication is one of the key leadership skills
you need to succeed! Each of us is uniquely compelling. It is very powerful,
indeed, when we are able to use our unique qualities in expressing our ideas
and the issues about which we are passionate.
For more information, to discuss your needs, or set up
an appointment, please call us at (818) 752-9678.
Best wishes,
David Kagen
