Executive Communications Coaching ::.

2 Session format for 1-3 executives delivered by 1 experienced ‘C’ Level Coach. Each session is ½ a day (3-4 hours), ideally with a minimum of 20 hours in-between sessions.

All videotaping is done using a Digital DVD Camcorder on a mini-DVD disk. Disks are reviewed by each executive and theirs to keep at the conclusion of the program.

Coaching is highly interactive and supportive. Through the combination of expert coaching, layered skill development, videotape and review and cutting edge retention tools, your executives will own and use the skills immediately.

Pre-Coaching Interviews

We prefer to interview the Executive(s) to be coached before the actual coaching process begins. We discuss what they would like to accomplish, will this be tailored to an upcoming event, what their preferred form of delivery might be (notes, PowerPoint, TelePrompTer, Internal Video, Webinar, etc.) and get a copy of the message to be delivered. We also like to speak with someone who might be familiar with the executives’ delivery style. If there is any videotape of the executive speaking, we like to review that so we can get a sense of his or her delivery.

General Program Outline ::.

Session 1: Skill Acquisition

• Initial Skills Assessment: Each executive is videotaped delivering the initial 2-3 minutes of a message they have or will be delivering. Videotaped

Physical Skills

• Focus for Confidence: Executives learn a skill which helps them think more clearly and come across as confident and sincere.
• Natural Energy: Executives learn a series of skills which include how to stand and move, what to do with their hands, how to control their vocal energy with volume, inflection and momentum or pace. When managed, the speaker looks and sounds more natural, credible and interesting. Videotaped

Organizational Skills

• Consider your Listeners: A brief exercise is introduced which helps each executive think through who his or her audience is so that the message can be tailored to their listeners.
• Organize your Message: Executives are introduced to a ‘Know This’ and a ‘Do This’ format. These are the 2 great reasons we message to others. When we use a format we apply logic to the flow of our information with the listener in mind.
• Forms of Influence: The 5 major forms of influence are introduced to executives along with the universal formula for sharing a story, example, personal experience or case study. Executives then select 1 form of influence they might use in their presentation, develop it and then share it. Videotaped

Delivery Options

• Delivery Options are reviewed. We cover the most common methods of delivery and how to blend the organizational content with the physical skills practiced earlier in the program. The methods are: Extemporaneous, Speaking from Notes, Speaking from PowerPoint, Speaking from a Prepared Text, TelePrompTer or Webinar. Each executive practices delivering a portion of his or her presentation seated, speaking from notes and standing, speaking from PowerPoint. Videotaped

Session 2: Skill Application

• Review Day 1 Skills: A brief Review of Day 1 begins the final session.
• One-to-One Practice: Each executive practices delivering his or her presentation to a partner or the coach. This is done seated speaking either from their laptop, script or notes/handouts.
• PowerPoint Presentation: Each executive delivers a 5 minute presentation applying all the session 1 skills. Videotaped
• Seated, Speaking from Notes: Each executive delivers a brief 3 minute presentation seated speaking from notes applying all the session 1 skills.
• Establishing a Viewpoint: Each executive learns a formula for sharing a viewpoint in under 30 seconds. This is a ‘whole life skill’ which is used in our personal and professional lives. Videotaped

Interacting with my Listeners

• Answer the Question Directly: Executives learn to listen for the issue and answer the question first before developing their answer.
• Listen for the Issue and Rephrase the Question: Executives learn how to listen for the issue and then reposition the question, staying true to the issue. When done properly this technique sets up a platform for the executive to answer the question directly and enhance their credibility. Videotaped
• Prepare for Highly Confrontational Q&A: A tool is introduced to prepare for highly confrontational Q&A. A media clip is shown of Condoleezza Rice using this technique as she responds under pressure during her 9-11 Commission testimony.

Program Evaluation & Close

Optional Modules: Delivering a speech from a prepared script; Delivering a speech from a TelePrompTer; Preparing for testimony; Preparing for an analyst meeting; Preparing for a Press Conference or Media Interview (see Media Skills)

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