Building a Culture of Communication

According to a survey by Pumble, there are 3 consequences of poor communication at work:

• 43% of business leaders claim that poor communication decreases productivity
• 42% of the surveyed leaders claimed that missed deadlines and extended timelines are the worst consequences of miscommunication
• 38% of business leaders have noticed the financial impact of poor communication

That’s why I’m such an advocate for building a culture of communication. It doesn’t just make a workplace a nicer environment (although that in itself is a great benefit!), it also increases productivity, high performance in teams, and drives sales.

This blog will explore why presentation skills matter, the growing importance of virtual presentations, the role of feedback in continuous improvement, and how these three pillars of communication help to create a good culture of communication in the workplace.

Why Presentation Skills Are Essential

Strong presentation skills, both in-person and virtual, are essential in today’s workplace. Whether it’s leading a team meeting, pitching to clients, or training new hires, the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently is a powerful tool. In fact, studies show that people with strong communication skills are 32% more likely to be promoted to leadership positions, underlining the importance of effective presentations in career advancement

Good presentation skills go beyond the delivery of information; they are a means of connecting with an audience, establishing credibility, and influencing others. For professionals, the ability to present effectively impacts everything from daily interactions to long-term career success. Here’s why they’re so critical:

• Building Confidence: When employees are skilled presenters, they gain confidence, not just in public speaking but also in their ideas and contributions. This self-assurance extends beyond presentations, improving their performance in other tasks and interactions.
• Enhancing Clarity: Great presenters know how to structure their thoughts and convey information concisely, making it easier for audiences to understand complex concepts. This is especially valuable in a workplace setting, where clarity can lead to more efficient decision-making.
• Influencing and Inspiring Others: The ability to present persuasively is critical for inspiring teams, influencing stakeholders, and securing buy-in for projects. Presentations are an opportunity to highlight the value of an idea and motivate others toward a shared vision.

Incorporating presentation skills training into workplace development can empower employees to communicate with impact, helping them feel more prepared and confident in their roles.

The Growing Importance of Virtual Presentation Skills

The rise of remote work has made virtual presentation skills just as important as in-person abilities. Virtual presentations bring unique challenges—there’s the physical separation from the audience, technical complexities, and the need for dynamic engagement through a screen. According to a survey by Harvard Business Review, nearly 73% of executives say that virtual presentations require different techniques than in-person presentations to hold audience attention.

To ensure success in virtual settings, presenters need to develop skills that address these challenges:

• ????Mastering Technology: Virtual presenters must be familiar with tools like video conferencing software, screen sharing, and even basic troubleshooting to keep presentations smooth and professional.
• ????Creating Visual Engagement: In virtual settings, visual aids such as slides, images, and interactive elements such as using techniques to engage your virtual audience are essential to capture and retain audience attention. Your virtual audience is likely to be more distracted than an in person one as they check their emails, use their phone or turn the camera off altogether. Effective use of visuals and intentional screen presence can help presenters stand out and maintain interest.
• ????Modulating Voice, pace and length: Virtual presentations often lose the energy of in-person interactions, so it’s important for speakers to vary their tone and pacing to avoid monotony and keep the audience engaged. It’s also important to keep virtual presentations as short and snappy as possible.

Developing strong virtual presentation skills can have a far-reaching impact, enabling employees to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners across geographies. It also reinforces the organization’s adaptability and commitment to digital fluency.

The Role of Feedback in Continuous Improvement

Our experience working with both individuals and teams has shown us that feedback doesn’t just boost performance, it also improves employee engagement. Employees want to feel valued, and meaningful feedback is one of the simplest ways to show that you care about their development. Organizations with high employee engagement outperform those with low engagement by up to 202%, according to Gallup.

Think about it: when employees know exactly what’s expected of them and are recognized for their strengths, they’re more likely to feel motivated. In turn, this leads to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a happier workplace.

Cultivating Communication Excellence in the Workplace

The ability to present well impacts every level of the organization, from daily interactions to high-stakes meetings with stakeholders. For employees, it opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth.

Both in-person and virtual presentation skills are crucial, and feedback ensures that these skills continue to evolve. By emphasizing these areas, organizations can empower their teams to communicate with confidence and clarity, leading to better outcomes and a more connected workplace.

I’m Sarina Mann. I turned my greatest fear into my greatest strength. Now, I’m here to help you do the same. I work with individuals and organisations to create a culture of communication through presentation skills, speaking on camera and feedback skills.

Here are some of the ways I can help you and your team:

?? Communication training - create a culture of communication with presentation skills, speaking on camera and feedback skills training for teams.

?? Speech Coaching - create 5 speaker assets for business growth: keynote speech, pitch, webinar, social media video and homepage video.

?? Speakers’ Community - A community for business leaders to learn to present, practice in front of a group, and get feedback and create their own 5 speaker assets (online or VIP group which is in person).