For crying out loud, can we please stop this!

For crying out loud can we please stop videoing people during presentation training? And while we are at it, please stop getting people to present back to the group.

Why is that?

Let me tell you why this type of presentation training sucks.

1. 99% of your people do not need it. For the small number that do, this type of high-level feedback should only happen in a one-on-one situation. This is a good option when someone is a great speaker, and they want to become brilliant. For example, I have done this as a professional speaker. It's also a good option if you need to fast-track capability, so it may be suited to your CEO or Senior Execs.
2. It’s putting the cart before the horse. Instead of focusing on the high polished delivery, people need to learn how to:

- prioritise messages

- understand their audience better

- explore the different types of modes to deliver content to better engage their audience

- discover some basic tips on delivery both in person and online.

1. Participants hate having to present back to the group while being recorded. Most people fear public speaking, so they may have reservations about attending a presentation course. When someone turns on a video camera at the start of the training it scares the hell out of even seasoned professionals.
2. As soon as people get a whiff of the fact they will be recorded, people don’t sign up for the training. They might even call in sick that morning, probably because they feel sick at the thought of being recorded. Consequently, the people that need the most help might end up receiving no assistance.
3. Sitting through everyone else presenting back is mind-numbingly boring. It also means the program is 1 or 2 days long, instead of a short and sharp half day. It takes more time plus more money yet it’s less effective. It begs the question, why?

Presentation Training

If you are in the market for this type of presentation training, then I am not your person. But if you want a half day, practical session with lots of tips and techniques that you can implement immediately then let’s chat.

I promise it will have a real impact without inducing anxiety about being recorded. You can send me a message to find out about an inhouse workshop. Or you can check out my public workshop on the 5th of December.

Finally, I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Do you like this type of presentation training or is it just me?

If you want to get better at telling stories then check out my free 7-Day Storytelling Starter Kit. You can also find out more about the work I do at gabrielledolan.com or send me an email to set up a time to chat.

Tune in to my new podcast, Keeping it real with Jac & Ral on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube.