Andrew is an Executive Manager in the lighting industry where he leads a team that is responsible for business performance through: sales performance, customer engagement and brand reputation. Andrew also holds a leadership role in Scouts Victoria. In all his roles advanced communication skills are essential.
Here’s what Andrew said after attending my Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass in 2021:
“I came into the Masterclass hoping to advance how I structure my presentations to become an inspirational presenter. After the very first session it was clear we would all learn this and so much more. Starting with the 4Mat which was delivered in such a relatable manner, immediately I was confident to use the method from day 1!! The formulas, tips and examples are incredible. Then came Michelle’s feedback that was so full of absoluteness. This feedback was “the gift” of the Masterclass. It was always delivered in a way that helped us learn how to be on the right path. Michelle’s understanding, knowledge and all-round training expertise is evident. This Masterclass changes so much for me in every aspect of my life forever because I consciously aspire to be a motivator. My mission is to help every single person be the best they can be on any given day, having the knowledge on how to effectively communicate is a gift. The gift of words, posture, images and my newfound linguistic patterns all ensure I am one step closer to that. Additionally, Michelle’s best-selling book, “How to Present” does not leave my side as I need to continue to train like a professional. Today Chapter 9 was my focus as it can take my own belief to another level “A proper cup of coffee in a proper copper coffee cup” got a good run before today’s presentation. From the top of my heart thank you so much, I hope you can understand how much this means to me.”
Andrew Smyth, General Manager, Sales & Marketing (Aust), Pierlite
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
– In my professional life I present to internal and external customers.
– I pitch and present proposals to external customers.
– I present at whole of organisation meetings about performance, leadership, management and strategy.
– I present to our Chairman and Board regarding performance, strategy and outlook.
– I meet with new sales team employees in a one on one meeting to share our strategy and expectations. Although these meetings are not formal, they certainly are a presentation as I am always conscious of the quality of that meeting. It’s crucial that all new employees feel they have absolutely made the right decision in joining our team.\
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
As a leadership team we were privileged to be invited to attend Michelle’s Masterclass by our Chairman and CEO who had identified the benefit of our Leadership Team attending the masterclass. Our whole Executive worked with Michelle to ensure that we know everything we needed to know to structure a compelling message.
How did Michelle's teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
From the first moment we set eyes on Michelle she demonstrated the power of presentation. She’s awesome at walking her talk.
I realised that there’s a difference in the outcomes you achieve when you take the time to prepare instead of just walk in the room and start talking to a slide.
The power of really looking in your audience’s eyes and sharing a presentation so you are captivating became more and more obvious.
How have improved presentation skills have impacted on your job and your career in general?
I have increased confidence when presenting because I now understand how to be adequately prepared for every presentation.
I was invited recently to introduce a well-known Federal MP to a virtual parliament session with over 100 virtual guests an I took the opportunity in my stride.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
I have always wondered, “how do you train to be a master presenter or public speaker?”
Since completing the Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass I now have both the clarity and the techniques/formulas to prepare an engaging and compelling script for any presentation. I know how to ensure the audience receives the value they deserve in return for attending my presentation.
I am much more mentally prepared for every opportunity that comes my way.
Like so many others in the business world I had learnt the mythology that presenting means putting a PowerPoint presentation together. Well now I know better! The first thing that was demonstrated by Michelle is that relying on your slides is not presenting! Presenting is all about serving your audience – it’s not rally about the slides, they are just an aid.
I now have clarity over the whole process that is required to deliver a persuasive presentation that flows naturally, captivates the audience and achieves the results I choose.
What were your top three takeaways from Michelle's teachings?
1. How to prepare my voice, body and mind before walking on stage to deliver maximum value to any audience.
2. How to structure a presentation to be effective with all audiences.
3. The PowerPoint comes last and contains simple visuals to support the presentation – it’s not ‘the presentation’!
© Michelle Bowden 2021. Michelle Bowden is an authority on presentation and persuasion in business. Michelle is a CSP (the highest designation for speakers in the world), co-Creator of the Persuasion Smart Profile (a world-first psychometric indicator that tests your persuasiveness at work), best-selling internationally published author (Wiley), and a regular commentator in print, radio and online media. www.michellebowden.com.au