Ben is a healthcare consultant for The Health Roundtable. He helps hospitals and health services across Australia, New Zealand and the UAE to identify innovations in health care practice. Ben describes himself as a rational optimist and curious professional sceptic. Ben says that Michelle’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass was easily the most memorable and influential training session of his career.
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I do visual presentations that tell a story with the specific aim to connect with the audience to build trust. ‘Conversational’ presenting is my natural style and it’s what I enjoy.
I follow a storytelling structure centred around the 4Mat Model with heavy emphasis on the Why? In the Why? I say particular things to build rapport with my audience and to leverage my experience.
I strongly believe the audience is always wondering why they need what you’re talking about. As presenters we need to help our audiences to better understand the Why? of our message so we get the best results.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
Michelle’s course was sponsored through my previous employer – NSW Health. I am extremely grateful I was sponsored to attend. It was easily the most memorable and influential training session I have had in my career.
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
Michelle taught me to see presenting as a fun challenge and a valuable, unique skill.
Michelle provided the step by step structure and a better understanding of how to analyse what you’re trying to achieve to ensures I successfully execute my presentations. In particular, I have enjoyed thinking more deeply about designing my presentations in parallel with my end goal (where I need to shift my audience to). I also now consider the importance of body language when I present.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
After I completed Michelle’s session, I improved the quality of my presentations.
This created significant operational improvements. I saw widespread behaviour change. It was very rewarding.
My success was recognised at a local and state level, ultimately leading me to my current role with The Health Roundtable helping hospitals and health services across Australia, New Zealand and the UAE to identify innovations in healthcare, collaborate and succeed.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
I now have a deep understanding of why particular things are important in presenting for success. I practice and know my content, allowing time to be mindful of my body language. This leads to greater confidence and influence.
In short, I have a better understanding of what great speakers do, so I’m now in the position to implement best practice.
What were your top three take-aways from Michelle’s masterclass?
1. 4Mat System (Why?, What?, How?, What Else?).
2. The art of storytelling with visual aids that bring your message to life.
3. Importance of voice and body language.