With over two decades of experience in telecommunications, I am an accomplished network engineering professional currently serving as the Executive Design Manager at nbn. My role encompasses network design for all fixed networks within nbn, where I lead a dynamic team in crafting cutting-edge, cost-effective design solutions that power the future of telecommunications infrastructure.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
2010, I sought Michelle’s Presentation and Communication Skill training course to overcome my fear of public speaking and enhance my presentation skills whilst working at Optus. Michelle’s expertise and training framework were instrumental in helping me become a more capable and effective communicator in my role.
I still remember her teaching 13 years later!
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
Michelle’s teaching changed attitudes towards presenting in business by making the learning process enjoyable. Her unique approach, including a clear framework, interactive techniques, humour, engaging storytelling, rehearsals, and even her signature celebration dance moves, significantly boosted my interest and ability to remember these life-changing models.
This transformation turned what was once an intimidating task into a pleasurable skill-building journey for me.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
These skills contribute to advancing in leadership roles and effectively leading large teams (35+ professionals), enhancing my personal and professional success.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
Some further improvements were: enhanced message clarity, audience engagement, body language and presence, more assertive active listening, and adaptability to diverse audiences.
What were your top three take-aways from Michelle’s masterclass?
The top three critical insights from Michelle’s training course are;
1. Understand your audience
2. Diligent rehearsal (even CEOs put in extensive effort),
3. Acknowledging that pre-presentation nerves are common and can be managed.
I never underestimate the significance of considering the audience, doing thorough preparation, and I am consistently focused on the human aspects of presentations and connecting.
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© 2023 MICHELLE BOWDEN is an authority on persuasive presenting in business. She’s run her Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass over 980 times for more than 13,000 people over the past 24 years and her name is a synonym for ‘presentation skills’ in Australia. She’s a multi-million-dollar pitch coach to her client list that reads like a who’s who of international business: banking and finance, IT, pharmaceutical, retail, telecommunications plus many more. Michelle is the creator of the Persuasion Smart Profile®, a world-first psychological assessment tool that reports on your persuasive strengths and weaknesses at work, the best-selling internationally published author of How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting live and online (Wiley) and her new book is called How to Persuade: the skills you need to get what you want (Wiley). Visit www.michellebowden.com.au
