Barbara Ryan is the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a charity that provides a range of programs to support families to stay close together during their journey of having a seriously ill child. RMHC is a large charity providing 394 rooms for families in need every night in their 16 Houses across the country. There are also a number of other brilliant programs that support seriously ill children and their families. As a federated charity with 155 Board members across 13 legal entities and several significant corporate partners there are many committed stakeholders. A lot of Barbara’s work is leading by influencing across the RMHC System and presenting to large groups of stakeholders.
What did Barbara say after attending Michelle’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass?
“Fantastic! Very useful. I loved Michelle’s energy, the application to many areas of my work, the templates and tools and learning from and with others.”
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I have a mix of presentations including to large groups of both internal and external stakeholders to influence them for change. I also present to smaller groups such as Boards to ‘sell-in’ an idea.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
I was introduced to Michelle by a colleague for a specific project at work when the team needed to present to a large audience. Michelle’s impact on the outcome of this project was significant which encouraged me to complete Michelle’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass and now I continue to use Michelle’s template and method for varying presentations. I also access Michelle as a mentor for each major presentation that I give which has been invaluable.
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
I approach a presentation in a very different way that (without fail) enables me to achieve the desired result. I am also less fearful of presenting or gaining traction with an idea when I apply Michelle’s techniques.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
I have made some significant changes in our organisation which has required the ‘buy in’ of significant stakeholders. All this has been possible by utilising Michelle’s persuasive techniques. And interestingly, I’m offered many more opportunities these days to present in large whole of company presentations because my presentation message and style has improved significantly.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
My overall confidence. I believe that I have a strong message and with the right delivery and preparation I can have the desired change.
What were your top three take aways from Michelle’s teachings?
- Prepare would be the No. 1: I now consider the audience, my key message and what impact I am trying to make using the 5-step analysis process.
- POO for dealing with conflict or objections: this is essential when you’re trying to persuade your audience (large or small) to accept your idea and there are road blocks to overcome.
- Rehearse, rehearse rehearse.