Drew Potts is a financial advisor based in Adelaide, South Australia, and specialises in championing the cause for grannies and granddads across the country. He helps people access quality financial advice in relation to their retirement living and aged care needs and he also assists with the many other financial challenges seniors face in maintaining security and certainty in their financial affairs.
What did Drew say after attending Michelle’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass?
“Fantastic learning experience under top class instruction and guidance from Michelle – the two days were completely engaging and filled with relevant and useful content, supplemented by excellent support resources. Thoroughly recommend this program, no matter what level of experience.”
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I am regularly presenting to small and large community, professional and other interest groups on the financial planning needs and challenges associated with retirement living and aged care.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
I enjoy presenting but had been always looking to improve the way I approached, prepared and delivered these sessions. Largely by chance, I happened to come across Michelle’s book “How to Present (Wiley)”. The information and advice really resonated with me and I really wanted to accelerate my learning and use of this information. So I got in touch with Michelle and decided the best way forward for me was to attend her Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass in Melbourne. All I can say is I wish I had done this workshop years ago!
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
Michelle gave me structure, technique and process so I can better approach and prepare for my presentations (and in a fraction of the time it used to take me!). I also learnt all the tools needed to present this information and material in a greatly improved manner and importantly to be persuasive in the business outcomes I am wanting from these presentations.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
Shortly after my workshop with Michelle I had an important presentation give to around 150 accountants. I had been uncertain (and anxious) about this presentation and found myself second guessing content, delivery, style – basically everything concerning this presentation. Immediately following Michelle’s workshop I completely revamped the presentation using exactly the method and processes Michelle had given me (in no time at all) and then I delivered it very successfully.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
The confidence I feel after applying the tools, techniques and learnings from Michelle’s workshop is simply amazing! I am pleased to say my presentation went very well and a few days later I received a personal letter from the organisers saying they had a hugely positive response from their attendees. I even got a message from an attendee via LinkedIn saying they had been inspired by the presentation!
What were your top three takeaways from Michelle’s teachings?
- To present consistently well requires the use (and practice) of solid and proven techniques and processes in each stage of presentation preparation and delivery.
- Your slides (PowerPoint etc) should only be used sparingly to compliment, emphasise and reinforce your key points. You are the presenter, not your slides.
- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!