Lucy is the National Education Specialist for a pharmaceutical devices company in the diabetes division. She plans, organises and develops diabetes material for everyday use. And she also works with the launch of new products into the Australian market.
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I love being in front of an audience. I enjoy sharing key messages, stories and educational material about the medical devices I have the privilege of working with. I present in a number of different situations including; to colleagues during product training, more formally at national sales meeting or at national industry conferences, along with dinner presentations with our healthcare professionals and occasionally as an after dinner speaker.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
A friend recommended I attend the masterclass. My friend had previously attended and she told me that she regularly sends her staff for presentation training with Michelle. Some of her staff had mentioned it was the best course they had ever attended. I absolutely agree and have since sent a member of staff to attend Michelle’s masterclass.
How did Michelle's teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
The masterclass has changed the way I prepare and approach presentations. It has made me think about the entire environment I am presenting in, including: room set up, music, and even the visual aids and workbooks that I provide to the audience. I regularly use the presentation templates that Michelle gifted us for planning and delivering presentations.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
I have received exceptionally positive feedback from colleagues about how much I have improved. In particular people have noticed the speed of my speech, my voice control and my audience engagement. Without a doubt the company and my colleagues have sureness in my reliability and confidence to deliver during presentations. My confidence has definitely improved greatly.
What were your top three take aways from Michelle's teachings?
- Prepare, prepare, prepare for presentations.
- Give your audience a reason to want to listen.
- Try and use props to further engage the audience.