Mark Allott works for Kubota Australia as the National Product Manager for Kubota Implements. His role involves selecting certain models of implements that are used behind tractors to cultivate, seed and fertilise farms throughout Australia. Mark is currently responsible for marketing, price setting and training the Kubota dealer network on 130 different models.
What did Mark say after attending Michelle’s Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass?
“Really good content. I loved that the content at times was confronting but we were not made to feel silly because it was a comfortable environment. Excellent support material for later.”
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I present in many ways. Sometimes in a field on a farm with a ‘machine walk around’, at head office in a presentation room using PowerPoint, I also present sometimes over the phone when I’m on a conference call to explain the features and benefits of our products.
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
I was enrolled by the company I work for as pre-training before I had to present at our annual dealer conference. I wanted to make sure that when I presented at the conference I did the best job that I could.
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
- Michelle’s masterclass helped to put me in the audience’s shoes.
- I learnt the key things to prepare properly for a presentation.
- And importantly, I also learnt the importance of rehearsal.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
Being a ‘bloke off a farm’, I think I lacked the polish required at times to present well. This training has given me a new level of professionalism and class.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
I think one of the big improvements has been around the way I use PowerPoint. In my role slides are unavoidable because there are always detailed parts of a machine that need to be highlighted with pictures or text. I have learnt that if I feel I need to apologise for a slide, then I should fix it or not use it at all.
What were your top three take always from Michelle’s teachings?
- Preparation is key.
- Connect and make eye contact with the audience.
- Rehearse.