Leadership Communications

How does “Leadership Communications” play into your role as a presenter at a corporate event? It all has to do with audience engagement. Your talk, your presentation, your performance, is your opportunity to show that you can communicate like a leader. To do that, you have to be able to connect with your audience and understand that you are not just showing data or repeating someone else’s plan. You are the leader, and you want every face out there to follow your lead. You are actually looking for their engagement in your presentation and their participation in your company’s success.

Looking at the calendar and realizing that the big meeting is fast approaching can be a bit overwhelming. Communication is often far down the list of a leader’s priorities until it isn’t! No need to worry. Here are some pointers to help you get in the right frame-of-mind to focus on your leadership communications.

Don’t be a megaphone. Be a telephone.

Always prepare your presentation as if it were a two-way conversation. Expect feedback, even if that feedback is non-verbal. Design your presentation around your audience. By allowing – and expecting – their buy-in, you can make sure that they are active listeners.

You have to be an active listener as well. Be prepared for questions. If there is no time in the agenda, make yourself available after the speech. You can also use meeting apps and social media to field inquiries and respond quickly, helping to establish lasting connections. An effective presentation will continue the conversation long after you leave the stage.

Who do you lead?

Make sure you are prepared to speak to the people in the audience. Are they your reports, your customers, your staff? Often leaders lose sight of who is the actual audience. Focus on the people in front of you. Speak to their concerns. Addressing what your audience wants to know will make them sit up, listen, ask questions and participate in your presentation.

It’s all about integrity.

Be authentic. By speaking your truth you will display your own authenticity, and you can build integrity with your audience. Everyone wants to succeed and be appreciated for his or her expertise and effort. Bring that feeling into your presentation. Ask questions. Point out those who have contributed. Have a little levity. The audience will follow your lead and will appreciate and want to offer their integrity in response. Not only will that help you feel better on stage, but it will also confirm that the audience is engaged and listening to you.

Make it a performance.

You don’t need to be a classically trained actor to turn your presentation into a performance. All you need to do is step out from behind the podium. Step out of your comfort zone. Be courageous – your audience will appreciate the effort. Make sure your speaker support actually supports your speech. When you put something on the screen, you are requesting that the audience read it. If you put your entire script on the screen, you have negated your reason for being up there. Let them hear from you. You’re the leader!

Don’t go it alone!

You probably have a lot of help at work from associates, colleagues, and consultants. When you need expertise in the business, you get it. You should do the same with your presentation.

Preston Productions is known for our professional direction for speakers from any industry. From writing a presentation that is authentic to your own voice to building the visual support for that presentation, Preston will get you ready for your moment. We will also help you with your performance. Starting with  rehearsals, to the moment you go on stage, we will be there, making sure you are confident, comfortable and effective. You are providing Leadership Communications, why not call on Preston Productions. We have the Communications Leadership to help you succeed.