(E25) The presentation expert Fiona Walsh
If I say the word presentation to you, what comes to mind? Hundreds of powerpoint slides with text and images so small no-one can understand them. Maybe, like me your mouth drops to your stomach at the thought on being on-stage and everyone looking at you.
Whatever your thoughts and feelings are on the topic, one thing’s for sure - as a leader you are going to have to do it - and often!
In today’s episode I’m talking with presentation trainer Fiona Walsh about how you can speak with impact - whether it’s a Board meeting, town-hall staff session or you’re on-stage in front of hundreds of your peers - we talk about:
what makes a speaker impactful
whether it's a skill that comes naturally or you can learn
how to make everyday (boring) presentations more engaging
avoiding filler words, using breathwork exercises and other ways to improve your presentation style
how your approach might change at work versus a national platform
presenting online
the problems with slidedecks and how to break the cycle of expectation
feeling more comfortable 'on stage'
dealing with challenges and challengers
About Fiona
With 25 years in corporate, Fiona has seen her fair share of poorly designed and presented slides. As an IT Manager/Trainer with a STEM background, she became the primary go-to person for help with anything PowerPoint and presentation related. She set up Empower Presentations to provide bespoke PowerPoint and presentation training to organisations. She is passionate about teaching people how to deliver presentations that are fit for purpose, memorable and engaging. She also focuses on presenting confidently, including best practices in the boardroom, at conferences, and online, for example, with MS Teams. Fiona is a certified Microsoft Master Trainer, has a diploma in IT Teacher Training and an MSc in Digital Innovation. She recently finished her term as Director of Education for the Presentation Guild (a global organisation for presentation professionals).
Resources and helpful links
Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn
Visit Fiona’s website
Follow Empower Presentations on LinkedIn
Find out more about Toastmasters
If you think your self-leadership needs some TLC head book a free consultation call with me.
