As was written in the seminal business book, The Cluetrain Manifesto, “markets are conversations.” When those conversations take place in hard copy print or via broadcast and cable networks, they tend to be one-directional. When such conversations take place online, they’re likely to be more interactive. But some of the most important and influential conversations that drive business success still take place person-to-person. Just as good editorial, graphic, and web-based skills can elevate the caliber of conversation in those former venues, strong presentation skills are essential to making the most of interpersonal conversations.
This is more true today than ever before. Consumers are so bombarded with messages … they engage in so many conversations across so many platforms … that being “heard,” let alone actually “listened to,” is incredibly challenging for business leaders. That’s why savvy communicators have come to appreciate the value of presentation skills training.
There’s an old generalization, “All press is good press.” Maybe so for a movie star. For a business leader … perhaps not so much. There’s little to be gained from the notoriety of delivering an ineffective presentation. Conversely, when an executive’s presentation skills shine, word tends to get around. That type of “positive press” doesn’t just add to a conversation. It changes, directs, and takes charge of it!