Workshops & Speaking
PERSUASIVE PRESENTATION SKILLS FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF
How many times have you or your staff made the ubiquitous "legislative update" or PAC presentation? How many times have you left feeling your audience did not understand, and certainly did not appreciate your message?
If you are adequate, your audience will say, "I learned a lot from that presentation." If you are better, they will say, "I want to know how I can help." If you are good and that means moving them to become grassroots evangelists, (the apex for all grassroots leaders), they will say, "I am so motivated to do something right now. I am going to go recruit several new members and others to serve as Key Contacts!" If you are wickedly good, the Vice President of Sales/Membership asks, "Would you work for me?" Which response do you usually receive?
“I found to be most valuable what not to do in a presentation. The examples from Amy’s real life experience were very helpful. I am going to incorporate her suggestions in my future presentations.”
Ann ShropshireNorth Carolina Association of REALTORS
Abundance Dilutes Impact
Being able to galvanize stakeholders beyond your printed materials will give you an advantage over your opponents. Your opponents likely use the same tools that you use to motivate and organize your stakeholders. Thus, the abundance of the same techniques on both sides of an issue dilutes the impact of each technique! What can differentiate equal amounts of money, staff resources, and strategy is a person who can motivate and coach their grassroots activists to become raging, relentless grassroots thunder activists.
If you believe, "It will never change, they just don't understand what we do," you are mistaken! Remember—effective testimony to a local, state or federal agency is not the same as making a compelling presentation to those you also need on your side – your employees or members.
“Fabulous! Thank you! Your tips on how to be perceived as more credible and knowledgeable were very valuable. I know my subject but this will help me more clearly articulate it.”
Bobbie CussinsArea Membership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
“The most valuable information for me to exercise on writing our own biography and introduction. As well as practicing the opening of a speech. I also really liked your suggestions for grabbing the audience's attention at the beginning of your talks. Now I am going to write my bio as I want to be introduced and ask whoever is introducing me to read it as is.”
Jennifer ErohMembership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
Training Results
Improving your public speaking skills has many tangible results, including:
- more motivated grassroots members;
- increased grassroots participation because of members who become evangelists for your cause;
- increased internal organization support for your efforts; and,
- higher personal and departmental visibility within your organization.
“I found most valuable the Q and A drill and anything that requires me to think quickly on my feet. I am planning two upcoming meetings and this will help me anticipate that with my audience. ”
Jennifer HattanMembership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
How We Do It
In this intense, yet comfortable, confidence-building session, you will be asked to participate in active learning exercises which will teach you:
- how to reduce fear on the platform by capitalizing on your innate speaking style and strengths;
- how to create original material that motivates your audience;
- how to use questions and follow up to maximize learning retention among your audience;
- how to make your role and complex legislative issues understandable to your audience;
- the three ingredients of any successful presentation; and,
- how to handle hostile questions, audience negativity, and "hecklers."
We are so confident of our ability to improve and transform your presentation skills that this service comes with a full money back guarantee.
“I found Amy's information on avoiding clichés, avoiding "powerless" phrases to be very helpful. I liked practicing in front of our group and will incorporate these tips into my speeches.”
Malaise MurphyMembership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
“I found most helpful what not to do during a speech. Amy taught me effective ways to connect to my audience and establish credibility.”
Kassandra SmithU.S. Chamber of Commerce
Training Structure
We provide private, small group (3-7 individuals) instruction, as well as larger classroom style coaching, or individual coaching. The individual coaching includes ongoing video or personal critiques from Amy and mandatory coaching calls to discuss your progress. All formats include a combination of interactive practice exercises, video critique and lecture.
Because true improvement comes with further practice, all presentation skills clients have unlimited access to Amy Showalter for up to one year after the workshop for additional video tape critiques. Here's how it works:
- arrange for your upcoming speeches to be video taped
- send the tape to us; Amy will view your tape in its entirety
- Amy will arrange a thirty minute conference call with you to review your performance, encourage your continued improvement, and recommend areas for enhancing your speeches.
“I am going to pay more attention to my introduction to gain credibility. I am also going to use startling statistics when appropriate to get my audience's attention. I'm also going to add more stories and humor to my talks.”
Jeanne StrobelMembership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
“This is an excellent workshop! I will use the information to how to tie a personal story into making my grassroots points.”
Amanda FisherMembership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
Experience
Amy Showalter is a highly rated presenter who has galvanized thousands of grassroots enthusiasts and public affairs staff to advance their cause politically. Amy shows public affairs staff and grassroots volunteers how to (program evaluation results are available upon request) motivate and energize their stakeholders to take action for their cause. The reputation of the highly motivated members of the Nationwide Insurance Civic Action Program was the subject of research in 1995 to determine what motivates employees to participate in grassroots programs.
Trainee Comments
"I found the video
of myself and the group critique very helpful. Amy
has a lot of helpful suggestions such as using personal
stories and how to use them effectively. She's a great
communicator and makes it fun."
"Amy taught me how
to be myself on the platform. It's easier, and it makes
me much more credible. Amy herself has great eye contact
and controls the momentum in our sessions."
"I'm going to use this
information to have fun in speaking. Coming up with
good stories to tell people will make my presentations
even stronger."
"Amy creates a very
comfortable learning environment"
"Amy has found her
calling!"
"Great for all levels—she
improves the skills of the developing speaker and the
experienced ones also."
“Thank you! I am going
to start using stories to improve my speeches and add
to my credibility.”
"I found the video of myself and the group critique very helpful. Amy has a lot of helpful suggestions such as using personal stories and how to use them effectively. She's a great communicator and makes it fun."
"Amy taught me how to be myself on the platform. It's easier, and it makes me much more credible. Amy herself has great eye contact and controls the momentum in our sessions."
"I'm going to use this information to have fun in speaking. Coming up with good stories to tell people will make my presentations even stronger."
"Amy creates a very comfortable learning environment"
"Amy has found her calling!"
"Great for all levels—she improves the skills of the developing speaker and the experienced ones also."
“Thank you! I am going to start using stories to improve my speeches and add to my credibility.”