How do you turn around a senior manager with career-limiting presentation skills? In my coaching practice, corporate executives often request assistance on improving the presentation skills of a highly valued manager. The question at the heart of the request is, "Can anything be done to improve presentation skills or is it just a natural talent"? The good news is, we all have the ability to significantly improve these "trainable" skills. The purpose of this article is to describe how to help individuals reach their potential as speakers.

There are three questions that must be addressed by the concerned executive when dealing with a manager in need of presentation skills coaching:

1. Does the manager understand what is personally expected of him or her in each presentation?

2. Have you given the manager feedback on his or her presentation skills?

3. Has the manager been able to integrate this feedback into his or her presentations?

If the answer to these questions is "No," the company executive is faced with a "make or buy" decision. "Do I attempt to coach this individual, using internal resources, or do I hire a speech coach?"

The "Collaborative Approach" is one that may work in your situation. This approach encourages both team building and platform skills. Ask the manager in question to identify a colleague with excellent presentation skills. Make arrangements for the two individuals to work together to improve the manager's skills. The following steps are recommended when using the "Collaborative Approach."

• The "internal coach" and the manager reach an understanding regarding the specific business benefits to be achieved by improving the manager's presentation skills.

• Together, they determine the skills needing improvement.

• After viewing the manager's next presentation, the coach provides feedback.

• If no significant progress is observed in subsequent presentations, consider speaking with a speech coach.

Poor presentation skills can result in orders lost, projects not funded and missed career opportunities. Try the above suggestions. Keep in mind, improvement will not occur without your intervention.

Recommended Reading:
In my "Public Speaking for Managers" course at The Harvard School of Public Health, we use David Peoples book, Presentations Plus (John Wiley & Sons). This book offers many practical strategies for powerful presentations.

Copyright 2006, Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided you let me know where it is being printed, the copyright is not removed, and the following text accompanies each article:

"Mark Campbell partners with organizations for leadership development. For a complimentary subscription to his newsletter, "Management Challenges," go to www.mjcampbellassoc.com."

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