Public Speaking - Developing Skills and Confidence
Client Organisation:
Private Client
Position:
Pilot
Context:
The client was undergoing group assessment for·a sponsored position to train as a commercial airline pilot. The assessment programme involved numerous discussion and negotiation exercises. Feedback from the first assessment was 'failure' and a need to repeat several of the group exercises each involving group discussion and negotiation.
With only one opportunity to repeat the assessment the client was keen to improve his public speaking and discussion abilities. Numerous difficulties were reported including "finding it difficult to join in the discussions" and "not being able to come up with content" when the discussion·subject was unfamiliar. Also a strong element of nerves about public speaking and being assessed.·
Objectives:
To work on group assessment skills, including technique for negotiation, and confidence in public communication.
Format & Duration:·
2 face to face sessions of around 2 to 3 hours. NLP coaching tools were applied to eliminate any nerves and fear of public speaking. Specifically, New Code NLP 'State Building Games' to develop a powerful resource state and link to public speaking.
Additionally some negotiation skills and group assessment techniques, specifically the use of non-verbal communication, the ability to elegantly disagree, interrupt anyone dominating discussion and to skillfully use other people's content when having nothing to say.
Outcomes:
The client reported he comfortably passed the second assessment and received very positive feedback about the progress he had made. He was particularly pleased with how relaxed he felt in presenting his ideas to the group and·in generating new content for discussion.
Comments:
In group assessments candidates are usually assessed for specific criteria, such as confidence, persuasiveness, leadership ability etc. Regardless of what those criteria are it is usually simple enough to pass an assessment by making a 'reasonable and genuine contribution'. There are some pitfalls to watch out for including those candidates that recognise how the assessment works and dominate discussion. Non-verbal communication can be used to great effect in group assessments and it is possible, with just a little skill, to pass with flying colours without actually having to contribute a great deal of content. Sometimes how we say what we say is more important than what we actually say.