Think you don’t need presentation coaching? Three reasons why it’s worth the investment

For most people, their fear of public speaking outweighs their fear of spiders, air travel, and even death. And yet—whether we realize it or not—we speak publicly almost every day. Even if you don’t act as a spokesperson or speak to the media, chances are you will speak at town hall meetings, with clients, or give presentations at work.

Public speaking is an essential skill. LinkedIn's list of 2023 Most In-Demand Skills ranked "communication" as the second most sought after professional skill, after management experience.

As a former journalist turned media and presentation coach, I witness this anxiety around public speaking often. The good news is that it’s usually an easy fix. Whether it’s an executive receiving mandatory coaching, or simply someone hoping to give more effective presentations, clients who complete a typical 3 or 4-hour presentation session leave the room with a sense of confidence and credibility. They tell us they feel more prepared and comfortable doing media interviews and delivering presentations.

Articulating our thoughts and messages clearly is vital, whether you’re at work or networking. Here are three reasons why you should invest in presentation coaching:

1. You present every day. Even if you aren’t a spokesperson, you likely present at meetings or town halls. This training isn’t just for media spokespeople. Most of us present every day, at town hall meetings or on client calls. Presentation coaching covers important tips for body language, attire, how to set up a home office or camera, and lighting so that there are fewer distractions for both you and your audience—keeping the focus on the information you want to deliver. These sessions also coach participants on developing a messaging game plan and how to address difficult lines of questioning to maintain control of your messaging.
2. Conferences are back in a big way. Big events are back. Festivals, concerts, and even conferences are ballooning to pre-pandemic levels. For instance, there were nearly 27,000 attendees from all over the world at this year’s Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) mining and mineral exploration convention in Toronto. And 10,000 attendees are expected at this year’s Elevate tech conference. Virtual events may also be here to stay, but many of us are already back out there networking, learning, and making deals in person. Investing in a short morning or afternoon presentation session will give you the tools to succinctly convey your message, and what’s more, make it memorable and impactful.
3. Most organizations have a professional development budget for training and upskilling. Communicating effectively is an important leadership skill, and even if you aren’t aiming for an executive role, this type of training can help you advance your career. Many companies have a yearly budget that needs to be spent on training, and you could potentially tap into this budget by simply asking. The training is fun and is usually completed in a morning or afternoon session anytime or leading up to an important event. A good coach will also give you a handbook or tips to take with you to prep for future events, presentations, and interviews.

Considering the professional benefits and confidence boost that a training session provides, the return is well worth the investment. And who wouldn't want to sweat a little less the next time it's their turn to speak?