Conference Speaking: Face the fear with Clearwater Advisors

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 21, 2008 – Conference speaking is one of business leaders’ greatest fears. Yet, the ability to deliver a conference speech effectively can make a the difference between an average leader and a really successful one. Clearwater Advisors, a London based consultancy that has advised the likes of the BBC, ABN Amro, British Airways, HSBC and Canon, helps executives to raise their performance and deliver conference speeches that achieve desired outcomes.

Clearwater Advisors’ conference speaker coaching is divided into a number of sessions. Initially Clearwater works with the client to create a presentation that is clear, memorable and flows. This process normally takes only around two hours, saving a great deal of time for many speakers who normally devote many hours to preparing their content. This is then followed by a session on speech tips and delivery skills and a further session which includes a rehearsal and advice on how to handle questions effectively.

James McBrien, Clearwater Advisors Managing Director, said, “Many of our clients know that speaking at conferences is expected as part of their job, and many of them have been doing it for years. However, many fail to get over their fears of public speaking and as a result avoid it, holding themselves back. What Clearwater Advisors does is give business leaders the skills and confidence they need to not only face an audience but to really engage with it and effectively deliver their messages. The results can be a revelation.”

One of the interesting themes that Clearwater Advisors comes across when training business leaders to improve their conference speeches is the unwillingness to use scripts. This is based on the frequent experience of seeing conference speeches delivered badly from scripts. People conclude, incorrectly, that the fault lies with the tool rather than the user. Clearwater trains people to deliver presentations from scripts without it being apparent that the speaker is reading. This helps individuals to become better speakers. This in turn helps to raise their organisation’s profile and demonstrates their leadership ability.

James McBrien concludes, “Conference speaking is in some ways like being a professional golfer and we work much like a golf coach. Top class golfers recognise the value of a good coach. The reason they are world class is because they see their trusted coach on regular basis and because the coach knows what it takes to perform at the top of their game. We work with our clients to ensure they perform at the top of their game more consistently, when it counts most.”

For further information on Clearwater Advisors call +44(0) 207 420 6872 or email enquiries@cwaeurope.com.
http://www.cwaeurope.com