What do you mean, what do I mean?  Communicating Effectively (1 to 2 days)

 

We like to think of ourselves as able communicators, but how often does our message reach the listener with the intended meaning intact?  How can we ensure that we are understood?  This seminar sensitizes participants about the complexity of the communication process and the psychological aspects that act as filters and barriers to message transfer.  Macro barriers (e.g. language barriers, environmental influence, time and distance), as well as micro barriers (e.g. prejudices, behavior, cultural misunderstandings) are examined. Methods to reduce the influence of these barriers are presented and practiced.  Depending on the client’s wishes, the following communication-related topics may be included:

 

• Communication between cultures

• Intercultural conflict management

• Body language and signaling effect

• Conduct effective interviews

• Customer Service/ Building Trust

• Creating Convincing Narratives (Story-telling)

• Active listening

• Giving feedback

• Conducting difficult conversations

 

The Art of the Haggle – Negotiation Skills (1 to 2 Days)

 

This seminar helps participants develop and improve their negotiation skills and techniques.  Depending on the client's wish, the focus of the seminar can be on one or both of two basic approaches to negotiation.  The traditional Distributive Bargaining technique is a competing, sometimes adversarial framework in which negotiators learn to resolve conflicts of interest through a bargaining process.  Proven instruments such as Bargaining by Objectives, as well as effective pressure bargaining tactics are explored.  In contrast, Integrative Bargaining approaches such as Harvard’s Principled Negotiations (i.e., Getting to Yes), strive towards jointly developing a win-win resolution by focusing on the interests, rather than the positions of the parties. Through role-plays and feed-back, participants practice the methods and hone their skills and tactics. 

 

Present Like a Pro (2 to 3 days)

 

The ability to present your ideas clearly and persuasively is one of the most important skills in the modern workplace. However, nearly everyone has anxieties when it comes time to make a presentation, especially if the presentation is not in one’s native language. This highly interactive seminar will help participants gain confidence as speakers and presenters regardless if they present to clients or the management board, participate in PowerPoint, Excel, Flip Charts, Props).podiums discussions, lead seminars and workshops or lecture.  The 3 key components of every presentation are explored and practiced: the Visual (i.e. Body language), the Verbal (i.e., Content) and the Vocal (i.e., tone).  In addition, the following topics are discussed: structuring presentations (e.g., Minto Pyramid logic, Persuasive Presentations), creating a narrative, dealing with stage fright, fielding audience questions, and the correct and effective use of presentation tools.

 

Once Upon a Time - the Power of Storytelling (1 Day)

 

People think that stories are shaped by people.  In "fact it’s the other way around.”  Terry Prachett

 

Whenever we address an audience, be it an audience of one or many, we hope that our words will convey their meaning in full. We hope that they retain the same sense of urgency, gravitas or significance that we attached to them and that they will move others to action.  Ultimately, we hope for a particular emotional response.  Good storytelling is the art of driving the narrative where you wish it to go.  Rather than relying on hope, a good storyteller takes control of the message and guides the audience toward the intended conclusion. 

 

This workshop teaches participants to use stories to convey their message, regardless if they are trying to close a sale, create brand awareness, raise funds or inspire people.  It acquaints participants with the mechanics of storytelling and shows them how to construct compelling narratives.  Stories with different objectives, such as transmitting values, sparking action, leading people into the future, or persuading their listeners, are explored.  Through numerous exercises and ample opportunities to create and test their own stories, participants learn to transform dry professional messages into emotionally engaging experiences that inspire people to action.