What’s the difference between a presentation course Glasgow or anywhere else in the world?
In my 12 years of training, I’ve learned there are three big ones.
One big advantage of being born, living or working in Glasgow.
And two big disadvantages.
Knowing how to excel in one and fix the others can be the difference between success and failure.
Between persuading and dissuading.
Between winning and losing.
It’s what we explore every week of the year in our presentation courses in the city.
So let’s explore how we can stand out for the right reasons.
In Glasgow and the west of Scotland, we’re famous for a few things.
Our sense of humour.
Our warmth.
Empathy to those in need.
Our kindness to strangers.
I’m often awestruck by the work of charities around the city helping refugees integrate, women escape violence, children find a loving family.
So we need to make the most of that when presenting in Glasgow and beyond.
How do we communicate that warmth in our presentation?
It can be as simple as a friendly introduction.
“Hi everyone, I’m delighted to be here.”
Words like ‘delighted’ put your audience at ease.
(They also have the advantage of tricking your body into being delighted).
A gentle smile works nicely too.
Some self-deprecating humour (so long as the target is you, rather than the audience).
And then there’s the secret sauce.
If you really do care about your audience more than yourself, put them at the centre of your pitch.
Rather than discussing your expertise, talk about their goals.
In the first line, explain how you’ll make their life easier.
Here are some tips for finding the true motivation of your audience and starting there.
How do you tell a confident Scot?
When they say hello, they’ll looking at your bootlaces rather than theirs.
This old Glasgow joke rings true today.
An unease about boasting, coming across as arrogant, blowing your own trumpet.
We’ll listen to The Apprentice candidates say things like:
“I am unquestionably the best salesperson ever.”
To a Glaswegian, that’s the equivalent of scraping your fingernails down a chalk board.
It’s gut-wrenching. Unbearable.
So we use phrases like:
“I’m not too bad at accounting” (says an accountant with 25 years’ experience).
“I’d like to think I’m alright at swimming” (says the Commonwealth gold medallist).
“Hopefully I won’t take up too much of your time”.
“I’ll try and be quick”.
All of these phrases suggest doubt, so replace them with words of commitment instead:
“I’m determined to help you.”
“I’m committed to finding a solution.”
And combine these with facts:
“I have 25 years’ experience.”
“I won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.”
Now the audience is hooked.
You’re giving us the best of Glasgow, with the audience at the heart of your message, combined with a more confident belief in how you’ll help them.
Phrases like “I’m not too bad” translate poorly out of English.
We’re often asked in Spain, France or even the US, why Scots say things like:
“I can’t complain” (how are you?)
“It’s not raining for a change” (how’s the weather?)
“Not a problem” (thanks for your help)
Positive questions leading to negative answers.
By including the word ‘not’, we’re defining ourselves by what’s not happening.
Consider the benefit of changing:
“Very well thanks” (how are you?)
“It’s beautiful” (how’s the weather?)
“You’re welcome” (thanks for your help)
We call this a Pink Elephant: here’s why.
And speaking negatively often can lead to some dangerous ones.
Like ending your presentation with:
“If we don’t act now, we might not have a business in the future.”
That’s succinct but negative and uninspiring.
How about this instead?
“Only if we act now can we have a business in the future.”
The double-negative becomes a double-positive.
We’ll help you make the most of living or working in Glasgow.
Combine the natural warmth with the gifts of commitment and positivity.
So you can become the best version of yourself.
Email us today to find out about our 1-to-1 courses at our Pollok Park studios.
Time to invest in you.
Photos in Presentation course Glasgow blog by Pink Elephant Communications and Ratworks Media.
Presentation course Glasgow blog edited by Colin Stone.
26th September 2022 Featured in: Our courses blogs By: Pink Elephant
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