Work Less, Make More Money: 7 Secrets Of Executive Coaches

Dreaming of escaping the summer heat for a cool shady spot? If you’re ready to work less, and make more money, use these 7 presentation secrets of top executive coaches. No, this is not a ‘get rich ove ight scheme.’ Interviewing several leading executive coaches, I noticed a pattern of their recommendations. While you may not have time or may feel you cannot afford an executive coach, you can use each of these tips—right now. Many professional clients seek help with presentation skills training. Some have had it on their ‘to do’ list for a decade or more. Others, are more focused on giving a winning speech at an upcoming conference. Whether you want to build your skills as a future investment, or as a survival strategy, each of these secrets can help you. 1. Look at causes and effectsr The way you plan, prepare and perform any presentation, speech or talk is a process. Look for causes that are resulting in your current experience. For instance, do you procrastinate planning? Or do you resist rehearsals? If these causes are in play, then you already know the ‘effects.’ If you wait until the final hour, you’re likely to feel nervous and ill prepared. If you don’t rehearse and practice, you will not explore the ins and outs of what can be improved. Take a cool look at what is happening for you regarding presenting. Your current experience about presenting is always an effect of a cause. Naturally, your cause also has effects. For instance, if you’re always unprepared and not at your best, you may get passed over for a promotion, lose a deal, or blow a sale. 2. Establish a systemr Rather than reinvent the wheel each time you need to present in public, establish a solid system. If you aren’t a system thinker, use a field-tested presentation skills planning system. 3. Work with an objective coachr The single comment I hear from people who get executive coaching? “I should have done this sooner!” Executive coaching is the fastest way to get objective and honest feedback. Remember: what you don’t know can hurt you. 4. Build core skillsr Fortunately, presenting is a skill that can be learned. While books, tapes and observation go part of the way, working shoulder-to-shoulder with experts is essential. If your schedule is insanely busy, get training online. Pick a presentation skills training that allows you to learn when and how you like. Choose one that offers blueprints, cheat sheets, video tutorials and targeted skill development. 5. Create Conversationsr The most effective presenters know this: presenting is not one-way. It is a two-way conversation. If you’re avoiding interaction, limiting questions, and postponing a lively give-and-take, you are limiting your success. Grow your skills and comfort using tools that support interaction. Work at a dry erase board or whiteboard, sketching while the audience watches. Grab your iPad to show what your product really works. Show an infographic to answer questions with words-and-pictures. The more you create conversations, the less you’ll have to work to engage clients. 6. Get feedback from target buyersr Building skills in isolation is dangerous. It’s easy to think that you’ve ‘got it covered’ when in reality, you are just starting out. That’s why you must get feedback from people who are your ‘target buyers.’ This isn’t just for sales presenting. Your target audience is ‘buying’ your ideas, proposals and recommendations. Get direct feedback from your audience—or people who are representative of your audience. 7. Continuously lea Learning is ongoing. There are new skills, new tools and new media to master. If you’re serious about getting ahead, presentation skills training, communication skills training, and working with an executive coach are smart choices. With these 7 secrets, you have a distinct competitive advantage. Plus, you may just get out of the office in time to catch a cool breeze. Who knew that executive coaching and presentation skills could make such a difference in your lifestyle?