Case Study
Background
Being CEO or a senior executive involves communicating with large audiences—whether that’s keynoting a conference, inspiring employees at an all-hands meeting, or speaking to the media. Excellence in communication is needed now more than ever as executive roles become more demanding in this age of rapid change. In fact, studies have shown that when CEOs become better communicators, it often results in financial value for the company.
Our clients have faced numerous communication challenges such as:
- A lack of confidence in public speaking, despite their deep experience and very senior roles
- The inability to answer questions clearly and effectively in live Q&A sessions
- Unfocused rambling and disorganization when speaking under pressure
- Overly technical or scientific jargon-based communication with broad audiences
- Limited experience speaking before very large audiences, or engaging with global media
- Inability to emotionally engage with or inspire their audience, or to tell a compelling story
Approach
Eric has coached CEOs and executives around situations like:
- Presenting and answering questions on investor/analyst calls
- Speaking before an all-hands audience of 100,000+ employees
- Preparing a keynote for a conference with 30,000 attendees
- Speaking before gatherings of heads of state
- Delivering TED type presentations
- Being interviewed by national media
- Presenting to gatherings of Harvard Business School faculty
Results
Our clients have gained:
- Greater confidence and skill in communicating at scale
- Highly positive audience feedback after their presentations
- Greater self-awareness and authenticity that makes their presentations connect fully with their audience
- Improved storytelling and use of humor
- Simpler, clearer language that is more effective for larger, diverse audiences
- Concrete models, tools and techniques for speaking and answering questions when the stakes are high
- Ability to manage the stress, anxiety and nervousness that are common even among senior leaders