“We’re all intrigued by what goes on behind the scenes …” – October 2020
I loved the way you brought the knowledge, insight and experience from years at the BBC and made it relevant to Zoom now. We are all intrigued by what goes on behind the scenes at the BBC, and it is clever how you bring the two together.
Ann English, Speaker & Visual Communicator
“The parallels with the newsroom industry worked a treat” – November 2020
Thank you very much for an excellent training on Monday. I thought it hit the spot and I thought the parallels with the newsroom industry worked a treat!
Alain Vix, Learning & Development Manager, Vygon UK
“You delved deep – and hit the mark” – September 2020
You delved deep into what we wanted out of this, John - and hit the mark.
Jen Anthony, Engagement Manager, Elekta UK & Europe - September 2020
CASE STUDY: How I helped an international medical equipment company with its Virtual Sales Meetings – November 2020
An international medical equipment company wanted to improve the way its Sales Team engaged with medical professionals during online Sales Meetings.
In a phone conversation, their Sales Enablement Manager and I discussed in some detail what the challenges were that they faced in their particular sector. We were joined a few days later in a Zoom meeting by the company’s Learning and Development Manager.
A week later, I delivered my "Make Your Virtual Meetings as Professional as a News Broadcast” workshop to nine of their staff. The two hour version we’d chosen meant the pace was kept up with plenty of video clips and interactivity -- but there was also plenty of time for reflection, commitment, practical debate, and on-the-spot chances to put what I was sharing into practice, then and there. (I also ensured there was a well-earned coffee break!) Earlier that week, I had provided a customised Workbook, for participants to make notes and jot down commitments.
My on-the-spot feedback poll at the end resulted in a score of 9.5 out of 10 for ‘takeaway value’ — with all participants saying they would recommend it.
“Exciting, engaging … everyone got a takeaway” – November 2020
Your training made us think differently about how we can make our virtual meetings more exciting and engaging. Everyone gave hugely positive feedback at the end. Everyone got a takeaway.
We’re in a different environment now, managing things remotely, so hopefully this is going to make our remote working more exciting for the people we meet with.
The nature of what you’re presenting is that we need to be more engaging — you’re showing us what that looks like. For some, that doesn't always come naturally, so there’ll be more learning. But I think your approach is absolutely perfect for what you’re presenting. Your style is great — it really keeps us all on our toes!
Adele Collins, Training & Development Coordinator, Arun District Council - November 2020
Training made for the VIRTUAL world – June 2020
At last - training made for the VIRTUAL world -- June 2020
Mark Burns, Chair, Vistage International CEO Peer Support Network
CASE STUDY: Helping an international clinical radiotherapy treatment company with the challenge of online meetings – September 2020
September 2020: A senior engagement executive wanted to improve the way in which her teams came across in virtual meetings, and when meeting new customers. She wanted presentations to be livelier, the language fresher, the meetings tighter - more enjoyable, and being remembered as engaging and professional. I broke my half day 'No Bull Newsroom' for 18 executives into three lively activities, with regular breaks. "Hold the Zoom Room" provided takeaways about engaging audiences, holding attention and sticking to time ... using interactive news themed games to embed the learning. "Thirty Second Showdown" challenged participants to write a 30 second news bulletin, and then read it out loud -- focussing on clarity of language, and the ditching of detail. "A Mind Bogglingly Simple Way to Engage" had participants working in small breakout teams, focusing on how to use real stories to capture an audience. Each activity ended on moments of reflection and debate -- with commitments made amidst the laughter. "You delved deep into what we wanted out of this, and you hit the mark." Jen Anthony, Engagement Manager, Elekta UK & Europe
Keeping CEOs engaged with relevant activities – July 2020
Thank you so much. Your session was informative, educational and entertaining: you kept the group of CEOs involved and maintained a good pace throughout. Also, your key points are relevant to all of us, whatever the sector. The importance of a high impact opening, as well as using stories, reminded all of us to focus on communication with more intensity.
Harry Wyndham, Chairman, Croptech Ltd and Group Chair, Vistage UK Executive Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Group
Eye opening in this online world – July 2020
A massive thanks from me for yesterday. It really opened my eyes to how much you can do online with a little bit of thought and know-how. Loved the high energy style, I will recommending it to everyone!
Jennifer Becket, UK Director, Ideal Work Innovative Surfaces Ltd