Forefront Coaching
Why Communications Coaching Matters
Too many ideas, businesses and individuals fail to succeed, not because they don’t warrant success, but, too often, because they fail to communicate their vision. They fail to articulate the heart of their idea and, unfortunately, good ideas that aren’t understood become indistinguishable from bad ideas.
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FOREFRONT COACHING
Good ideas deserve to be heard. Great ideas are the ones that stay with us. Many of us struggle to communicate in such a way that our message is not only heard, but, more importantly, understood and remembered. This isn’t always instinctive. Like many of us, Forefront Coaching founder, Mike Lane-Evans, grew increasingly frustrated leaving rooms unheard; feeling as though there was more to give;
“I was feeling like I'd only given 60% of myself and I didn't know why.”
Mike’s feeling is not uncommon. When asked how effectively they presented themselves in pitch sessions, interviews, and meetings, 83% of UK respondents agreed to feeling dissatisfied with their ability to sell themselves or communicate their vision.
Communication coaching allows you to craft your message, raise your voice, and reach your audience. Working with the team at Forefront Coaching, you will develop techniques to ensure you leave each room safe in the knowledge that you shared your ideas with clarity and purpose. Working with one of our communication coaches, you will master the skills and develop tools to leave rooms satisfied that you gave 100%.
The Importance of Effective Communication:
Poor communication isn’t about “speaking badly”; it isn’t representative of limited vocabulary or intelligence. Poor communication is the inability to translate the thoughts, ideas and opinions we have with the person or people with whom we are speaking.
We communicate because we want things. Before they are verbal, babies learn quickly to communicate their needs. That is the function of communication.
If you have a presentation coming up, or you are making a pitch to an investor, it is vital that you communicate your vision fluently in a way that engages your audience.
Effective communication requires a level of self-awareness that is incredibly important to examine as well as the need to give considerable thought to your audience.
Developing your pitch with a communications coach, allows you the time and space to find and refine your story. What is important within your pitch, in the context of your audience.
Being misunderstood is incredibly frustrating; just ask a crying baby. Unlocking your voice and refining your communications skills allows you to ask for the things you need. Whether advocating for yourself in a work environment, articulating the vision for your new project, or finding your voice in a crowd, communications coaching raises your benchmark on all fronts.
What Is Communications Coaching?
Communications coaching is a collaborative endeavour designed to raise your voice. Your communications coach will identify your communications goals, and equip you with a reliable set of tools to speak with confidence. Whether in-person or through video conferencing services, we create an open and safe environment for you to share your communications hang-ups, and work with you to build your inner assurance.
Your communications coach will work with you to hone your message and develop your ability to share that message. Using narrative structures and theatre, your pitch or presentation will be elevated into an impressive story your audience will want to hear.
Your communications can help you pare down your story to the thrilling and the exceptional; delivering you a vision you will be excited to share as you demonstrate your newly developed skills.
At its best, communications coaching should be a transformational experience, whilst retaining everything that is honestly and uniquely you. By listening to your needs, your communications coach guides you to a position of personal strength giving you the confidence to be the best advocate for your products, services and skills.
Benefits of Communications Coaching:
Communication Coaching opens up a wealth of possibilities within both your professional and personal life. Speaking with clarity and impact gives you the freedom to raise your voice with confidence. If you are delivering a presentation or pitch, the benefits of advanced public speaking skills speak for themselves.
If you are joining the workplace or preparing for an interview, you can be prepared to show yourself in the best light possible. Reliable communications skills in high-pressure moments provide an exceptional safety blanket giving you the tools you need to put your best foot forward.
In the workplace, it can sometimes be tough to articulate your opinion or share your vision. By working with a communications coach, you can be assured that your thoughts and opinions bring value. Similarly, workplace conflicts can be professionally resolved, free from tension, if you have spent time considering the art of communication.
In an age of communication innovation, we have more ways to communicate than ever before; video-calling, memes, voice notes and slack channels to name a few. We use our voices in countless ways. Your communications coach can work with you to develop confidence within any medium. From the technical elements of hiding your own screen on a zoom call to recommendations on ring lights, we can guide you through the nuances of communication in a digital age.
Communications coaches round out your view of communication so that your approach to every interaction is reflexively considered, empathetic and assured. The art of storytelling, developed through sessions with your communications coach, will give your voice structure without imposing limitations.
Communication informs an incredible amount of our lives so the benefits of improving your communication are limitless. Learning to engage with the world around you with clarity and impact brings your goals within reach. Your voice has value and deserves to be heard.
Who Can Benefit from Communications Coaching?
We can all benefit from improved communications. Whether preparing for an upcoming presentation or wanting to be at your best in all communications scenarios; from after-work drinks to finding your voice in company meetings, we all deserve to share the best of ourselves.
Personal and cultural factors all play a part in forming our voice and communications coaching can help unlock your inner voice to become part of the conversation. The art of communication is a constant act of translation - taking the vision in your mind and projecting an image for an audience; whether that is an audience of one or a crowd of hundreds.
A communications coach will give you tools to rely on when you next have a story to share and a holistic approach to thinking more actively about your personal communication skills. Freeing your voice with a communications coach allows you to share your passions and expertise with an enthralled audience. Developing your presentation skills proves you take your vision seriously and shows the value in your message.
How to Find a Communications Coach:
Working with a communications coach requires trust. In order to get the most out of the sessions, you should be comfortable speaking freely and open to new ideas. Great communication requires an aspect of vulnerability so we can guide you fully towards your goals. Mutual trust and respect between you and your communications coach will create a safe space where you can stumble with confidence on the path to mastering these skills.
Developing trust is not only important for you and your coach, it is also an invaluable element of great communication, and a crucial step in elevating your communication style. Being vulnerable in conversation demonstrates strength and honesty.
Vulnerability breeds trust with your audience - it keeps them keen to listen, confident in your authority on the subject.
Your credibility as a communicator can be earned through simple and frank honesty. For your message to have integrity, it is vital that you have command of your subject matter but do not overreach. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is far better to acknowledge that than bluff your way through a response. Owning what you don't know, with a commitment to finding out, gives credibility to the rest of your message.
DIY Communication Improvement Techniques:
Enhancing your communication skills can make a significant difference in your everyday life.
Here are some actionable tips and strategies for individuals to improve their communication skills on their own:
Active Listening: Active listening means fully focusing on the speaker; avoiding interruption, mirroring body-language, open questioning, and acknowledging your communication partners’ perspectives are essential for effective communication and resolving conflicts.
Practice Empathy: Empathetic communication (thinking about your audience’s needs and perspective) builds trust and stronger relationships. Consider this in pitches & presentations as well as conversation.
Body Language Awareness: Be conscious of your non-verbal cues. Maintain eye contact, use open and relaxed gestures, and stand or sit comfortably. Reflect on your own body language. Are you sending the right signals? Self awareness is important when identifying areas for improvement.
Clear and Concise Speech: Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Speak clearly and concisely to ensure your message is easily understood.
Practise Public Speaking: Start with small groups and work your way up. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Hearing ourselves happens so rarely but is an invaluable part of any good communications journey. Even as trained actors this is hard but it yields incredibly valuable results.
Seek Feedback: As well as practising a pitch or presentation publicly, or amongst friends, you should take time to welcome all feedback. Your family and friends are a fantastic resource as they have a broad image of the honest you which allows you to reflect on your communications style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What should I do with my hands when pitching?
During a pitch or presentation, it's best to use your hands purposefully and naturally. Gestures can enhance your message and make you more engaging. Avoid excessive or distracting movements and focus on emphasising key points with your hands.
Should I move my feet or stand still when presenting?
Whether you move or stand still while presenting depends on your style and the context. Some movement can help maintain audience engagement, but it should be purposeful. Avoid pacing or fidgeting, which can be distracting. Practise your movements to appear confident and deliberate.
Where should I look when talking to a big audience?
When addressing a large audience, try to make eye contact with different sections of the audience. Divide your gaze evenly, looking at individuals or small groups for a few seconds each. Don’t worry about catching everyone’s eye. Take a breath and a beat and as with moving your feet, or gesturing with your arms, be intentional. Confidence in the eyes can reach the back of the audience and will help create a sense of connection and engagement with the entire room.
How should my deck look when pitching live?
Your slides should complement, not overwhelm your presentation. Use clean, visually appealing slides with concise text and impactful visuals. Limit bullet points and avoid overcrowding slides with information. Slides should enhance your message and serve as visual aids, not provide supplemental information.
What is communication coaching, and how can it benefit me?
Communication coaching is a collaborative process that helps individuals enhance their communication skills, whether for presentations, interviews, or everyday interactions. It can boost your confidence, improve your ability to articulate ideas, and make you a more effective communicator.
Who can benefit from communication coaching?
Anyone looking to improve their communication skills can benefit from coaching. This includes professionals preparing for presentations, job seekers attending interviews, or anyone striving to be a better communicator in personal and professional settings.
How do I find the right communication coach?
Finding the right coach involves trust and compatibility. Look for experienced coaches with a track record of success. Schedule consultations to ensure your coach understands your goals and offers a coaching style that suits you.
Can communication coaching be done remotely?
Yes, many communication coaching sessions are conducted remotely, making it convenient for clients to receive coaching from anywhere in the world. Online sessions via video conferencing platforms are common.
What if I'm nervous about opening up to a coach?
It's natural to feel nervous initially. A good coach creates a safe, non-judgmental space. Trust and rapport develop over time. Remember that your coach is there to support and guide you, not to judge.
Will coaching change my authentic communication style?
Coaching aims to enhance your existing style, not change it. It helps you become a more polished and effective communicator while preserving your authenticity.
How long does it take to see results from communication coaching?
The timeline varies from person to person, but many clients report improved communication skills after just a few sessions. Consistency and practice are key to long-term improvement.
What resources can I explore to learn more about communication coaching?
Check out books, online courses, and workshops on communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Your coach may also recommend specific resources tailored to your needs. Remember, be careful to study people's individual styles as we are all different.
How do I get started with communication coaching?
Research and choose a qualified coach, schedule an initial consultation, discuss your goals, and start your coaching journey to become a more confident and effective communicator.
Resources and Further Reading:
Books:
"Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds" by Carmine Gallo
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” Dale Carnegie
"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Stephen Covery
Websites:
Toastmasters International (toastmasters.org) offers resources and clubs for practising public speaking and leadership skills.
Podcasts:
“Pitch Masters” discusses lots of tools and techniques
“Dare to Lead” Brené Brown- explores- conversations on how to show up & step up
"Black Speakers Network": focuses on helping Black speakers and entrepreneurs improve their communication and public speaking skills.
Videos:
"Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy: Amy Cuddy discusses the impact of body language on self-confidence and how "power posing" can affect your communication.
"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown: Brené Brown explores the importance of vulnerability in forming meaningful connections and effective communication.
"How to Speak So That People Want to Listen" by Julian Treasure: Julian Treasure provides tips on improving the way you speak and listen to make your communication more engaging.
"Simon Sinek: How to Speak So That People Want to Listen": Simon Sinek provides insights into communicating in a way that resonates with your audience.
Testimonials:
“Mike's coaching work with start-up founders is effective, energetic and empathetic. Having worked with 100s of founders across Europe and the US, he knows how to work his magic, even in a short period of time, in helping founders improve their pitch, gain confidence and build lifelong communication skills. Whether in-person or over video, Mike knows how to get founders into a zone where they can represent themselves and their companies in a compelling and memorable manner.”
Kartik Varma,
Founder at Prop Tiger
“Mike’s pitch coaching was an incredible asset to our program. He helped instil confidence in our founders and supported them with structuring their storytelling and delivery. Mike's sessions focused on a critical component of pitching: helping the founders believe in themselves first. This component made a noticeable difference in our founder's pitches which helped them earn global LOIs, partner with multinationals, and receive additional investments.”
Yvenique Lovinsky,
Investment Associate at Techstars Detroit powered by J.P. Morgan
Call to Action:
FOREFRONT COACHING
Our benchmark is to be your cheerleaders through open, honest, and nurturing sessions. We provide guidance, not rules. Whether you work with us for a single session or a period of time, your communications coach will be with you throughout the process. We are part of your journey; we will ask you questions; we will challenge you; but we will never tell you what you have to do because we value your autonomy.
And that is really what we want at Forefront; for people to feel that they have control and autonomy over what they are doing within the coaching process. We will always admit if we get something wrong, or make a suggestion that didn’t work. That is the style - to get it right, sometimes you have to get it wrong. Trial and error is a crucial part of your development process and we will design your sessions to equip you with everything you need to get your message right, when it matters.