Testimonial . . .
“I thought I knew how to give a presentation, but I could see that my skills were only adequate. I wanted to push my limits and my goal was to become a “sought after speaker” for presentations to groups. I found Dale Klein through the Knowledge Network (Albany, NY). And, I also agreed to present to the Project Management Institute – Upstate New York Chapter (PMI-UNY), so there was no backing out.
Dale brought me through each step of the process. From beginning to end I learned the best way to approach my subject, how to build my Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and how to project my speech and most importantly, my confidence. And in the interest of practice makes perfect, Dale taught me ways to keep notes and even estimate the time of each slide in the presentation in order to make the best use of my overall time in front of the audience.
The difference is that anyone can read lines off the slides of a presentation, maybe even point towards the screen once in a while, but in the end the audience could really do that for themselves. Through my sessions with Dale, I learned that a “sought after speaker” is someone that the audience comes to learn from, to question themselves and generate ideas. My presentation to over 60 people went quite well. I was able to generate interaction throughout the presentation and field questions at the end. I used each of the techniques that I learned from Dale and even though I have room for improvement that will only come from experience, it was the first time I truly felt like a sought after speaker. To that end, I am already booked with the PMI-UNY group for next year.
One more tip from me is that if you have a chance to attend a presentation by Dale, do it. They say, in order to write well, you should read often. Likewise, presentation skills are enhanced by watching and learning from skilled presenters. Dale doesn’t present a speech, she projects her knowledge. Now, I have that as my next new challenge.”
---Nancy B. Davi, PMP
Project Manager
