Skills Training

The education most people get on their way to becoming managers does not prepare them to be effective communicators.

In some cases, their courses of study were focused on technical matters, touching lightly – or not at all – on basic communication skills such as writing and public speaking.  In other cases, those subjects were covered, but the learning took place some time ago and has not been updated.

We’ve found that most managers – even those who are fairly effective communicators – benefit greatly from short-term learning opportunities to strengthen proficiency in areas such as dynamic speaking; how to write concise, executive correspondence; and techniques for streamlining business meetings.

While serving as speechwriters and public affairs officers, the authors of The Manager’s Communication Toolbox  developed writing skills training and speaker-coaching programs for executives, presented in formats ranging from webinars and two-hour sessions, to intensive, three-day seminars.

Our half-day course designed to sharpen existing speaking skills of middle and upper level managers – using video recording of sample speeches to provide focused feedback – has been taken by some 1500 federal executives.  This program was perennially a top rated element in the executive development program of a major federal agency.

We can design learning opportunities in communications skills, including business writing (including concise memos, clear letters, controlling your email inbox, annual reports), media relations, and dynamic speaking.  Contact us to discuss skills training options, from on-site training, to webinars customized for your staff, at bobputnam@verizon.net.