Recently I gave a presentation for a local PMI chapter. A few weeks out from the program, I sent out a pre-program questionnaire and learned quite a bit about the advantages and challenges Project Managers face when it comes to presentations.
Advantages:
Project managers are fortunate because they have the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of people on a wide variety of topics – all generally focused the goals of the company. This means that Project Managers are the “ambassadors” within the organization. They are the go-to-person for updates, information, progression, victories, challenges…you name it. The more effective a Project Manager is at presenting themselves as an expert within the company, the more perceived value they bring to the company. Remember, perception is reality. Project Managers have the opportunity to continually work on and improve those perceptions every time they present.
Challenges:
While speaking to a wide variety of people on a wide variety of topics is an advantage, it is also an obvious challenge. Different audiences means more preparation. A message is only effective if it is tailored to the listener. Therefore, Project Managers will need to hone in on their message-tailoring skills. Project Managers have to present information up-line and down-line. They must communicate the successes and challenges mid-level management is facing to the executive team. Project Managers then need to communicate the goals and concerns of the executive team to mid-level management. Being an “ambassador” can be tricky. The communication goal of a Project Manager should be to learn as much about their audience as possible. Over time, pick up tidbits of information and insight into the minds and lives of the audience. For example, executive committees are usually pressed for time. So presenting to them should be short and concise. While mid-level management may have more questions since they are having to implement the procedures. So you should prepare for questions and learn techniques on handling interaction from a group. While the challenges are unique, they can easily be overcome.
As Project Managers you are wanting to consistently improve your skill-set. Don’t let your communication goals fall by the wayside. They are an important part to achieving the company’s and your goals. When you are aware of your advantages, you can leverage them. When you are aware of your challenges, you can overcome them.
i think everyone would have an anxiety attack during public speaking. publick speaking requires a good deal of self-confidence’.’