Strapped for time with a crazy-busy schedule? No time to learn new presentation skills? You've got an important presentation to give, but can't add another minute into the day for learning. How to overcome this dilemma?
No time to learn new presentation skills?
This reminds me of a story.
A guy is driving to work and notices the red light come on. No gas. Instead of stopping to fill up, here's what he says: "I'm late for work. No time to get gas."
Not too smart, right?
If you aren't learning new skills, you are driving on empty. Face the facts. New people are coming up behind you and nipping at your heels. They're comfortable presenting online. They have taken training in video presenting, storytelling, selling with white boarding, and interactive selling.
Are you sure you don't want to stop and get gas? Sure you don't have time to invest in getting new skills?
Of course, perhaps you have the impression that presentation skill training is expensive, cumbersome, only available in person, and only available if your company pays for it. Right?
Wrong.
These are false assumptions. Presentation skills training used to be reserved for executives and leaders because it was only available at a stiff price, costing $12,000 or more per day. Usually these expensive seminars were held on site or at costly hotels, with scheduling and videotaping feedback arranged by the training or HR department.
Some organizations still provide this. But a lot of companies have scaled back. But should you let this decrease in investment and shortsighted thinking affect your personal development? No way.
Instead of waiting for the expensive seminar that might never get to you, you need to find an affordable training you can take right away. And you can access anywhere, anytime.
Look for a training that is easy to use whether you're in the office, at your desk or on the road.
This is why the obvious choice is e-learning in a virtual learning hub. With a complete set of videos, classes and resources online, it is easy to develop skills - anytime and anywhere. Rather than relying on corporate curriculums, training schedules, and things that may be out of your control, grab hold of the reins.
When you learn virtually, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Here's my short list of criteria to look for: virtual classes, unlimited access, instant viewing, interactive webinars and instant downloads.
In evaluating a virtual presentation skills training, look for how much you can learn on your own - and in short chunks. You may not have tons of time. But if you watch a short video, grab a checklist or download a blueprint - you get an immediate boost to your skills in just a few minutes.
One important thing to keep in mind: it's easier to learn -- and keep learning, if you have a big success using the skills. When you've got a big presentation coming up, look for instant boosts. As you evaluate any communication training program, look for the blend of long term improvement plus instant help. Is it practical? Is it a skill you can use right away? Does it help you solve the jitters when you are giving a presentation tomorrow morning?
When the answer is "yes!" then you are more likely to enjoy the experience, get visible results, and keep on learning. This is the mark of an exceptional virtual training program.
Learn presentation skills from your home, office or hotel room. Master the skills of exceptional presenting, at your own schedule.
Milly Sonneman is a recognized expert in visual language. She is the co-director of Presentation Storyboarding, a leading presentation training firm, and author of the popular guides: Beyond Words and Rainmaker Stories available on Amazon. Milly helps business professionals give winning presentations, through online presentation skills trainings at Presentation Storyboarding. You can find out more about our courses or contact Milly through our website at: http://www.presentationstoryboarding.com/