real smart communication
Presentation skills for senior managers | Singapore & UK | Cobalt
Testimonials
Far exceeded the objective and developed confidence and skills beyond communications. Also, importantly, a very enjoyable two days. I expected a lot – and you excelled. Made me more self aware but also the confidence to exploit and build on it. Energy, animation and passion were concepts that were most powerful for me. I’ve always relied on logic and story telling but now realise I can bring it to life. I would recommend this to anyone who has to influence or communicate (there are 250,000 people in HSBC!).
Fergie Williams, Chief Information Officer, HSBC UK (now retired)
Both practical and informative. I have a better
understanding of myself and see me as a different person.
Lok Lai Yan Annie, Regional Head of IT
One of the most challenging courses I’ve experienced. Very effective. I knew it had good feedback but far exceeded what I thought it would be.
Steve Walker, Head of IT HFC Bank
Very relaxed, very informative. Everybody progressed highly and everybody enjoyed it. I made much more progress that I expected to. Add another day so that we could all make even more progress.
Trever Thruston, Global Head IT Operations Planning Finance and ITO Architecture
Targeted perfectly. The expectations set in advance were very high. To have hit them is high praise.
Pete Mason, Head IT Quality Europe
Very inspiring and enjoyable! I really never expected I can gain
so much in the world of effective communication!
Vincent Tang
It gives me the confidence I need and tools that really work.
Raymond Kwok, Senior IT Manager
The workshop provided very practical insight in order for me to
build up my confidence level when doing presentations. The
overall process of the workshop was just perfect.
Clarence Li, Senior Operations Manager
Brilliant!
Eddy Poropat, Technical Services Manager
This wonderful workshop wasn’t work at all! Every hour spent
with you was an interesting and captivating journey through the
landscape of communication. Presentations are no longer a threat
rather a pleasant challenge to look forward to.
Annette Kurtz-Seidenfuss
You have raised the possibilities in terms of what 2 days of
training can do. I feel refreshed, encouraged and secure.
I have shifted.
Natasha Golding
This workshop has had a fundamental effect on my view of communicating. I feel confident in my ability to go out there and communicate effectively, not just that, but enjoy the experience. These two days have done more for my confidence than I would have thought possible. It enhanced what I do naturally but also introduced new ideas and techniques and really proved how I could use them successfully. I would recommend this programme without hesitation.
Claire Evans
I have a number of landmark moments in my life. Getting married, the birth of my daughter… This programme comes close. Thank you for making me realise I CAN!
Stephanie Wilson
This is seriously the most effective course have been on. How you can achieve so much in two days is staggering. Make it longer. I didn’t want it to end.
Colin White, Senior IT Manager
Dismissed just about every myth I had about my ability to present with passion and conviction. I can do this! I heard it was good but that comment didn’t do it justice. Brilliant.
Chris Bayley, IT Manager
It was more than I could ever have imagined. Every minute was a gem. Everyone should do it. Is this a programme I’d recommend to others? Hell yes! Think how powerful we’d be.
Lesley Hayes, IT Comms Manager
What was particularly worthwhile was the positive and genuine approach of the presenters. No gimmicks, no 101 tricks of the Trainer’s Almanac, just simple learning through experience and doing.
Ed McLoughlin, Senior Systems Manager
Fantastic! I feel like a different person!
Steve Dawson, IT Relationship Manager
Extremely effective. Hard at times but well worth the effort. Not your usual approach and jargon. Very clear.
Jim Donald, Manager IT Planning
The trainers are clearly extremely knowledgeable about many aspects of human behaviour which impact communication. I felt I was still learning during breaks and during the evening at the hotel! The laminated card is something that I will keep in my possession and refer to at all times. I could not have imagined that one piece of card could be so useful.
Peter Plummer, Manager Hub Business Development
Unbelievable what can be achieved in two days. This is the first course of its kind I’ve been sorry when it was over. Big thank you.
Trudi Harper, IT Project Manager
I can’t fault this whole experience in any way. I’m now oozing with confidence and relishing my next communication. Andrew and Stuart got me there without even noticing. I would recommend this programme to anyone who is serious about and wants to excel at communicating.
Paul McBride, Production Support Manager Technical Support
I was somewhat fearful of another dose of presentation techniques. It was so much more than that. The realisation that I’m better at this stuff than I thought was particularly worthwhile for me. I would recommend this programme to anyone who has some presentation experience and wants to get better, much better.
Gordon Templeton
Extremely effective and works on a level of the mind you are not aware of. Far better than I had thought it could be. I would recommend this programme to anyone who needs to get ideas and thoughts across to other people in a clear way. Make it longer.
Barney Woodham, Manager Wide Area And Data Centre Networks
It was so much more than a ‘presentation skills’ course. A sensitive, clever way of teaching. The use of positive feedback only was particularly effective. It made me aware of the strengths I have and which I will continue to work on.
Jane Burgess
Amazing. Not just for me but watching my colleagues. I had very low expectations and am delighted with the result. The confidence I now have with the pace of my presentation and the control I now feel were particularly worthwhile. Excellent.
John Armistead
Vastly increased my confidence.
Dave Denver
Intense but enjoyable. Learning crammed into virtually every second of the two days. Brilliant! Would do it all again!
Paul Whittaker
I found this workshop incredibly interesting and can see how I will be able to improve my delivery. Very effective, exceeded my expectations.
Andy Givens, Senior IT Manager
Extremely effective. I don’t think I’ve assessed many courses “Extremely effective” in my career so far… Pace was superb, not a dull moment.
Gregory Ryan, IT Architect
Two days just right, pushed hard, constant learning. Well structured and layered the learning. I have grown considerably in two days.
Ian Stancliffe, IT Manager
I would recommend this programme to anyone leading a team, anyone who needs to inspire others.
Stuart Anderson, IT Manager
A refreshingly different approach. You don’t feel you are being taught, but you learn! What was particularly worthwhile was the chance to learn in a positive, supportive atmosphere. The chance to focus on what worked well and to build on that.
Alison Wood
A powerful and extremely useful message, put across in a really effective way. Already had very good feedback from previous attendees. The course more than matched it. Everything was well explained, put into context and supported with evidence and examples.
Mark Saxton, Chief Systems Manager
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this workshop was presented. It was quite different from most courses I have previously been on relating to presentation techniques. I would even welcome the opportunity to do a presentation next week. Feedback from previous delegates was that it would be quite different from anything done previously and that it would be very beneficial. It was!
Jo Saul
I would not have believed a course could improve my communication skills as much as this has. My expectations were high having spoken to previous attendees, but it still exceeded them. I would recommend this programme to anyone, but especially people who believe they cannot communicate to a group. Thanks – you were brilliant.
Linda Saxton, IT Manager
WOW!
James Naish, Relationship Manager
Deep feedback was very effective. Wasn’t sure how much would be learned beyond previous ‘presentation’ course, but was proved wrong. Honing and tuning previous skills was particularly worthwhile.
Richard Hughes
This workshop dramatically exceeded my expectations – excellent.
Richard Pavitt, Development Manager
Transformation. Looking forward to the next presentation. High expectations easily exceeded.
Jim Youens, Senior Manager Technology Services
I would recommend this programme to all experienced communicators who want to improve.
Brian Healy, Senior IT Manager
It was hard work and very intensive but the practical sessions were very effective. A novel approach to presentation skills training that really hits the spot.
Karen Ketteringham, Development Manager
The second best programme I’ve ever been on. All of it was worthwhile.
Rick Beck
First time I’ve been on a course where they only picked on good bits. Will use their approach myself more having now experienced the buzz. Hoping for something different. Pleasantly surprised at the range of what I experienced.
John Barton
My key objective was to achieve an understanding of influence and behaviour change – achieved without a doubt and a lot more! This programme dramatically exceeded my expectations, which were that this would be a presentation skills course and that ‘passion’ would mean being something I wasn’t. What was most powerful for me was the opportunity to combine the concepts, tools and practices in an environment that was totally focussed on learning and improving.
Shaun Lang, HR Business Partner
Lots and lots of practical experience and feedback. I would recommend this programme to everyone who needs to speak to another human being.
Chris Maughan, IT Manager, Credit Risk, Fraud and Money Laundering
Learned a lot of new techniques and reinforced others that I had used before. Excellent pace and kept us challenged throughout. Actually didn’t expect to get through anywhere near as much material or be able to take my own performance so far forward.
Paul Vickers, Relationship Manager Sales and Service
It was all good.
Neal Beasley
Totally effective and much needed. This course has been heavily hyped and delivered even more than I had allowed myself to believe.
Dave Beveridge, IT Relationship Manager
A great two days. I have learned heaps and will carry on learning.
Kieren Mills, Systems Manager
Very innovative, informative and fun but most of all it was enlightening. I would recommend this programme to people in all walks of life. I would not recommend it to people who never communicate to anyone! If I were to improve the programme, I would make it longer.
Lee Rigby, IT Project Manager
Good trainers, good pace and balance of theory, practice and one-to-one. No overload.
Phil Mason, Business Solutions Manager
Gave key tools and advice on what to do but not in a textbook fashion. Particularly worthwhile was learning how to prepare.
Suzanne Thaxter, Chief Systems Manager
Raised level of confidence beyond expectations.
Mark Brown, Chief Systems Manager
Both Andrew and Stuart are excellent trainers. The two days were challenging but very rewarding. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone. Don’t change anything.
Pete Whitehead, Senior Manager Unix DEC and Windows Management
What was particularly useful about the one-to-one coaching was that it was a personal interview, which was very easy to open up to. I would recommend this programme to anyone.
Bryn Hoyle, Senior System Manager
I went from not feeling comfortable with being asked to stand up in front of a large group of people to feeling that I have the tool set to prepare and be able to do it. I would recommend this programme to anyone who has to get a message across to either a group of people or individuals on a one-to-one or coaching session.
Sarah Atherton, Relationship Manager
Extremely effective. I feel far more confident about being able to plan a ‘talk’ and to present it effectively.
Keith Button, IT Relationship Manager
What was particularly worthwhile for me in this workshop was an opportunity to experiment with making it work for me personally.
Louise Galbraith, Head of IT Quality Measurement and Development
Very effective and entertaining. Highlighted the areas to work on and reinforced the good behaviour. Particularly worthwhile for me was the feedback and analysis of my performance.
Israel Newton, IT manager
Very effective course in a relatively short period of time. Enabled me to learn new techniques and pointed me in the right direction.
Mark Jackson, Global Program Manager
I now have increased confidence in presenting and have learned some extremely useful techniques. I would recommend this programme to anyone who needs to build/increase their confidence in communicating.
Yvonne Rigby, System Analyst
Fantastic! Great exercises, which were very cleverly put together. Far exceeded my expectations.
Martin Green, IT Systems Manager
Great! To be taken way out of my comfort zone in such a supportive and positive way was exhilarating.
Andy McDonald, Project Manager
Immediate results. I felt much more competent after just two days. Expectations were high due to previous attendees’ comments – but the course still exceeded them. This programme is the start of profound change for most people.
Diane Joyce, IT Manager
Effective breakdown of what makes a difference. Based on comments from colleagues, I did have high expectations. These were ALL satisfied.
Sylvia Butterley, IT Systems Manager
The presenters are great advocates for the course itself. I learned much more that I expected. I would recommend this programme to anyone involved in communication. A universal course.
Sharon Forde, Chief Systems Manager
Top Gun! What was most powerful for me was that actually everyone else has a voice in the back of their head and that it tells them they can’t do this – and that the voice is WRONG! I would recommend this programme to everyone!
Ian Clarke, Telecoms Manager
Heard it was excellent and it has been. I would recommend this programme to everyone who is involved in making presentations to groups and to anyone who wants to be a powerful charismatic communicator.
Simon Mattick, HTSE RM Mainland Europe
Achieved predicted results. Helped all to overcome worries and fears. Sound guidance. Great presenters!
Mike Daly, Manager Voice and Call Centre
The most effective workshop I’ve attended. Built confidence rather that destroying it. It hit the spot!
Keith Smith, IT manager
Excellent workshop! I would recommend it to anyone!
Terry Truscott, Manager NMS
Great structure, great results and great fun! Hard to think of anything that I would change apart from making it longer.
Tony Sullivan, IT Architect
Very illuminating. Everyone I have spoken to who has been on the course has recommended it as an excellent course. I concur with their perception.
Rob Tooth, IT Manager
The best course of my career to date. Thank you!
Coaching was about me, and me alone. It felt like having a personal tutor. I’ll recommend the programme to everyone I meet.
Fantastic, can’t speak highly enough of it.
Don’t change, it’s spot on. Tutors very engaging, fun and knowledgeable.
Dave Marsh, IT Service Manager
Fantastic!
Constant positive reinforcement was a refreshing approach.
Pete Middlemass, Card Systems Manager
I was able to clear my head of the rubbish I’d built up over the years about how I look, sound etc. This has freed me up to concentrate on being the best I can be, without trying to be someone else.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make the most of their natural abilities in any environment; be that their work or personal life.
Sarah Mollart, Repository Architect
Improvements in everyone’s skills seen straightaway.
Coaching was always positive, gave instant feedback, reinforced strengths and made me consider the next steps.
David Hussey-Yeo, Chief Systems Manager
Anyone interested in accessing their natural ability to communicate brilliantly should seek out an opportunity to attend this course.
David Bennett
I have been waiting to come on a course like this for years. It was very refreshing and different to any other course I have experienced.
Coaching was focused on me, without anyone else being present; therefore there was no pressure of feeling ‘silly’.
Would recommend to anyone who feels they could be receptive to new styles of presenting; the ones that HSBC wants to invest in; forward thinkers.
Michelle Wright, IT Project Manager
You know when you are not expecting something to be life changing, and then it is? Well, how can you summarise that? OH MY GOD!
Martin Gray, Senior Systems Analyst
The approach was unusual and engaging, instead of focus taken away with notes, slides and (cringe) role playing, the course brought about natural participation and the ‘real’ side of participants.
Claire Nogowczyk, IT Manager
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but came away much more self-confident. It is the best ‘non-technical’ course I’ve attended.
David Spurr, IT Manager
The safe environment to practice in was particularly worthwhile.
In coaching sessions it was possible to ask specific questions. Positive comments were reinforced with evidence.
Phil George, Chief Systems Manager
The best use of two days in the last few months! Simple, practical concepts and tools that I will definitely use in the future.
Stuart ‘drilled down’ to the key learning points and ensured that there was positive reinforcement.
Stephen Reynolds, IT Relationship Manager
Extremely effective delivery of messages; engaging. Has completely changed my views on presentation and written communication. I am no longer afraid of group presentations. I acquired very useful tips and pointers that can be used in many situations.
One to one coaching was very personal to me – sounds obvious, but previous courses rely on group feedback only – offered time to reflect and discuss, helpful to get a different perspective.
Amanda Stott, IT Solutions and Delivery Manager
Phil Stothard, IT Manager
Felt far more comfortable by the end of day two than I would have expected. Creates confidence, which in turn improves ability to relax.
Margaret Coates, IT Manager
Extremely effective. Addressed my expectations and needs.
Jaak Ojari, Relationship Manager
Overcame my fears and lack in confidence.
Kay Ensor, Project Manager
What was particularly useful about the one-to-one coaching was direct feedback, unemotional, and unbiased. Extremely effective.
Jez Allen, Senior Project Manager
Compact and full of useful content. A very good use of two days. It covers all types of communication.
Ian Holdsworth, Project Manager
It gave me practical and useful tips to improve overall communication and increase confidence. What was particularly worthwhile for me was the opportunity to practice in a nurturing environment.
Karen Wensley, Head of COE – Cards
The fact that it was stated that it is a continuous improvement programme and not just a two-day course. Both Andrew and Stuart complement each other in how they coach. Particularly worthwhile was the gradual progression of tools that were put into my ‘bag’.
Roy Culligan, Head of London HTSE Operations
Faced my fears, realised that I can influence the opinions of others through the power of the voice and gesture. I would recommend this programme to anyone who requires to communicate concepts, simple or complex, with authority and credibility.
Richard Dunlop, Sector Relationship Manager
Learned a lot about myself, and a lot about communication.
Nigel Hargreaves, Chief System Manager
A good set of tools and excellent approach. The reputation within HTSE is well deserved.
Kevan Hendy
Many new ideas which make sense! The learning approach without loads of notes and material means it’s properly learnt. I would have liked a third day to stretch me even further.
Andrew Negus, IT Relationship Manager
Life changing!!! It’s eradicated my preconceptions of myself, not just at work! I would recommend this programme to EVERYONE [underlined five times].
Garry Bower, Technical Account Manager Global Markets
Challenging, sometimes downright scary, but overall enjoyable and fulfilling. What was particularly worthwhile for me was realizing that I could do this and do it effectively. Being relaxed while presenting was a real bonus. The one-to-one coaching gives you time to focus on yourself without distraction and kills those demons!
Graham Evans, Manager, International Telecoms
The most I’ve ever learnt in such a short period of time.
Warren Clothier, IT Manager
Challenging, but very rewarding and fun. What was particularly worthwhile for me was that it has given me a lot more confidence for public speaking. It has also given more tools to improve one-to-one and email.
Julian Fearnley, IT Manager Hub Systems
I would recommend this programme to everyone who has to communicate in any form.
Paul Manning, Systems Manager
An excellent workshop. The schedule was demanding but extremely rewarding not just for myself but for the group as a whole. Whilst I felt I had the confidence and energy to present effectively and passionately the exercises enabled me to channel it correctly. It enabled me to control my nervous energy. The one-to-one coaching is an excellent idea. It enables you to talk freely in an environment outside of the group. Makes the workshop personal and the individual input from Stuart helped me to focus on what I can improve on during the next exercise.
Stuart Mylchreest, Mainland Europe IT Relationship Manager
I felt that all the aims I came with were fully met. What was particularly worthwhile was the practical, interactive approach – learning by doing.
Martin Hughes, System Manager
Extremely valuable and very effective. I can’t think of anything that wasn’t valuable. It was great!
Haydn Smith, Systems Manager
An enlightening two days where we were exposed to a totally different but visibly effective way of communicating. The one-to-one sessions were especially beneficial – open and honest communication. Initially positive reinforcement seemed to be missing the whole point of constructive criticism, but we soon realised that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Positive reinforcement from here on.
Peter Hawkins, Facilities Manager
Comments from earlier attendees implied it was a workshop well worth attending. I was not disappointed.
Pete Bennett, Technical Project Manager
I can honestly say that the 2 days have surpassed all my expectations, even better than the urban myths beginning to circulate! Hard work but worth it. What was particularly worthwhile for me was understanding that I can be myself and still carry a convincing message. The coaching was personal, no humiliation. Undertaken sensitively, but with conviction. Great stuff. Felt like you were on my side.
Rob Kellaway, Senior Systems Manager
First presentation took a good couple of minutes to stop shaking afterwards. Last presentation I didn’t even think about being nervous. The concepts would be useful to anyone who communicates (so that’s everyone then!).
Peter Franklin, Systems Manager
This is the best course I have been on as the learning was stepped in increments. Extremely effective.
Steve Davis, Manager
I could have done with this course years ago. What was particularly worthwhile was giving me the confidence to be me in front of a group, but challenging my comfort zone.
Amanda Burton, Systems Manager
Probably the best ‘non-technical’ course I’ve attended. Having walked in Thursday with little enthusiasm I now leave Friday looking forward to Masterclass Two! Each one of the tools and practices were just as powerful and effective leading to an overall powerful and complete toolbox.
Simon Jarvis, Manager Wide Area and Data Center Networks
I didn’t expect to get that level of enjoyment and realisation as I did. It has been a worthwhile two days of time and I know it wil make a difference. Being equipped to consider how to continue to improve beyond the course is a very positive thing.
Mike Saul, IT Manager
I cannot quite believe how much I have learned and changed in two days.
Jon Curl, Senior Systems Manager
Thoroughly enjoyable. I feel more confident and really want to practice the techniques when I return to work and in other aspects of my life.
Maria Woodham, Systems Manager
Exceeded what were very high expectations. It was energising and liberating. Two days very well spent. Simple straightforward guidance but the learning was deep.
Nick Granger, Head of IT Security
This is about being a better me, not just a performance skill or acting for effect. I would recommend this programme to everyone!
Ian Gibson, Chief Systems Manager and CMB
Transformational results demonstrated with big improvements personally and for the whole group.
David Rees, Telecoms Manager
Enlightening. Showed that this can be done effectively, but demonstrated in a fun, easy to grasp manner.
Richard Dew, Enterprise Systems Manager
Very friendly approach, very engaging, very quickly got my nerves in check. Extremely effective.
Tony Booth, Relationship Manager
My biggest single concern as a manager is my communication style. This has provided clear tools and techniques to improve.
Roger Bedford, Chief Systems Manager
Excellent course. Learnt through involvement and trying things out rather than prescriptive lessons.
Bernadette Hill, Senior Systems Manager
Extremely effective. We had fun all the time. I will now get my team on sooner rather than later.
Sandra Miller, IT Service Manager
The transformation from day one to day two was beyond my expectations. Andrew and Stuart created a safe environment to speak up, make mistakes, and learn without fear of criticism.
Anita Nash, IT Coordinator
Built up confidence to communicate to all sizes of groups, held me attention and made me laugh. I knew it was going to be good, but this good! Can we come for longer?!
Amanda Kenny, IT Manager
Outstanding in its entirety!
Wai Lon Yeung, Senior Project Audit Manager
You could see through me like glass. Made me realize my strengths.
The internal planning really helped all the other tools fall into place.
Dale Snyder, Senior Co-ordinator, IT Project Manager
Two extremely competent individuals delivering something they enjoy.
Trevor Diggens, Project Manager
The workshop helped me remove any misconceptions of presenting that I had previously.
Carly Franklin, IT Project Co-ordinator
The workshop reinforced my existing skills and gave a valuable opportunity to experiment with different techniques.
Steve Wheeler, Senior Audit Manager, GFA
A very well worked-out course with excellent presentation and course material.
Charlie Wake, Head of Control Systems Support
The workshop was great at increasing self-esteem and confidence. Seeing myself on video puts it all into context and perspective.
Sharon Potter, Technical Account Manager
The workshop brought out the ‘inner me’! 100% gain in confidence.
Mike Everett, Technical Account Manager
Practical: zero B/S. I would recommend this programme to anybody.
Kaber McLean, Head of Global Markets Audit, HSBC
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Very effective as a self confidence raiser. I learned TONS of useful skills. One to one coaching offered me technical feedback and individual challenges that worked for me.
Cliff Williams, Team Leader
I came into the workshop with apprehension. I left realizing that I had nothing to worry about, and that I’m actually better than I thought.
Bart O’Connor, Manger, Premier Desktop Support, DSS
I learnt many skills for use in life as well as in business.
Alison Needham, Project Manager
Results come quickly, and are there for everyone to see on video. Getting feedback in private on a one-to-one basis encouraged involvement and improvement.
A Morecombe and Wise training experience, scripted by Tim Burton. Very enjoyable and rewarding.
Mark Ricketts, Technical Project Manager
Excellent. Very well presented, fresh. Got everyone involved. I learned a lot about my own abilities.
Frank Boddy, Systems Manager
An interesting course in communication, with a novel approach that works well.
Paul Shannon, Chief Systems Manager
This has been far and away the best ‘non-techy’ course I have ever attended. Both Andrew and Stuart introduced me to (or opened my eyes to) techniques I had not previously considered. Both enthused me and both were interested in helping and coaching me. It was amazing how accurate Stuart was (and scary!). This made me feel at peace and really helped me relax. He was very insightful.
Chris Bachelor, Chief Programmer
The most useful course I’ve ever been on. It won’t just help me at work – I can use this to help me live a happy, confident life. Thank you!
I would recommend the workshop to everyone who wants to feel good about, and be good at, communication.
Julian Crookes, Business Solutions Analyst
Very enjoyable. Good, innovative material and tools.
Hansa Tailor, Business Solutions Analyst
Fantastic course, all the better for no role play and contrived exercises. One to one coaching offered positive feedback to challenge my inner thoughts.
Lee Baxter, Solutions Architect
The programme was enjoyable, challenging, relevant, and eye-opening. It gave me the opportunity to practice and receive feedback in a safe environment.
Graham Powell, Project Manager
The workshop’s format, delivery and approach make it very memorable. I learned the importance of relaxing and being myself when presenting. I would recommend the programme to anyone who wants to lead meetings, give presentations or ‘sell’ an idea.
Simon Ramzan, Business Solutions Analyst
Excellent. Fast, accessible, life-changing, direct, confidence building. I would recommend this programme to anyone.
Duncan Kime, Systems Manager
Very effective – certainly delivered elements beyond what I was expecting. Particularly worthwhile was learning new, but relatively simple skills that I can put into practice in the real world of work.
Betty Bowden, Project Manager
A superb investment of time and energy. This not only provided skills for presentation, but also general well-being. I was vindicated in that my way of doing things, my personality, DOES have a place and can be of benefit in a conservative banking organization.
Rob Armstrong, IT Relationship Manager
I could not possible imagine any way to improve this two day workshop. Coaching was about me; generalisation is not what I need – I need specific examples, and I got them. I would recommend this programme to everyone who needs to talk to people.
Tony Dyson, Platform Manager
I was really apprehensive coming on this course. However, within a couple of hours I was completely engaged. I feel that this is the best worthwhile investment in me by the bank.
The one-to-one coaching gave me honest feedback. Stuart was really encouraging, and understood exactly what I was going through and encouraged me to overcome/ get rid of my fears.
Abid Iqbal, Development Manager, OTP
Every workshop/training event I have attended has always concentrated on what I can do better. It’s a completely new experience to be bombarded with positive comments – it takes some getting used to, but is so much more effective.
I would recommend this programme to anybody who communicates with anyone on a regular basis, and who has a position of authority. The value of positive reinforcement should be embraced by managers.
Julie Mortlock, GMR Consultant
I’d recommend the programme to all those that have the opportunity to attend, and anyone who finds themselves in a position of feeling ‘uneasy’ about communicating.
Mark Lyons, HTSE Ops Commercial Manager
The programme made me consider different aspects to planning and conducting business to influence the outcome and experience.
Sue Douglas, Systems Manager
A very, very worthwhile course. Particularly worthwhile was learning to prepare properly, both in planning terms and in personal, physical terms. I gained time to think whilst talking.
I would recommend this programme to everyone – team leaders and above (as mandatory) and anyone else who wants to better themselves.
Steve Mather, IT Manager
I learnt some really great lessons, and left on a totally positive note. I realized I could be natural, and hearing constant and consistent feedback made me believe it.
Lynne Allen, Systems Manager
This was probably the best course of this nature that I have ever been on.
Phil Tottie, Senior Manager, HTSE Operations
I was not convinced about the ‘positives only’ at the start. I think I am now!
Jeannette Turner, PM
I have taken big steps in what I can do. I understand the need for structured communication, and that I can do it.
I would recommend the programme to anyone – especially my wife, who likes to finish my sentences!
Tony Hall, Business Solutions Manager
The BEST and most enjoyable and rewarding course I have attended in 13 years at HSBC.
Richard Havenhand, Systems Manager
I was cynical about the course before attending, but am now glad I attended, and hope to put everything I have learned into practice.
Matthew Jones, Systems Manager
The programme has good content, powerful feedback and excellent coaching. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to gain confidence in communication.
Lynne Nowlin, Finance Manager
An excellent course. I feel I have made a good investment of two days. The coaching was genuine, positive and very insightful. How does Stuart know such things?
Paul Evans, Systems Manager
I learnt a lot more than I expected, and felt the results were very positive.
Mark Cloke, Technical Project Manager
I am confident that if I apply the lessons learnt, I will improve massively on my current use of communication.
The affirmation of my good points, and the accentuation and reinforcement that they were improving was particularly worthwhile.
One-to-one coaching was of real benefit, it was an opportunity to really listen to feedback. Often in a group, this wouldn’t sink in.
Dave Riley, Desktop Services Manager
Amazing amount learnt in just two days! Most effective course I’ve ever been on.
Jim Hutchinson, Metadata Consultant
This course has given me food for thought, confidence and willingness to explore further than any other course I have ever attended. Thanks.
Coaching offered the chance to understand how powerful it is to evaluate myself objectively. It really reinforced general messages into specifics that I can use.
I would recommend the programme to everybody I know… but in particular anybody who has even a slight interest in improving their effectiveness as a communicator.
Martin Allen, Project Manager
It was challenging all the way through, and I have learnt so much. Thank you!
All of it was extremely powerful and the techniques have definitely helped me gain more confidence and to control the nerves.
Steve Hopwood, Systems Manager
I thought doing 8 presentations would be terrifying – they weren’t. I learnt something in between doing each which to make each presentation better.
Maureen Whitehead
Manager, Desktop Systems Support
The most relevant course I have ever attended at HSBC. Course content and delivery were fantastic. Andrew and Stuart really engaged personally with every member of the group to achieve maximum results.
I received one on one feedback that was not just pulled out of a ‘generic bag’, but which, I felt, was considered and sincere, coming from a genuine desire to help me improve.
Rachel Maude, IT Manager
The most effective course I’ve ever been on. You take it to a new level.
Particularly worthwhile was the opportunity to try things with no risk/embarrassment. I knew the theory and needed the chance to try it without looking like an idiot.
What was most powerful was the passion and commitment of the people delivering the training. It was more like coaching and mentoring.
Issy Fonseka, IT Project Manager/IT Consultant
Excellent two days, time well-spent. A well-prepared and very well presented course. Thanks!
Coaching reinforced my good elements, picked out points not raised in the group feedback and gave an opportunity to discuss issues one to one.
Presentation skills for senior managers | Singapore & UK | Cobalt
