Public Speaking and Politics

Public speaking has long been a key skill for anyone in politics. That remains true today. Being able to rouse and inspire a political meeting, a conference, a selection panel or even the House of Commons is still a critically important skill. The rise of videos in social media, YouTube, Facebook Live for example, have also raised the importance of presentation skills.

But most people in politics or with aspirations to be in politics are, of course usually pretty good speakers, so why the need for public speaking coaching?

The best orators know that a public speaking skill has to be constantly nurtured and developed in order to deliver consistently good outcomes. No top athletes question the need for working regularly, if not daily, on their skills, and coaches are usually needed to support that work.

At Archimedes we have worked with local and national political figures to help them prepare for their pivotal speaking engagements.

The nature of individual speaking coaching means that each coaching programme is tailored to the individual, in terms of the content, duration and format. An example programme would be:-

• Initial requirements discussion
  Clarify and focus on the objectives, e.g. event preparation or a specific skill area development or a holistic programme covering a full range of speaking skill elements.
• Assessment or benchmark of skills
  Video or live presentation / speaking review, agree on development objectives, programme structure and duration needed to achieve the goals.
• Core programme modules covered
  These can focus on specific aspects of speaking, including, but not limited to the lists below:

• Application
  A rehearsal, usually videoed and reviewed to apply the skills that have been worked on.
• Final Presentation
  For a specific event preparation, the process can end with pre-event support and a post event review.

The formats and methodologies used will vary according to your requirements, but typically:

• Either a series of shorter sessions (1.5 hours) or more intensive programmes of a day or more.
• We usually come to you and some face-to-face work is often needed but remote work via Skype etc can also be effective.
• Depending on requirements the use of live / real time video, a voice coach or a script writer, graphic designer for visual aids / PowerPoint can be included.

When it matters, don’t leave it to chance!

Contact us to discuss a programme for you – we’ll tailor it to fit your needs, schedule and budget.