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Chapter 1: Presenting Effectively with the Business Communication Model

Congratulations, new graduate! You have landed your first job and are ready to take on the world. However, you may soon realize that your academic achievements will only take you so far. To truly succeed in the working world, you need to develop strong communication skills.

Expert management coaches advise that you should be spending 30% of your working time on building networks, connections, and strong relationships in your company and field.

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Political Acumen and Presentation/Influence Skills at work coda.io⁠

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The most highly paid professionals in any fields are the ones who have the ability to create, share, and inspire action on the Company’s Visions of what to do.

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The importance of Communication, Influence, and Presentation Skills for new graduates. coda.io⁠

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One of the most important communication skills in the business world is presenting your visions, plans and ideas to managers, colleagues, and clients.

The most highly paid professionals in any fields are the ones who have the ability to create, share, and inspire action on the Company’s Visions of what to do.

The importance of Communication, Influence, and Presentation Skills for new graduates.

Whether you are presenting a new idea to your team, pitching a project to your boss, or giving a sales pitch to potential clients, your ability to present effectively can have a significant impact on your career success.

Unfortunately, most people have never been taught how to present their ideas effectively. They may have a great idea, but they struggle to communicate it in a way that engages and inspires their audience.

Students in particular have very bad presentation skills, because they take their ideas of how to present from their Professors. At school, we present in the Academic Model of Presention, which is centric around the interests of the Subject.

At work, we must use the Business Presentation Model, which centers about the interests of the people we are presenting too, and which punctuates each Point with a clear, definite statement of the IMPACT of what we are saying to the listener, or reader.

That's why in this chapter, we will introduce you to the Business Communication Model, a three-step pattern of communication that will help you present your ideas effectively, persausively, and in a manner that will influence managers, colleagues, and clients.

Step 1: Make a Claim Statement

The first step in the Business Communication Model is to make a claim statement. This is your main idea, the point you want to get across to your audience. It should be clear, concise, and compelling. For example, if you are presenting a new marketing strategy to your team, your claim statement might be: "Our new marketing strategy will increase our customer base by 20% in the next quarter."

Step 2: Provide Specifications/More Details

Once you have made your claim statement, you need to provide specifications or more details to build your listener's interest and excitement. This is where you provide evidence to support your claim and explain how you will achieve your goals. For example, you might explain the specific tactics you will use in your marketing strategy, such as targeted social media ads or influencer partnerships.

Step 3: Impact Statement to the Audience

Finally, you need to make an impact statement to your audience. This is where you explain why your idea matters and what impact it will have on your audience. Will it save them time or money? Will it help them achieve their goals? Will it make their lives easier or more enjoyable? You need to make sure that your audience understands the value of your idea to them personally.

In business presentations, it is crucial to speak about what is of interest to the person you are talking to. This means that you must know your audience, their pains, fears, hopes, and world view. What interests your customers fascinates you should be your mantra.

Knowing Your Audience

To present effectively, you need to know your audience. This means researching their background, interests, and needs. You need to understand what motivates them and what challenges they face. This will help you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests.

For example, if you are presenting to a group of investors, you need to focus on the financial impact of your idea. If you are presenting to a group of marketers, you need to focus on the creative aspects of your idea. By tailoring your message to your audience, you will increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

Presenting effectively is a crucial skill for any new graduate entering the workforce. By following the three-step Business Communication Model, you can ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly, concisely, and compellingly. Remember to make a claim statement, provide specifications/more details, and make an impact statement to your audience. And most importantly, remember to know your audience and tailor your message to their needs and interests.

With these skills, you will be well on your way to success in the working world.

With this thinking and presentation pattern, you will become a thought leader in your industry and company.

Others will seek you out to make networking connections and alliances with you.

Your network is your principal asset as a professional.

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