Professional communication: a tailor-made approach for executives, students and professionals

How did you develop your expertise in communication and public speaking?

My expertise combines professional experience and passion. My experience in Human Resources within large groups has enabled me to tackle sensitive issues such as the implementation of redundancy plans, reorganisations, career management and performance management.  Subsequently, my passion for the stage and voice work has materialised in my activities as a comedian on stage, on the radio and in podcasts, as well as a voice-over artist and conference moderator. Finally, my various training courses in NLP, coaching and adult education (ongoing) enable me to offer my clients a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to communication and public speaking.

What do you think are the main obstacles professionals face when it comes to public speaking?

I have identified several recurring barriers to speaking up: 

Firstly, glossophobia, better known as «stage fright», is a major obstacle. I address this by offering mental conditioning and breathing exercises, among other things. 

There is also a lack of clarity in the discourse, often caused by an abundance of details and technical terms, which leads to confusion and disengagement on the part of the audience. To address this, we work on the structure of the text and key ideas, ensuring that it remains accessible to all. 

Lack of preparation is another significant obstacle that many professionals face. It hinders the impact of the speech and also the speaker's progress. To address this, I suggest implementing simple public speaking «routines», which are essential for gaining confidence and effectiveness.  

Finally, poor command of non-verbal language, such as posture, voice or eye contact, hinders connection with the audience. To remedy this, filmed exercises are particularly effective. 

Can you tell us about your teaching approach and how it adapts to different profiles (executives, students, professionals)?

I work on three main areas: physical and mental preparation, the content and form of the speech, and interaction with the audience. 

For business leaders who are already experienced public speakers, the focus will be on their ability to rally and inspire through their speeches. To achieve this, we work on the use of advanced stylistic devices such as metaphors, repetition, storytelling and even the pratfall effect (highlighting failures to better showcase successes). These elements reinforce the impact of the speech and the leadership style. 

For students, the focus will be on stress management and structuring a powerful and effective speech. 

Finally, for professionals, the aim is to showcase their expertise and potential in order to maximise their career development through the relevance of their contributions. To achieve this, I like to take a comprehensive approach, combining stress management, convincing speech structure and mastery of Q&A sessions. 

In an increasingly digital world, how do you see public speaking evolving?

Digital technology has shaken up the rules of public speaking, which, in my opinion, is a great opportunity. It pushes us to adapt and therefore to perfect our communication skills. Take videoconferencing, for example, which is now well established in the professional world. To capture and maintain the audience's attention, speakers must deliver powerful speeches, vary the rhythm of their voices, control the lighting and their gaze on camera, while (ideally) using digital tools (interactive whiteboards, polls, etc.). 

In addition, we are seeing the rise of video as a communication tool. Speakers must take care with their presentations to deliver a targeted and dynamic message while maintaining a natural appearance. 

That is why I now offer media training sessions focused on communication techniques in front of the camera. 

What are the essential elements of successful public speaking in a professional context?

If I had to choose three key elements of successful public speaking: 

Preparation seems essential to me, as Winston Churchill suggested: «My best improvisations are those I have prepared the most.» Preparation allows you to be more relaxed, to structure your speech and to anticipate questions.

Next, I believe it is essential to cover the basics so as not to dwell on unnecessary details. Being concise and accessible keeps the audience's attention. 

Finally, I cannot ignore the impact of non-verbal communication and emotions. Indeed, the audience will most often remember the overall impression of the person speaking: «She is very charismatic», «He seems very friendly», «He is arrogant». These feelings influence the reception of the message, often much more than the words themselves.  

 What advice would you give to someone who wants to quickly improve their oral communication skills?

My first piece of advice would be to seize every opportunity to speak. The more you speak in public, the more you «train» your brain to do so.  

Next, I would suggest setting small goals for each interaction (e.g., «speak three times at this meeting», «smile», «ask my audience questions», etc.).

I would also advise preparing each of your speeches, even short ones, in order to maximise their impact and ensure you use the right words, perhaps even enriching your vocabulary.

I would recommend «really» addressing the audience by looking certain people in the eye, thus creating a more natural and authentic effect.

And finally, I would conclude with: «Make yourself look good!» because feeling confident during a presentation is contagious. 

 How do you see the future of communication and public speaking training?

It seems to me to be constantly evolving and more important than ever. With the rise of social media and the popularity of video formats, high-quality communication seems essential for effective self-marketing. 

I am currently working on short videos for social media, in which I share tips for improving public speaking skills.