Introduction

Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership, especially in Facilities Management (FM). Whether speaking to a team, presenting at a board meeting, or addressing clients and stakeholders, Facilities Leaders must be able to deliver their message with clarity, confidence, and influence. Public speaking plays a pivotal role in inspiring action, motivating teams, and promoting FM initiatives. This 5-day training course is designed to help Facilities Leaders master the art of public speaking, enhancing their presentation skills, boosting their confidence, and ensuring they can communicate their vision and objectives effectively in any public or professional setting.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Develop the skills to craft and deliver engaging, persuasive, and clear presentations.
2. Build confidence in public speaking through practical exercises and feedback.
3. Learn how to manage anxiety and overcome common public speaking challenges.
4. Understand the key elements of effective storytelling and how to apply them in FM presentations.
5. Gain tools to engage diverse audiences and communicate complex FM topics clearly.
6. Master non-verbal communication skills, including body language, tone, and posture, to enhance delivery.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Facilities Managers, Directors, and Leaders.
• Senior Facilities professionals preparing for presentations or public speaking engagements.
• Project Managers and Team Leaders who need to deliver presentations to clients, stakeholders, or teams.
• HR professionals and trainers within the FM industry.
• Anyone looking to enhance their public speaking and presentation skills in FM contexts.

Course Outline

Day 1: The Fundamentals of Public Speaking for FM Leaders

• Introduction to Public Speaking
  • The role of public speaking in Facilities Management leadership.
  • Overcoming common fears and barriers to public speaking.
  • The connection between communication and leadership in FM.
• Crafting Your Message
  • How to define your core message and objectives for each presentation.
  • Understanding your audience: Tailoring your message to different stakeholders in FM (team members, clients, executives, etc.).
  • Structuring your presentation: The introduction, body, and conclusion.
• The Importance of Clarity and Brevity
  • How to simplify complex FM topics for easy understanding.
  • Avoiding jargon and technical terms without losing the essence of the message.
  • Techniques for being concise yet thorough.
• Workshop: Participants will develop a 3-minute presentation on a current FM topic, focusing on clarity and message structure.

Day 2: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

• Understanding Public Speaking Anxiety
  • The psychology of speaking anxiety: Why it happens and how to manage it.
  • Identifying personal triggers and anxiety-reducing techniques.
• Building Confidence Through Preparation
  • The importance of preparation: Knowing your material and audience.
  • Techniques for rehearsing your speech to boost confidence.
  • The role of positive visualization and relaxation exercises in reducing anxiety.
• Managing Nervousness During Delivery
  • Breathing techniques and mindfulness to calm nerves before and during your presentation.
  • How to use pauses and silence effectively to regain composure.
• Interactive Activity: Group exercises where participants practice delivering parts of their presentation, receiving feedback on body language and confidence levels.

Day 3: Engaging Your Audience and Effective Storytelling

• The Power of Storytelling in FM Presentations
  • Why storytelling is a powerful tool in public speaking.
  • How to create compelling narratives around FM topics: challenges, successes, and lessons learned.
  • Using real-world examples and case studies to engage your audience.
• Techniques for Audience Engagement
  • How to capture your audience’s attention from the start.
  • Using questions, anecdotes, and humor to maintain interest.
  • Managing audience reactions and creating interactive presentations.
• Creating Visuals that Support Your Message
  • Best practices for creating impactful presentation slides and visuals.
  • How to avoid overloading your audience with information.
  • Using diagrams, charts, and photos to enhance understanding in FM presentations.
• Workshop: Participants will craft a short presentation on an FM-related issue using storytelling techniques, including a compelling beginning, middle, and conclusion.

Day 4: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication

• The Importance of Body Language
  • How body language impacts the perception of your message.
  • Key elements of body language: Posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
  • How to project confidence and authority through non-verbal cues.
• Vocal Techniques for Effective Delivery
  • How to control your tone, pitch, and pace for clarity and impact.
  • Using vocal variety to emphasize key points and avoid a monotone delivery.
  • The role of pauses: When and how to pause to let key messages resonate.
• Engaging with Your Audience Through Non-Verbal Communication
  • Reading your audience’s body language and adjusting your delivery accordingly.
  • How to make eye contact, use hand gestures, and move around the stage to connect with your audience.
• Practice Session: Participants will deliver portions of their presentations focusing on body language, eye contact, and vocal delivery, followed by peer feedback.

Day 5: Handling Difficult Situations and Delivering Impactful Presentations

• Managing Difficult Situations and Questions
  • How to handle challenging questions and interruptions with professionalism and poise.
  • Techniques for defusing tension and maintaining control of the presentation.
  • Preparing for unexpected issues, such as technical difficulties or audience disruptions.
• Delivering High-Impact Presentations
  • How to make a lasting impression with your final words and call to action.
  • The importance of pacing, energy, and delivery throughout your presentation.
  • Reviewing the key components of a successful public speech in FM.
• Using Technology to Enhance Your Presentation
  • The effective use of PowerPoint, video, and multimedia in FM presentations.
  • Ensuring technology enhances, rather than distracts from, your message.
• Capstone Exercise: Participants will deliver their full 5-minute FM presentation, incorporating all aspects of the course, including message clarity, storytelling, body language, and engagement techniques.
• Conclusion and Certification.