The Newbury Group offers a range of communication programmes. All of these programmes are adapted according to client needs. They are either integrated into the skill development needs for individuals or groups on a project or used as standalone sessions.
Therefore key elements can be used to support a one-to-one consultancy or a session can be delivered as outlined to a group.
The outline programmes are summarised here and you can access a more detailed factsheet for each one from the Resource Downloads section.
Communication Delivery Skills
For many people even the prospect of having to stand up and present to an audience is one of the most nerve racking experiences they ever encounter. Much of this is due to a natural fear of failure or the unknown. This could be in the shape of unexpected questions or reactions from the audience or forgetting what to say. The task can be made even harder when delivering content prepared by someone else.
This programme concentrates upon building and enhancing the individual‘s ability to deliver presentations with vocal and visual impact, prepare for discussion, manage the audience and increase their confidence.
Communication Content Development
There is increasing pressure on personnel at all levels to be able to ‘put together’ presentations or briefings quickly and to a high standard. The understandable temptation is to pull in visuals and associated text from a variety of sources hoping that they will make sense. Unfortunately, this often results in audiences receiving unclear or muddled messages.
This programme concentrates upon showing and helping individuals create clear and well-structured presentations in a short period of time.
Conference Speaking
The rising costs of conferences dictates that organisations can no longer afford to waste time and money through badly structured and poorly presented conference speeches. The adverse effects of failure on both personal and organisation image can be far reaching. Precise and professional communication within a conference setting is vital.
This programme concentrates upon how to plan and develop content for the invited audience and enhancing the ability to make well-structured conference presentations with vocal and visual impact, to the benefit of both the speaker and the organisation.
Making Meetings Matter
Meetings have become a way of life for many people in business today or certainly feature prominently in the diary. On many occasions, whether chairing or simply attending a meeting, there can be the feeling that the meeting lacks direction or is consuming too much time when there is so much else to do.
This programme looks at the planning, structure and content of meetings and develops the skills needed by individuals to both take part in and chair such meetings.
Media Interviews
The growth of the media can be seen all around us. Technology has brought the instant TV interview and webcast. Increased coverage by local radio means increased demands for immediate comment. The influence of the press is self-evident. If you do not understand and "feed" the media they are likely to comment anyway.
This programme concentrates on the necessary preparation for media interviews, from the unexpected ‘doorstep’ encounter through to national TV and press conferences. It deals with the way media works and how to present yourself and your message successfully.
Media Crisis Scenario
How would you react upon learning that the media were interested in a crisis which has developed within your area of responsibility? Do you have the necessary skills and support mechanisms to satisfy the demands of the media and at the same time cope with the crisis as it develops? In a situation where ‘no comment’ is not an option increased demands for immediate response do not allow you the luxury of time. Furthermore, if you are not confident in your response untold damage can be done to image and credibility.
Working in ‘real time’, this programme concentrates on the preparation for and exposure to various types of media interview as the scenario unfolds. These range from the press agency phone call followed by a local radio interview through to national TV news and a press conference. It deals with the way media works and how to present yourself and your message successfully in a crisis situation.
Moderating
The role of a moderator, whether as a panel representative or speaker/moderator, is a challenging one. Too often, moderators are tempted to dominate proceedings by not opening the discussion sufficiently or by speaking too much themselves. Such activities frustrate an audience, hinder consensus and reflect badly upon the individual.
This programme clearly defines the moderator‘s duties by concentrating upon techniques and systems which allow participants to achieve success through practical application. Confidence and authority are increased and personal strengths exploited.
Presentation
Increasingly within any organisation personnel at all levels need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly and professionally to others. Without such skills not only personal but the organisation’s image and success can be impeded.
This programme concentrates upon enhancing the ability to make well-structured presentations with impact and control discussion to the benefit of both the individual and the organisation.
Taking and Delivering Difficult Decisions
In the current financial climate, senior staff and managers like you have to make and communicate often very difficult decisions to senior teams, department groups, colleagues or individuals.
This programme is made up of a set of modules which built into a comprehensive package to help you fulfil this role.
Writing Skills (Reports)
Communication between people needs to be clear and unambiguous in order to avoid misunderstanding and potentially lasting damage. This is especially the case in the written word where documents of all types can carry huge weight in terms of their importance. This programme concentrates upon enhancing the ability to write well-structured and concise reports and other written communication to the benefit of both the individual and the organisation.