A local not-for-profit organization contacted Gillespie Associates to support its strategic communications plan. It recognized the need to build awareness about its services in the community and retained a public relations firm to develop its communications message. Once the message was complete, the organization determined that its own employees were the best people to spread the message throughout the community.

Gillespie Associates faced an immediate challenge—help the employees to overcome their natural fear of making presentations, and give them the confidence to communicate a consistent and stimulating message.

First, we reviewed and analyzed its communications plan with the organization's leadership team. After we understood the plan, we recommended a multi-faceted solution that would enable employees to learn and develop effective presentation skills in a safe learning environment. That solution included:

• Reviewing existing presentation skills
• Enhancing those skills to complement and reinforce their new communications message
• Providing coaching and constructive feedback
• Offering follow-up coaching and training sessions

Organization's employees

• A half-day interactive training session
• Presentation and handout materials
• Practice exercises

Employees significantly improved their confidence, presentation skills, and ability to spread the organization's new message throughout the community.