447 Courses in Birmingham

This very practical workshop has a simple objective: to help you prepare, design and deliver memorable and high-quality presentations. This programme will help you: Use a proven, structured tool-kit when designing and developing presentations Benefit from short cuts and best practice when designing and using Powerpoint presentations Select the right information, examples, exercises and activities - and use them well Prepare and structure a presentation or session appropriate to the audience, and to best achieve your objectives Maintain audience or group interest Develop and practise presentation skills to improve your voice tone, speech power and body language Use practical methods to control nerves and anxiety - develop higher levels of confidence and credibility Command a room, hold attention and create a high impact 1 Introduction Personal objectives Key messages and learning objectives of the workshop 2 Presentation skills What does good look like? Exercise: Characteristics of high/low impact presentations Presenting yourself as a 'winner' The energy / attitude model Exercise: Being a winner 3 Preparation skills - eight steps to preparing a great presentation, plus Powerpoint tips •The magic circle• How to 'assume the role' when presenting• The eight steps• Step 1 - develop your objectives- The five questions that you must answer before preparing your presentation- Defining your objectives and outcomes- Creating a first draft- Step 1 exercise• Step 2 - analyse your audience- Doing your homework: audience, event, venue- Developing a pre-event check-list- Methods and means for researching your audience- Step 2 exercise• Steps 3 and 4 - structure the main body of your presentation and state the main ideas- Ways to structure your presentation for maximum impact- Balancing and managing content and topics- Organising your information: 6 options and methods- Your 'one main point' and creating a 30-second summary- Steps 3 and 4 exercises• Step 5 - decide on supporting information, using the toolkit- Making your case convincing: ways to support your claims- Selecting and using relevant and interesting examples- Quotes, case studies and printed material- Presenting statistics, tables and graphs- Ways of maintaining visual interest- Transitions and links, creating a 'golden thread'- Step 5 exercise: Creating compelling stories and anecdotes4• Step 6 - create an effective 'opening'- Claiming the stage and creating a good first impression- The three most powerful ways of opening a presentation- The five elements of a strong opening- Step 6 exercise: Participants work individually to prepare an opening, focusing onpersonal introduction, and then deliver to the group, with structured feedback• Step 7 - develop transitions- Step 7 exercise / examples• Step 8 - create an effective close- Signalling and sign-posting; the importance of, and how to do it effectively- Five ways to close a presentation successfully- Step 8 exercise / examples• Presentation design and Powerpoint- An interactive review of participants' own real-life past presentations and advanced tipsand techniques on using Powerpoint effectively 4 Facilitation skills The three main types of group activity - triads, teams and main group How to select the right activity, define the objectives, set it up and run the debrief Using energisers - with examples Exercise: Dealing with 'difficult' behaviours Exercise: Working in triads, design and deliver 5 Tips and tricks: presentation and facilitation 10 reasons why facilitation fails Five golden rules for success Defining the session goals and the facilitation plan Open and closed questions - why and when to use Using a 'car park' to manage unresolved issues Using AV aids - tips and tricks Exercises: Including participants working in pairs to prepare a short section form of one of their own presentations 6 Putting it all together Summary of key learning points Action plan

This is an incredibly practical programme which has been developed to enable participants to improve their memory skills. The session focuses on specific techniques that can be used to improve retention of information. It also introduces the principles of mind-mapping By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain how our brain processes and stores information Describe the difference between short-term and long-term memory Use specific techniques to improve retention Explain the principles of mind mapping Be able to use mind maps to plan and order information Each participant, no matter how poor they believe their memory to be, will by the close of the session have learnt techniques that enable them to memorise 53 items in a prescriptive order - a massive boost to their confidence in their memory skills. 1 An introduction to the brain's functions Introductory brain-training How the brain works Left / right brain function Short-term and long-term memory Barriers to a good memory 2 Memory techniques Tips and techniques for improving memory Basic word association Chaining and linking Touchstone techniques Use of mnemonics Memory hooks Remembering names 3 Maximising memory Minimising barriers The importance of sleep and diet Supplements which may affect memory 4 Mind-mapping Purpose and principles Creating a mind map Use of colour to delight the eye and tickle the brain How to use the output from a map

EQ is a pattern of how people's biases in their thinking leads them to think one choice or thing is better than another, as well as their clarity in differentiating within those biases to exercise clear and sound judgement. Where your thinking and responses lie within your biases spectrum, and your ability in adjusting to the situation you find yourself in, will determine responses equating to poor or strong Emotional Intelligence (EI). This course will enhance and promote the skill set necessary for any working leader or manager, allowing our in-depth emotional intelligence knowledge to be applied into your working environment. From an employer's perspective, this award can be a significant long-term return on investment by further developing your leaders and managers. What Does This Course Offer? Our program offers an EQ-SWOT™ assessment and EI Model in detail, and through activity and discussion we explore how applying and possibly adjusting, you may offer an improved Emotional Intelligence. Our learning experiences are successful because the outcomes are quickly embedded and demonstrate an immediate visible impact on the day-to-day working environment. Our engaging learning inspires employees to want to personally add value to the companies they work for. We also offer our Paradigm EQ-SWOT™ online assessment and report as a frame of reference within the program. This assessment should be completed before attending the program, and will be expanded upon during the program delivery. Course Content The Emotional Intelligence for Today’s Leadership and Management course covers the following topics: What makes EI so important within the workplace Self-Awareness and your EQ Profile The EQ unpacked Unconscious Bias & EI How to develop your EI quotient Accreditation Activity Our accredited tutors deliver training that encourages delegates to confidently and practically apply all they have learnt as soon as they get back into the business. To achieve this award, delegates need to prepare and deliver a 3 minute presentation* on the highlights of their learning and immediate application avenues when back in their working environment. *Participants will be given 30 minutes during the program to prepare for their 3 min presentation at the end of the program. Scheduled Course Dates Unfortunately this course is not currently scheduled as an open course as it is primarily run as an in-house programme. For more information, please contact us. In-House Courses This is our own management training course which has been developed and refined over the many years we have been providing it to delegates from organisations in virtually every industry. This means that the course syllabus is extremely flexible and can be tailored to your specific requirements. If you would like to discuss how we can tailor this management training course for you and/or run it at your premises, please contact us.

The model adds an easily understandable engaging communication tool that delegates begin to use immediately and effectively when they leave the training room. The model adds an easily understandable engaging communication tool that delegates begin to use immediately and effectively when they leave the training room. Insights Discovery - How it Works: Through Insights Discovery® and our own, in-house Insights Discovery® licenced practitioner, we use the Insights Discovery model to understand an individual’s unique preferences. Our Insights Discovery-based people development programmes are simple and deeply insightful. They provide immediate impact and enable positive, lasting change. Insights Discovery® is: Simple: easy to understand so everyone can apply what they learn. Universal: it speaks to everyone at all levels. Deeply Insightful: take you places you never expected. Positive: the supportive language is so engaging it empowers people to change. Fun! The memorable colour energy system that really sticks Using Insights Discovery® as part of a wider programme: Insights Discovery® is at the heart of everything that we do. This simple framework of four colour energies can be used to develop highly-tailored solutions to meet your unique business needs. Example solutions: Increasing communication and collaboration: learn how your team, department or organisation can work together more effectively in a series of Insights Discovery® Workshops. Improving personal effectiveness: as part of a programme of coaching, Insights Discovery can be used to identify areas of strength and help create a development plan tailored to each individual. Developing leaders and sales people: use an understanding of preferences to assess individual and collective strengths and enhance crucial business skills. Explore the concept of change and gain an understanding of the process Understand how different personality types respond to change Engage the wider organisation by building relationships with staff Motivate teams through change

Chairing or facilitating a panel discussion is a particular skill. When many experts and specialists in their field are asked to do this, they discover that it is not as easy as they imagined. Pitching and introducing the session, involving everyone, promoting audience engagement, dealing with difficult panellists and ending the discussion can all be a challenge for inexperienced facilitators. Our panel facilitation training workshop focuses on providing delegates with the techniques and confidence they need to chair panel debates effectively. It is delivered by BBC presenter Martine Croxall and is highly interactive, blending theory with practical exercises. During the course, you will learn: the best way to prepare, including audience analysis and research how to pitch a panel how to introduce a panel how to involve everyone in the discussion the best way to promote audience engagement how to deal with difficult panellists how to end a discussion Each delegate will have the chance to chair a panel discussion, with the other delegates and Martine playing different roles as panellists.

Coaching workshop for managers who want to use their coaching capabilities to improve the business performance of their coachees.

This workshop will provide participants with the insight and skills to be more effective business networkers, face-to-face and online. The approach taken is to build on the strengths people already have and their successes. It is easier to develop what you already have than to try and develop skills that do not come easily. Being yourself is the most effective tool for business networking and building relationships. This course will help those attending: Appreciate the importance of networking, and different forms of networking Understand the dynamics of communication that are specific to networking Become more confident and assured when 'working' a room Improve their influencing skills, especially with people who are experts and in positions of authority 'Sell' themselves and promote their company Identify and manage their profiles using online social networking sites Use effective follow-up to maintain active contacts and connections Select the correct networking groups, clubs and events Create their own personal network 1 The importance, and different types, of networking Personal objectives and introductions Test networking session Examples of the importance, purpose and format of various types of networking, and benefits you can expect 2 How to work a room - preparation and strategy Three things to know before you attend any event Non-verbal communication and art of rapport Breaking the ice - worked examples with practical demonstration 3 Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Why it is better to listen than talk Effective questioning and active listening Creating a natural and engaging conversation, 1-2-1 and in a larger group 4 Assumptions when networking How to use the 'instant judgement' of others to your advantage What assumptions are you making? How to keep an open mind 5 Business networking etiquette Meeting and greeting at a business networking event - approaching complete strangers and introducing yourself Socialising: joining and leaving groups easily Making a good first impression in 30 seconds The use of status when networking 6 Making connections Asking for cards, contact details and referrals Gaining a follow-up commitment Some tips and tricks 7 Business networking rehearsals Practice sessions 8 Personal business networking online Overview of different types of networking sites - there is a lot more out there than just Facebook! Examples of creating an effective profile Using social networking effectively - case studies and application 'Advanced' applications - blogs, articles, twitter, feeds, etc. Online demonstration and examples 9 Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through Maintaining a good database Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact How to analyse your contact base

Many people have a misconception about networking events, and lose out on new business opportunities as a result. They either don't appreciate the real benefits and techniques of networking and don't attend events, or they attempt to 'sell on the first date', causing resentment. You can either attempt to make a sale for a quick buck (which is particularly likely to backfire at a networking event), or you can try to open a long-term relationship, creating new opportunities and a high lifetime value customer (which is how it's meant to be done). Networking, when done properly, is an excellent tool for referrals. But you have to appreciate that it's done on the basis of giving rather than receiving and this doesn't always come naturally to sales professionals. The old saying that it's about getting to 'know, like and trust' is still true. This workshop is about having your prospects and customers getting to know, like and trust you, and building that lifetime value as a result. By the end of this programme, participants will be able to: Understand what networking is - networking etiquette Know how and where to network Clarify their objectives - why network Use the 4 basic questions to start a conversation Build rapport quickly and easily Answer the question 'What do you do?' effectively in a few seconds Deliver a 60-second pitch Break into a group Prepare for a network meeting Identify opportunities Use tools to assist in networking 1 Introduction Aims and objectives 2 What is networking? Why network - objectives and goal setting Networking etiquette Preparation - online and offline tools to use Identify networking opportunities - where to network Know what you have to offer 'Know, like and trust' - the process 3 What do you do? Answer in 5-10 seconds Create and deliver a 60-second pitch Who is your target market? 4 Starting a conversation Breaking into a group Building rapport The 4 questions to start a conversation Moving on 5 Communicate and engage LISTEN - 4 types of listening skill Ask powerful questions Influence - don't sell What can you do to help others - give to get 6 Power of referrals Who can give you referrals? When to give or ask for referrals Have a referral system Showing appreciation 7 Social media and other online tools Using LinkedIn and other social media Online directories 8 Next steps Following up Arranging one-to-one meetings Developing relationships

At times, everyone involved with a business will find themselves in a position where they are faced with difficult decisions. Being able to deal with these situations effectively and confidently is an important interpersonal skill. This is especially true for managers who will be forced to make tough decisions on a regular basis, but need to ensure that the business continues to perform both during and after the difficult decisions have been made. The manner in which they approach and implement these decisions can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Course SyllabusThe syllabus of the Dealing with Difficult Situations with Confidence course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module OneSelf Awareness Attitude towards challenges - self-resilience Going into a challenging scenario - how to prepare Recognising the signs of contention Giving feedback constructively Module TwoHaving Difficult Conversations with Confidence Behaviour labelling - preparing the approach Assertiveness techniques Dealing with a difficult issue focussing on behaviour & consequences Keeping objective and professional throughout Module ThreeExamining Your Preferred Communication Style Recognising the different communication styles Analysing your preferred style - Paradigm FitIn Profiler review Identifying the most appropriate situations for each style Module FourHelpful Interpersonal Skills Effective questioning techniques Active listening Body language Recognising and dealing with behaviours Displaying and creating positive attitudes Remaining Assertive and in control

Designed for Executives, delegates will learn how to become true business leaders. They will gain a critical understanding of the role that a leader can take and how they can become that person. Good leadership is about mastering more than a set of management skills. Leaders should create a compelling vision, produce results, and maximise the effectiveness of their team through shared goals and values. Discovering Leadership Effectiveness helps people become the best leaders they can be. Using Insights Discovery® as part of a wider programme: Through Insights Discovery® and our own, in-house Insights Discovery® licenced practitioner, we use the Insights Discovery model to understand an individual’s unique preferences. Our Insights Discovery-based people development programmes are simple and deeply insightful. They provide immediate impact and enable positive, lasting change. Insights Discovery® is: Simple: easy to understand so everyone can apply what they learn. Universal: it speaks to everyone at all levels. Deeply Insightful: take you places you never expected. Positive: the supportive language is so engaging it empowers people to change. Fun! The memorable colour energy system that really sticks Using Insights Discovery® as part of a wider programme: Insights Discovery® is at the heart of everything that we do. This simple framework of four colour energies can be used to develop highly-tailored solutions to meet your unique business needs. Example solutions: Increasing communication and collaboration: learn how your team, department or organisation can work together more effectively in a series of Insights Discovery® Workshops. Improving personal effectiveness: as part of a programme of coaching, Insights Discovery can be used to identify areas of strength and help create a development plan tailored to each individual. Developing leaders and sales people: use an understanding of preferences to assess individual and collective strengths and enhance crucial business skills. Explore the concept of change and gain an understanding of the process Understand how different personality types respond to change Engage the wider organisation by building relationships with staff Motivate teams through change