Dianna Booher Speaks

Joe Wynne is a versatile Project Manager experienced in delivering medium-scope projects in large organizations that improve workforce performance and business processes. He has a proven track record of delivering effective, technology-savvy solutions in a variety of industries and a unique combination of strengths in both process management and workforce management.

 

After reading Dianna Booher's book Speak with Confidence: Powerful Presentations that Inform, Inspire, and Persuade (see related book review), I was able to get her attention for a short interview. Here are my questions to her specifically for project manager presentation issues.

Q. What is to be gained by a project manager mastering the art of presentations? Is it worth the pain involved?

Take a hint from President Bush--lower expectations. If you recall, during the presidential campaign, he did quite well during the debates and many of the political pundits expressed their surprise on the air. When Bush made his rounds on the late-night talk shows, one of the hosts asked him to what he attributed his "surprise" good ratings on the debate. Bush responded with humor: "I always lower expectations. They were just hoping I could say my name right."

By the same token, in general, I think the employee population, executives or the project stakeholders expect the project manager to do well with the technical aspects of the job. But when the manager can also communicate well, he or she quickly stands out above the crowd. To be capable both technologically and in the soft "people side," which has much to do with communicating and presenting ideas puts you in a completely different career category--in the fast lane for advancement.

Q. What areas…

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.