A presenter's non-verbal communication — facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice — is even more important than their choice of words to successful communication. In this intensive on-camera practice session, the trainers will help participants match their words and their non-verbal cues to make their message hit home. They’ll work with participants to develop language that not only conveys clear content, but also makes a lasting emotional impact.
About the Trainers
Matthew Kohut has over fifteen years of professional experience writing for and working with public speakers on presentations covering a wide range of topics for both general and expert audiences.
Matt founded and currently consults with InFact Communications, which specializes in strategic written communications. Prior to founding InFact, he was Director of Research and Publications for the Council for Excellence in Government, where wrote speeches, reports, op-ed articles, business development and marketing materials for the Council's CEO and other senior executives.
Matt holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. from the Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.
"A number of years ago I had the opportunity to see someone deliver a speech that I'd written. The words had looked great on the page, but the speech fell completely flat. The lesson was clear: the message doesn't work unless it works for the messenger. The words have to match the speaker's voice and body language, an audience can sense it if any of those elements are out of place"
John Neffinger has more than a decade of experience preparing politicians, corporate executives and others to speak confidently and move audiences to action. His clients have included progressive politicians and activists at the local and national levels, including several dozen successful Congressional candidates and sitting Members of Congress.
John has been featured discussing politics, public speaking and body language in publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Psychology Today and on programs such as The CBS Evening News, Hardball with Chris Matthews, Fox News's Strategy Room and NPR. He is also an occasional contributor to the Huffington Post.
John formerly served as Director of Communications & Outreach at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where he worked with the national security and science faculty to facilitate their communication in the media.
John has also worked at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he helped to build the Center for Universal Education working with former National Economic Advisor Gene Sperling. He holds honors degrees from Harvard College and Columbia Law School.
"I am a big fan of well-written language, but it doesn't matter how elegant the argument or inspiring the prose, a presentation won't move anyone if the presenter isn't feeling what they're saying."
Photo credit: Cory Grace