I was recently a judge in the Oxfordshire finals of the Young Enterprise schools’ competition. What a great preparation for the workplace.
Each school competing has a team of teenage volunteers, aged from 15-17 usually, who start and run their own company, selling a product or service for the 9 months of the school year. They have to keep the books, present end of year accounts, pay VAT, and create a thriving business, as well as doing their school work of course.
So why was I involved? Probably because I’m an entrepreneur and I specialise in communication! But also I welcome the chance to be involved in this competition which I’ve admired for many years and to give something back to the community, especially something which involves schools.
No sales on the night
There were nearly 40 teams competing this year and the 9 finalists were very impressive. In fact I was tempted to buy product from at least 5 of the companies but unfortunately they weren’t selling on the night of the final!
With products ranging from cleverly packaged socks to solar-powered iPhone chargers, there was innovation shown by all.
Of course the learning for these teenagers is not just in entrepreneurism and innovation. It’s also in cooperation, collaboration, teamwork, time management, and leadership – not to mention conflict management. That’s what I like best about it – it is a good preparation for life and for the world of work.
Communication
The company presentations were very accomplished and the winning reports were readable, informative and well-written too. Communication was also a key factor in my assessment of those who impressed me most when I met the finalists on the presentation evening itself.
Thinking back to those finals, this is my list of the top 5 things that impressed me about the teenagers’ spoken communication:
- speaking clearly
- maintaining good eye-contact
- looking professional
- enthusiasm
- pride in the product, their company and their achievement
So the non-verbal communication is what I ended up remembering most clearly.
Speak with belief
That’s why speaking with real belief is one of the surest ways to command attention – in any meeting or presentation, whatever age we are and at whatever level in the organisation.
Speaking with belief means you add intonation and vocal emphasis to your words in a totally natural but riveting way; your face becomes more expressive too.
That’s why speaking without belief is such a turn-off for your listener, your team or any other audience. Your voice becomes boring and you don’t engage others in the same way.
Speaking with belief was one of the reasons the winning team’s presentation was impressive in the Young Enterprise finals this month.
Their content was informative and entertaining. They also looked professional and well turned out. The final ingredient though was their confidence, enjoyment and belief in their company: this was the crowning glory and doubled the final impact.
A good reminder for us all.
Want to discuss how you can improve your impact and influence in speaking?
If so, contact me to book a complimentary consultation.
Email alison.haill@opcOxford.com Or phone on +44 1865 436 791.
Oxford Professional Consulting is Oxford’s most specialised coaching and training company. We enable leaders and managers to put themselves across better, so they achieve the success and respect they deserve for themselves and their company. We have 30 years’ experience helping international clients create great teams, influence others and lead within their organisation.
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