STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS COACHING

MEDIA TRAINING

PRESENTATION SKILLS

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

FINANCIAL COMMUNICATIONS

VIDEO PRODUCTION

QUESTIONNAIRES
& EVALUATIONS

WPNT'S EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM

WPNT offers a graduated series of workshops to fully develop the communication skills of key executives. Our full- and half-day workshops ensure communications opportunities are leveraged to the fullest and are aligned with business goals. Designed as private, one-on-one coaching sessions for C-suite executives these confidential programs also can be offered to small groups of senior leaders. WPNT Associates, Press and/or Analyst Corps members participate in many of these advanced programs. A sampling of programs within our executive curriculum includes:

Executive Speech Coaching - This one-on-one program is designed to enhance executive presentation skills in an intimate setting. Using an upcoming or recent speech or presentation, each executive receives individualized instruction on message delivery and effectiveness. These sessions can be offered on a recurring basis to help executives prepare for specific, high-profile events. They are also used as part of a graduated curriculum of individual skill development.

Employee Town Hall Meetings - Session reviews fundamentals of internal communications including audience analysis, message development and the importance of "strategic storytelling." This workshop is especially helpful for executives who seek to engage and motivate employees around a particular initiative, change or business objective. Formats for the exercises may include a formal presentation from a lectern to sitting across a conference table with an individual or small group. Counsel on handling Q&A is provided.

Executive Board Meetings - This session takes an advanced approach to preparing for and delivering high-level overviews to senior executives and board members. Tips for addressing detailed questions and interruptions are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and understanding the needs of board members in advance of the presentation.

Analyst Presentations/Conference Calls - Format focuses on financial presentations and quarterly conference calls with industry analysts and shareholders. Program may include simulated calls with buy- and sell-side analysts, along with feedback and critique. Emphasis is placed on balancing the need to provide specific, detailed financial information while also bringing the organization's business strategy to life for investors and analysts. One-on-one sessions are offered. These sessions can also be used to rehearse quarterly calls, ultimately ensuring message consistency.

Congressional Testimony - This program provides experience for legislative and regulatory testimony at the state and federal level. In addition to demonstrating the proper techniques for reading prepared testimony, feedback is also provided in how to effectively summarize complex testimony into memorable sound bites, and how to handle aggressive or partisan questioning.

Managing Emotional Audiences - Program gives participants firsthand experience communicating in a highly charged environment characterized by anger, hostility, anxiety or distrust. Program provides executives with practical experience building common ground with key stakeholders, adversaries and others. An optional addition includes insight and experience in how to effectively handle activists or protestors seeking to disrupt a public speech, presentation or meeting.

Mastering PowerPoint - Session gives participants practical skills to improve the delivery of PowerPoint presentations. Exercises may include seated presentations across a conference table or working with slides from a stage with a projector. Counsel is provided in how to effectively interact with the slides, leading (not reading) the slides, summarizing the key takeaway on busy or complicated slides, and how to maintain audience attention and interest. Suggestions on slide content, format and the use of notes are provided.

Executive Speech Reading - Session demonstrates proper speech reading techniques for executives who speak from a detailed script. Techniques for "scooping the text" to maximize eye contact are addressed. Guidance and experience is offered in formatting the text to use "points of departure" to incorporate anecdotes, illustrations and stories. Proper non-verbal techniques and are also reviewed to help enliven the presentation.

Under Fire: Crisis Communications - Using a customized emergency scenario, this crisis program takes executives through a multiphase incident or controversy. The role of the senior executive in media interviews, meetings with government officials, and employee interaction is addressed. Emphasis is placed on understanding and prioritizing key audiences in an incident and developing a communications strategy.

Business Television - Program covers the fundamentals of participating in "talk television" shows, including program formats, message discipline, and interacting with the host(s). Counsel and experience is offered in addressing other guests or experts who may have detailed information about the organization's recent performance. This session serves as experiential preparation for shows like CNBC's Squawk Box, Power Lunch or CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight.

Coping with Media Controversy - Program provides guidance on issues management, and how to spot and address emerging or escalating controversies. Using case studies, executives learn how to confront an issue before it becomes a media crisis. Experience is provided in handling adversaries "on the air." Hostile questions and common "question traps" also are covered.

Satellite Media Interviews - Session focuses on satellite media interviews and proper techniques for live television events, including use of an IFB and single or remote feeds. Participants gain experience interacting with an anchor or interviewer from a remote location. The satellite interview is common for executives who conduct network media interviews associated with quarterly earnings announcements.