Richardson & Paige
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Communication Concern
Richardson & Paige offer a bespoke, traditional, specialist upholstery service. Co-owner Robbie Richardson came to us as he has plans to create videos, record podcasts and deliver talks and seminars to promote the business.
Robbie had the same concerns as many of our clients; he was both capable and experienced in the subject content but uncomfortable when presenting and unable to really be himself.
He wanted to be more at ease and natural while speaking, both on stage and to camera.
Robbie explained what was going through his mind “I knew I needed help as I really struggle with being in front of a camera, but I didn’t want to do a half-baked measure. I wanted to do something that would make a difference.
I’m not going to lie I had to swallow quite deeply financially to do it but I just could see the value in having some one-to-one sessions rather than doing it in a group”.
Solution
Robbie had heard our Director Sally speak on a podcast with Ash Taylor about Presentation Skills and had used some of the tips and suggestions she gave, so when he decided to make the investment in himself, he knew he was going to contact Partners With You.
As we were in the middle of the lock-down when he contacted us there was only one option available and that was virtual training. As Robbie said “if you actually think about it, the one thing I wanted to do was get better in front of a camera and I’m in front of a camera! It worked and there was a logical sense to it”.
We find, particularly when coaching virtually, that several one-hour sessions are more effective than a longer single session. We offered a number of options and Robbie chose a package of 3 x one-hour sessions delivered over a period of several weeks. This option gave him time to assimilate and practice the techniques covered between sessions and dive deeper in any areas that needed additional input.
Annie Farr (who worked with Robbie one-to-one) was able to pick and choose specific exercises that she knew would have the most affect. She concentrated on posture, voice, breathing, controlling your thoughts and storytelling. Some of the techniques are those that actors learn to get in front of the camera or on stage and we have adapted them to help our clients to get in front of their camera and onto their stage … whatever that is. They are very interactive and make a huge difference.
Robbie explained how they worked for him “The hour sessions were about right; Annie gave me lots of pointers. I’m not going to lie … sometimes they were a little bit ‘out there’ so the self-conscious me was very aware of what I was doing. I feel like I learnt so much from Annie; she made things seem simple … and she was so much fun. I really loved the whole experience.”
Robbie continues “the sessions not only really helped me with my videos, but they also helped me feel confident when interviewing recently. I changed my sitting position and felt I had more authority and was much more in control of the interview because of it”.
Result
Having completed the 3 one-hour sessions we asked Robbie if he felt that they had made a difference. “It has, it’s huge. It’s helped me to understand and be more me, which is what I wanted from it. I wanted to be more me and not this strange guy that appeared in front of a camera every time.
I still feel uncomfortable seeing myself on camera but I know I’m loads better – I don’t mean that in an arrogant way, but I just know that I’m loads better and I’m really proud of that fact, so thank you”.
