When it comes to unexpected questions - many accountants, lawyers, and executives have the same fears... 1,500 accountants in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. name their three chief concerns...

“Blanking” was the number one concern. The unexpected question or invitation to speak may cause a complete “blank”, as if our brain had simply stopped functioning! In reality, “blanking” is a very rare occurrence - but the possibility makes many of us nervous in meetings.

Not knowing the answer - or giving incorrect information is a common concern amongst accountants. Being well prepared eliminates much of this anxiety, but again, the possibility can increase our anxiety at critical times.

Not knowing if all the points have been made was the third most common concern. Many of us fear that in the “heat of the moment” we will provide incomplete information. The concern that we may have omitted a key point can disrupt our concentration in meetings and discussions.

The Solution? Use a simple system. Of the many senior executives and accountants who have taken the Commanding Presence Workshops, very few consciously used a system.

And so we developed “Focus!” a simple system for organizing your thoughts mentally.

Focus! can be learned in a few hours and used throughout your career. Using only a few of notes you can cover any topic thoroughly - and most important, concisely. “Concise” is the key, since verbal communication is only useful if it is easy to remember. Part of the discipline of Focus! is to say less so that people will remember more clearly what you’ve said. If more information is required - then the process can be repeated. This method is particularly useful in meetings - and in every situation, from chatting in an elevator to addressing a large conference.

We believe that every accountant should be able to speak powerfully and persuasively about themselves, their area of expertise, and their firm for 30 to 45 minutes without notes. All of the graduates of the Commanding Presence Workshops have this ability.

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If you are interested in raising your speaking skills to match the superb level of your writing skills than our internationally acclaimed, small-group, Two-Day Commanding Presence Workshop held in Toronto might be right for you. Visit www.commandingpresence.com for upcoming dates and fees.

If you are unable to travel to Toronto, you may be interested in our popular Commanding Presence Online visit courses.commandingpresence.com for more details.

Participants of Commanding Presence Online will learn how to:

Master Eloquent SpeakingBecome a Charismatic CommunicatorControl the RoomRediscover the Power of their Natural VoiceEliminate their Speaking Anxiety