Speakeasy
If you’re in business, you have two massive questions to ask yourself:
First, what’s my message?
Second, am I putting it across well enough?
For many businesses, it’s not at all clear what their message is AND there’s a frustration that the audience isn’t really ‘getting it’.
That’s why I’ve launched Speakeasy Groups, monthly sessions which help you craft and deliver your pitch.
Download our ‘Speakeasy – How it Works‘ document.
Where and when?
I’ve established a number of groups in various towns in NW England, and in the case of Manchester there are two (A and B). Each group meets monthly. I’d like to keep groups together where possible, but you’re welcome to drop into another one to extend your network AND test your message on fresh eyes and ears.
Forthcoming Speakeasy Dates (all 5.45pm – 8.15pm)
(See Speakeasy Groups web site for details of dates and venues)
What is Speakeasy?
It’s a monthly networking event where we help people develop their communication skills:
- 4 volunteers deliver a short business pitch (5 mins each)
- the audience has a chance to give feedback
- process is guided by an experienced facilitator/coach.
- £20 for your initial session, to include light refreshments.
- Then decide if you’re joining us as a Member.
We’re interested in THE MESSAGE (was it clear and easily understood?)
We’re looking at the STYLE OF DELIVERY (slides, body language, use of voice, etc).
We’re looking to develop CONFIDENCE AND SKILL in the way people present their ideas.
It’s an essential skill, something we’re often called upon to do - the initial meeting (in answer to “what do you do?”); the 10 minute guest slot (at a networking event); the formal presentation (client proposal/team briefing); the public speech (conference or seminar).
Test-drive your pitch
Speakeasy is a rare opportunity to ‘test-drive’ your proposition in front of a live audience, and in a safe and encouraging environment. Remember, it’s more important to know how the audience received your message than how you think you delivered it. The trouble is, you very rarely get an honest opinion. If it’s poor or average no one says anything to you. If it’s exceptional they might, but you don’t need help! It means you’re operating in a vacuum – and you never really get better!
What’s in it for the audience?
- Network with fellow professionals.
- A chance to absorb, and learn from, what others are doing.
- Work together in teams on subsequent presentations – learn through doing AND supporting fellow members.
- Added bonus – monthly skill topic covered.
Bonus Feature – Monthly Skill Focus
Each month we highlight a different skill topic for about 20 minutes at the end of the session. This might be storytelling skills, using humour, body language, overcoming nerves or designing great slides. Wherever possible we bring in a guest expert, and so far we’ve enjoyed fantastic contributions from a voice coach, a comedian and an acting coach.
For more information or to reserve a place, Contact Us.
Recent Testimonials
“I wanted to write to congratulate you on the Speak Easy Group session on Tuesday.
It was a really enjoyable evening attended by a group of very interesting people. The format was nothing short of perfect with an excellent balance of informal networking and short presentations in a very safe and supportive environment.
Being one of the four presenters on the night I found that the time given to me to test out my presentation skills and measure if I could get my message across to a group of people, I had not previously met, immensely useful. The feedback was honest and constructive, providing a helpful guide for future presentations.
The opportunity to help the other speakers with feedback on their presentations allowed me to feel I was making a significant contribution too.
With the additional bonus of a guest speaker to end the evening, I would not hesitate to attend the remaining sessions and to recommend Speak Easy to others. You have hit upon something really special.”
Ashley Boroda, Theatrical Agent
“Experienced my first Speakeasy event. It’s a great environment to improve and hone your own communications skills, meet other businesses and cement relationships. Great variation on generic networking events and much more valuable. The shared experience of the fear of speaking is a fabulous catalyst.”
Jeremy Dent, Digital Media Strategist
“I was lucky enough to attend a recent SpeakEasy event in Manchester to experience the benefits first-hand – it was a great and enlightening experience.”
Steve Livingston, Partner at Horwath Clark Whitehill LLP
“Since attending and presenting at Speakeasy I have been recommending it to other business people I know because I got so much out of it! For my 4 minute presentation I decided to try something completely new as I knew I would get feedback from the group. However, I had no idea I would get so much valuable advice, tips and constructive comments! I learnt an awful lot.”
Cris Sousa, Director Regional Language Network NW
“The opportunity to test out your presentation skills and receive constructive feedback from the group is one that is proving to be valuable to experienced presenters and novices alike. Andrew skillfully draws valuable constructive comment from the attendees and never fails to ensure that the mood of the group is genuinely supportive.”
Dave Bradburn, Owner, Opus Creative Design
“SpeakEasy addresses a common pet hate: presentation skills. Nothing can match the “live” experience in terms of becoming a confident and persuasive presenter. We also have a guest speaker each month, such as voice coaches and acting coaches. I can really recommend it, and Andrew.”
Barry Cutler, Cost Management Consultant, Auditel
“I’ve attended Andrew’s SpeakEasy events in the Manchester area and would recommend them and him wholeheartedly. A relaxed manner makes everyone welcome which is of huge importance in a group of relative strangers. I am certain everybody comes away having learned something and feeling much more confident about their own presentation abilities.”
Karl Southern, IT Consultant, Photographer
“The Speak Easy environment is an example of Andrew filling a gap in the market place. And every session has a guest speaker to reinforce different aspects of public speaking. If you are newly set up in business on your own, in business for some time but now have to make presentations, have been presenting for some time but need to update your skills, have a personal talk to give … then quite frankly, you need to contact Andrew. You will not be disappointed! Join the many who have expressed delight at the amount and quality of the positive feedback and support offered.”
Murdo MacDonald, MD & Founder Murdom Ltd
