A Midlands training company has launched a high-tech solution to business leaders and sales executives who want to improve their presentation skills.
The equipment records and analyses presentations and sales pitches instantaneously and in more detail than ever before, and could put an end to the massive cost of business lost through poor presentations.
And using internet technology, the equipment is capable of allowing comment and analysis of a presentation by someone on the other side of the world.
Named Discovery, the equipment consists of two synchronised video iPod camera systems which film the presenter and the audience simultaneously. Using wireless infra-red tracking, the Discovery follows the presenter automatically, while instantly recording audience reaction.
The recordings can be viewed for later analysis which covers presentation delivery skills, voice tone, hand and head movements, audience reactions and any other features relevant to the presentation. The analysis tools can be customised for individual requirements.
Discovery has been launched by Lichfield-based company The Presenter’s Handbook. Joint managing directors Ian Callow and Phillip Adcock are experts in the field of presenter training, business communications and psychology.
Phillip Adcock said the Discovery equipment turned every presentation scenario – real or rehearsed – into an observatory which can be used to hone presentation skills.
He said, “As businessmen we have all sat through presentations which are truly awful, but very often the presenter doesn’t realise how bad their presentation is and hasn’t a clue how to improve. This equipment gives real-time analysis and has demonstrated startling results. A company only needs to analyse how much it costs to engage in a business presentation only to be unsuccessful in order to understand how valuable it can be. If the success rate only improves by 10 per cent I can add a small fortune to a company’s bottom line.”
“The equipment has a wide range of business applications, but the most obvious are as a training aid for presenter training, staff development or measurement of sales performance. The recorded material can be replayed and analysed on demand.”
The Discovery was originally developed by Iris Connect, based at the University of Sussex. It was originally envisaged as a tool for the education sector, helping teacher development. Now trainers at The Presenter’s Handbook have adapted it for business use.
Ian Callow and Phillip Adcock, as well as running the company, are joint authors of The Presenter’s Handbook, which was published last year as a guide for business communicators.
