Myth busted: Technical people don’t need presentation skills

Manila, Philippines – In today’s competitive world, having one or two skills may not be enough in ensuring an impressive work performance. For technical specialists, soft skills are just as important as technical skills.

Soft skills, also known as “interpersonal skills,” include one’s ability to communicate and influence people. These skills, when learned and developed, are sure to give any person an advantage over competitors. The idea that technically-inclined people do not need to improve their communication skills is definitely not true. One specific skill that any person from any industry will benefit from is the ability to present your company’s brands and services.

“We all need to communicate. The key to learning how to do it effectively is to get your feet out there and to look for learning and exposure opportunities. Presentation skills is a must for everyone regardless of the industry that you work in,” said Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, founder and president of TeamAsia, an award-winning strategic marketing communications firm.

Many technical professionals disregard the value of effective presentation skills. “They tend to forget that for businesses to truly flourish, you must be able to influence people and communicate the company’s value to clients, business partners, and other stakeholders,” shared Iturralde-Hamlin.

Good presenters know how to structure their presentations in a simple but compelling manner. According to her, there are six important things presenters must always bear in mind: audience interest and participation, self-confidence, stage control, time management, and visuals. When all these are utilized in a professional way, your presentation objectives will be achieved easily.

“When you communicate to clients, colleagues or other stakeholders, it’s not just what you know that counts. What’s more important now is how you present your ideas and your knowledge to your target audience. After all, what’s the use of a good idea if no one knows about it or understands it?” she concluded.

TeamAsia’s expertise covers public relations, creative design, editorial and research, web development, online marketing, and brand visibility consulting. Aside from being the founder and president of TeamAsia, Iturralde-Hamlin also serves as the president of the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS) and represents the Meetings, Incentives Travel, Conventions Exhibitions/Events Services and Facilities (MICE) sector in the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board. She is a trustee and public affairs director of the League of Corporate Foundations.

On May 29, 2014, Iturralde-Hamlin will conduct the Effective Presentation Skills Workshop, a workshop designed for technical specialists who want to learn how to plan, prepare, organize, and deliver audience-oriented presentations clearly and confidently.

This workshop will be held at the TeamAsia Training Room located in Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For registration and inquiries, please contact Darwin Santiago at telephone number (02) 757-3500 local 332, or via email at dfsantiago@teamasia.com.

About TeamAsia
TeamAsia is an award-winning strategic marketing communications firm that creates, develops and sustains visibility for place, corporate, and personal brands through effective, meaningful and compelling integrated marketing communication strategies. Its core businesses include design services; public relations, editorial and research, copywriting, and SEO services; media relations; stakeholder relations; event management; social marketing and digital campaign management; and web development. The agency also aims to educate through workshops and seminars primarily related to its core communications businesses.