Training on Representation Skills

Tamsin RoseAugust 2009

Representation can take many forms:- representing yourself - representing a team or workgroup- representing an organisation - representing a community - representing a constituency

What is the difference between speaking in a personal capacity, speaking on behalf of someone or being a spokesperson?

What does representation mean?

Consulting, reporting back and accountability

Consulting well• Clarify the mandate – who/what do your represent ?• What is your role, why are you the right person to speak ?• How have you consulted the constituency adequately? • Have all voices and views had a chance to be expressed?• Have clear messages emerged?• How have conflicts been adequately addressed?

Reporting and accountability• Report back promptly and accurately• Identify next steps and opportunities• Discuss representation options for future events

Exercises to hone your skills

Elevator pitch – 60 seconds of attention of a senior policymaker. What would you say?

Cocktail party – Start with a random subject and within 60 seconds bring the conversation round to EPHA or a policy issue

Some tips on nerves when speaking

• Drink lots of water, but 'sip' in the 30 mins before the presentation

• Choose some faces in the audience to focus on, make eye contact

• Take a deep breath and smile before you start, it relaxes the facial muscles

• It is not 'you' on stage, you are channelling the organisation. Speak from the position of its reputation, gravitas, strength and political importance

When you are a guest speaker

Remember, it is about them not you. Think about why would your audience want to listen to you. Find out as much as you can about the audience and their expectations:

- focus of the event- how many participants- what is important to them and motivates them- level of prior knowledge- who else is on the agenda- timing and scheduling- technical and language issues- will you be introduced by the chair, speak from a

podium

Layering your presentation

- Structure carefully with a beginning, middle and end- Re-frame the issue to the way you want the audience to

see it- Headlines not in-depth information- Fewer words, more pictures and visuals- Avoid jargon, acronyms, use conversational language- Adapt the style and messages to the audience- Use facts in interesting ways- Tell stories to illustrate your points- Capture the attention early on, then keep it- Use pauses, vary the tone, pitch and rhythm of voice- Match your body language with the spoken tone + words

Choose your image carefully

Layers of meaning – What do you see?Do you all see the same thing?

Does this mean the same thing to all participants?

Does it make you feel hungry or nauseous?