Episode 95: Public speaking is a sprint, facilitating is a marathon with Tim Ferguson
Have you ever delivered a workshop where your participants are told they HAVE to attend? It’s not too fun as a facilitator.
Today’s guest, Tim Ferguson from Audience Communication & Events Inc started reframing the situation when he asked, “What could we do to get our participants leaping out of their chairs to attend our workshops and events?”
Tim puts his audience first, prepares thoroughly, communicates brilliantly and he has a passion for learning + ensuring that all of the experiences he (and his company) delivers, hit the mark.
We chat about influence of theatre school on Tim’s career in communications, how he became the head of global company, Audience, and how he prepares for workshop delivery.
As you’ll hear in this conversation, Tim does a heck of a lot of work profiling his audience. But what surprised me the most is the effort he does to get to know them PRIOR to the workshop, including a couple of strategies online.
About today’s guest: Tim Ferguson
As the CEO of Audience, Tim's job is to hire, train and retain people so good they will transform the meetings and internal communication industry. Passionate about providing employees with opportunities to grow personally and professionally he focuses on his global team which spans Canada, the UK, Switzerland and Singapore.
As a communication strategist and facilitator, Tim brings multiple stakeholders together to define communication objectives, establish clear messages and align on priorities. Teams who work with Tim value the energy and passion he brings to every project.
Tim is fascinated by the challenges facing leaders as the rate of change in organizations increases exponentially. He works with leadership teams on creating the conditions for employee engagement and sustained behavior change.
As a presenter coach, Tim has developed practical techniques that are straightforward and effective. Presenters discover they can always elevate their performance and expand their comfort zone, no matter where their starting point may be.
Tim has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as financial and professional services. He resides in Lausanne, Switzerland and his Cifton Strengths top 5 are Learner, Intellection, Input, Achiever and Relator.
Make sure you connect with Tim after the show and let him know your favourite takeaways from this episode!
Resources mentioned in this show:
The TEDxToronto talk that Tim mentions on the show, with Mark Bowden, "The Importance Of Being Inauthentic"
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About the host: Leanne Hughes
Leanne Hughes is the host of the First Time Facilitator podcast. She loves to shake up expectations and create unpredictable experiences.
Leanne has facilitated leadership, onboarding and team-building workshops across Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia and Singapore and believes in a strengths-centred approach to learning and development. She has over 13 years’ of experience across a range of industries including mining, government and tourism sectors.
In 2018, she was a finalist in the Australian Learning Impact awards for Learning Professional of the Year.
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