Case Studies

From Timid and Tentative to Relevant Rock…

The Context*

The company had met with its shareholders regularly since they'd floated. It wasn't the best in its sector. Nevertheless, it had a good business model and strong 'usps'. But the business was floundering. The reason? The M.D.'s private life had imploded around him, he'd taken to drink and he couldn't take the pressure...

The F.D. had taken his eye off the ball - distracted by a role he played in another company. Their next results were a disaster, and they needed further investment. The M.D. gone, the F.D. alone was going to have to face the music... He called in Liz, albeit at the 11th hour...

Coaching

Already familiar with the breathing techniques Liz had taught him, sessions focused on refining vocal performance, displaying the body language the situation required and finding the right words.

Contrary to some training methods, adopting pre-defined body language positions is neither taught nor encouraged. Natural and appropriate body language is consistent with relaxed behaviour. Awkward physical 'obstacles' to optimum performance are ironed out through the coaching process.

In an unusual format, it was agreed to confront the audience with the bad news - dispensing with the convention of leaving financial matters until mid-way through the presentation. No prevaricating. No long sentences. No waffle.

Outcomes

The F.D. was fearless. He was formidably frank in admitting his own inadequacies. The dire position was conveyed in a few brief minutes. To paraphrase the first few sentences he said, “We're in the brown stuff. Now let's discuss how we can use it to grow roses...” The message was grim, but the sound of his voice was reassuring. He was relevant, robust and spoke with slow deliberation. There was no doubt he meant every word he said. The questions (always the most important part of an investor meeting) were constructive and objective. Future investment was secured. Instead of falling, the share price rose.

* minor details within the context have been amended to guarantee confidentiality.

Sound familiar? Contact us to discuss how we can help you.

From Sweet Nothing to Seriously Significant

The Context

Jacqueline Beverley has been designing, making and selling fashion clothing for larger-than-life ladies for nearly twenty years. Her clients include many household names that she is far too discreet to disclose.

Jacqui is a larger-than-life character herself, bubbly and full of fun. You would be tempted to call her self-confident and dynamic. However, in the eyes of her colleagues (rather than her clients) Jacqui felt she was only perceived as 'happy Jackie' rather than a serious player in her sector. Inside it troubled and saddened her, but business was good. The clothes spoke for themselves and that was enough. Nevertheless, Jacqui instinctively knew that somehow there was misperception.

In 2007, prompted by sense that her vocal style was inhibiting her, Jacqui decided to seek help. In her introductory meeting with Beyond Relating, Jacqui self-diagnosed a feeling of tightness, and said, "all the words are there but there seem to be so many of them that they just get caught and tangled in my throat. They don't come out with the grace and clarity that I would like them to. In fact,” said Jacqui, "I'm constantly gabbling!"

Coaching

Jacqui learnt the breathing techniques and was surprised by the calming effect they had on her. She also discovered that - although she thought she was authentic in sharing her emotions - she avoided using the full vocal space that enabled her to let them out without stress. This was pronounced when the emotion was negative rather than positive. She also found it difficult to 'speak her mind' with clarity and a 'cool head' and suffered a dry mouth.

Given some easy and fun exercises, Jacqui began to hear a difference in the sound of her voice. It lost some of its 'little girl' lightness and gained depth that truly reflected her emotional strength.

Outcomes

Having applied the coaching to her personal life in the first instance (as Beyond Relating recommends) - Jacqui saw an immediate positive result.

In early 2008, spurred on by her newly found confidence, Jacqui approached the organisers of a prestigious show. Delighted that her designs and quality of her merchandise were immediately recognised, she was put the customary waiting list...

On reflection, Jacqui felt she was doing her clients a disservice by not being represented in 2008. Free to 'talk business' she called the show organisers, applying the breathing techniques she had learned. She stood her ground and spoke with a confidence and clarity she had not previously been able to draw upon. She was offered a stand only minutes into the conversation.

This opportunity gives Jacqueline Beverley Designs the potential to treble its turnover.

Sound familiar? Contact us to discuss how we can help you.