This fall, we are seeing a very specific demand for our communication programs. Clients are using our trainings as part of their onboarding or upskilling programs – helping new hires feel confident in their role and giving existing employees the skills they need to progress in their careers.
Again and again, we hear phrases such as: “I want my team to feel invested in, because we care about their future here at our company” or “I’m training my successor.”
We have long seen the benefits of public speaking training go beyond skill-building – they are an integral part of a company’s success strategy.
Here are 5 ways communication training will help onboarding and retention:
1. Increased Confidence and Presence
When participants go from “I’m scared” to “I can do this” in their presentation skills, it increases confidence in all aspects of their work, from client interactions to employee engagement. This confidence helps them step up and lead in the workplace and take a more vocal role in a meeting or presentation.
2. Self-Awareness and Vulnerability
Learning a new skill inherently means acknowledging we are not perfect, and group practice means being willing to make a mistake and look foolish in front of our peers. When we have an opportunity to learn new skills together, we realize it’s OK to be vulnerable in front of one another, and we are more likely to take risks.
3. Group Cohesion and Trust
When we go through an intensive learning experience together, we form a cohesive bond with others in our group, especially when we experience the vulnerability described above. This leads to a more productive work environment outside the training room, as team members learn to trust and coach one another.
4. Connection to the Organization
We hear participants describe how grateful they are to their organization for the opportunity to build lifelong skills through these programs, and how they feel part of something greater than themselves at work. This gratitude can lead to longer retention and a more enjoyable work environment.
5. Paying it Forward
When team members learn a new and valuable skill, they are often excited to share what they’ve learned. In our most recent Leadership Communication program for Audit Directors, we saw that participants were sharing their new knowledge with their teams, helping them pay it forward and creating a culture of learning.
