everywomanClub member and Modern Muse Pippa Isbell is Chief Executive of PRCo Ltd, the integrated Public Relations and Digital consultancy, with offices in London, Paris, Milan, Munich, Dubai, Moscow and New York. Pippa joined PRCo in January 2011 from Orient-Express Hotels, where, as Vice President, Corporate Communications and a member of the Executive Committee, she was responsible for public and investor relations throughout the world and established and ran a network of 13 international agencies. She joined Orient-Express in 1998, having started, built and sold PIPR, her own highly successful travel and leisure specialist public relations consultancy.
Founded in 1987, PIPR became the largest independent travel and leisure specialist, numbering among its clients the Thomas Cook Group, Avis Rent A Car and the Spanish Tourist Office. Pippa has over 30 years’ experience of public relations in the travel and hospitality industry. Hotel clients at PIPR included Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts, Forte, Hilton International, Jarvis Hotels and Millennium and Copthorne. Exclusive to everywomanNetwork members, Pippa shares her tools she uses to prepare for a presentation and advice on how to cope with nerves!
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU USE TO PREPARE FOR A PRESENTATION?
I use mind maps to foster a more creative approach. I always research thoroughly before I start. If using PowerPoint, use more visuals than words and NEVER read from your slides. However experienced you are, always make bullet point notes.
WHAT TYPE OF PRESENTATIONS DO YOU NEED TO GIVE IN YOUR ROLE?
There are a few that I can list off the top of my head – new business pitches, account reviews and speeches.
DO YOU STILL GET NERVOUS?
Of course – if you're not nervous, you're not taking it seriously enough!
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE ON COPING WITH THEIR NERVES?
Make sure you have prepared properly, breathe deeply and check the scene. When I was a young and inexperienced trainer, I would go into the room early, say hello informally and make an excuse to go out of the room again. When I had to go back in and start the session, the familiarity made it much easier!
CAN YOU TELL US OF A TIME WHEN A PRESENTATION WENT BADLY FOR YOU?
I once had to teach a group of retail students about a complicated stock control system and did not fully understand my subject. Naturally it didn't go as well as it should have done because I had not prepared rigorously enough. This taught me a valuable lesson to never let it happen again.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE WORST PRESENTATION 'SIN'?
Boring people!
