Great work can’t always speak for itself.
The Challenge: Transform Designers into Compelling Brand Representatives
A planning, urban design, and landscape architecture firm in Columbus, renowned for its exceptional design work, faced a critical communication gap. Their talented architects and designers frequently needed to present to a diverse array of audiences—from city councils and community residents to potential partners.
While their designs spoke volumes, the ability of their team to articulate their vision, build trust, and engage effectively in high-stakes environments was paramount to winning new business and fostering community buy-in. But the only presentation skills that these often introverted designers learned was through trial and error. The company wanted to change that. They sought to empower their team to show up with confidence by taking a proactive training approach, so that everyone on their team could represent the brand with consistent excellence.
Solution: Our Style and Delivery Workshop
Articulation partnered with the firm to implement our wildly popular and highly effective Style and Delivery workshop. This small-group intensive workshop is strategically designed to provide personalized attention and maximize individual growth. The workshop focuses on foundational communication elements:
- Vocal Quality: Teaching participants to use their voices to project authority and clarity.
- Body Language: Cultivating a poised and confident physical presence.
- Storytelling: Equipping individuals with the ability to incorporate two storytelling strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
Through a dynamic mix of audio and visual recording, practical exercises, and targeted individual and group feedback, the four-hour workshop delivers significant and immediate improvements. Participants gain actionable tools and skills to elevate their personal presence and transform their presentation style.
Results: A Confident and Cohesive Communication Force
The impact of Articulation’s training on this design firm has been profound and far-reaching. To date, 52 members of the team have completed the Style and Delivery workshop, with more ongoing. Tangible improvements observed across the firm include:
- Reduced Filler Words: Speakers present with greater clarity and less verbal clutter.
- Enhanced Vocal Projection: Team members can confidently command large rooms.
- Improved Poise and Presence: Individuals exhibit greater self-assurance through their posture and demeanor.
- Stronger Eye Contact: Presenters engage more effectively and build rapport with their audiences.
- Maintained Composure: Individuals navigate stressful public speaking situations with greater calm and confidence.
This widespread enhancement in communication skills means the company no longer needs to limit who can represent them in critical settings. Every team member is now equipped to “stand and deliver with pride,” fostering a collective sense of capability and confidence.
Strategic Impact: Unmatched Competitive Advantage and Future-Proofing
In an industry where design prowess often takes center stage, this firm’s commitment to exceptional communication sets them apart. By investing in the verbal and non-verbal communication skills of their entire team, they have cultivated a significant competitive advantage:
- Distinctive Market Position: While many architecture firms focus solely on design, their emphasis on articulate and engaging communication allows them to stand out against the competition. Their incredible designs are now matched by the equally strong communication skills of their people.
- Increased Trust and Respect: The ability of the team to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively fosters a greater level of trust and respect from all constituents—clients, city officials, and residents alike. This human connection complements their design excellence, building stronger relationships and facilitating project success.
- Leadership Development and Succession Planning: By implementing this training across the company, they are proactively readying their next generation of leaders. This strategic investment ensures that the firm’s legacy of excellence, both in design and communication, will continue to thrive far into the future.
Articulation’s training has helped transform the firm into a powerhouse of both design and discourse, ensuring their vision is not only seen but also heard, understood, and trusted.
Enjoy a competitive edge and transform your team with this same training. Contact Acacia Duncan at acacia@articulationinc.com for more information.
