To illustrate how everyone responds to the challenges of presenting differently, The Orderly Conversation tracks the progress of eight fictional, though very real, presenters as they work through one of our presentation skills workshops.

By watching each of these presenters respond to the training and coaching they receive in the workshop, you’re likely to recognize yourself in one or more of them. As they find ways to improve, you will too.

Here’s an introduction to who they are.

Terry is the new Director of IT and needs to find ways to be concise and speak to executives. His first presentation as Director missed the mark. Read more about the the day Terry realized he needed help if he was going to survive dealing with the VP of Sales.

Dorothy is in market research and presents to a wiggly group of internal sales people. She feels they don’t pay attention. They feel she isn’t presenting useful information. Read more about her chaotic presentations and why she decided to take this presentation skills workshop.

Michael sells energy bars and delivers seated presentations to distracted buyers. He’s a good sales person, but he struggles to keep things focused. Read more about the time-management issues Michael faces.

Jennifer suffers from severe nervousness, and her new role requires monthly presentations. She did her best the first time out, but her strategy fell short. Jennifer’s fiance encouraged her to take this course. Learn why.

James founded his business 30 years ago and is just now hearing that his presentations are disorganized. He’s not quite sure he believes what he’s been told. He’s been successful so far, right? Read what James’ new VP of Sales said to him recently.

Sophia is a trainer and doesn’t understand why her manager sent her to this class. She has the potential to be an excellent trainer, but she needs a new set of skills if she’s going to meet her potential (and keep her job). Read what Olive, Sophia’s manager, has to say about the situation.

Luis is a young entrepreneur who needs guidance on his next venture capitalist presentation. He feels that he succeeded during the first round of funding in spite of his presentation. Read what Luis has to say about the pressures of being a young entrepreneur.

Elaine works for a construction company and presents often-controversial plans at community meetings. She’s concerned that she won’t be able to handle the push back she is inevitably going to get. Read what she says about the hostility she faces.