communication skills courses for your organisation’s managers and leaders

Communication skills courses for your organisation’s managersand leaders from Axiom, the employee engagement specialists

Introduction: Turn your leaders into better communicators 02

One-day and half-day workshops:

General appeal

How to Be a Better Communicator 03

Communicating your strategy: Joining up the dots for people 04

Communication in the context of change 05

Making cross-cultural partnerships work 06

Communicating effectively across cultures 07

Taking a positive view: What’s the point? 08

The art of effective communication 09

Making your brand live 10

Shaping our reputation – starts with us 11

Specific applications

How to get the most from your Social Media 12

Meeting of minds: How meetings can really deliver results 13

Delivering clear, credible and compelling presentations 14

The write stuff: Improve your writing skills 15

Getting to ‘Yes’ more often: Negotiation techniques that work 16

Building relationships with the people who matter 17

Networking works: How to realise the potential of your contacts 18

Delivering an outstanding experience for our customers 19

Two-hour skill builder sessions:

Shaping a communication strategy, key messages and plan 20

The power of storytelling in business 20

Matching messages to audience needs and preferences 21

Generating genuine dialogue during meetings 21

Handling difficult questions 22

Understanding the impact of body language 22

Effective briefings 23

Effective telephone and video conferences 23

Creating engaging and innovative events and conferences 24

The power of stroking: Transactional Analysis in two hours 24

Message development for a leadership team 25

Dilemmas of communication 25

How to have difficult conversations 26

Workshop facilitators 27

About us 32

Developing better communicatorsContents and list of courses

01 Contents and list of courses

The information within this guide is correct as of July 2014

Time and time again, employees say it: their boss is their preferredsource of information, their communication channel of choice.That’s why the best way to influence and engage employees is viayour organisation’s managers and leaders – but only if they havethe right skills. That’s where Axiom comes in.

We have the widest range of business communicationcourses on offer in the UK.

Through workshops in everything from communicating intimes of change to running meetings and events tobusiness writing, we help your organisation’s managersand leaders communicate with verve.

PragmaticAxiom workshops are interactive, practical and fun. Wechallenge participants to identify how they will apply theirlearning. To support them, we provide a toolkit of tips andtechniques that they can draw on the moment theworkshop ends.

FlexibleCourses range from one-day workshops to two-hour skillbuilder sessions. They can be delivered in person on or offyour premises as well as remotely either online or via videoconference.

TailoredWe provide development activities that meet yourorganisation’s specific needs. We can customise one of ourexisting workshops or create something new from scratch.

Expert-ledOur facilitators all have tremendous experience in theirsubject. They are practitioners first, trainers second. Thatmeans you can be sure that what they’re recommendingand teaching really does work. On top of that, they are allaccomplished facilitators able to pass on their knowledgeto others and help them develop their skills and confidence. For more on our facilitators, see pages 26-30.

Turn your leaders into better communicatorsCommunication skills workshops from Axiom

02 Introduction

Talk to us about how we can help your peoplecommunicate better by [email protected] calling +44 (0) 33 3088 3088.

Back to full list of courses

mailto:[email protected]

How to Be a Better Communicator is Axiom’s most popularcommunication workshop. In a practical, straight-talkingand fun workshop, we help managers and leaders developtheir abilities as communicators.

Over the years we’ve successfully delivered How to Be aBetter Communicator to hundreds of delegates worldwidein companies including AstraZeneca, The Co-operativeGroup, Edexcel, Kingfisher, United Utilities and Which?.

This is no standard sheep-dip. During the set-up, we’ll workwith you to tailor the workshop to your organisation’s preciseneeds. And afterwards, we can provide one-to-one coachingto help delegates put their new-found skills into practiceand cement changes in the way they engage and lead.

The difference it will makeDelegates leave the workshop better equipped to inspire,motivate and engage their teams. And that means betterindividual and collective results.

Asked what they will do differently after the workshop,delegates’ comments have included:

“Take responsibility for communication and don’t wait!”“Stop relying on email”“Be more aware of the differing communications needsof my audiences”“Check that my messages are truly getting through”“Use communication as tool to improve performance –not a tick box exercise”

What we coverCommunication planningThe power of storytellingCreating a common sense of directionBuilding dialogue and dealing with tough questionsRunning great meetings (via technology or face to face)High-impact presentationsTechniques to ensure messages are memorableCommunicating during times of change

We balance expert input, inspiring examples of bestpractice and exercises to hone communication skills. Theemphasis is on tips and techniques delegates can apply intheir world – backed up by theory for those who want it.

This workshop can be tailored to your organisation’sneeds using content from other sessions. It sometimesruns for more than one day. Alternatively, we offer ahalf-day workshop, The art of effective communication,for those new to employee communication and who wanta briefer intro.

Now available:A book to accompany theworkshop, branded in yourcorporate colours, with a forewordfrom your company to set the scene.Find out more:www.axiomcommunications.com/skills/communication-handbook/

How to Be a Better CommunicatorOne-day workshop

03 General appeal




http://www.axiomcommunications.com/skills/communication-handbook/

This workshop will help participants to explain the strategyof the business – or their part of it – so that theirstakeholders, often including their own people, ‘get it’. Thismeans seeing it in context, understanding what it meansfor them and identifying how they contribute to and / orbenefit from its success.

The difference it will makeGreater clarity around what your strategy will deliverA core set of messages that form the basis of allfuture communicationEnhanced ability to actually articulate your strategyBetter levels of engagement in terms of how peoplecontribute to and / or benefit from your strategy

What we coverWorking with your real-life content and challengesGetting your story straight – being clear about youroverarching strategic messagesDefining the outcomes you want your strategycommunication to deliverAgreeing precisely who your target audience isUnderstanding the needs, motivations and preferencesof your audienceAgreeing the detail you may need to include to makeyour messages relevant and meaningfulCommunicating in plain EnglishIdentifying the key elements of a good corporate storyExploring techniques to help you tell your strategy storyDetermining which communication channels to useIdentifying ways to track the success of your strategycommunication

Who it’s forLeadership teams who need to communicate theirstrategies, projects and plans and would welcome somepractical processes, tips and techniques to help get theirmessages across.

Communicating your strategy: Joining up the dots for peopleHalf-day workshop

04 General appeal




Participants will find out how to communicate moreeffectively when introducing or reinforcing change andlearn highly effective processes, tips and techniques toguide their thinking.

The difference it will makeGreater levels of engagement in changeContinued or enhanced levels of productivity during anunsettling periodFaster delivery of the intended outcomes of the changeBetter levels of acceptance of the need for furtherchange in the future

What we coverThe impact leadership behaviours and communicationcan have on the success of a change programmeThe inconvenient truth of why change programmes donot achieve their full potential and the implications foreffective communicationThe challenge of communicating change vs. deliveringtransformationCommon responses to change communication and howto deal with themThe role of the leader in communicating effectively andbuilding trustThe importance of creating contrast – from ‘as is’ to the‘new bliss’Maintaining motivation and keeping everyone on track,especially when things appear to go quietGenerating genuine dialogue and dealing withdifficult questionsTechniques to get the change communication ball rolling

Who it’s forLeadership teams and people who need to communicateeffectively in a change setting and want to explore ways toavoid common pitfalls and develop better solutions.

What else?You might also want to explore our Communicating yourstrategy workshop.

Communication in the context of changeHalf-day workshop

05 General appeal




A focused workout for project teams – including start-ups and temporary or transitional teams from differentcultures who need to connect quickly and efficientlySupports teams in navigating differences,misunderstandings and uncertaintyBy understanding how each other’s culturalassumptions, expectations and personal style impactbehaviour, team members learn how to apply the team’sdiverse strengths to the immediate challenges in hand

The difference it will makeA significant boost to fast-track team performance. Teamswill leave the session with a strong sense of connection,able to:

Articulate a clear, common team purposeFocus on clear action plans to deliver team outcomesCommunicate more effectively within the team and withother stakeholdersUse a new set of processes for problem solving

What we coverWe facilitate managers and their cross-cultural teamsworking together on live issues, priorities and relationships:

Understanding each other’s cultural styles andperspectives and how to adapt own style to influencemore effectivelyManaging the conflicting demands and expectationsthat come from matrix managementCreating a common team purpose, vision and cultureAddressing immediate blockers to deliveryDeveloping on-going strategies for dealing with andresolving cultural misunderstandings quickly

Who it’s forTeams with members from diverse cultures; start-up teams;study or project teams which have hit delivery issues andcommunication problems. Teams who want to avoidcommunication problems.

Making cross-cultural partnerships workOne-day workshop

06 General appeal




Increase the confidence and communication effectivenessof individuals and teams who work across national andorganisational borders, particularly in virtual teams andcross-cultural partnerships/alliances.

The difference it will makeIncreased understanding of cultural differences and howthey affect our own and others’ perspectives and theway we communicateIncreased self-awareness and the ability to adapt ourlanguage and style to cultural context to achieve resultsGreater ability to deal with cultural misunderstandingsand resolve them quickly and effectivelyGreater ability to create harmony in multicultural teamswithout losing the creativity that comes from diversity

What we coverHow culture affects the way we behave andcommunicateOrganisational vs. national vs. professional cultures –how they interact and influence the way we work andcommunicateIndividual cultural profiles – how we are influenced bydifferent cultural groups and bring these culturalidentities to the workplaceThe role culture plays in day-to-day business interactionsand how we recognise that role – using real-lifescenarios and delegate experiencesLearning to recognise different cultural styles andperspectives and how to adapt our own style toinfluence more effectivelyStrategies for dealing with and resolving culturalmisunderstandings quickly and without stereotypingStrategies for encouraging creativity, sharing andlearning in diverse teamsWorking with specific situations individuals have to dealwith and helping them understand and plan actions forwhen they return to the workplace

Who it’s forAnyone who works, or is planning to work, in a virtual orcross-cultural team setting. For a more in-depth one-dayworkout for cross-cultural project teams, see our Makingcross-cultural partnerships work workshop.

Communicating effectively across culturesHalf-day workshop

07 General appeal




This workshop challenges participants to explore thepotential benefits – personal and business – of choosing totake a positive view in a given situation as opposed toslavishly following our often in-built tendency to make anegative interpretation.

Far from promoting a rose-tinted view of the world, theemphasis is on providing practical tips and techniquesto help create a balanced view – which might create abetter outcome.

The difference it will makeHealthy dialogue, where extremes of positivity ornegativity don’t go uncheckedDiminished levels of unfounded and unhealthy cynicismA healthier environment in which good ideasgain tractionBetter decisions, based on more balanced views

What we coverIdentifying the potential benefits of taking a positive viewand the implications of not doing soDiscussing the range of positivity people have attheir disposalExploring entire professions where taking a negativeview helps – some of the timeConsidering the extent to which our ‘inner voice’ is oftennegative in nature and can go unchallenged, yet mayform the basis for our actionsLearning to argue with yourself – constructivelyExploring the impact of the language that ‘positive’ and‘less optimistic’ people tend to use and how to challengeit where appropriateCase studies to explore what is really going on in agiven situation – as opposed to simply going with anegative interpretationDiscussing how minds can gather evidence for positiveoutcomes tooTechniques to help focus on the positives, whilemaintaining a balanced view

Who it’s forPeople and teams who are faced with challenges, cynicismand negativity – well-founded or not – and want to createpositive outcomes for themselves and those aroundthem. Previous participants have included entire projectteams as well as leaders in organisations delivering majorchange programmes.

Taking a positive view: What’s the point?Half-day workshop

08 General appeal




Participants will pick up the basics of creating anddelivering communication that achieves its purpose – andtake-away tools and processes to guide their thinking.

This is a good place to start for those new to employeecommunication. The next level up would be our How to Bea Better Communicator workshop.

The difference it will makeBetter targeted communication that meets the needs ofboth transmitter and the recipientGreater levels of clarity in the messages and theirintended outcomesA focus on checking that messages are being retained,understood and acted upon, not just being sentGreater levels of confidence when communicating

What we coverQuestions to ask to understand your audienceDefining the outcomes you want your communicationto achieveBeing clear about key messagesElements of a good corporate storyTelling, selling and being the storyDefining your personal communication styleCreating a ‘story bank’ that demonstrates how your keymessages are being ‘lived’Identifying ways to track the success of yourcommunication

Who it’s forThose who have responsibility for communication as part oftheir role, for example people on project teams orcommunication networkers/ambassadors.

What else?You might also want to explore our The write stuff: Improveyour writing skills workshop.

The art of effective communicationHalf-day workshop

09 General appeal




Building a brand is a challenging enterprise. Your ownpeople are the best brand ambassadors. At a time whenemployer brands are being promoted, this programmefocuses on building and living the one brand internally sothat it is expressed and experienced externally in a waythat is real and authentic.

The difference it will makeEmployees live and express your organisation’s brandvalues in a genuine way

What we coverBuilding brand ambassadors inside the company –brainwashing or engaging?Understanding brand values and attributes as theyrelate to individualsExploring your organisation’s brand values and attributesas they relate to your teamDeveloping brand plans for your team/organisationMaintaining motivation and keeping everyone on track,especially when things appear to go quiet

Who it’s forPeople who lead meetings or define what the company,department or team should say. Communications teamssupporting leaders.

Making your brand liveOne-day workshop

10 General appeal




Company reputations are multi-faceted and fragile. Youremployees have the biggest impact on your reputation.Understanding the dynamics of reputation and howindividuals can help improve it is better done before a crisis.This programme gets that process moving and is often runover one or two days tailored to specific needs, making itboth practical and dynamic.

The difference it will makeUnderstand how you and your team can make a positiveimpact on your organisation’s reputation and avoid thenegativesProvide specific tools and techniques to enhanceorganisational reputationDevelop proactive issues management skillsand techniquesImprove the quality and effectiveness of stakeholdercommunication

What we coverUses case studies to explore the dynamics of apotential issue in a style that is highly interactive andfull of surprisesHow managing issues proactively can enhancereputation – and try out some techniquesUsing specific organisational issues develop issuemaps and stakeholder plans with appropriatelytailored communications

Who it’s forPeople who define what the company, department or teamshould say. Communications teams supporting leaders.

Shaping our reputation – starts with usOne-day workshop

11 General appeal




This highly interactive workshop looks at the different waysin which social media is being used to great effect inbusiness today.

We help you understand the many aspects of social mediaand how world-class organisations are harnessing thepower of social in their day-to-day communications.

In addition to advocating best practices we will also beputting the spotlight on the very real dangers, risks andpitfalls all organisations need to be aware of regardless oftheir social presence.

But this workshop is not all theory! We have practicalexercises to get delegates socially active, raisingawareness and confidence in the mainstream social toolsof our times.

The difference it will makeGreater awareness of the many different benefitsorganisations are gaining from social media Increased confidence with active engagement on currentmainstream social toolsRisk management insights and strategies for theincreasing number of business threats posed bysocial mediaAn inward glance at your organisations currentsocial presence and visualisation of how it could thriveand grow

What we coverThe transformation from old through new to social mediaincluding the impact of each phase and the driversbehind the scenesEvolution of the internet from Web 1.0 to 2.0 and wherewe are today Statistics highlighting the rapid adoption rate and rise ofsocial media in business Real life case studies showing how businesses areengaging socially and the differences being made today,especially in your sector! A brief look at history, usage and best practice for eachof the top social tools of the time; Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn and YouTubeBlogging and business, what makes a great blog andwhy key influencers are now blogging Interactive exercises to build practitioner awarenessand confidence How to create your own personal brand includingprotecting your more personal posts withsecurity settings Social media and what is on the horizon for the future

Who it’s forPeople and teams who need to understand how socialmedia is being used in business, how it can be applied totheir organisation and who and need to increase their ownawareness and confidence as practitioners.

How to get the most from your Social MediaOne-day workshop

12 Specific applications




Participants will discover the power of effective meetings atwork and learn to run and participate in meetings that trulystand out.

The difference it will makeMore focused meetings that deliver the desiredoutcomesGreater ability to have successful meetingscross-culturallyHigher quality virtual meetings, especially video andtelephone conferencesEnhanced ability to work collaboratively and inclusively

What we coverOutcome-driven meeting designMeetings in the context of global roles/virtual teamsTips and techniques to run effective meetingsUnderstanding and respecting cultural differences andlanguage skillsExploring how to balance big pictures with little detailsIncreasing interactivityGetting contributions from quieter colleagues andmanaging dominant onesTips and techniques to make your meeting memorableClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning.

Who it’s forPeople who need to lead or participate in meetings andwould like to explore tips and techniques to make themmore productive.

What else?You might also want to explore our Delivering clear,credible and compelling presentations workshop.

Meeting of minds: How meetings can really deliver resultsHalf-day workshop





Participants will discover the power of truly effectivepresentations and learn to deliver them and inspiretheir audiences.

The difference it will makeGreater ability to deliver presentations that stir theaudience to take actionA range of ideas to help make your presentation standout and be memorableGreater levels of confidence when presentingMore people talking about your topic, long afterthe presentation

What we coverChoosing your delivery method – life beyond PowerPoint!Structuring your presentation to maximum effectThe power of metaphor, visual aids and storytellingExploring successful storytelling techniques from moviesHandling nerves and using your body language togreat effectTips and techniques to get the audience on your sideBuilding in interactivity, handling difficult situationsand positive feedbackMaximising the impact of your personalpresentation styleClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning

Who it’s forAnyone who needs to give presentations that arememorable and move the audience to take action.

What else?We often work with presenters on a one-to-one basis,coaching them to speak and present at conferences androad-shows, key decision-making meetings and otherimportant events.

Delivering clear, credible and compelling presentationsHalf-day workshop





Participants will learn to write clear, crisp and compellingcopy for use in newsletters, marketing material and on theinternet – maximising the chances of it being read, enjoyedand acted on.

The difference it will makeWritten communication that will create the impact youintendedLess time ‘slaving over a hot PC’ when you are lostfor wordsMore confidence when approaching a blank sheetof paper

What we coverIdentifying your primary audience and understandingtheir needsGetting the structure of your content rightGrabbing attention with headlinesClarity and brevityWriting on behalf of othersWriting for the web/intranetEditing others’ workOvercoming writer’s blockClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning

Who it’s forAnyone who needs to communicate in writing and wants tomake the task easier, more fulfilling and more successful.

What else?You might also want to explore our How to Be a BetterCommunicator workshop.

The write stuff: Improve your writing skillsHalf-day workshop





Participants will understand the process a ‘customer’ goesthrough to say ‘Yes’ to a concept. They will learn the skills toget to ‘Yes’ more often.

The difference it will makeEnhanced clarity about what it is you want to achieveGreater ability to achieve your desired outcome – andthe other party’sGreater levels of confidence when negotiating

What we coverCommon techniques in influencing – what works andwhat doesn’tWays to build rapport – small talk = big talkCreating clarity on what we are seeking to influenceand whyUnderstanding the ‘customer’ perspective – in order tocreate a genuine win-win outcomeAsking the right questionsUnderstanding the process a ‘customer’ goes throughbefore accepting you or your ideaExploring the four pillars of principled negotiationDeploying the nine approaches to influencingPacing and leading to get to ‘Yes’Knowing when to stop – while continuing to build rapportTechniques to summarise what has been agreedClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning.

Who it’s forPeople who need to negotiate in their role or persuadeothers of the benefit of their point of view, product, projector passion.

What else?You might also want to explore our Building relationshipswith the people who matter and Networking worksworkshops.

Getting to ‘Yes’ more often: Negotiation techniques that workHalf-day workshop





Participants will understand who they need to buildpositive relationships with at work – and why. Thenthey’ll explore the processes and skills needed to buildthese relationships.

The difference it will makeGreater ability to identify the people and groupsparticipants need to build quality relationships withEnhanced awareness of the needs and motivations ofthe ‘internal customer’Greater ability to match what you can offer the other sothat both parties benefit

What we coverIdentifying and prioritising target internal customer /stakeholders / influencersExploring transactional relationships vs. becomingtrusted partnersUsing question techniques and listening skills to build‘intelligence’Understanding your internal customer’s preferred meansof communicating, motivations and attitudesUnderstanding your own preferred means ofcommunicating, motivations and attitudes – and flexingthem to match those of your internal customerTechniques to build rapportExploring pacing, mirroring and leading to createsuccessful outcomesClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning

Who it’s forPeople who need to need to build successful relationshipswith internal customers / stakeholders / influencers, forexample when kicking off a new project, launching a newservice, or taking on a new role.

Building relationships with the people who matterHalf-day workshop





Participants will learn about the tremendous power ofnetworking at work – and then they will acquire the skills tobuild and harness their own personal networks and thoseof their colleagues and contacts.

The difference it will makeGreater awareness of the power of your personalcontacts – and those of your colleagues – helping youdo a great jobEnhanced reputation as someone with influence whomakes things happenMore confidence in promoting your cause and helpingothers achieve theirsGreater ability to achieve individual and team objectives

What we coverThe myths and realities of networkingAchieving a balance between giving and receivingDefining what we mean by networking and how it helpsget things doneThe principles of good networkingExploring the tools availableMapping your individual network onto those ofassociates or team members to create a ‘super network’Finding reasons to keep in touchTechniques to raise your profileClient-specific scenarios to embed the learning

Who it’s forPeople who would like to achieve more through thecontacts they have and would benefit from some practicaltips and techniques in making networking work for them,even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Now available:The Reluctant Networker,by workshop authorNeil Munz-Jones.

Buy The Reluctant Networkeron Amazon.

What else?You might also want to explore our Building relationshipswith the people who matter workshop.

Networking works: How to harness the power of your networkHalf-day workshop





http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Reluctant-Networker-confidence-networking/dp/1906316503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335939482&sr=8-1

This workshop is for leaders and staff of teams, forexample an IS team, or a team kicking off a new project orstrategy, who deliver a service to key internal customers.

The workshop uses, as an innovative metaphor, the powerthat commercial brands have in shaping our perceptionsof the customer service they provide. Participants thenexplore the customer experience they want to be ‘famous’for and the steps needed to make that a reality in theopinion of their customers.

The difference it will makeTotal clarity on what the in-house team wants to befamous for and who withA customer-oriented approach, echoing some of theworld’s most successful brandsGreater awareness among individual team members oftheir role and responsibilities in delivering a consistentlygood customer experienceBetter levels of teamwork in delivering a common goal

What we coverThe power of brands we are all familiar with in shapingour perceptions of their products and servicesThe power the customer has in deciding the fortunes of abrand – positively or otherwiseThe link between what familiar brands want to befamous for and what in-house teams what to be famousfor – the target ‘customer experience’The things the in-house team wants to be famous forand who, precisely, needs to be saying good thingsabout them i.e. what success would look likeThe specific actions the team needs to take to make theabove a reality

Who it’s forLeaders and members of in-house teams who need todeliver an outstanding experience to internal customers.

What else?You might also want to explore our Delivering clear,credible and compelling presentations workshop.

Delivering an outstanding experience for our customersHalf-day workshop





The difference it will makeClarity over what you need to communicate, who to,how and when by

What we coverDefining the outcomes you want your strategycommunication to deliverIdentifying your target audienceGetting your story straight – being clear about youroverarching messagesAgreeing the detail you may need to include to makeyour messages relevant and meaningfulDetermining which communication channels to useBuilding a communication calendar

Shaping a communication strategy, key messages and planTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makeAn improved ability to ensure your communication willmake the impact you want

What we coverThe power of the metaphor, visual aids and storytellingin business communicationExploring successful storytelling techniques from theworld of moviesIdentifying the key elements of a good corporate storyTelling, selling and being the story

The power of storytelling in businessTwo-hour skill builder

20 Skill builders




The difference it will makeGreater levels of engagement with your target audience

What we coverUnderstanding your internal customers’ preferred meansof communicating, motivations and attitudesUnderstanding your own preferred means ofcommunicating, motivations and attitudes – and flexingthem to match those of your internal customersExploring the techniques of pacing, mirroring andleading in creating successful outcomes

Matching messages to audience needs and preferencesTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makeBetter levels of engagement, understanding andteam working

What we coverWhy silence reigns when you ask for questionsHow careful use of language can make a big differencein generating dialogueTechniques to draw out quieter participants and controlpeople who tend to dominateBridging techniques to move the conversation on

Generating genuine dialogue during meetingsTwo-hour skill builder

21 Skill builders




The difference it will makeGreater levels of confidence when dealing with‘killer questions’

What we coverProjective listeningBuilding rapportMirroring language and body languageStaying ‘on message’Pacing, leading and bridgingActing with authenticity and integrityEnding on a positive note

Handling difficult questionsTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makeReinforcing your communication through bodylanguage aligned with the words you use

What we coverCommon pitfalls in misinterpreting body languageEnsuring your body and verbal language are congruentThe importance of matching and mirroringHow body language can help you choose the wordsyou use to improve engagement

Understanding the impact of body languageTwo-hour skill builder

22 Skill builders




The difference it will makeMore effective briefings given by people moreconfident and better equipped to deliver them

What we coverStructuring your briefing to best effectTechniques to overcome nervesMinding your body languageUsing a 20-point checklistAdopting the right tone of voiceChecking for understanding

Effective briefingsTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makeMore productive telephone and video conferences

What we coverHarnessing the techniques used by professional TV andradio hosts to ensure everyone can contribute and has avoice – while still finishing on timePlanning dialogue to take account of cultural differencesFacilitation tricks and tips

Effective telephone and video conferencesTwo-hour skill builder

23 Skill builders




The difference it will makeConferences, town hall meetings and other events thatconnect the audience with the content and inspire themto do things differently – as opposed to PowerPoint festsand death in a hail of bullets

What we coverThe communication outcomes you want to achieveAn understanding of your intended audience and theirprevious experiencesThe topics you intend to cover / the speakers youintend to fieldOpportunities to create interactivityWays to structure your agendaTechniques to bring your key messages alive – longafter the event

Creating engaging and innovative conferences and eventsTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makePositive interactions with other people and teams thatget you to a win-win

What we coverHow understanding Parent, Adult and Child statescan help create positive outcomes in transactionsbetween peopleWhat we mean by ‘stroking’How negative strokes, or no strokes, create pooroutcomesHow positive strokes can create a good outcome

The power of stroking: Transactional Analysis in two hoursTwo-hour skill builder

24 Skill builders




How often do we leave a meeting thinking we all agree thekey messages, but discover we don’t? This workshop helpsleadership teams build consensus behind the keymessages and then tests whether we have it right. Can bea tough process sometimes but pays off handsomely wheneveryone is behind the one powerful message.

The difference it will makeA powerful message with team consensus and support

What we coverWhat makes a powerful messageUnderstanding the audience driversMessage development – a brainstorming methodto build team consensusMessage testing with the questions you dread

Message development for a leadership teamTwo-hour skill builder

The difference it will makeClarity in your communications even in times ofambiguity – whether you lead meetings, define what thecompany, department or team should say, or you’re acommunicator supporting your company’s leaders

What we coverExplore the dilemmas of communication facing youincluding the ethical dilemmas these can present.Examples include:• The need to show good profitability at the same time

as making more savings• When to make open statements or to make "no

comment" and risk being seen as defensive or imply"hiding"

• Commenting when there are not enough facts –waiting for 100% knowledge, you might be too late:without full facts you might need correction later

Works on ways to communicate these dilemmascredibly and ethicallyLinks to the expression of your corporate valuesExamples of other dilemmas of communication

Dilemmas of communicationTwo-hour skill builder

25 Skill builders




How to have difficult conversationsTwo-hour skill builder

26 Skill builders



The difference it will makeIn a practical, straight-talking workshop we use bestpractice tips and techniques and work with potentialreal life scenarios to help you:

Recognise and take responsibility for your role as aleader and representative of the organisationUnderstand and plan the process – both in giving thenews and preparing for the aftermathDevelop and rehearse your emotional intelligence skillsin the context of specific situations

What we coverWorking with your real life conversations and messages Planning for successUnderstanding and empathising with your audienceDelivering quality communication every timeKeeping the communication on trackDealing with the aftermath of the communication


27 Workshop facilitators

Our facilitators all have tremendous experience in their field of expertise.They are practitioners first, trainers second. That means you can be surethat what they’re recommending and teaching really does work. On topof that, they are all accomplished at passing on their knowledge toothers and helping them develop their skills and confidence.

Colin BraithwaiteColin has over 25 years’ of experience in management development and specialises intraining needs analysis, the design of appropriate workshops and interventions and thedelivery of memorable and inspirational development activities.

Colin’s experience and expertise has helped organisations in the public and privatesector including; De La Rue, Cable & Wireless, Johnson Controls, Kuwait Petroleum,London Underground, Next, Rank Hovis MacDougal and United Utilities.

Colin is a fluent and effective communicator who works hard to ensure he tailorsworkshop content to meet the precise needs of both the client organisations and theparticipants he works with. His energy and passion for excellence are infectious and hiscommand of best practice is always appreciated by participants.

Chris CareyChris has over 20 years of experience in employee engagement and is managingdirector of Axiom Communications Ltd. Chris is also a former ManagementDevelopment Manager at Kingfisher, so developing people’s skills in becoming bettercommunicators really plays to his strengths.

Chris has successfully designed and delivered a wide range of employee engagementworkshops that have contributed to the success of organisations in a variety of businesssectors including; pharmaceutical, manufacturing, retail, travel, banking and charitiesaround the world and for CEOs and frontline staff alike.

Chris specialises in translating his wealth of experience in actually delivering awardwinning employee engagement programmes into practical tips and techniques thatworkshop participants can readily apply. A highly accomplished and respectedworkshop facilitator, Chris’ advice on how to help people deliver their objectives throughenhanced communication is much sought after and forms part of a popular book hehas written and published called ‘How to be a better communicator.’







Tony CollTony is a former BBC journalist who has worked for more than twenty years as amedia and communication coach, trainer, consultant and facilitator. His media andcommunication skills help individuals and organisations improve strategy, contentand performance, in live events, on video and in media interviews.

An Oxford law graduate with a classical education, Tony began as a newspaperjournalist and became a BBC reporter, presenter and producer. He then moved tomore creative forms of communication, working as a scriptwriter, producer and irector in TV drama, film, light entertainment, comedy and corporate video, and asa copywriter in an advertising agency. He has written gags, scripts and links forcomedians and TV presenters.

Tony keeps one foot in the door of broadcast TV, combining his communicationconsultancy with a range of documentary, drama and comedy projects. He's alsoin demand as a facilitator and speaker on media and communication.

Miles HensonMiles is a communications and behavioural change specialist, with an ability to connectat all levels from the ‘coalface’ to the boardroom, helping organisations to betterengage with their people and inspiring them to deliver better performances.

Miles' expertise covers a range of subjects and specialises in how to ‘sell’ new ideasand concepts to stakeholders and internal audiences alike.

Miles has designed and delivered employee engagement workshops for organisationssuch as Alstom, AstraZeneca, BMW, BT, HBOS, HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group on aglobal basis and has collected almost as many case studies as he has Air Miles.

Miles works at executive level as a coach and mentor and presents the Business Showon 93.7 Express FM every week. He has recently been made a Fellow of SouthamptonSolent University working with third year Masters students on communication skills asthey move into the workplace.





Sheila HirstSheila is an experienced facilitator, trainer and coach, with 25 years’ experience ofdeveloping leaders’ communication capability. She specialises in helping leaders andleadership teams to understand how their communication shapes their organisationsand influences employee engagement – and helps them discover their own effectiveand authentic communication voice.

Sheila has worked with organisations in all sectors to support leaders going throughchange such as AstraZeneca, Bridon, HMRC and Cancer Research UK as well as thosewishing to optimise their engagement capabilities such as Civil Aviation Authority, ASDAand the NSPCC.

Sheila has a post-graduate diploma in executive coaching and is currently researchingauthentic leadership for a doctorate in coaching and mentoring. She has alsodeveloped a face-to-face ‘communication gym’ based on research into middle mangercommunication capabilities and worked with others to develop a set of leadershipcommunication competences.

Paul JohnsonPaul is an experienced and versatile business writer who has the ability to pass on hisskills to others.

Paul is adept at writing across media: website and intranet content, speeches andpresentations, brochures, leaflets and employee and B2B magazines.

He has helped communicate everything from a global bank’s new strategy, through thefine points of competition law and on to the merits of a market-leading skin moisturiser.

Paul designed our workshop ‘The write stuff: How to improve your writing skills’ andsuccessfully facilitates writing skills sessions, with participant feedback showing theirappreciation of his best practice knowledge.





Dr Domna LazidouDomna is a communications academic and facilitator/trainer with a long track record inhelping organisations and their leaders assess and develop communication andcultural competence. As an expert in cross-cultural communication with a PhD fromCranfield Business School, Domna specialises in working with executives in complexmulticultural organisations to help them deal with the communication issues of themulticultural workplace.

Domna has designed and run change communication workshops for leadership teamsat numerous organisations including Microsoft EMEA. She has worked with Compaq/HPexecutives to coach them on communication style and approach during a period ofsignificant change and designed and facilitated cultural communication workshopsfor senior Airbus and Stryker EMEA executives, as well as senior civil servants at theCabinet Office.

Domna combines her corporate training and facilitation work with teaching executives inthe classroom – she runs modules in intercultural communication skills for marketingprofessionals and a module in communicating with employees in multiculturalenvironments for senior HR professionals at Cranfield School of Management. She alsoteaches International MSc students on the subject of ‘The practice of interculturalcommunication in the workplace’ at Warwick University.

Neil Munz-JonesNeil leads Axiom’s networking workshops. He published a book, The ReluctantNetworker, on the topic in 2010. This has been featured in a number of leadingpublications such as The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, People Management andGood Practice.

Neil is first and foremost a successful business consultant. He has primarily developedhis business through effective networking, making him ideally placed to speak withauthority on the topic.

Prior to consulting Neil spent several years in various director roles in the internationalDIY / home improvement sector at Kingfisher / B&Q and one of its suppliers, Caradon.Neil has a BA (Hons) from Oxford University and an MBA from INSEAD. In 2008,Neil published a case study entitled ‘You Can Do It If You B&Q It’ in conjunction withProfessor Nitin Sanghavi at Manchester Business School (MBS). He teaches at MBSusing the case study.

Neil has given inspirational talks on networking for organisations such as The FinancialTimes, The National Audit Office, Barclaycard, LexisNexis, The IOD and INSEAD as wellas several professional services firms. He has appeared as a guest on BBC radio and asa networking expert on The Guardian’s Live Q&A. Neil writes a blog on networking forthe Financial Mail Women’s Forum.





Helen ReinsonHelen has worked for over 25 years within the IT industry, with experience and skillsspanning the width and breadth of the software services business. In a world wheretechnology is changing at a breathtaking pace, Helen is able to bridge complicatedbusiness concepts and sophisticated technology and help it make sense to end-users,whatever their role in the organisation or level of ability.

Helen has worked with multi-national organisations, such as TNT Express and ThomasCook, using IT in all its’ guises to improve employee engagement impacting productivity,talent retention and overall company performance.

Helen is part of the social networking revolution and is well placed to helpAxiom’s clients get the best from social media to make the most of new employeeengagement opportunities.


Axiom is a specialist internal communication agency. We help youengage and motivate your people so you get the results you want.

Since we were founded in 1996, we’ve become one of the leaders inour field. Our clients include AstraZeneca, B&Q, The Co-operative,Gala Coral, Mölnlycke Healthcare, NSPCC, Republic and United Utilities.

Find out more about us at:www.axiomcommunications.com/aboutand read case studies at:www.axiomcommunications.com/client-portfolio

Axiom Communications (UK) LtdCopse House, Winchester Road, Wickham,Hampshire PO17 5HF, UK

Telephone: +44 (0) 33 3088 [email protected]

About us

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communication skills courses for your organisation’s managers and leaders

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