University of Pittsburgh

Home > Centers > CEE > Programs > Courses > C-Level Communications

C-Level Communications

About This Program

Presenting to executives is simply not the same as presenting to next-level managers or technical peers-the rules and expectations are entirely different. To be effective with this audience and in this environment, a unique set of skills and strategies are required. C-Level Communications examines the use of your influence at the senior-most levels of an organization, focusing on formal presentations, impromptu discussions and written communication. This hands-on workshop takes an action-learning approach by providing realistic opportunities to practice your presentation and receive feedback from your colleagues. This workshop will provide participants keys and tools to developing, delivering and presenting the proper type of verbal and written communication to senior level executives (i.e., VP and higher).

Who Should Attend

Anyone who is responsible for presenting information to senior-level executives, either for the purpose of sharing mission-critical data/information, or to influence them to take action or make a decision.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify essential skills and techniques for communicating to upper management.
  • Determine the unique presentation needs and requirements of C-Level executives in your own business.
  • Discover how star presenters do their homework in advance of a presentation, consulting with stakeholders to identify their priorities, interests and concerns.
  • Learn techniques to resolve conflicts, overcome resistance and build support for your ideas.
  • Find out how star presenters maintain their poise and strengthen their impact when presenting.
  • Understand the planning process used to design the most effective presentations.
  • Have an opportunity to enhance your performance and confidence by practicing your presentation and receiving feedback.

Duration

1 and 3/4 days

Professor Bio

David Binder

David Binder has worked with organizations in industries including manufacturing, high technology, banking, service, health care and government. He has extensive experience in delivering training on productivity, leadership, organizational change, team-building, problem-solving, performance management and selection skills to employees and all management levels.

He has worked with Los Alamos National Laboratories, Sharp Laboratories of America, Hewlett Packard, Eaton Corporation, PPG Industries, Delta Air Lines, and other clients on projects aimed at improving the productivity of knowledge workers through the use of the nine strategies described in How to be a Star at Work, written by David's colleague, Dr. Robert Kelley. He has also designed and delivered executive leadership development programs for organizations like DaimlerChrysler AG, The Edgewood Chemical and Biological Defense Center, and Sandvik Steel Company.

Before joining Avid Learner, David was an independent human resources and organization development consultant working on contract for several consulting firms. In this capacity, he developed and delivered a variety of performance improvement programs for leaders in organizations like Heinz USA, Kemper National Insurance Companies, Holnam, Inc., Michael Baker Corporation, and several divisions of the United States Army.

Prior to forming Avid Learner, David spent eight years as an account executive and senior consultant with Development Dimensions International (DDI), two years as a Senior Consultant with Change Technologies, Inc., and five years as the Manager of Training and Organizational Development at Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

David's clients have appreciated his outstanding facilitation skills, his ability to link learning to business objectives and outcomes, his intense focus on customer satisfaction at all levels, and his content knowledge. He is frequently sought by customers to facilitate sessions for senior audiences, and he works effectively with all organization levels.

As an adjunct professor, David has taught classes on Followership, Leadership and Star Performance in the Executive MBA Program, and in Organizational Behavior in the full-time MBA program in the Katz School of business.