Effective Communications & Presentations

Session 1: Introduction and Communication Fundamentals

• Course overview and objectives
• The importance of effective communication in banking and finance

Session 2: Verbal Communication Skills

• Articulating complex financial concepts clearly
• Active listening techniques for client interactions

Session 3:  Non-Verbal Communication in Professional Settings

• Body language and its impact on communication
• Reading and interpreting non-verbal cues in financial meetings

Session 4: Written Communication in Finance

• Crafting clear and concise financial reports and emails
• Writing persuasive proposals and recommendations

Session 5: Presentation Skills for Financial Data

• Structuring effective financial presentations
• Data visualisation techniques for financial information

Session 5: Storytelling in Finance

• Using narratives to make financial data more engaging
• Case studies: Successful storytelling in financial presentations

Session 6: Adapting Communication Styles

• Understanding different communication preferences
• Tailoring your approach for various stakeholders

Session 7: Technology in Financial Communication

• Leveraging digital tools for effective communication
• Best practices for virtual meetings and presentations

Session 8: Handling Difficult Conversations

• Strategies for delivering bad news to clients or team members
• Managing conflicts and negotiations in financial contexts

Session 9: Client Communication and Relationship Building

• Effective client meetings and pitches
• Building and maintaining trust through communication

Session 10: Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Finance

• Navigating cultural differences in international finance
• Avoiding miscommunication in global transactions

 Session 11: Practical Application and Role-Playing

• Simulated scenarios for applying learned skills
• Peer feedback and instructor evaluation

Session 12: Course Wrap-up and Action Planning

• Summarising key takeaways
• Developing personal communication improvement plans

Redcliffe's course trainer is a seasoned banking professional with a remarkable 37-year tenure in the financial services sector. She brings a wealth of experience in relationship management to her distinguished career. Her journey encompasses leadership roles in commercial and corporate banking, strategy, credit, risk management, trade and receivables finance, real estate, audit as well as financial crime and compliance, emphasising the significance of soft skills in fostering connections.

Equipped with certifications from the Lumina Training Programmes, focusing on behavioural interaction and leadership skills, the trainers expertise extends beyond her own company. During her four years at Moody’s Analytics, she directed the development and delivery of tailored training programs across various domains, underscoring the importance of soft skills at all levels, especially in today's intricate and customer-centric business landscape. These programs spanned credit and risk management, financial crime compliance, regulatory compliance, commercial due diligence, sales, and service, showcasing her commitment to holistic relationship management. Her professional footprint extends across the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.

 Before her tenure at Moody’s, the trainer contributed her skills at RBS, where she dedicated a year to a special project evaluating small-to-medium-sized businesses, aligning them with the regulatory requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority—a testament to her dedication to regulatory compliance in relationship management.

 The majority of the trainers illustrious career unfolded at HSBC, where she held senior management positions within retail, commercial, and corporate banking in London. Recognised as a commercially astute leader, she consistently fostered substantial income growth through extensive internal and external networks. She played a pivotal role in enhancing and maintaining credit and compliance risk frameworks, setting regional best practices, and underlining her commitment to sustainable and ethical relationship management.

The trainers distinctive strength lies in her ability to unlock strategic value, coupled with her meticulous nature, which facilitates seamless implementation across organisational tiers. Given her diverse range of experiences and eloquent communication skills, she ventured into the field of development and learning, aiming to drive industry-wide best practices. While her training methods were traditionally classroom-based, she has seamlessly transitioned into the virtual training arena and is proficient in various virtual training platforms.

Beyond her professional endeavours, she serves as the Chairperson for a sports and leisure organisation that hosted the training for the London 2012 Olympics. She is also the Corporate Partnerships Manager; London Lead for Mentoring; Curriculum and Events Lead with the Women in Banking and Finance Organisation. Ras actively participates as a committee member in various charitable organisations, including speaking engagements for the global Water Aid Charity.

Additionally, she was selected for UN UK Women Delegation CSW68, and is part of an offshoot group involved with educating women to be financially astute and to operate autonomously. As a dedicated mentor and coach across all professional levels, she remains a staunch advocate for gender and ethnic diversity in the workplace, embodying the essence of inclusivity.

• Enhance Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication: Develop the ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently while effectively using body language to reinforce messages in professional settings.
• Master Written Communication: Learn to create concise and impactful written documents, including reports, emails, and proposals, tailored to the specific needs of clients and stakeholders in the financial sector.
• Utilise Presentation Techniques: Acquire skills in designing and delivering engaging presentations that effectively convey complex financial information to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and retention.
• Adapt to Different Communication Styles: Understand and identify various communication styles and preferences, enabling participants to tailor their approach for improved interactions with clients, colleagues, and management.
• Implement Storytelling in Finance: Learn to incorporate storytelling techniques to make financial data more relatable and compelling, enhancing audience engagement and understanding.
• Navigate Challenging Conversations: Gain strategies for managing difficult discussions, such as delivering bad news or addressing client concerns, while maintaining professionalism and fostering positive relationships.

• Banking and Finance Professionals: Individuals working in various roles within banks, investment firms, and financial institutions who need to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
• Managers and Team Leaders: Those in leadership positions who wish to enhance their communication skills to better motivate teams, manage conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Sales and Client Relationship Managers: Professionals responsible for client interactions who must present financial products and services persuasively while building strong client relationships.
• Compliance and Regulatory Officers: Individuals who need to communicate regulatory requirements and compliance issues clearly to ensure understanding and adherence within their organisations.
• Human Resources and Training Professionals: HR personnel looking to improve their communication strategies for training, onboarding, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Recent Graduates and Entry-Level Employees: New entrants to the banking and finance industry seeking to develop foundational communication skills that will aid their career advancement.

The course on Effective Communications and Presentation Skills, with a focus on banking and finance, aims to equip participants with essential communication techniques tailored to the unique demands of the financial sector.

This comprehensive program covers both general communication principles and specialised skills relevant to banking and finance professionals.

 Participants will explore various modes of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, and written forms, and learn how to apply these skills in diverse and challenging situations. The course emphasises the importance of clear and effective communication in preventing workplace issues and enhancing professional relationships.

Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, attendees will develop the ability to convey complex financial information succinctly and persuasively, crucial for client interactions, team collaborations, and stakeholder presentations.

Special attention is given to understanding and adapting to different communication styles, recognising non-verbal cues, and employing storytelling techniques to make financial data more engaging and accessible.

The course also addresses the specific communication challenges in the banking and finance industry, such as regulatory compliance, risk communication, and client confidentiality.

By the end of the course, participants will have honed their ability to present financial reports confidently, manage difficult conversations, and build rapport with clients and colleagues. The skills acquired will not only improve individual performance but also contribute to the overall effectiveness within their workplace