SURVEY SAYS: Comfort Making Presentations

I consider myself an introvert.

Yet somehow, I am able to stand in front of hundreds of people at our conferences, moderating panels, without feeling nervous.

Last week, I asked NewsDash readers, “Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert, and how comfortable would you feel delivering a 15-minute speech to an audience of 200?”

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Nearly eight in 10 responding readers (79.8%) consider themselves to be introverts, while 13.5% say they are extroverts and 6.7% say they are neither.

Nearly one-quarter (24.7%) indicated they would feel very uncomfortable delivering a 15-minute speech to an audience of 200, while 16.8% would feel somewhat uncomfortable. Nearly three in 10 (29.2%) said they would feel very comfortable, and 15.7% said they would feel somewhat comfortable. And, 13.5% said it would depend on the topic.

Comments by readers were very interesting. Several that consider themselves extroverts actually are nervous giving presentations and several introverts say they do well. Many agreed that “practice makes perfect” and knowing the subject matter well helps. And, I was reminded by many responses that being an introvert does not necessarily mean you are shy; it just means you have to step away from the energy drain of being around a lot of people. Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who said: Speaking in front of people—no problem. Put me in a ‘networking event’ with high top tables and people milling about—no thank you!” 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey!

Verbatim 

Extroverts feel comfortable when they don't know what to say. Introverts feel comfortable when they do know what to say.

It is tough to be an introvert in a world that seems to prefer extroverts.

Just breathe deep, speak slowly and get it done.

Tell me to talk technical and I've got it. Tell me to share my feelings, such as during a wedding toast, knees start shaking.

I have trained myself to become more extroverted than my innate preferences would suggest. I have no issue addressing large groups if I know my topic.

Being an introvert is my natural style, however my job requires me to be an extrovert.

Giving a presentation to 200 I'd be totally fine. However, please DO NOT ask me to mingle with 200 people at a cocktail party. It's the small talk that is SO exhausting and turns me into a wall flower.

If I know my topic I'd rather stand in front of a crowd of 200 to present than have to try to make small talk with any one of those people

According to my significant other, I am very good at "filling dead air." Speaking in front a large audience? Bring it on!

In my field, where I am the expert - no problem. I could do this any time. If I have to talk about something which I have very little experience or knowledge I would be somewhat uncomfortable. But I could do it. Being an introvert doesn't mean I can't speak to a large group - it means I am uncomfortable in large social settings - there is a big difference between the two. An extrovert might be extremely comfortable at a party, but very uncomfortable giving a speech to a large group. I have definitely seen this.

Practice make perfect!

Verbatim (cont.) 

I'm a shy introvert, and for years have gone out of my comfort zone to speak at industry conferences and webcasts to large audiences. I'm never really comfortable but do it because I want to participate in the industry community. Usually it's a technical topic that I know well or need to know well. I think through how to structure the content and deliver in a way that people will understand. I'm not a great speaker and it's always a lot more effort that it should be, but I learn a lot.

I consider myself an extrovert. I love to talk to people one on one or in small groups. That said, when it comes to speaking in large group situations, I am always nervous.

Every other month, I host and present an hour long Webex benefits orientation for new employees with a Q&A. The audience size is variable (50 to 100 people). I've become more comfortable with the presentation. However, I always at some point during the presentation have a moment of sheer panic, but I push through it. Because...I don't want to be "that person."

When I approach the presentation to be about the audience and their needs, I can get out of my head and be effective, compelling and engaging.

I made a presentation in front of a large group about 15 years ago. I was petrified!

I am a very strong introvert. I don't typically speak to groups in excess of about 50, but do not believe I would have any issue speaking to a large group. Most difficult for me are individual or small group discussions in the midst of a large networking event. The number of people mingling is just overwhelming and so many different conversations going on around me is very distracting. Highly stressful. My job requires me to meet with people all day long, but thankfully the setting is usually fairly quiet. However, I am exhausted when I get home -- I just want to curl up with a book in a quiet room and ignore my spouse and any phone calls. He is great as he understands and respects my need to recharge in a quiet space.

I think most people are naturally introverts. Being an extrovert is a learned behavior. After giving a phenomenal impromptu speech to 200 people I revert right back into my shell.

If it is on a subject I am well versed in and I have time enough to prepare, I am much more comfortable than not.

For me, the comfort level in giving a speech is directly tied to the amount of practice or level of preparedness that has been invested.

I consider myself an introvert but my career requires me to present enrollment and educations meetings. I'd bet my clients think that I am extroverted. Sometimes, it pays to fake it 🙂

Verbatim (cont.) 

I am the front person in a rock band and love it but have a very hard time with one-on-ones and small groups. Especially, if I'm unfamiliar with the person/people. Give me a large crowd to speak or sing in front of and I'm all over that!!

The extroverts get the attention, but it's the introverts who have the deeper knowledge base.

I'm an extrovert who loves to talk in front of groups. With that said, I do like a podium to stand at for at least the first few minutes, until my knees stop knocking together!

I do not like public speaking of any kind. I avoid it at all costs!

There is no doubt I am an introvert, and would never be considered to be the life of a party. In my job I do often have to speak before groups, and some have been in excess of 200 people. I am always nervous, but I actually enjoy speaking once the meeting starts. I don't consider myself a great speaker, but based on feedback I have received I think I do a more than adequate job. I normally always try to start a meeting with some type of joke (about the subject at hand if possible). I find this helps relieve any tension I have, whether the audience thinks it is that funny or not.

I consider that being an introvert makes it difficult to introduce myself to new people, but giving a speech is different. Getting in front of people to talk is more about knowing the subject matter and the comfort that comes from that knowledge.

As they say, "Practice makes perfect". Introverts will avoid uncomfortable situations like the plague, where extroverts can have a devil may care attitude.

If I'm prepared and know my topic I'd be very comfortable. The range of comfort is dependent on the depth of knowledge.

Speaking in front of people - no problem. Put me in a 'networking event' with high top tables and people milling about - no thank you!

When not working on retirement plans, I often perform in a community theater. I love speaking to an audience and singing in choral settings. I'm working on getting comfortable singing solo for an audience.

Verbatim (cont.) 

Growing up, I was an extrovert. As I get older, I find myself wanting to spend more time alone. I have done presentations in front of large and small audiences, and have actually been so nervous as to vomit beforehand, but I always get compliments afterward as to how I "didn't seem nervous at all". Score one for "fake it ‘til you make it."

I was not blessed with the ability to ad lib therefore I struggle when not fully prepared.

200 is a piece of cake. I'm uncomfortable when someone just pops in, wants a one-on-one and I don't know what it's about. Especially when I'm all out of crayons, play-doh and safety pins.

I present HR benefits in Orientation all the time for 40-80 people. As long as know what's up on the Powerpoint slides, I can do it!

I'm an introvert to the extreme, but I was a teacher and gave many employee presentations. For me giving a speech is not about being the center of attention, which I hate, it's about educating the audience on a topic. It's about being helpful.

My level of nervousness correlates directly with my level of confidence on the subject matter. The more I practice out loud the less nervous I will be. Yes, people catch me talking to myself whenever I have to prepare for a presentation.

It has taken years for me to be comfortable in situations where I don't know anyone. Although I'm a pro at small talk now, I can tell that introvert is still in there because I'm exhausted after presenting or in situations where I have to interact with people all day. I still need that quiet time to re-energize.

I would be fine speaking on a topic I had prepared for. I would be uncomfortable at a party with 200 strangers.

I would honestly consider quitting my job of 20 years if I was asked to do that.

Until I was thrust into a public speaking role, I feared it. Now that I speak publicly a lot, it's kind of fun. I can completely understand how certain performers are very animated onstage but are very private off the stage.

Verbatim (cont.) 

I think question one 1 should have a third option: "Both". In some situations I am an introvert, in others an extrovert. It depends on the circumstances: who I'm with and where, bad day or good day, is the focus on me or someone else. And, yes, sometimes it may depend on whether I've any adult liquid refreshment.

The level of comfort of speaking to an audience is totally dependent on how comfortable you are with the topic and who the audience is. I don't have any problem talking about benefits with our employees because I know more than they do, and if I don't know something, I can easily say I'll check into it. I would be less comfortable speaking at a conference because there would definitely be people in the audience who are much more knowledgeable.

It's like anything else. The more you do it, the better you become.

I actually enjoy giving presentations and prefer large audiences to smaller audiences.

Definitely feel more comfortable based upon my knowledge of the material. It's also easier to present to a more beginner level audience than an audience with already expertise in the subject.

A lot depends on if I have had time to properly prepare and am confident in the material I am presenting.

I am both, as it depends upon the situation I am put in....extrovert with my friends, and introvert at work....

I don't know that introvert equates to shy or afraid to speak in front of others. I've known many extroverts that are terrified by the prospect. I consider myself very much an introvert, yet I'm outspoken in meetings and frequently presenting to large groups. And yet my favorite activity is time by myself.

I've found that when I have to present, my level of nervousness depends on how comfortable/knowledgeable I am with the topic and how many presentations I've done previously on a regular basis. However, I'm still much more comfortable presenting to smaller groups.

I've presented to large audiences, and of course have butterflies, but once I get started, I'm ok if I'm the Subject Matter Expert. Just because I'm an introvert doesn't mean I'm unable to handle group situations. I need to back away at the appropriate time to recover from the energy drain.

NOTE: Responses reflect the opinions of individual readers and not necessarily the stance of Asset International or its affiliates.

Retirement Industry People Moves

Nationwide combines public and private retirement plan teams; Lincoln Financial names new president of tax-exempt retirement plans; IRIC names first executive director; and more
Nationwide Combines Public and Private Retirement Plan Teams
 
The public- and private-sector sales teams of Nationwide’s retirement services will now operate as a single entity headed by Eric Stevenson, who has led Nationwide’s public-sector sales team since 2010. The newly combined retirement plans distribution organization will report to John Carter, president of Nationwide’s retirement plans business.

“As one distribution team, our retirement plans business now has one of the largest, most tenured sales forces in the industry including NAPA-recognized top wholesalers,” says Stevenson. “The investments Nationwide has made in meeting the needs of advisers, plan sponsors and participants have been recognized by third-party industry experts, including DALBAR for our website and service, and PLANSPONSOR Magazine for best-in-class client satisfaction.”

Under Stevenson, Nationwide’s retirement plans business won or retained some of the largest retirement plans in the country. It serves more than 2.1 million retirement plan participants in nearly 39,000 plans.

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“We’re investing more than ever in tools and technology to meet the needs of larger plans, and we will continue to provide access to customized retirement plans to America’s small and medium-sized businesses and public-sector plans,” says Carter.

Joe Frustaglio, leader of private-sector sales, recently decided to leave Nationwide after 32 years of service.

“Joe has been a valued member of the Retirement Plans leadership team and a dedicated leader to our private sector sales organization for the past 11 years,” says Carter. “His many contributions to our business and the industry will be long lasting.”

Nationwide will begin an immediate search for a new leader, reporting to Stevenson, who will assume responsibility for the adviser-sold 401(k) business.

NEXT: Lincoln Financial Names New President of Tax-Exempt Retirement Plans

Lincoln Financial Names New President of Tax-Exempt Retirement Plans
 
Lincoln Financial Group announced that Vincent Garzarella has joined the Retirement Plan Services (RPS) business as vice president of Tax-Exempt Markets.

“Vince’s industry experience will be invaluable as we focus on delivering our high-touch model to more plan sponsors in the government and health care markets,” says Ralph Ferraro, senior vice president and head of product for RPS. “He will also be responsible for diversifying our product portfolio, ensuring we have the right solutions in place to meet the needs of plan sponsors and continue to drive positive outcomes for participants.”

Prior to joining Lincoln Financial, Garzarella spent 18 years at Vanguard where he served in a variety of roles including department head of 403(b)(7) and 401(k) client administration. Garzarella graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Joseph’s University.

NEXT: Consequent Capital Management Acquires Gray & Company Assets

Consequent Capital Management Acquires Gray & Company Assets

Consequent Capital Management has acquired the assets of Atlanta-based Gray & Company, which had approximately $4 billion under advisement, the firm says. Consequent’s investors and clients include public and private pension funds, foundation and university endowments, and large family offices.

“Our core belief is that there is an abundance of untapped value in overlooked fund managers and niche alternative strategies, and our team is well-suited to source, vet and manage those opportunities,” says Consequent CEO Earl Robinson. “We are very proud that our investment specialists have worked at some of the largest and most well-respected investment management and investment advisory firms in the world, and we have acquired the assets of a legacy firm with a long track record.”

The firm says it is a thought leader in minority-owned and emerging investment managers, as well as impact strategies benefitting targeted communities. The report Diversity Matters released in February 2015 by McKinsey & Company indicates “that companies in the top quartile for gender or racial and ethnic diversity are more likely to have financial returns above their national industry medians.”

Robinson's career includes senior positions at Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Investment Management and the New Orleans Startup Fund. The senior team also includes Cyril Theccanat as chief investment officer, Kenneth Simon as chief compliance officer, and Chandra Kerley Ridley as chief operating officer.

Founded in 2016, Consequent’s investment management solutions include multi-strategy alternatives funds-of-funds, impact venture capital, impact real estate, and special situations.

NEXT: PNC Institutional Asset Management Names Managing Director

PNC Institutional Asset Management Names Managing Director

PNC Institutional Asset Management has appointed Holly Harrison as managing director,leading PNC’s Mandate business. Harrison will be responsible for expanding the set of Mandate investment solutions offered by PNC Capital Advisors.

She will also retain her current position as head of Consultant Relations, RFP and Business Strategy for PNC Capital Advisors. Since joining PNC in 2009, she has held several leadership roles in the asset management organization and has more than 22 years of experience in product management and business strategy.

“Holly’s deep industry knowledge and experience in working with institutional investors and consultants serve us well as we expand our offerings and strengthen the solutions-oriented approach of our mandate business,” says Alistair Jessiman, managing executive of PNC Wealth & PNC Institutional Asset Management.

PNC Bank, National Association is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group.

NEXT: Lockton Promotes Dallas Consultant

Lockton Promotes Dallas Consultant

Global consultant Lockton has promoted 11-year company veteran Courtney Stroope in Dallas.  

She specializes in consulting clients on retirement plan management issues. For the last six years, she has lead the Dallas-based service team as vice president and unit manager. Stroope has also worked as a benefits supervisor for a local energy firm.

“Courtney’s promotion is exciting for a lot of reasons,” says Bruce Sammis, CEO of Lockton Dunning Benefits, the firm’s Texas-based benefits consulting business. “She’s not only representative of the culture we foster here at Lockton, one that rewards great success with greater opportunity, but she’s also indicative of the type of adviser we look for. Courtney’s years of hands-on experience mean that she has seen and managed every aspect of this industry. She has the voice of experience and that inspires tremendous confidence in the people who work with her.

Pam Popp, president of Lockton’s National Retirement Practice adds, “Managing wealth benefits has become an even bigger issue for our customer base. Whether it’s lowering the risk of fee litigation, understanding the impact of pension liability, or developing a strategy for executive benefits, clients need help with complex financial and strategic issues. We need Courtney’s expertise to guide them to solutions that make sense for their businesses and the people they employ.”

NEXT: IRIC Names First National Director

IRIC Names First National Director

The Institutional Retirement Income Council (IRIC), a non-profit think tank for the retirement income planning community, has selected Robert Melia as its executive director.   

“We are thrilled that Bob has agreed to serve in this critically important position,” says William Charyk, IRIC’s Board Chairman. “Bob has been a valuable IRIC member and brings to our organization a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the defined contribution and financial services industry. We are confident that Bob’s leadership and experience will be beneficial to not only IRIC members but to retirement plan sponsors who are looking for creative solutions to provide employees with retirement income security.”

Previously, Melia spent 23 years at Lincoln Financial Group where he served several roles including president of product development for Retirement Plan Services. In that role, Melia worked with retirement plan providers and other financial services industry stakeholders on the development and implementation of retirement income solutions for defined contribution plan sponsors.  

He is also a member of the SPARK Institute Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and a master’s degree from Drexel University.

“I am honored to take on this leadership role at IRIC,” says Melia. “Providing institutional retirement income security solutions for today’s workers and tomorrow’s retirees is a very high priority for plan sponsors with participants receiving additional security through their workplace retirement plan. I look forward to working with the entire IRIC organization, and supporting their efforts toward achieving this goal.”

NEXT: Wilshire Associates Names New Managing Directors

Wilshire Associates Names New Managing Directors

Wilshire Associates, global investment consulting and services firm, announced the appointments of Kristofer Kelleher and Robert Noe to managing director positions. Kelleher will serve as managing director with Wilshire Consulting. Noe will serve as managing director with Wilshire Funds Management.

“Both Kris and Rob have made outstanding contributions to the firm and we are pleased to recognize their hard work, expertise, and ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of Wilshire’s clients,” says John C. Hindman, president of Wilshire Associates. “In their new roles, Kris and Rob will be well-positioned to support Wilshire’s continued efforts to grow and provide high-quality investment advisory and management solutions to a wide variety of global clients across the retail and institutional spaces.” 

Kelleher is responsible for marketing strategy and business development for Wilshire Consulting, supporting the firm’s existing and prospective client base of large institutional asset owners. Tasked with oversight of the sales and marketing teams, he will lead efforts to significantly expand the Wilshire OCIO Solutions practice. Kelleher joined Wilshire in 2012 and has 20 years of business development experience in the financial services industry.

Noe oversees Wilshire’s research group and leads the overall team responsible for the due diligence, rating, and recommendation of investment managers supporting both Wilshire Funds Management and Wilshire Consulting. He joined Wilshire in 2011 and brings more than 19 years of industry experience to the firm.

NEXT: Cafaro Greenleaf Hires Director of Client Service

Cafaro Greenleaf Hires Director of Client Service

Eileen Mahoney recently joined Cafaro Greenleaf as the director of client service and administration. She has more than 20 years of experience in operations and client administration in both the advisory and financial services industries. She is also versed in nonprofit grants administration and event planning. Previously, she spent 14 years at Blackrock.

"We were very fortunate to find someone of Eileen's talent to fill this role,” says Brian Clark, managing director of CG. “I am confident that Eileen will provide the high level of customer service to our clients and their participants that they have come to expect from Cafaro Greenleaf."

Cafaro Greenleaf is a boutique firm comprised of professional retirement plan advisers and consultants to corporate, public, and institutional clients. 

NEXT: Vanguard Names Sales Leader of Institutional Investor Group

Vanguard Names Sales Leader of Institutional Investor Group

Gerry Burke has been named head of Institutional Sales for the $900 billion Vanguard Institutional Investor Group, responsible for overseeing new business development for the firm’s defined contribution, defined benefit, nonprofit, and institutional advisory businesses.

Throughout the last 17 years at Vanguard, Burke has served in various leadership roles focusing on technology, marketing, advice, participant education, client service and sales. He returns to the Institutional Investor Group division after most recently serving as a regional sales manager for Vanguard’s Financial Advisor Services.

Burke earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Worcester State University and a master’s degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining Vanguard, he worked for Coopers and Lybrand, as well as for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

He reports to Martha King, managing director of Vanguard Institutional Investor Group.

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