HIGH-STAKES COMMUNICATION

Perform when it counts.

I prepare bid teams and leaders for the presentations that decide the outcome: shortlist interviews, board papers, investor briefings and hard community meetings.

We work on your real presentation, not an exercise. First the message, then the story, then the delivery. You practise until it holds under pressure.

Clients include major construction companies, renewable energy providers, cyber security firms, architecture practices, research organisations and universities.

Coached on the real thing.

Bid and pitch teams

From shortlist to award. Key messages for interactives, the story of the final presentation, team alignment, and rehearsal until the team presents as one.

Executives, one on one

For a board presentation, an investor briefing or a first town hall. Question-led coaching that builds presence you can use in every room.

Small team programs

Four to six people, each with a presentation they must give. Filmed practice, direct feedback and follow-up until the change is visible.

Community and stakeholder meetings

For project teams who face communities, regulators or hostile questions. Stay calm, listen, and answer the hard question well.

Results in the room.

Eight presenters, one story

Government PPP, South Australia. The consortium was spread across 3 states and 2 countries, with a first-time presenter in the team. I redesigned the rehearsal process and coached the newest presenter one on one. The team presented as one.

How an engagement works.

01 Shortlist

We agree what the panel must believe, and build the story and key messages that get them there.

02 Rehearse

Filmed run-throughs with direct feedback. Practice continues between sessions, with tools and recordings in your private client space.

03 Perform

A final run-through under real conditions, then the presentation itself. Afterwards, we review what to keep and what to change.

Justin O’Brien

I have coached presenters since 2000 and founded HPPG in 2003. My work starts with questions, not instructions. I help people find their message, then put them on their feet until it lands.

My method draws on classical rhetoric and current research on persuasion and non-verbal communication. My master’s research (Curtin University) examined how AI changes leadership development, and where people still matter most. I also teach communication at Swinburne University.

Questions

How early should we start?

For a bid, start when you are shortlisted. For a single presentation, 3 to 4 weeks before is best. Last-minute help is possible, but early work changes more.

Do you need to know our industry?

No. You know your content. I know how panels and audiences decide. I have worked with builders, banks, telcos, utilities and researchers.

Is the coaching face to face or online?

Mainly face to face, because the change happens on your feet. Online sessions and recorded practice support the work between sessions.

How much does it cost?

Each bid program has a fixed price. Coaching and team programs are priced for each engagement. Book a conversation for a quote.

What method do you use?

S.C.R.I.P.T., a 6-step method: Situation, Content, Road map, Illustrations, Performance and Track. It draws on classical rhetoric and 26 years of coaching.

How do you use AI?

AI supports practice between sessions. A person always leads the coaching. My master’s research examined this balance.

Have a presentation that matters coming up?

Tell me the date and what is at stake. We will talk it through.

jaobrien@hppg.com.au