You are an advertising executive for Cat’s Meow, an organic cat food company. Your supervisor has just informed you that there is an opportunity to gain a new client: a large grocery store chain where you have heard the company culture is very formal—much more formal than the casual-dress culture of Cat's Meow. Landing this client would mean big business for Cat’s Meow. You have been given the opportunity to present an advertising campaign to the client through a formal presentation. You will not be giving the presentation yourself, but have put together a team of less-experienced junior advertising team members who will be. Your role is to guide them through the process.

The junior advertising team members are:

Rodney is 25 years old and has been with Cat’s Meow for six months. This is his first corporate job after graduating from college with a degree in marketing. While he has had training in public speaking during the course of his studies, he has never given a professional presentation. He is nervous, yet excited about having the opportunity to present before the clients.

Selena is 32 years old and has been with Cat’s Meow for two months. Before joining the advertising firm, she worked for various companies in roles such as administrative assistant, receptionist, and sales representative. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and speaks two languages. Although she has never given a presentation before a high profile client, she feels confident giving the presentation since her employment history involved working with people from diverse backgrounds.

As you prepare the team for the presentation, you organize a meeting to discuss what it means to make a positive professional impression and portray a professional image.

Exercise

Be sure to include specific suggestions for both Rodney and Selena. Also include examples related to the following:

Verbal communication: tone of voice and word choice (i.e. avoid slang, biased language, and talking negatively about the company, employees, or past employer)

Nonverbal communication: eye contact, expressions, posture, body language, etc.

Professional appearance: clothing, hairstyles, use of cologne or perfume, grooming and personal hygiene.