Survive – Episode 60 Guide

Speaking with Impact: Presentation Skills for Store Leaders

Host: Mike Hernandez
Series: Survive from C-Store Center
Duration: 17 minutes

Episode Description

Transform your leadership presence through powerful communication! In this essential episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how effective speaking skills can turn daily management scenarios into opportunities for success. Learn from the real-world example of Assistant Manager Mike from Store 237, who defused a potential crisis during a power outage through clear, confident communication. Discover practical techniques for running effective team meetings, delivering impactful corporate presentations, and handling public-facing situations with professionalism. Whether you experience speaking anxiety or simply want to enhance your leadership presence, this episode provides immediately applicable strategies that work in the fast-paced convenience store environment.

What You'll Learn

• How to run team meetings that actually get results using the "3-10-3" method
• Techniques for delivering clear shift instructions and new policies
• Methods for making store announcements that customers listen to and understand
• Strategies for handling public complaints and de-escalating tense situations
• Frameworks for creating compelling corporate presentations that get your ideas noticed
• Crisis communication protocols for emergencies and sensitive situations
• Practical approaches to managing speaking anxiety and projecting confidence

Key Segments

1. Daily Communication Scenarios (8 min) 
   • The "3-10-3" method for efficient team meetings
   • The "What-Why-How" format for clear shift instructions
   • The "Past-Present-Future" method for introducing new policies
   • The "Three C's" approach to store announcements: Clear, Concise, Calm
   • The HEARD method for handling public complaints: Hear, Echo, Apologize, Resolve, Document
   • The "Lower and Slower" technique for de-escalation
2. Formal Presentation Skills (8 min) 
   • The STORE method for organizing presentations: Situation, Task, Opportunity, Resources, Expected Results
   • The "Rule of Three" for creating memorable talking points
   • The "Compare and Care" method for making data meaningful
   • Practical strategies for preparation and practice
   • The "News Anchor Technique" for voice projection and control
   • The ARMS approach to effective body language: Aligned posture, Relaxed shoulders, Meaningful gestures, Stable stance
   • The "Triangle Technique" for engaging eye contact
   • The "Channel and Choose" method for managing speaking anxiety
3. Special Situations (8 min) 
   • The "CEO Mindset Method" for corporate presentations
   • The IMPACT structure for store improvement proposals: Issue, Metrics, Proposal, Action, Cost, Timeline
   • The "Three R's" framework for budget requests: Revenue impact, Risk mitigation, Resource optimization
   • The CLEAR method for emergency announcements: Calm voice, Location-specific instructions, Exit information, Action steps, Reassurance
   • Protocols for media interactions and community relations
   • The SAFE approach to managing sensitive information: Secure facts, Assess needs, Filter appropriately, Engage stakeholders
4. Implementation Strategy (6 min) 
   • Creating a personalized team meeting template
   • Conducting a presentation style self-assessment
   • Developing a consistent practice schedule
   • Actionable steps for immediate improvement
   • Methods for measuring progress and effectiveness

Real-World Applications

• Power Outage Management: How clear communication prevented panic during a store emergency
• Corporate Presentations: Transforming a coffee station request into a compelling ROI proposal
• Policy Implementation: Turning a complex refund process change into simple, actionable information
• Public Announcements: Converting vague closing time notifications into professional customer communication
• Team Meetings: Replacing rambling discussions with focused, action-oriented gatherings

Communication Frameworks

• 3-10-3 Meeting Method: 3 minutes for recognition, 10 minutes for critical information, 3 minutes for questions
• What-Why-How Format: What needs to be done, Why it matters, How to do it effectively
• Past-Present-Future Method: What wasn't working, What's changing, How it will improve
• HEARD Complaint Response: Hear them out, Echo concerns, Apologize appropriately, Resolve or refer, Document
• STORE Presentation Structure: Situation, Task, Opportunity, Resources, Expected Results
• IMPACT Proposal Framework: Issue, Metrics, Proposal, Action, Cost, Timeline

Action Items for This Week

1. Create your team meeting template with standardized opening, key points, and closing
2. Conduct a personal presentation style assessment by recording yourself in three different situations
3. Develop a practice schedule: 5 minutes daily, 15 minutes weekly, 30 minutes monthly

Key Takeaways

• Every word you speak as a manager either builds or diminishes your leadership presence
• Great presentations are built before you ever open your mouth through proper preparation
• Nervous energy can be channeled into enthusiasm and audience engagement
• Upper management thinks in numbers, trends, and ROI – structure your presentations accordingly
• Crisis communication requires calm delivery, specific instructions, and appropriate reassurance

Connect With Us

Visit cstorethrive.com for more industry-specific content.

Survive by C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production dedicated to helping convenience store assistant managers thrive in their careers.

*Tags: #ConvenienceStore #PresentationSkills #LeadershipCommunication #ManagementSkills #PublicSpeaking #TeamMeetings #CrisisCommunication #ProfessionalDevelopment