20
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Once upon a
time...
The fourth of this issue’s ‘Once upon a time...’ profiles focuses on Bridget McCann - a Glasgow-based business woman who lifted the curtain on her own self-funded presentation skills business.
Bridget McCann
Name: Company: Location:
Bridget McCann Bridget McCann Trainer Glasgow
www.bridgetmccanntrainer.com
T
he latest stage of business life for Bridget McCann draws heavily on her undoubted talents as a stage and screen actor. The acting profession demands confidence, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, to convey emotions and to hold an audience’s attention. So when Glasgow-based Bridget lifted the curtain on her self-funded presentation skills business in 2009, the script involved all of her acting experience underpinned by the business acumen honed from 15 years of running the successful Aberdeen gift shop, Nova – one of the forerunners of Conran and Habitat-style outlets. “I had moved back to Glasgow and I suddenly realised I could actually combine teaching and acting by helping people with their presentation and communication skills,” said Bridget, who trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. “My business is a natural extension in many ways of my stage life. I offer acting tips without the drama that can help people transform the way they communicate, and to present with style and confidence while staying in control. I try to help them to breathe properly and harness their fears.” Her business has put High Court judges and many lawyers at ease and through their paces but many more from different walks of life, not just legal eagles and high-flyers, have called on her carefully-crafted services, individually devised for each and every client. Nervous interviewees, anxious public speakers, receptionists and people whose new jobs mean they need to make presentations have all benefited from her incisive coaching. “Let’s face it, communicating effectively, public speaking, giving presentations or responding with assurance at interviews doesn’t come naturally for everyone so these become real knee-knocking, sweaty palm events with sleepless-nights often a feature in the run-up. “People find it hard to let go, so part of my job is putting them at ease and re-assuring them that they are not going to embarrass themselves in the roleplaying we do. I always check how they are feeling.” Bridget accepts that it’s a serious business helping people overcome inhibitions, fears and awkwardness in situations where they really need to speak up for themselves. “Companies use me to help employees who have been promoted but who lack the sophisticated communication skills required as they move up the corporate ladder. I also help staff to represent their companies in a more positive manner, which is increasingly important while pitching for new business in these hard times. “I am loving the work and there’s a lot of fun involved in the courses, and the positive feedback from clients who say I’ve helped them is a great pleasure - very gratifying. “All in all it’s been a great decision and I look ahead to building on what’s been achieved to date.” ■ For further details tel: 0141 337 2954, email: bridget@bridgetmccanntrainer.com or visit www.bridgetmccanntrainer.com