Alex Liepins, PhD
I worked with Andy for 7 years to have him train, coach, and support students at all levels to present better. Whether for a class presentation, a pitch, or Three Minute Thesis talk, Andy was available and committed to student learning, development, and success. I greatly appreciate his nuanced approach to working with groups, while still ensuring their individuality shines through in their talks.
The McGill 3MT has become the university's premiere graduate student speaking event. With over 100 graduate students competing in multiple rounds of heats for a coveted finalist spot in a 2-hour event at the McGill Faculty Club, the stakes are high. The results have been outstanding as past McGill winners have gone on to compete and win on regional, national and international stages.
My role is designing and then training past year participants to deliver the training program. To achieve tis goal, I've designed a 4 module program. The first and last are synchronous video to help them get started with their initial WAIAD (what am i actually doing) statement development and then fine tuen their delivery.
The 2 intermediary modules are past participant led. The first covers additional content and slide development; the second delivery, specifically stage presence focused on developing dynamic body language and voice. More importantly, both modules have small group out room work with guided feedback exercises. As students hear back and reflect on their messaging, serious learning happens.
This finishes their preparation for the competition heats. After the first round of competition, I am then involved with working with the finalists. These sessions consist of hour long coaching sessions of pairs of finalsits so they get both individual feedback and continue to learn from each other.
The emphasis on peer feedback, past year comeptitors training next year's, and small group coaching sessions develops an amazing level of comradery amongst particpants with friendships across disciplines that last for years.
Here's an interview excerpt with Alex Liepins, Associate Director of McGill Teaching and Learning Services where he was the senior administrator in charge of the event, as well as a variety of other presentation programming on which I worked.
Please share the challenges that Andy helped you overcome and what it was like working with him.
I worked with Andy for 7 years to help train, coach, and support students at all levels to present better. Whether for a class presentation, a pitch, or Three Minute Thesis talk, Andy was available and committed to student learning, development, and success. I believe that the ability to communicate well is a singularly essential skill and Andy can help bring out your best through his unique and fine-tuned approach.
Please share your event goals.
Some events were general skills development, some were competitions, and others were preparing for specific presentation formats. Andy's learning goals always align with the event's needs and help presenters shine.
Please share How Andy helped you achieve those goals.
Andy's years of experience and his personal talent really come through in how he balances accessibility and understanding with rigor. I've also greatly benefited from Andy's expertise as a collaborator in program design and development. Additionally, Andy has provided presentation skills development to several thousand students over the years - I greatly appreciate his nuanced approach to working with groups, while still ensuring their individuality shines through in their talks.
What would you say to someone who is considering hiring Andy to coach speakers for an event.
It is possible to be professional while still being interesting to a general audience - Andy can help there! Want to present better? Let Andy help you achieve your goals, big or small!
And here's what Atia Amin, The 2022 North American 3MT winner says about her experience:
The first time I met him, I was utterly captivated. His enthusiasm, spontaneity, ideas, and, of course, his impeccable public speaking skills overwhelmed me. I realized I knew so little, and I had to improve a lot! Over the course of a year, Andrew became my mentor, imparting his knowledge of public speaking to me. He guided me through every facet of the art, from mastering stage presence to harnessing body language, modulating my voice and expression to engage with the audience effectively. He taught me all the detail.
However, what I appreciate most about him is his incredible ability to inspire. He encouraged me so much during the 3MT competition. I vividly remember the night before the North American 3MT competition, I almost lost hope after meeting the other finalists at an event. Then, out of the blue, I received a notification. Andrew had just posted on LinkedIn, wishing me good luck, and many people joined in with their well-wishes. That moment lifted my spirits, and I decided to give it my all. I did, and I am immensely grateful that it paid off. I owe a great deal of my success to Andrew. Without his training and unwavering support, I wouldn't have made it this far.
So, Andy Churchill, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for being a constant source of inspiration.
You are an extraordinary coach!
